MLB

Lucas Duda, Kansas City Royals agree to a 1-year contractSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Lucas Duda's arm was challenged by Eric Hosmer, who made a delayed dash home on the high throw to score the tying run in the ninth inning of what turned out to be the finale of...

Astros 1B Gurriel to miss start of season after hand surgeryBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Houston first baseman Yuli Gurriel had surgery on his left hand Wednesday and is expected to miss the start of the season.Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow says doctors removed the hook...

AP Sports WriterParty on? Napoli's stint may be short-lived with ClevelandBy TIM BOOTHGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Mike Napoli felt back home on Wednesday, walking around a clubhouse he knew and catching up with teammates he enjoys.Everyone involved knows this reunion between Napoli and the Cleveland Indians most likely is...

Associated PressMartinez calls in camels to get Nationals over playoff humpBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Hump day had a more tangible meaning for the Washington Nationals.New manager Dave Martinez had a trio of camels brought to spring training camp Wednesday, four-legged visual aids to help players...

Judge and Stanton to play together for 1st time WednesdayDUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) Sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton will be in the New York Yankees' lineup together for the first time in Wednesday's game against Detroit.Judge will get one or two at-bats as the designated hitter in his...

AP Baseball WriterAP source: Tim Lincecum in discussions with RangersBy JANIE McCAULEYTwo-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum is deep in negotiations with the Texas Rangers on a one-year contract, a person with direct knowledge of the discussions said.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because no...

AP Baseball WriterSign me: Free agents play Japanese amateurs in exhibitionBy RONALD BLUMBRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Tyler Clippard wore a black jersey with a white players' union logo and pitched hitless ball for two innings against amateurs in the green shirts of the East Japan Railway Company.He had the...

AP Sports WriterJim Thome fights back tears during Hall of Fame visitBy JOHN KEKISCOOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) To know what the moment meant to Jim Thome, all you had to do was look into his tear-filled eyes.''It's hard to explain the emotions that go through you,'' Thome said Tuesday...

AP Baseball WriterAP source: Tim Lincecum in discussions with RangersBy JANIE McCAULEYA person with knowledge of the negotiations says two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum is in discussions with the Texas Rangers on a one-year deal.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because no contract had...

Associated PressBen Revere wondered if he'd get a chance, Reds offered dealBy GARY SCHATZGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Outfielder Ben Revere was getting nervous as he worked out on his own, hoping some team would offer a deal. The Cincinnati Reds finally brought him aboard with a chance to win...

Associated PressNats manager Martinez preaches aggressive baserunningBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) New Washington National manager Dave Martinez has an abundance of speed at the top of his lineup and intends to use it.That's why he's preaching aggressive baserunning this spring.''I told them, `I'll never criticize you...

Associated PressMercer left as Pirates' elder statesman after winter tradesBy JOHN PERROTTOBRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Jordy Mercer shakes his head at the notion.The 31-year-old shortstop is now the Pittsburgh Pirates' elder statesman in terms of continuous service in the organization. Mercer was the Pirates' third-round pick in the 2008...