MLB

AP Sports WriterPeacock eager to build on breakout 2017 seasonBy KRISTIE RIEKENWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Brad Peacock went into spring training last year with the Houston Astros worried he wouldn't make the team.After the best season of his career, the right-hander's spot with the club is now...

Nats closer Doolittle hopes slider makes him more completeBy CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) Comfortably installed as a closer for the first spring in his career, Washington Nationals lefty Sean Doolittle is taking advantage of role security to expand his pitching arsenal.During the early weeks of spring, Doolittle, with...

AP Sports WriterClark: Players still concerned about unsigned free agentsBy DAVE CAMPBELLFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Nearly two full weeks into spring training, dozens of accomplished free agents around the major leagues are still unsigned.There's a new rule limiting visits to the mound, too, creating at least some early...

Rays prospect Brent Honeywell will have Tommy John surgeryPORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) Tampa Bay top pitching prospect Brent Honeywell has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm and will have Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire season.The 22-year-old right-hander was hurt during a live...

Associated PressReds sign reliever Oliver Perez to minor league contractBy GARY SCHATZGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Cincinnati Reds have signed left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez to a minor league contract.Perez spent the past two seasons with the Washington Nationals. He made 50 appearances with the Nationals last year, pitching 33...

Yankees prospect Estrada, shot in thigh, increasing workoutTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Yankees minor league infielder Thairo Estrada is increasing his workout program after being shot in the right thigh area during a robbery attempt last month but may not be ready for the start of the season.The 22-year old...

Associated PressPirates hope third baseman Moran lives up to draft pedigreeBy JOHN PERROTTOPITTSBURGH (AP) Colin Moran was considered one of the best players in college baseball in 2013 while starring at North Carolina.''We loved him going into the draft that year,'' Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said....

AP Sports WriterClark: Players still concerned about unsigned free agentsBy DAVE CAMPBELLFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Union leader Tony Clark says major league players remain concerned about the unusual amount of unsigned free agents with spring training nearing the end of its second week.Clark began his annual tour of...

Royals like hard-throwing Rule 5 pick Burch SmithSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Burch Smith was so amped up that he plunked a teammate in batting practice for the Kansas City Royals.Manager Ned Yost was more worried about the follow-up pitch from the Rule 5 draft pick, and he liked what...

Associated PressLiriano agrees to $4 million, 1-year deal with TigersBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Detroit agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract with left-hander Francisco Liriano, giving the Tigers added pitching depth.The 34-year-old was 6-7 with a 4.62 ERA in 18 starts last season with Toronto and 20...

Associated PressCallaway scratches Smith for Mets' openerBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Mickey Callaway had his first big managerial decision Friday, and it came down way before the New York Mets' first pitch was delivered by starting pitcher Zack Wheeler.A day before when the Mets announced their...

Associated PressOakland found closer in Treinen, part of bullpen revampBy JACK MAGRUDERMESA, Ariz. (AP) Oakland found its closer in Blake Treinen last summer, and its bullpen transformation continued when it acquired offseason targets Yusmeiro Petit and Ryan Buchter this winter.For a team that had 25 blown saves, one...