Bloom: Red Sox won't rush to have manager by spring training

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox are still hoping to have a manager in place by spring training, but chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Thursday it's possible they won't hire someone before pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12. “It would certainly be ideal” to have replaced Alex Cora by...

Mariners expect Mitch Haniger to miss start of season

SEATTLE (AP) — This was already going to be a year where the Seattle Mariners would be relying heavily on young players and some of their top prospects right from the beginning of the season. Now the Mariners expect to be without one of their few veterans — likely for the first month. Outfielder...

Mets make it official, announce Rojas as their new manager

NEW YORK (AP) — The Mets made it official, hiring Luis Rojas as their manager to replace Carlos Beltrán. New York announced the move Thursday, a week after Beltrán departed without managing a game. Rojas, who had been the Mets quality control coach, was given a multiyear contract. “I will...

New York Mets announce they have hired Luis Rojas as their manager.

Tigers eyeing Triple-A Toledo for top prospects

DETROIT (AP) — It could be another long season for the Detroit Tigers, but fans in the Motor City may not have to look far for signs of hope. About 60 miles down Interstate 75. “We've got some pretty good ones going to Triple-A Toledo," Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. "They ought to be pretty...

Royals star catcher Salvador Perez to become US citizen

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals star catcher Salvador Perez is about to become a U.S. citizen. Perez passed his citizenship exam earlier this month and will be be joined by Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on the Royals FanFest main stage Friday at the Kansas City Convention Center to...

Major League Baseball to sponsor US Olympic softball team

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is using its financial muscle to support the U.S. women's softball team, which already is assured a spot in the Tokyo Olympics while the American men's baseball team struggles to qualify. MLB announced an agreement Thursday to become presenting sponsor of the women's...

Odd Couple: Jeter, Walker take different routes to Hall

NEW YORK (AP) — Derek Jeter and Larry Walker rarely crossed paths during their time in the major leagues. "There was one time in the Bahamas, playing blackjack, that we sat down for a little while with Matt Damon, and we sat there and played for a little while," Walker recalled of a gambling evening where...

Rangers sign veteran LHP Nicasio to minor league contract

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Free agent right-hander Juan Nicasio has signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers and will go to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Nicasio has played for six big league teams in his nine major league seasons, and was on an opening day roster each of the past...

Mets pick coach Luis Rojas to replace Beltrán as manager

NEW YORK (AP) — Caught off guard in a quick split with Carlos Beltrán, the New York Mets want some continuity for a change. So with spring training only three weeks away, they picked his replacement from their very own bench. The club was working Wednesday to complete a multiyear agreement with...