Death of Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez ruled a suicide

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The death of Tampa Bay Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez near his home in Fort Worth, Texas, has been ruled a suicide. The Tarrant County medical examiner's office released the finding on Thursday, three days after the 28-year-old’s body was found. ...

Former manager Ausmus named bench coach of Oakland Athletics

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former Tigers and Angels manager Brad Ausmus will be the new bench coach of the Oakland Athletics under first-year manager Mark Kotsay. The A's announced Kotsay's staff Friday. Ausmus, who interviewed for the Mets managerial opening and has a 386-422 record...

Travis Snider retires after 8 big league seasons

Travis Snider says he has retired after eight major league seasons. “I have contemplated this day for for a while but the time has finally come for me to hang up the spikes,” he wrote Thursday on Instagram. “I have spent many waking hours and sleepless nights trying to find a...

Yanks' Balkovec living 'American dream' with manager role

NEW YORK (AP) — Rachel Balkovec is aware of the negativity in her social media feeds and tries to leave it there. Her sisters see it, too, and can't help but pass along certain disparaging reactions to her barrier-breaking journey. “It's hilarious to me," Balkovec said. "Because...

Twins to retire number for Hall of Fame-elected Kaat

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins will retire the uniform number of former pitcher Jim Kaat, who was recently elected to the Hall of Fame. The Twins announced Wednesday that they'll add Kaat's 36 to their wall of retired numbers during a pregame ceremony at Target Field on...

Orioles moving LF fence back at Camden Yards

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Orioles are moving the wall in left field back as much as 30 feet in an effort to make Oriole Park at Camden Yards a bit easier on pitchers. An Orioles spokesman confirmed the team's plans Wednesday, sharing an email sent to fans whose seats will be affected. ...

Former Cubs, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester announces retirement

CHICAGO (AP) — Jon Lester, a durable left-hander who won three World Series titles during 16 years in the majors, has announced his retirement. Lester, who turned 38 on Friday, finishes with a 200-117 record and a 3.66 ERA in 452 career games, including 451 starts. He also has been...

Yanks' Balkovec becomes 1st woman to manage MLB farm team

NEW YORK (AP) — Rachel Balkovec became the first woman hired to manage a minor league affiliate of a Major League Baseball team when she was promoted Tuesday by the New York Yankees to dugout boss of the Low A Tampa Tarpons. The 34-year-old joined the Yankees organization as a...

AP sources: Yanks' Balkovec to be first female MiLB manager

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees are promoting Rachel Balkovec to manager of the Low A Tampa Tarpons, making her the first woman to skipper a team affiliated with Major League Baseball, according to two people familiar with the move. The people spoke to The Associated Press on...

AP sources: Yankees' Rachel Balkovec to manage Low A Tampa, will be first female skipper in MLB-affiliated league