MLB rule changes: pitch clock, larger bases and more

Major League Baseball is introducing a slate of new rules for the 2023 season. Here is a breakdown: PITCH CLOCK The pitch clock aims to speed the pace of play by eliminating down time between pitches. Players will have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between...

MLB debut players will have special patches on jerseys

NEW YORK (AP) — Players making their big league debuts will be especially marked this season. Major League Baseball announced before Thursday’s openers that players making their first appearances will wear debut patches on their jerseys. The patch will appear on different places...

Kings end long playoff drought with 120-80 win over Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — While a throng of purple-clad visiting fans were already celebrating, De'Aaron Fox was watching from the bench as the moments ticked down in Sacramento's 120-80 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. For Fox, drafted by the Kings in 2017, the wait was...

AP source: Minor leaguers reach 5-year labor deal with MLB

NEW YORK (AP) — Minor league players reached a historic initial collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball on Wednesday that will more than double player salaries, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of...

AP source: Major League Baseball agrees to five-year labor contract with union for minor leaguers

Mariners' Rodríguez ready for 2nd season of 'J-Rod Show'

SEATTLE (AP) — Julio Rodríguez sent a buzz through T-Mobile Park, whether it was the second-deck home runs or running down fly balls in center field. And this was just the workout day for the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. The reigning AL rookie of the year seems more than ready...

Cubs' Happ: 'Nothing really to report' on negotiations

CHICAGO (AP) — All-Star outfielder Ian Happ appears poised to enter the season with an expiring contract after he and the Chicago Cubs were unable to agree on a new deal. Happ said Wednesday he had “nothing really to report” and “no real comment on it.” He said he is not...

Phillies get outfielder Pache from A's for minor leaguer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies acquired center fielder Cristian Pache from the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in exchange for a minor league pitcher. Pache has played in in 115 games for the Atlanta Braves (2020-21) and Athletics (2022). He played center field in all...

MLB broadcasters adapting to faster pace under new rules

Major league pitchers and batters aren't the only ones going on the clock this season — big league broadcasters have also been using spring training to adjust to baseball's new rhythm amid a series of rules changes. When the season opens Thursday, Major League Baseball will usher...

Padres 3B coach Williams has colon cancer, surgery Friday

SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego Padres third base coach Matt Williams has colon cancer and will have surgery on Friday. Mike Shildt, the former St. Louis Cardinals manager who is a senior adviser with the Padres, will fill in as third base coach beginning Thursday, when the most...