TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A minor leaguer for the New York Yankees has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first known player affiliated with Major League Baseball to contract COVID-19.The team said Sunday the unidentified player had spent his entire time at the minor league complex and hadn't been over at the main stadium and facilities used by the major leaguers.Yankees player representative Zack Britton recently said the team had voted to remain together in Tampa and continue voluntary workouts. In the wake of the virus outbreak, Major League Baseball and the union had given players the option to stay at the site of their spring camp, return to their offseason homes or go to the club's home city.MLB is expected to update teams on its policy Monday.The rest of the spring training schedule was called off Thursday and opening day, which had been scheduled for March 26, was postponed for at least two weeks.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus within a few weeks.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A minor leaguer for the New York Yankees has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first known player affiliated with Major League Baseball to contract COVID-19.The team said Sunday the unidentified player had spent his entire time at the minor league complex and hadn't been over at the main stadium and facilities used by the major leaguers.Yankees player representative Zack Britton recently said the team had voted to remain together in Tampa and continue voluntary workouts. In the wake of the virus outbreak, Major League Baseball and the union had given players the option to stay at the site of their spring camp, return to their offseason homes or go to the club's home city.MLB is expected to update teams on its policy Monday.The rest of the spring training schedule was called off Thursday and opening day, which had been scheduled for March 26, was postponed for at least two weeks.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus within a few weeks.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — Cincinnati Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer says he is organizing a “sandlot” baseball game.He also is trying to raise $1 million for Major League Baseball game-day staff who could be affected by the league's decision to delay the regular season at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak.Bauer tweeted an invitation on Friday to all MLB and minor league players remaining in Arizona to see if anyone wanted to take part in the pickup game. He said it would be mandatory for pitchers and hitters to wear microphones. Several players — including Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Josh Rojas and San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham — responded that they were interested.Bauer has not publicly given any information about the time or location of the game. Reds pitcher David Carpenter initially proposed the idea of a game to Bauer, who then organized the fundraiser. Bauer says any content or live streams would be shared through his website Momentum.On Saturday, Bauer tweeted a link... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball is allowing players to go home, making the decision a day after canceling the rest of the spring training schedule and postponing opening day by at least two weeks amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.After a meeting in Arizona on Friday that included baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, union head Tony Clark and their top aides, players were told they could remain at spring training, report to the team's home city or go to their own home. The league also announced it was suspending spring training camps.New York Yankees players decided as a group to remain in Tampa, Florida.“Everyone wants to stay here and get ready to go whenever the season starts back,” reliever and team union rep Zack Britton said. “(Owner) Hal Steinbrenner spoke to us. He's going to give us access to the facility. They're going to supply us with breakfast in the morning. ”MLB announced Thursday the season will be delayed at least two weeks from its scheduled start on March 26.... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball is allowing players to go home, making the decision a day after canceling the rest of the spring training schedule and postponing opening day by at least two weeks amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.After a meeting in Arizona on Friday that included baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, union head Tony Clark and their top aides, players were told they could remain at spring training, report to the team's home city or go to their own home.New York Yankees players decided as a group to remain at spring training camp in Tampa, Florida.“Everyone wants to stay here and get ready to go whenever the season starts back,” reliever and team union rep Zack Britton said. “(Owner) Hal Steinbrenner spoke to us. He's going to give us access to the facility. They're going to supply us with breakfast in the morning. ”MLB announced Thursday the season will be delayed at least two weeks from its scheduled start on March 26. Teams speculated the season might not start... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball is allowing players to go home, a day after canceling the rest of the spring training schedule and postponing opening day by at least two weeks amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.After a meeting in Arizona on Friday that included baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, union head Tony Clark and their top aides, players were told they could remain at spring training, report to the team's home city or go to their own home.New York Yankees players decided as a group to remain at spring training camp in Tampa, Florida.MLB announced Thursday that the season would be delayed at least two weeks from its scheduled start on March 26. Teams speculated the season might not start until sometime in May, necessitating a reduced schedule.MLB and the union discussed the need for likely two-to-four weeks of workouts ahead of openers once the date for the season's start has been set. They also talked about the possible need to extend the regular season past its scheduled... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball is encouraging players to go home, a day after canceling the rest of the spring training schedule and postponing opening day by at least two weeks amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.Ballparks in Florida and Arizona were locked down Friday as the sport considered how to proceed following an outbreak that has brought the U.S. sports schedule to a standstill. Teams speculated the season might not start until sometime in May, necessitating a reduced schedule.Many teams said in the morning they planned to close for the weekend and re-open camps Monday. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred met Friday with the players' association leadership, and a decision was made to encourage players to leave camp in the afternoon.“We don't have a playbook for this," Cleveland Indians president Chris Antonetti said in the morning. "We are learning on the fly. We are taking the approach that we will continue to prioritize the health and wellness of our players, our staff,... [More]

The games are over, at least for now.There’s only so much you can say about that when people are dying and the world is in danger. The playground has always been the place to leave your troubles behind but when no place is really safe, sports can’t be either.That includes America’s pastime, as painful as that might be.Baseball may or may not be played again this year. There are no guarantees anymore, and anyone who thinks the major leagues will soon pick back up where they suddenly left off Thursday is either guessing or has a crystal ball that the rest of us have yet to properly study.That could mean no opening day anytime in 2020, as shocking as that might be. No pennant races, and no World Series to help us get the stink of the Houston Astros off our minds.Nothing except a long, hot summer without the game that means so much to so many.The great baseball philosopher Yogi Berra famously declared that it ain’t over 'till it’s over. Well, it’s over, at least for now, after the plug was... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Baltimore slugger Chris Davis was driving down Florida's west coast on Interstate 75 from Sarasota to Fort Myers for an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins when he got the call.No game tonight. No games for a while.“Pretty shocked,” Davis said, “just how quickly things have escalated.” Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak and suspended the rest of its spring training schedule.Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. The decision announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday left open whether each team would still play 162 games.“It’s unfortunate but I think it’s the proper measure we need to take now given the situation the country’s in and the world’s in," New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton said. "It’s important to know that some things are bigger than baseball, bigger than sports at the moment. Once we’re able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions answered... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Baltimore slugger Chris Davis was driving down Florida's west coast on Interstate 75 from Sarasota to Fort Myers for an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins when he got the call.No game tonight. No games for a while.“Pretty shocked,” Davis said, “just how quickly things have escalated.” Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak and suspended the rest of its spring training schedule.Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. The decision announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday left open whether each team would still play 162 games.“It’s unfortunate but I think it’s the proper measure we need to take now given the situation the country’s in and the world’s in," New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton said. "It’s important to know that some things are bigger than baseball, bigger than sports at the moment. Once we’re able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions answered... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Baltimore slugger Chris Davis was driving down Florida's west coast on Interstate 75 from Sarasota to Fort Myers for an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins when he got the call.No game tonight. No games for a while.“Pretty shocked,” Davis said, “just how quickly things have escalated.” Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak and suspended the rest of its spring training schedule.Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. The decision announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday left open whether each team would still play 162 games.“It’s unfortunate but I think it’s the proper measure we need to take now given the situation the country’s in and the world’s in," New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton said. "It’s important to know that some things are bigger than baseball, bigger than sports at the moment. Once we’re able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions answered... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Francisco Lindor didn't want to discuss money or his future. This certainly wasn't the time.Just days after the four-time All-Star shortstop and Gold Glove winner broke off talks with the Cleveland Indians about a long-term contract extension so he could focus on an upcoming season now further away, Lindor spoke passionately Thursday about hope and humanity.Shortly after Lindor spoke at the team's training facility, Major League Baseball announced its pushing opening day back two weeks and immediately suspending spring training games.“It kind of seems like the contract thing is very little compared to what's happening,” said Lindor said. “Hopefully, we can get through this situation we're going through right now. To all the people with health issues, the contract doesn't matter.”Earlier this week, Lindor suspended negotiations with Cleveland, which would like to sign the 26-year-old but may have no other option but to trade him later this season.Team president Chris... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Baltimore Orioles star Trey Mancini underwent surgery Thursday to remove a malignant tumor from his colon.The tumor was discovered last week during a colonoscopy, team officials said. Lab results and the timetable for Mancini's recovery will not be known until next week.Mancini left the team on Saturday. The Orioles provided few details at the time, except to say he was slated to undergo “a non-baseball medical procedure."In a statement released by the team Thursday, Mancini said, “The outpouring of love and support I have received has made an extremely tough week so much better. ... I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words, which have furthered my excitement to get back to playing the game I love.”Mancini, who turns 28 next Wednesday, batted .291 with 35 home runs and 97 RBIs last season while playing the outfield, at first base and as a designated hitter. He also had a career-best .364 on-base percentage.Mancini was one of few bright spots... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Baltimore slugger Chris Davis was driving down Florida's west coast on Interstate 75 from Sarasota to Fort Myers for an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins when he got the call.No game tonight. No games for a while.“Pretty shocked,” Davis said, “just how quickly things have escalated.” Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak and suspended the rest of its spring training schedule.Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. The decision announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday left open whether each team would still play 162 games.“It’s unfortunate but I think it’s the proper measure we need to take now given the situation the country’s in and the world’s in," New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said. "It’s important to know that some things are bigger than baseball, bigger than sports at the moment. Once we’re able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Baltimore Orioles star Trey Mancini underwent surgery Thursday to remove a malignant tumor from his colon.The tumor was discovered last week during a colonoscopy, team officials said. Lab results and the timetable for Mancini's recovery will not be known until next week.Mancini left the team on Saturday. The Orioles provided few details at the time, except to say he was slated to undergo “a non-baseball medical procedure."In a statement released by the team Thursday, Mancini said, “The outpouring of love and support I have received has made an extremely tough week so much better. ... I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words, which have furthered my excitement to get back to playing the game I love.”Mancini, who turns 28 next Wednesday, batted .291 with 35 home runs last season while playing the outfield, at first base and as a designated hitter.“We are doing everything in our power to ensure Trey recovers fully, and we can't wait to see him back on the field as soon as possible,” Orioles general manager Mike Elias said.__More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — As Marcell Ozuna spoke with a reporter, Felix Hernandez passed by.The two gave each other a greeting using their pinkies. Before that, the Atlanta Braves new left-fielder had a conversation with a minor leaguer. Even though he delivered some huge blows to Atlanta in the 2019 NL Division Series and made it clear he wanted to stay in St. Louis, Ozuna seems like he’s fitting in well with the Braves.And he was quick to say how much he was enjoying camp before Major League Baseball suspended the rest of its spring training game schedule Thursday because of the coronavirus. MLB also pushed back the start of the season by at least two weeks.Before that news broke, Ozuna had declared how much he is enjoying being with the Braves.“The front office and everyone here. I love them," he said. “I think it’ll be a good year for me. Making the playoffs and winning the World Series is a goal. I don’t worry about anything else.”Ozuna is expected to anchor a corner off the outfield... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak and suspended the rest of its spring training game schedule.Opening day had been scheduled for March 26. The decision announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday left open whether each team would still play a 162-game schedule.“It’s unfortunate but I think it’s the proper measure we need to take now given the situation the country’s in and the world’s in," New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said. "It’s important to know that some things are bigger than baseball, bigger than sports at the moment. Once we’re able to hopefully get a hold on some things and get some questions answered we can figure out when things can continue.”The announcement came while some spring training games in Florida were still in progress. MLB followed the NBA, NHL, MLS and college basketball tournaments in altering its schedule because of the pandemic. The minor league baseball... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryan Price observes, listens, suggests and tries to lead pitchers to their own conclusions.The new pitching coach could end up being the most valuable addition the Philadelphia Phillies made in the offseason if he can get some talented members of the staff to reach their potential. Price already has made a positive impression in camp. "He's all about pitchers being confident in what they're doing and having the ability to pitch and not just throw," All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto said. "That's where finding their strengths comes in. If a guy is pitching to his strengths, he's going to be able to maneuver the baseball and have confidence in what he's doing. If you are asking someone to pitch to a scouting report and not something he's confident in doing, it's not going to work out very well. That's something Price has honed in on is pitching to your strengths." Pitching is Philadelphia's biggest question mark. An offense that features Realmuto, Bryce Harper, Didi... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Washington pitcher Max Scherzer was pleased with his first bullpen session after being scratched from a scheduled start.“It was good, was able to throw all pitches,” Scherzer said Thursday.The 35-year-old right-hander missed Tuesday's game because of fatigue in the muscles on the right side of his body, in the area of the latissimus dorsi, serratus and oblique muscles. Scherzer is to pitch next in an intrasquad scrimmage.“We just want him to go down there and get his work in and be in a controlled environment,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said. “We're just going to try to get him his five or six innings.”Scherzer has made three spring training starts. He last pitched on March 3, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer was 11-7 with a 2.92 ERA last year, when he pitched 172 1/3 innings during the regular season and 30 more in the postseason. He endured two separate stints on the injured list last season, the first time with inflammation under his right shoulder and the second, after making one return start, with a rhomboid strain.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago Cubs had data. Lots of data. On velocity, pitch shaping and mechanics. Swing path, bat speed and launch trajectory. Numbers on numbers on numbers.They also had a problem. The pipeline from research and development to their players and coaches wasn't working as well as they wanted.Looking to make life easier on Kris Bryant, Jon Lester and everyone else, the Cubs' solution included two of the fastest growing positions in the next wave of baseball's analytics age. They added directors of pitching and hitting to their revamped front office.“I think you just have to take a step back and say, ‘Hey, do our teachers, do our coaches, do we have the right infrastructure for them to be able to actually digest this information and ultimately have it land with the players?'" said Matt Dorey, the senior director of player development for the Cubs. “Because if it doesn’t land with them, then it's irrelevant.” The twin directors or similarly styled positions are becoming... [More]