NEW YORK (AP) — Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard became the latest big-name pitcher to need Tommy John surgery, joining the Yankees' Luis Severino and Boston's Chris Sale.New York said Tuesday that Syndergaard needs reconstruction of his ulnar collateral ligament and will miss the season that's been put on hold because of the coronavirus outbreak. Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek will operate on the right-hander on Thursday.“After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the pandemic, Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement. “Based on the persistence of his symptoms, Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear."Syndergaard, the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in the major leagues last season, received a second opinion from Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache."While this is unfortunate,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn elbow ligament and needs Tommy John surgery that will keep him out of action this year.New York medical director Dr. David Altchek will operate Thursday.“After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the pandemic, Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement Tuesday. “Based on the persistence of his symptoms, Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear."The right-hander received a second opinion on the damaged ulnar collateral ligament from Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache."While this is unfortunate, we have no doubt that Noah will be able to return to full strength and continue to be an integral part of our championship pursuits in the future,” said Van Wagenen, Syndergaard's former agent.Opening day has been postponed until at least mid-May... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets pitcher Rick Porcello made his first pitch to be part of the club’s starting rotation Saturday, but the Miami Marlins stole a bit of his thunder.Porcello pitched one inning and allowed two hits in the Mets’ spring training opener, allowing one run when Miami’s Monte Harrison swiped a pair of bases and scored on a bloop single. The Mets lost 5-3, dropping their first game in newly-renovated Clover Park, which has undergone a $57 million facelift that began last year. Porcello pitched 11 seasons in the American League for the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox before inking a $10 million, one-year deal with the Mets. He's never pitched in the National League and expects a learning curve — something the Marlins gave him with aggressive baserunning during his 17-pitch outing.“Get out there first pitch with a runner on first (base), and he’s gone," Porcello said. "I’ll start paying attention to that more and be prepared more for a change in style of play.”After... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___New York YankeesManager: Aaron Boone (third season). 2019: 103-59, first place, lost to Houston in AL Championship Series. Training Town: Tampa, Florida. Park: George Steinbrenner Field. First Workout: Feb. 13/18. He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, C Erik Kratz, C Chris Iannetta, C Josh Thole, RHP Nick Tropeano, LHP Luis Avil�nHe's Outta Here: LHP CC Sabathia, SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Edwin Encarnacion, C Austin Romine, RHP Dellin Betances, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Jacoby Ellsbury, 1B Greg Bird, RHP Chance Adams, LHP Stephen Tarpley, LHP Nestor Cortes Jr., RHP Cory GearrinGoing campin': After a big league-record 30 players went on the injured list a total of 39 times last season, health remains a concern. Left-hander James Paxton had back surgery Feb. 5 and is expected to be sidelined until May or... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Atlanta Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (fifth season). 2019: 97-65, first place, lost to Cardinals in Division Series.Training Town: North Port, Florida.Park: CoolToday Park. First Workout: Feb. 13/18. He's Here: LF Marcell Ozuna, C Travis d'Arnaud, LHP Cole Hamels, LHP Will Smith, RHP F�lix Hern�ndez.He's Outta Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, LHP Dallas Keuchel, RHP Julio Teheran, C Brian McCann, OF Matt Joyce, RHP Anthony Swarzak, RHP Josh Tomlin, LHP Jerry Blevins, OF Billy Hamilton, C Francisco Cervelli. Going campin': The Braves are coming off their second straight NL East title, led by one of baseball's brightest young stars. In his first full season in the big leagues, 22-year-old OF Ronald Acu�a Jr. hit 41 homers, led the league with 127 runs and tallied 37 stolen bases to become the second-youngest... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Martín Pérez and Boston finalized a one-year contract that guarantees $6.5 million, a deal that would be worth $14.5 million over two seasons if the Red Sox exercise a 2021 option and the 28-year-old left-hander regularly starts.Pérez is in position to fill the rotation spot that opened when former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello left to sign with the New York Mets.The deal announced Thursday includes a $6 million salary for next year and gives Boston a $6.25 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout.He can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses next year for innings: $50,000 each for 130 and each additional 10 through 170.His option price could escalate by up to $1 million based on innings in 2020: $150,000 each for 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170, and $250,000 for 180. If the option is exercised, he could earn bonuses in 2021 at the same amounts and innings as in the escalator.Pérez was 10-7 with a 5.12 ERA for Minnesota last season after spending his first seven big league seasons with Texas. He is 53-56 with a 4.72 ERA in 157 starts and 16 relief appearances. His lone postseason appearance was in 2015, when he started and lost Game 3 of the Division Series against Toronto.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — Martín Pérez and the Boston Red Sox finalized a one-year contract that guarantees $6.5 million, putting the 28-year-old left-hander in position to fill the rotation spot that opened when former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello left to sign with the New York Mets.The deal announced Thursday includes a $6 million salary for next year and gives Boston a $6.25 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. Pérez can earn $250,000 each year in performance bonuses for innings.Pérez was 10-7 with a 5.12 ERA for Minnesota last season after spending his first seven big league seasons with Texas. He is 53-56 with a 4.72 ERA in 157 starts and 16 relief appearances. His lone postseason appearance was in 2015, when he started and lost Game 3 of the Division Series against Toronto.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Rick Porcello's $10 million deal with the New York Mets shows the fruits of free agency as much as Gerrit Cole's $324 million contract across town with the Yankees.While Cole set a record, location was among Porcello's primary concerns."I live about an hour away from Citi Field," he said Monday after the Mets announced his contract. "That opportunity of having the hometown comfort, the ability for my father and family and friends to be able to come and see these games in person and be get to experience it a little bit more live, were pretty deciding factors for me." Porcello lives in Morristown, New Jersey, and was at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange when Detroit selected him with the 27th overall pick of the 2007 amateur draft. He was traded to Boston after the 2014 season and was guaranteed $95 million by the Red Sox over the next five seasons. He won the AL Cy Young Award with a 22-4 record in 2016 and was 17-7 in 2018, when he earned a World Series ring.He grew up a Mets... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the New York Mets finalized a $10 million, one-year contract on Monday.A right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 27, Porcello joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Michael Wacha, who agreed to a $3 million deal last week, also hopes to earn a rotation spot. With Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman preparing to come to spring training as starters, the Mets have eight potential starters vying for five spots in spring training. “I think we're probably the deepest starting pitching rotation in baseball,” general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said last week.Porcello grew up in New Jersey and went to Seton Hall Prep in West Orange. He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth and final season with Boston. His best year for the Red Sox was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the AL Cy Young. He went 17-7 in 2018 and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.“He's done it," Van Wagenen said. "He's been battle tested. He's performed in the playoffs. He's got rings on his fingers.” Porcello has a 149-118 record and 4.36 ERA in 11 big league seasons, the first six with Detroit. Right-hander Stephen Nogosek was designated for assignment.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have signed shortstop José Peraza, and according to a person familiar with the negotiations, the team also agreed to terms with left-hander Martin Pérez.The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Friday because the Pérez deal had not yet been announced.Pérez is guaranteed $6.5 million, and Peraza has a $2.85 million salary.Pérez, 28, pitched for Minnesota last year after spending the first seven years of his career with the Rangers. In all, he has a 53-56 record with a 4.72 ERA.He helps take the place in the rotation left open when Rick Porcello agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.Pérez's deal includes a $6 million salary for 2020 and gives Boston a $6.25 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. He can earn $250,000 each year in performance bonuses for innings.Peraza spent the last four years in Cincinnati. In all, he batted .273 with 28 homers and 154 RBIs. He could fill a spot at utility infielder if the Red Sox don't re-sign Brock Holt. He can earn an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances.———AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. ———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have agreed to one-year contracts with free agent left-hander Martin Pérez and shortstop José Peraza, people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The people spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the deals had not yet been announced.Pérez is guaranteed $6.5 million, and Peraza has a $2.85 million salary.Pérez, 28, pitched for Minnesota last year after spending the first seven years of his career with the Rangers. In all, he has a 53-56 record with a 4.72 ERA.He helps take the place in the rotation left open when Rick Porcello agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.Pérez's deal includes a $6 million salary for 2020 and gives Boston a $6.25 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. He can earn $250,000 each year in performance bonuses for innings.Peraza spent the last four years in Cincinnati. In all, he batted .273 with 28 homers and 154 RBIs. He could fill a spot at utility infielder if the Red Sox don't re-sign Brock Holt. He can earn an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances.———AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. ———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have agreed to one-year contracts with free agent left-hander Martin Pérez and shortstop José Peraza, people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The people spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the deals had not yet been announced.Pérez is guaranteed $6.5 million, and Peraza has a $2.85 million salary.Pérez, 28, pitched for Minnesota last year after spending the first seven years of his career with the Rangers. In all, he has a 53-56 record with a 4.72 ERA.He helps take the place in the rotation left open when Rick Porcello agreed to a deal with the New York Mets.Pérez's deal includes a $6 million salary for 2020 and gives Boston a $6.25 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. He can earn $250,000 each year in performance bonuses for innings.One year contract that guarantees $6.5 millionPeraza spent the last four years in Cincinnati. In all, he batted .273 with 28 homers and 154 RBIs. He could fill a spot at utility infielder if the Red Sox don't re-sign Brock Holt. He can earn an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances.———AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. ———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A mostly dreary winter meetings lacking spectacular swaps will be remembered as the Scott Boras show.Baseball's most prominent agent dominated each of the three full days of meetings with a nine-figure contract, deals for Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon that totaled $814 million.Just two trades were announced: The San Francisco Giants acquired shortstop Zack Cozart and infield prospect Will Wilson from the Los Angeles Angels for a player to be named or cash, and the Chicago White Sox obtained outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers for outfield prospect Steele Walker."I think it's hard to say that there hasn't been a trend," new Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. "It's important not to get too focused on artificial timetables. You want to be prepared to do something when you think it's going to help you, but you don't want to force anything."The podium and dais remained in nearly pristine condition, hosting just one player announcement:... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the New York Mets have agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the agreement had not been announced.A right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 27, Porcello joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz.Porcello grew up in New Jersey and went to Seton Hall Prep in West Orange.He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth and final season with Boston. His best year for the Red Sox was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the AL Cy Young.“He's done it," general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said. "He's been battle tested. He's performed in the playoffs. He's got rings on his fingers.”Porcello has a 149-118 record and 4.36 ERA in 11 big league seasons, the first six with Detroit.New York also has a pending one-year contract with right-hander Michael Wacha. With Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman also preparing to come to spring training as starters, the Mets have eight potential starters vying for five spots in spring training.“I think we're probably the deepest starting pitching rotation in baseball,” Van Wagenen said. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the New York Mets have a agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the agreement had not been announced.A right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 27, Porcello joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz.Porcello grew up in New Jersey and went to Seton Hall Prep in West Orange.He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth and final season with Boston. His best year for the Red Sox was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the AL Cy Young.“He's done it," general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said. "He's been battle tested. He's performed in the playoffs. He's got rings on his fingers.”Porcello has a 149-118 record and 4.36 ERA in 11 big league seasons, the first six with Detroit.New York also has a pending one-year contract with right-hander Michael Wacha. With Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman also preparing to come to spring training as starters, the Mets have eight potential starters vying for five spots in spring training.“I think we're probably the deepest starting pitching rotation in baseball,” Van Wagenen said. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the New York Mets have a agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the agreement had not been announced.A right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 27, Porcello joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz.Porcello grew up in New Jersey and went to Seton Hall Prep in West Orange.He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth and final season with Boston. His best year for the Red Sox was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the AL Cy Young.Porcello has a 149-118 record and 4.36 ERA in 11 big league seasons, the first six with Detroit.New York also has a pending one-year contract with right-hander Michael Wacha.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Former AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello and the New York Mets have a agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the agreement had not been announced.A right-hander who turns 31 on Dec. 27, Porcello joins a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz.Porcello grew up in New Jersey and went to Seton Hall Prep in West Orange.He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth and final season with Boston. His best year for the Red Sox was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the AL Cy Young.Porcello has a 149-118 record and 4.36 ERA in 11 big league seasons, the first six with Detroit.New York also has a pending one-year contract with right-hander Michael Wacha.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Strasburg opted out of the final four years of his contract with the Washington Nationals, three days after the star pitcher was chosen MVP of the World Series.The move Saturday makes the 31-year-old right-hander a free agent. Strasburg gave up $100 million he had been guaranteed from 2020-23 as part of a $175 million, seven-year contract he agreed to with the Nationals in May 2016.Strasburg was 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA this season, topping 30 starts for the second time in his career and leading the NL with 209 innings pitched. Then he went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts and one relief appearance, including wins in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series against Houston.Washington also won Game 7 to claim the first championship in franchise history.Just a few days later, however, the roster has already begun to change.The club declined its $18 million option for next season on 35-year-old first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the only player who has been a member of... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Strasburg opted out of the final four years of his contract with the Washington Nationals, three days after the star pitcher was chosen MVP of the World Series.The move Saturday makes the 31-year-old right-hander a free agent. Strasburg gave up $100 million he had been guaranteed from 2020-23 as part of a $175 million, seven-year contract he agreed to with the Nationals in May 2016.Strasburg was 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA this season, topping 30 starts for the second time in his career and leading the NL with 209 innings pitched. Then he went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts and one relief appearance, including wins in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series against Houston.Washington also won Game 7 to claim the first championship in franchise history.Just a few days later, however, the roster has already begun to change.The club declined its $18 million option for next season on 35-year-old first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the only player who has been a member of... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon became a free agent Thursday, a day after homering to spark Washington's seventh-inning comeback in Game 7 of the World Series.Houston pitcher Gerrit Cole also went free after warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the season finale.And Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the World Series MVP, could be joining them in the next few days. He has the right to opt out of his contract, which has $100 million over four years remaining.Baseball's business season starts shortly after the final out."I think it's hard to kind of fast-forward," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Seasons end really fast. I don't care if you get all the way to the seventh game of the World Series. It's all of a sudden — boom! — it's over."Cole, Rendon and Strasburg all are represented by Scott Boras, known for slow, methodical negotiations. Last winter, he reached outfielder Bryce Harper's $330 million, 13-year contract with Philadelphia on Feb. 28.Cole,... [More]