Dodgers great Newcombe dies at 92
Former Dodgers right-hander Don Newcombe, who was one of the first black players in the major leagues and who went on to win the Rookie of the Year, MVP and Cy Young awards, has died. He was 92.
The Dodgers confirmed Newcombe died early Tuesday after a lengthy illness.
Newcombe, like Dodgers teammate Jackie Robinson, was signed by Branch Rickey from the Negro Leagues and went on to make a huge mark in the major leagues. He was a four-time All-Star and won 20 games three times.
Newcombe’s greatest season was 1956, when he went 27-7 and won the Cy Young Award — which was only given to one pitcher for both leagues at the time — and the National League MVP award.
Newcombe, Robinson and catcher Roy Campanella were a trio of black stars for the Dodgers who often supported each other.
‘‘We came up with a strategy,’’ Newcombe once said. ‘‘We knew the impact we were attempting would have. We had to endure. [Robinson’s] character, his backbone, his guts — those were the keys. Jackie was the leader under Mr. Rickey.’’
Newcombe outlived most of his Dodgers teammates and was deeply affected when Campanella and pitcher Don Drysdale died within a week of each other in 1993.
‘‘When tragic things happen, it gets the guts out of you,’’ he said at the time. ‘‘You try to be strong, but when those things happen, you break down and cry like a baby. You want these tragedies to stop. You want to say: ‘Hey, God, hold on a minute. What are your plans for us?’ You want an answer, but there is no answer.’’
Cards shut down Martinez
Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez has been shut down for two weeks to build up shoulder strength after an injury-plagued season in 2018.
Manager Mike Shildt said Martinez won’t throw before being re-evaluated March 5. He said an MRI exam this week showed Martinez’s right shoulder was structurally sound.
Martinez, a two-time All-Star, was 8-6 with five saves and a 3.11 ERA in 33 games last season, 18 of them starts. The Cardinals had not said for certain how Martinez would be used this season.
Cut foot idles Twins’ Sano
Twins third baseman Miguel Sano will miss at least the first week of full-squad workouts after he cut his foot while celebrating his team winning the Dominican Winter League championship.
Sano has been wearing a walking boot to protect the wound, which is above the heel on his right foot. Manager Rocco Baldelli said Sano would wear the boot for seven to 10 days before being re-evaluated.
Brewers, ‘Moose’ finalize deal
The Brewers and third baseman Mike Moustakas finalized a oneyear, $10 million contract. Moustakas will get a $7 million salary this season, and the deal includes an $11 million mutual option for 2020 with a $3 million buyout.
Moustakas hit a combined .251 with 28 home runs and 95 RBI last season for the Royals and Brewers.