Dodgers Hall of Fame manager Lasorda hospitalized
LOS ANGELES » The Los Angeles Dodgers say Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda has been hospitalized. The 89-year-old Lasorda is resting comfortably, according to a team official. The club didn’t provide any additional details Saturday on his condition.
Lasorda has spent almost seven decades in the Dodgers’ organization, starting as a minor league pitcher in the Brooklyn system in 1949. He has been a pitcher, coach and manager for the Dodgers, and guided them to their last World Series championship in 1988.
“He means a lot, not only to me personally but to the coaches, players and obviously the players and the city,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“I consider him a friend. He’s helped me along the way and supported me, rode me a little when I needed it. Given me a hard time, which is great. To see him in the clubhouse, in my office, watching batting practice is always nice. We can’t wait to get him back out here,” he said.
Lasorda is a special adviser to the chairman. He is a consistent presence in the seats next to the Dodgers dugout, where Magic Johnson — part of the team’s ownership group — also sits when he’s in attendance.
Braves get Adams from Cards
ST. LOUIS » The Atlanta Braves acquired first baseman Matt Adams from St. Louis in an attempt to help fill the void left by injured star Freddie Freeman.
The Cardinals sent Adams and cash to Atlanta for minor league infielder Juan Yepez. The deal came three days after the Braves lost Freeman to a broken wrist.
Angels sign Fister
NEW YORK » Looking to reinforce an injury-ravaged pitching staff, the Los Angeles Angels signed Doug Fister for the remainder of the season on Saturday.
Fister will report to extended spring training in Arizona to begin workouts. He was a free agent after going 12-13 with a 4.64 ERA in 32 starts for Houston last year. The 6-foot-8 righty threw 180.1 innings and pitched pretty well most of the season before fading badly in September and losing his last five decisions.
“We’ve seen Doug pitch for a long time and hopefully his stuff will be at a level that we saw when he was successful,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.