MLB CAMP REPORT

MANFRED WANTS BETTER PACE

While in Lakeland, Fla., commissioner Rob Manfred says there are ongoing discussions with the Major League Baseball Players Association, and it’s not clear what changes might be made for 2017.

MLB has studied whether to lift the lower edge of the strike zone from just beneath the kneecap to the top of the kneecap. Any change for 2017 would require an agreement with the MLBPA. Manfred said raising the bottom of the strike zone isn’t really a pace-of-play issue.

“We’re not suggesting that we change the strike zone to shorten the game. We’re suggesting that we change the strike zone to get more action in the game,” Manfred said. “The theory is that the pitch below the knee is being called a strike more frequently, that that particular pitch is hard to hit, and that forcing pitchers up in the zone would produce more action.”

Manfred sought to clarify that it’s not the overall length of a game that’s the issue.

“Pace of game is different than time of game. Pace relates to dead time caused by batters stepping out, pitchers not working quickly, trips to the mound,” he said. “We’ve never set a goal in terms of time of game. What we want is a well-paced game, with action, regardless of the actual time of the game.”

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Veteran free agent infielder Chase Utley agreed to a oneyear, $2-million contract.

Clayton Kershaw will make his seventh straight opening-day start for the Dodgers, tying Don Sutton’s franchise record.

MIAMI MARLINS

Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria told a federal jury Friday he lied to investigators about knowing a key figure in an alleged smuggling network.

Hechavarria testified in the trial of agent Bartolo Hernandez and trainer Julio Estrada, who are accused of conspiracy and alien smuggling.

NEW YORK YANKEES

An arbitration panel ruled in favor of the Yankees, deciding reliever Dellin Betances will be paid $3 million rather than the $5 million he was seeking.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Righthander Jered Weaver has agreed to a $3 million, oneyear deal after 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.

Weaver and the Padres confirmed the long-anticipated deal Saturday, pending a physical.

The 34-year-old Weaver had spent his entire career with the Angels, going 150-93 with a 3.55 ERA and three All-Star selections.