Braves GM, scouting chief resign amid probe by MLB

John Coppolella was forced to resign as Atlanta Braves general manager Monday after an investigation by Major League Baseball revealed serious rules violations in the international player market.

Gordon Blakeley, a special assistant to the GM who was the team’s international scouting chief, also resigned. Braves president John Hart will take over GM duties while the team searches for a full-time replacement.

Hart wouldn’t reveal details of the rules violations but said they did not involve criminal activity. An MLB spokesman would not provide details on an ongoing investigation.

■ Marlins: Derek Jeter’s group closed on its $1.2 billion purchase of the team Monday, and he and new controlling owner Bruce Sherman will speak publicly for the first time about the deal at a news conference Tuesday.

■ Twins: Third baseman Miguel Sano, who was activated from the disabled list Friday, still is feeling discomfort with the stress reaction in his left shin and is not expected to start Tuesday’s wild-card game.

■ Athletics: Closer Blake Treinen will have surgery this week to have a cyst removed from his right middle finger.

■ Michigan: Senior John O’korn will start for the No. 7 Wolverines against Michigan State on Saturday because quarterback Wilton Speight is out indefinitely with what coach Jim Harbaugh calls a “soft tissue” injury.

■ Texas-el Paso: Mike Price, 71, who coached the Miners to a 48-61 record and three bowl games from 2004 to 2012, is coming back on an interim basis after Sean Kugler resigned Sunday.

■ Georgia: Coach Kirby Smart hasn’t confirmed whether Jake Fromm or Jacob Eason will start at quarterback for the No. 5 Bulldogs on Saturday at Vanderbilt.

■ Tennessee: Starting left guard Venzell Boulware, a sophomore, said he is leaving the Volunteers and intends to transfer.

■ Illinois: Jeff George Jr. has replaced Chayce Crouch as the Illini’s starting quarterback, coach Lovie Smith said.