Minor leaguers to get stipends
By the end of May, it should be clear whether professional baseball will be played at all this season. Until then, minor leaguers will be paid.
Major League Baseball announced that a weekly $400 stipend for minor league players was extended through May 31. In the unlikely event the season starts before then, salaries would replace stipends. — Bill Shaikin
The Houston Astros asked a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge to throw out the lawsuit filed against the team by pitcher Mike Bolsinger or, at least, to move the case to Texas.
The Astros’ requests are scheduled to be heard June 12. — Bill Shaikin
Oakland Athletics minor league manager Webster Garrison was hospitalized in Louisiana and on a ventilator with the coronavirus, according to his fiancee. Nikki Trudeaux said the 54year-old former major leaguer still required a ventilator to fight COVID-19 but hadn’t declined in his battle.
The Santa Anita Derby, a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby, officially was postponed until later in the season while Santa Anita Park remains closed for live racing during the coronavirus pandemic.
ESPN commentator and former tennis player Patrick McEnroe tested positive for COVID-19, he said in a video he released via Twitter, but said he’s feeling better as he remains in quarantine in the basement of his home in Westchester, N.Y. — Helene Elliott
The Cincinnati Bengals released starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick . ... The Chicago Bears finalized a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for Nick Foles and re-signed safety DeAndre Houston-Carson to a oneyear contract . ... The Seattle Seahawks waived safety Tedric Thompson and released veteran tight end Ed Dickson.
Forward Zeke Nnaji declared for the NBA draft after one season at Arizona. He averaged 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds . ... Missouri sophomore Xavier Pinson and juniors Mitchell Smith and Jeremiah Tilmon declared for the NBA draft, though none of them intended to hire an agent and all could return to school . ... Air Force hired Joe Scott for a second stint as its basketball coach. Scott has been an assistant to Georgia the last two seasons.
The NHL extended its guideline for players and staff to self-quarantine until April 15, and it is possible the coronavirus pandemic could push that back even further.