Rizzo offers support to hometown

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo left spring training Thursday for his home in Parkland, Fla., to offer support in the wake of a deadly shooting at his former high school.

Rizzo had been an early arrival in Arizona, where Chicago’s position players aren’t set to report until Monday ahead of the club’s first fullsquad workout. He is expected back by then.

A 2007 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where the shooting took place Wednesday, Rizzo donated $150,000 to his alma mater in November to purchase lights for the baseball and softball fields. His parents still live in the area.

Rizzo tweeted his support , saying, “Parkland and Coral Springs please stay strong!” and “This is out of control ... and our country is in desperate need for change.”

Manfred promises pace changes: Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said proposed rules changes to speed pace of play will be in place by the start of big league exhibition games on Feb. 23.

The commissioner has hoped for an agreement with the players’ association but has the right to implement last off-season’s proposal to install 20-second pitch clocks and institute stricter limits on mound visits.

MLB made a proposal to the union last month to abandon a pitch clock for this season as part of a three-year phase-in of new rules.

Three players win: Cleveland’s Trevor Bauer, Houston’s Collin McHugh and Tampa Bay’s Jake Odorizzi won their salary arbitration cases, and Toronto’s Marcus Stroman and Minnesota’s Kyle Gibson lost.

Decisions for all five pitchers had been held for simultaneous announcement to prevent any of the cases from being affected by the rulings.

Players have an 11-8 advantage over teams with three more hearings scheduled.

Seattle’s Healy sidelined: Seattle Mariners first baseman Ryon Healy had surgery to remove a bone spur in his right hand and is expected to be sidelined for four-to-six weeks.

The 26-year-old Healy hit .271 with 25 homers and 78 RBI for Oakland last season.