Phillies sign prospect to $23 million deal
By The Associated Press
The Philadelphia Phillies are banking on young Scott Kingery.
A prized prospect who has never played in the majors, Kingery reached a sixyear deal with the Phillies Sunday that takes him through the 2023 season.
The contract includes three team options running through 2026. Multiple media reports said Kingery was guaranteed more than $23 million.
The 23-year-old Kingery is batting .392 in 20 spring training games and is tied for the Grapefruit League lead with 20 hits.
Kingery hit a combined .304 with 26 home runs and 29 steals as a second baseman for Class AAA Lehigh Valley and Class AA Reading last year. He was a second-round pick in 2015 from the University of Arizona.
Kingery is regarded as the best second-base prospect in baseball. The Phillies have Cesar Hernandez at second, so Kingery has seen time at third base and the outfield.
Indians
Cleveland will start the season without Michael Brantley. Still recovering from offseason surgery on his right ankle, Brantley is being placed on the disabled list as the team continues to take a cautious approach with the two-time All-Star outfielder. Brantley has been limited to 101 games over the past two seasons because of injuries.
Cardinals
Pitcher Adam Wainwright will start the season on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. With the longtime ace out, rookie Jack Flaherty will begin the year in the rotation as the fifth starter.
Padres
Right-hander Dinelson Lamet left Sunday’s spring training start with an elbow injury, jeopardizing his chance to pitch this week in the regular season. Padres manager Andy Green said he didn’t have a medical update on Lamet’s condition. “Hopefully he’s not out for long, but usually when you walk off the mound and your elbow hurts, it’s not a good thing,” Green said.
Yankees
Manager Aaron Boone said it’s too early to know whether first baseman Greg Byrd will be sidelined for opening day Thursday at Toronto because of inflammation in his right foot. Boone said the team should learn Bird’s status after he’s evaluated Monday in New York.
Red Sox
Catcher Christian Vazquez and Boston reached an agreement on a new contract that takes him through the 2021 season. The deal includes a team option for 2022. Vazquez, who had been signed for 2018, is assured $13.55 million with the three extra guaranteed years.