Cortes gives Kaat his award

Yankees pitcher says ‘no malice’

Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes presented

broadcaster and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Kaat with the franchise’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday night, about three weeks after Kaat used an offensive nickname when talking about New York’s breakout left-hander.

The 83-year-old Kaat called the pitcher “Nestor the Molester” during a Minnesota Twins telecast this month, then reached out to Cortes to apologize. Cortes said later that night that he hadn’t taken offense and later tweeted to say he’d readily accepted Kaat’s apology.

“Jim Kaat has spent an entire lifetime in this game we love,” Cortes wrote. “He reached out to me and apologized for his remark last night, but he didn’t need to.

“We all make mistakes and I feel 100% there was no malice intended.”

Cortes presented Kaat with a clear trophy near home plate prior to New York’s opener of a fourgame series against Houston.

White Sox

Utility man Danny Mendick will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, and outfielder Adam Engel is headed to the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring. Mendick was playing shortstop when he collided with left fielder Adam Haseley on a foul popup in Wednesday’s loss to Toronto. He’ll need surgery, although a date has not been scheduled.

Mariners

Seattle first baseman Ty France exited Thursday’s win against Oakland because of a left elbow injury but said he hopes to avoid a stint on the injured list. While running to first base, the Athletics’ Sheldon Neuse hit France’s left arm after France extended to catch a throw. France immediately fell to the ground and clutched his arm in pain. He walked off the field on his own power.

Giants

San Francisco acquired Willie Calhoun, sending outfielder Steven Duggar to Texas for the outfielder who was the main return for the Rangers when they traded pitcher Yu Darvish five years ago.