Yanks decide to deal Ottavino to Red Sox

The Yankees made a rare trade with the rival Red Sox, sending struggling reliever Adam Ottavino to Boston along with minor league righthander Frank German for a player to be named or cash.

After a successful 2019 season with New York, Ottavino, 35, slumped to a 5.89 ERA during the -shortened 2020 season.

This was just the second trade since 1987 between the rivals. When New York obtained infielder Stephen Drew from Boston on 2014 for infielder/outfielder Kelly Johnson.

Arizona delay requested: Government officials from eight Cactus League cities sent a letter to Major League Baseball asking the league to delay spring training from its scheduled midfebruary start because of the high rate of coronavirus infections in the Phoenix area. MLB said it would continue to consult with local officials and the players association about the need for schedule modifications .