Arihara shaky in Cactus League debut for Rangers
GLENDALE, Ariz. — New Texas Rangers righthander Kohei Arihara allowed five hits while facing 11 batters in two shortened innings in his spring training debut. He gave up a three-run homer in the 5-5, six-inning tie.
After Arihara struck out Yoan Moncada with the bases loaded for the second out in the second, the inning was stopped because of his pitch count.
The 28-year-old from Japan signed a two-year, $6.2 million, two-year contract with the Rangers in December. He said he’s still adjusting to the slicker MLB baseball.
“Yeah, I was definitely excited. It was a new experience for me, but I still wasn’t able to execute the way I wanted to,” he said. “So next time I hope that I’ll be able to have more fun.”
Francona: Indians didn’t cover for coach
Responding to claims the team protected Mickey Callaway, Indians manager Terry Francona said no one in the Cleveland organization “covered up” for the former pitching coach who’s under investigation by Major League Baseball after allegations of sexual harassment.
Callaway is suspended as the Los Angeles Angels pitching coach, pending the MLB inquiry.
The Athletic reported Tuesday that 12 current and former Indians employees came forward in the last month to say Callaway’s bad behavior was so obvious during his 2013-17 stint with Cleveland that “it would have been difficult for top officials to not be aware” of it.
His alleged lewd behavior included sending inappropriate photos, requesting nude photos in return and making women “feel uncomfortable.”
“Nobody’s ever deliberately covered up for anybody, I can tell you that,” Francona said on a Zoom call from the team’s spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz.
The Indians followed with a statement a few hours later.
“Our organization continues to actively cooperate with MLB on their investigation into Mickey
Callaway,“it said. “It is important we honor the confidentiality and integrity of that investigation.
Herrera apologizes for domestic violence
After playing in his first game with the Philadelphia Phillies since his arrest on domestic violence charges two years ago, Odubel Herrera apologized and vowed that he’s a better person.
“I feel sorry because I made a big mistake,” Herrera said Tuesday. “I know some people are not going to forgive me, and I understand that. I spent the last two years earning (my girlfriend’s) trust back, and I’m grateful she forgave me. Now I would like to have the same opportunity with my teammates, our fans and the Phillies family.”
The former All-star center fielder was 1 for 3 with a single and stolen base in a 4-2 loss to Toronto. He played right field, and manager Joe Girardi said he “looked pretty normal.”
Odds and ends
The start of the Triple-a season will be pushed back from April 6 to the first week of May, around the same time lower levels will begin play, Major League Baseball said . ...
Diamondbacks starting right fielder Kole Calhoun will have surgery today on his right knee because of a medial meniscus tear . ...
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he wasn’t sure whether the injury would cause Calhoun to miss opening day April 1 . ...
The Cubs finalized a one-year, $800,000 contract with reliever Ryan Tepera, a deal that allows him to earn up to $1.75 million. They opened a roster spot by designating righthander Duane Underwood Jr. for assignment.