MLB Briefs MANFRED PROMISES PACE CHANGE SOON

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred says proposed rules changes to speed pace of play will be in place by the start of major-league exhibition games Feb. 23.

The commissioner has hoped for an agreement with the players’ association but has the right to implement last offseason’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.

“There are going to be rule changes with respect to pace of play for the 2018 season. You’ll know about those rule changes before we start playing spring training games,” Manfred said Thursday at Tropicana Field.

Garcia, Jays agree to deal.

Left-hander Jaime Garcia and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract that includes a 2019 team option.

Garcia gets $8 million this year as part of the deal. Toronto has a $10 million option with a $2 million buyout.

Orioles sign Cashner.

Pitcher Andrew Cashner and the Orioles agreed to a $16 million, two-year contract, a deal that could be worth $41 million over three seasons if he pitches 200 innings annually.

Indians’ Salazar likely out.

Indians pitcher Danny Salazar is unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season, another early blow to the team after the death of manager Terry Francona’s father.

Team officials said that Salazar had inflammation in his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program in mid-January. He returned to throwing but is still several weeks behind.

Footnotes.

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 Mets are bringing back Matt den Dekker, adding depth in the outfield as they wait for allstar slugger Michael Conforto to get healthy.