Ex-Indian Crisp to appear in one game with Crushers

Former Indians outfielder Coco Crisp signed a one-game contract with the Lake Erie Crushers, the team announced. Crisp is slated to appear Aug. 3. The Crushers host River City at 6:05 p.m. that evening. Crisp last played in MLB in 2016, appearing in 122 games with the Athletics and Indians. Former Indians player Travis Hafner appeared in a game for the Crushers in 2018. TALKS ON DECK Major League Baseball and its players agreed to an unprecedented early start to contract bargaining, a move sparked by union anger that raised the possibility of a return to work stoppages that marred the sport in the late 20th century.MLB and the union announced modest rule changes March 14, mostly starting in 2020 such as expanded rosters and a threebatter minimum for pitchers, and the commissioner’s office agreed to drop its push for pitch clocks until 2022 at the earliest. Players have been furious at slow free-agent markets during the first two offseasons of the collective bargaining agreement set to expire Dec. 1, 2021..

NFL

RAIDERS CUTS >> The Raiders released 2018 leading wide receiver Jordy Nelson and backup QB AJ McCarron to create salary cap space after going on a spending spree earlier this week.

Horse racing

NEW RULES AFTER 22ND FATALITY >> Santa Anita will ban the use of medication and whips on racing days after the 22nd horse fatality in 2 1/2 months occurred at the historic track March 14. The move by owner The Stronach Group would make Santa Anita the first racetrack in the nation to impose such restrictions in a sport that has taken repeated hits for drug and safety issues while struggling to maintain its fan base and attract younger gamblers.

College basketball

COACH STILL OUT >> LSU will not allow Will Wade to resume his duties as men’s basketball coach unless he speaks to university officials about the reports of an FBI wire-tap that resulted in his suspension. A statement from the school’s counsel was released amid reports that Wade has requested to return to the team.