MORNING ROUNDUP

Jharel Cotton scratched from Athletics start

Oakland Athletics starter Jharel Cotton was a late scratch Monday night against the Detroit Tigers with a right groin strain.

Cotton began his warmups at the normal time, but Raul Alcantara went out to the bullpen to prepare as Cotton, a former Oklahoma City Dodgers player, walked back to the dugout.

Alcantara has pitched in 10 games over the past two seasons, including six starts, and posted an 8.91 ERA. This season, he is 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA in five games.

Morris brothers in court

Defense lawyers insist that NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris had nothing to do with a 2015 beating that resulted in felony assault charges against them.

Their lawyers delivered opening statements in a Phoenix courtroom in which they put blame on others and questioned the motives of the victim.

Marcus Morris’ defense attorney Timothy Eckstein said witness statements that are the basis for the prosecution’s case are “entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the truth.”

The twin brothers could face prison time and discipline from the NBA if convicted, including a minimum 10 games of suspension.

Markieff now plays for the Washington Wizards, and Marcus was a key offseason addition for the Boston Celtics.

A prosecutor says the NBA players participated in an “orchestrated attack” against a man in 2015 that left him with a broken nose and other injuries.

Memphis edges El Paso for PCL championship

The Memphis Redbirds, behind excellent pitching and at least one highlight reel and possibly game saving defensive play, edged the El Paso Chihuahuas 3-1 for the Pacific Coast League baseball championship.

Memphis won the best-of-5 championship series by claiming the first two games in Memphis, then falling to the Chihuahuas Friday and Saturday, then holding on to take the final Sunday duel.