A-Rod to stay aboard as adviser to Yankees
Boone: Knowledge of game will help team’s youngsters.
Five years after claiming the Yankees were trying to run him out of baseball, Alex Rodriguez is remaining with New York as a revered elder statesman.
New York said Sunday that A-Rod will be a special adviser.
“I think he has a lot to offer,” new Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully it’s an opportunity for him to impact our team. I think everyone understands just how smart of a baseball mind he is and his ability I think to communicate that sometimes is really something he’s special at, especially with the younger guys.”
When Rodriguez retired in August 2016 during a season-long slump, he agreed to serve as an adviser and instructor for the remainder of his $275 million, 10-year contract. Rodriguez spent a few days each year working with prospects, and when that deal expired at the end of last season he spoke with owner Hal Steinbrenner about remaining in some role.
Nick Swisher also was added as a special adviser, joining Reggie Jackson and Hideki Matsui.
Jackson says the 42-yearold Rodriguez could have an on-field future if he wants to.
“Alex is a real student of the game. I think he’s got the ability to manage. I think he’s got those skills. It’s a good place for him to learn,” Jackson said. “I think he wants to own.”
Phillies: Gabe Kapler figured why wait? Aaron Nola will be his first opening day starter as Philadelphia Phillies manager.
“Barring anything crazy happening, he’s our guy. He is the man,” Kapler said after Nola pitched two innings in his spring-training debut Sunday, an 8-3 loss to the New York Yankees.
Still, the 24-year-old righthander wouldn’t mind deferring to a more accomplished option should the Phillies sign one of the big-name free agents still available, such as Jake Arrieta or Lance Lynn.
“It would definitely be good to get another veteran,” Nola said before Kapler’s postgame announcement. “It’s always good to have veterans on your team, because for us younger guys it’s good to learn from them, because they’ve been in our shoes before.”
Nola was 12-11 with a 3.54 ERA in 27 starts last season.
Also, veteran infielder Will Middlebrooks broke his left leg during a collision with teammate Andrew Pullin during Saturday’s win over Baltimore.
Phillies manager Gave Kapler said Sunday that Middlebrooks broke his left fibula. Kapler said additional tests were needed to determine whether Middlebrooks also had ankle damage.
Giants: Ace Madison Bumgarner made his spring training debut against the Cubs and allowed four hits and two earned runs. He got all five outs via strikeout.
Twins: A person with knowledge of the deal told the AP that free agent slugger Logan Morrison agreed to terms on a one-year, $6.5 million contract.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a physical exam and not yet finalized by the team. Morrison had a career-high 38 home runs and 85 RBIs for the Rays last season.
Indians: Reliever Matt Belisle agreed to a minor league contract and would get a $1.5 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man big league roster.
The 37-year-old righthander was 2-2 with a 4.03 ERA and in 62 appearances for Minnesota last year, converting nine of his 11 save chances.
Saturday’s Games Sunday’s Games
Spurs 110, (at) Cavaliers 94: LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points to help San Antonio snap a four-game skid, and Danny Green added 22. LeBron James had 33 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for the Cavs.
Pelicans 123, (at) Bucks 121 (OT): Jrue Holiday scored 28 of his season-high 36 points after halftime, and New Orleans held on for its season-high fifth win in a row.
(At) Hornets 114, Pistons 98: Dwight Howard had 17 points and 12 rebounds in Charlotte’s fourth straight win — a season best.
Rockets 119, (at) Nuggets 114: James Harden had 41 points and Chris Paul added 23 as Houston won at Denver.
(At) Wizards 109, 76ers 94: Bradley Beal had 24 points and Otto Porter Jr. added 23 for Washington; Joel Embiid had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Philadelphia.
NBA notes
Timberwolves: The team said All-Star guard Jimmy Butler had successful meniscus surgery on his right knee but will be sidelined indefinitely.
Agent killed in Colorado crash: Longtime NBA agent
Dan Fegan, whose clients include John Wall, Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins, was killed in a car crash Sunday near Aspen, Colo. He was 56. The Colorado State Patrol said Fegan was driving an SUV when he tried to merge onto a highway and was broadsided by a commuter bus.