Braves demote struggling shortstop Dansby Swanson
Programs: Burnt Hills Rowing is offering 3 Learn to Row sessions this summer for students entering grades 6-12. The three two-week sessions, Monday thru Friday, from 8-11 a.m. will run July 3-14, July 17-28 and August 7-18. The cost is $150 each session, sign up for two and get $25 off. Contact info@bhrow.com or visit www.bhrow.com for more details. Saratoga Springs Recreation Fall Soccer: Saratoga Springs Recreation Department 2017 Fall Soccer Early Bird Registration for 2017 Fall Soccer is June 5-August 14. For additional information call (518) 587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratogasprings.org. Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series: The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series will be held Mondays June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7 and August 21 at 6:15 PM at Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. The races are open to all and registration is $5 at the door. Saratoga Springs Ice Rink Open: Join us for summer fun at the ice rink. Open Public, Open Stick, Open Adult Hockey and Open Figure sessions will be offered. Call (518) 5873550 x2300, (518) 583-3462 or visit www.SaratogaRec.com for more information. ATLANTA » The Atlanta Braves have optioned struggling shortstop Dansby Swanson to TripleA Gwinnett.
Swanson was expected to be the figurehead of a rebuilding team. He was the No. 1 overall pick by Arizona in 2015 and was regarded as one of the National League’s top rookies. He has hit only .213 with six homers and 35 RBIs. He has only three hits in 25 at-bats since the All-Star break.
The Braves made the move following Wednesday’s 10-3 loss at Arizona. The team says a corresponding move will be made before Friday’s game at Philadelphia.
Atlanta also optioned righthander Aaron Blair to Gwinnett after he allowed five runs in three innings in Wednesday’s loss, his 2017 debut.
The Braves acquired Swanson, Blair and Ender Inciarte from Arizona in a 2015 trade that sent Shelby Miller to Arizona.
—The Associated Press ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA » An Ethiopian athlete has been banned for two years for attacking his coach after learning he didn’t make the team for next month’s world championships in London.
Ethiopian Athletics Federation spokesman Sileshi Bisrat says 21-year-old steeplechase runner Chala Beyo, who competed at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, punched coach Yohannes Mohammed when the team was announced.
The coach needed medical treatment for an injured left eye, and Bisrat says police are searching for the runner.
Bisrat says Chala was carrying a rock when he assaulted his coach, but didn’t use it.
Chala ran for Ethiopia in the 3,000 meters steeplechase at last year’s Olympics. He didn’t qualify for the final.
The federation says it has banned him for two years from all competitions. —The Associated Press