Cubs reject Joe Ricketts email

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein criticized emails from the patriarch of the family that owns the team and said Addison Russell won’t play for Chicago again unless he meets the team’s high expectations while completing his domestic violence suspension.

Splinter News published emails last week that included Joe Ricketts making Islamophobic comments, such as “Islam is a cult and not a religion.” Others included conspiracies about former President Barack Obama’s birthplace and education. Ricketts, who founded TD Ameritrade, apologized for the emails. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts last week said in statement that his father’s emails don’t reflect the values of the Cubs.

Epstein said Tuesday the emails were filled with “ugly, disgusting views.”

Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last year for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife. He will be eligible to return in early May, barring postponements.

METS: In Port St. Lucie, Fla., general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, who was Jacob deGrom’s agent before switching sides at the bargaining table last fall, told reporters Tuesday at spring training that the NL Cy Young Award winner and the team may talk contract extension this spring, but not into the season.

MARLINS: Miami has agreed to a one-year contract with veteran reliever Sergio Romo, according to multiple reports. The deal will pay the right-hander $2.5 million plus incentives, according to MLB.com.