Dodgers, Yanks pay up
The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay baseball’s highest luxury tax for the fourth straight year, and the New York Yankees owe a penalty for a 15th consecutive season, streaks that could end as the sport’s biggest spenders slash payroll for 2018.
The Dodgers owe $36.2 million, according to final figures compiled by the commissioner’s office and obtained yesterday by the Associated Press. That raises their five-year tax total to nearly $150 million.
New York was second at $15.7 million, its lowest amount since 2011 but a figure that increased its total since the tax began to $341 million. San Francisco was next at $4.1 million, followed by Detroit at almost $3.7 million and Washington — which is paying tax for the first time — at just under $1.45 million . . . .
Texas Rangers left-hander Martin Perez broke his non-pitching elbow in a mishap with a bull and is likely to miss the start of the season.
The injury occurred on Perez’ ranch in his native Venezuela. General manager Jon Daniels said Perez told him he was startled by a bull and fell on the elbow . . . .
Adrian Gonzalez has been released by the Braves and is a free agent. Atlanta acquired the 35-year-old as part of Saturday’s five-player trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to the Dodgers and immediately designated him for assignment and placed him on waivers.
Revs will open on road
The Revolution, led by new coach Brad Friedel, will open the 2018 MLS season on the road against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 3 (time TBA). The following Saturday they will kick off the home schedule at Gillette Stadium against the Colorado Rapids (1:30 p.m.) . . . .
Manchester City kept alive its hopes of a quadruple as it beat Leicester 4-3 on penalties to reach the semifinals of the English League Cup.
Arsenal is also through after beating West Ham 1-0.
City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved Riyad Mahrez’ spot kick for the decisive moment following a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time.
Kiffin gains extension at FAU
A person familiar with the negotiations says football coach Lane Kiffin and Florida Atlantic have agreed on a sixyear extension through 2027.
Kiffin had four seasons remaining on his existing deal, one that pays him $950,000 annually . . . .
A person familiar with the decision says Kent State is hiring Syracuse offensive assistant Sean Lewis as its new coach.
The person says Lewis has agreed to a contract with Kent State after completing his second season with the Orange . . . .
Jerry Kill, a longtime coach who spent last season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers, has retired for health reasons, the school announced . . . .
Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, says she is coming out of retirement and returning to the tennis tour next season . . . .
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, one of three women to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, has died at 82.