Former Phillies star, Cubs coach dies
Ruben Amaro Sr., a Gold Glove shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1960s and a former Cubs coach, has died. He was 81.
Amaro won a Gold Glove for the Phillies in the season of their infamous collapse in 1964. He later became their first- base coach andwas on the staff when they won their first World Series in 1980.
He also played with the St. Louis Cardinals ( 1958), New York Yankees ( 1966- 68) and California Angels ( 1969).
Amaro also was a third- base and infield coach for the Cubs from 1983 to ’ 86
Mariners starter Smyly could miss two months
Mariners starter Drew Smyly will begin the season on the disabled list and could be out up to two months because of a strained elbow.
Smyly likely willmiss six to eight weeks with a flex strain in his left elbow, a big blow after the Mariners’ roster seemed set for the start of the regular season. Smyly will rehab the injury and surgery is not expected, but Smyly and the club are seeking additional information about how to handle the recovery.
Smyly was slotted to be the No. 4 starter after being acquired in the offseason in a trade from the Rays. The 27- year- old was 7- 12 with a 4.88 ERA for the Rays last season.
Ripken’s son signs minor- league deal with O’s
The Orioles signed the son of Cal Ripken Jr. to a minor- league contract.
First baseman Ryan Ripken signed with the Class A Aberdeen IronBirds.
The 23- year- old Ripken was selected by the Nationals in the 15th round of the 2014 MLB draft. He batted .205 over three seasons, hitting three home runs in 145 games.
Interstate complicates Braves’ stadium debut
Widespread warnings about the effect of the collapse of a section of an interstate in Atlanta convinced many fans to arrive early for the Braves’ first game at SunTrust Park.
The section of interstate collapsed Thursday because of a fire on I- 85. Only season- ticket holders were invited. The stadium is located near the interchange of I- 75 and I- 285 in the northern Atlanta suburbs.
This and that
Indians left fielder Michael Brantley likely will make the team’s Opening Day roster — and could start the opener — following a spring in which he slowly worked himself back into shape after playing in only 11 games last season because of a shoulder injury.
The Rangers unexpectedly optioned reliever Keona Kela. General manager Jon Daniels says the move wasn’t based on performance. He was limited to 35 games last season while dealing with right elbow issues, and finished 5- 1 with a 6.09 ERA.