Cora won’t return to Red Sox

Alex Cora, who won the World Series in 2018 in his debut season as manager of the Red Sox but has been linked this offseason to two sign-stealing schemes, mutually agreed to part ways with the team Tuesday.

Cora, 44, who led the Red Sox over the Dodgers in five games in 2018, a year removed from winning the World Series in Houston as Astros bench coach, is awaiting discipline from MLB for his role in a sign-stealing scheme by the Astros and is still under investigation for a different sign-stealing scheme that is said to have occurred with the Red Sox in 2018.

In MLB’s findings on Houston announced Monday, Cora is described by commissioner Rob Manfred as being “involved in developing both the banging scheme and utilizing the replay review room to decode and transmit signs. Cora participated in both schemes, and through his active participation, implicitly condoned the players’ conduct.”

♦ Third baseman Josh Donaldson agreed to a four-year, $92 million contract with the Twins. Donaldson, 34, is a three-time All-Star and the 2015 American League MVP. He rebounded from two consecutive injury-riddled seasons to hit .259 in 155 games for the Braves last season with 37 homers and 94 RBI.

♦ The Phillies cut outfielder Odubel Herrera and claimed outfielder Nick Martini.

♦ The Braves renamed their stadium Truist Park, replacing SunTrust Park.

Notre Dame promotes Rees, 27, to OC

Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly shuffled his offensive staff by promoting Tom Rees to offensive coordinator. Rees, 27, who was the starting quarterback under Kelly from 2010 to ’14, had been the quarterbacks coach the last three seasons. Kelly also moved Lance Taylor, 38, from running backs coach to run game coordinator.

♦ Former Penn State player Isaiah Humphries filed a federal lawsuit against the university, coach James Franklin and former teammate Damion Barber, claiming that he was subjected to hazing and that the coaching staff was aware of it and did not protect him.