Phils send Asher to Orioles
SARASOTA, FLA. >> The Baltimore Orioles have added another starting pitcher, acquiring righthander Alec Asher from the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named or cash.
The trade was made Tuesday, less than a week before opening day.
The 26-year-old Asher was 2-7 with a 5.88 ERA in 12 big league starts for the Phillies in 2015 and 2016. He served an 80-game suspension for steroid use last season, when he went 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in five starts.
“Good, young arm with options,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I think the plan is for him to come to camp with us and see if we can work him in for an outing . ... He’s had some challenges he’s gotten behind.”
Indians sign Ramirez to 5-year contract
GOODYEAR, ARIZ. >> The Cleveland Indians and versatile infielder Jose Ramirez completed a fiveyear, $26 million contract Tuesday, giving the AL champions another core player for a long while.
The deal includes club options for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The sides agreed to the pact last week and Ramirez passed his physical to finalize it. Cleveland also had talks with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor this spring about a multiyear deal.
The 24-year-old Ramirez had a breakout season in 2016, when he helped the Indians win their first AL pennant since 1997.
“I’m really happy, I thank my family, the staff here in Cleveland and the fans, who are very important to me,” Ramirez said through a translator. “I think signing a long-term contract can take stress away from someone, but I’m going to use the same pressure and work hard.”
In his first full major league season, Ramirez batted .312 with 46 doubles, 11 home runs, 76 RBIs and 22 steals. He played four positions and hit in every spot in Cleveland’s batting order, picking up the offensive slack after left fielder Michael Brantley was limited to just 11 games following right shoulder surgery.
Nationals: Trump declined invite for opening day
WASHINGTON >> The Washington Nationals say President Donald Trump has declined an invitation to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before their game on opening day.
A spokeswoman for the team said the White House said Trump would not be at next week’s game at Nationals Park against the Marlins because of a scheduling conflict.
Also: Reds claim Gennett
GOODYEAR, ARIZ. >> The Cincinnati Reds have claimed Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, giving them another option at second base and a utility player off the bench.
The Reds made the move Tuesday. He grew up in Cincinnati and will make $2,525,000 this season.
Gennett played four seasons with Milwaukee. He batted .263 with a career-high 14 homers and 56 RBIs last season, but the Brewers decided to go with Jonathan Villar at second base this season. The Reds also optioned Tim Adleman and Sal Romano — who had been competing for spots in the rotation — to Triple-A Louisville. GLENDALE, ARIZ. >> Tampa Bay bolstered its outfield depth, acquiring speedy Peter Bourjos from the Chicago White Sox for cash or a player to be named,
Bourjos hit .251 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. He signed a minor league contract with the White Sox.