Brewers reliever Hader apologizes to teammates
MILWAUKEE » Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader apologized to his team after years-old racist and homophobic tweets surfaced during the All-Star Game.
Hader spoke with teammates before a game Friday against the Dodgers, the first action for the Brewers since the All-Star break.
“I just want them to know that I’m sorry for what I did back in the day and the mistakes that I made,” Hader said, “and that they are a family to me and that they (the tweets) aren’t me and what I meant.”
Outfielder Brett Phillips said Hader offered a sincere apology. Manager Craig Counsell described Hader as emotional and remorseful.
Hader expressed regrets again during a news conference about 90 minutes before the game. Teammates filed into the Miller Park media auditorium as Hader spoke, with fellow All-Stars Jesus Aguilar and Lorenzo Cain among those who stood directly behind Hader.
“It’s amazing. It tells me that they have my back and that we are a true family,” Hader said about the show of solidarity.
The 24-year-old Hader also apologized and took responsibility for the tweets after the All-Star Game, saying they did not reflect his values or the person he is now.
The tweets included uses of a slur used to disparage African-Americans and one that simply said “KKK.”
Said Hader: “They were never my beliefs. I was young. I was saying stuff out of just ignorance and that’s just not what I meant.”
Until Tuesday, Hader was best known as the hard-throwing left-hander in the Brewers’ strong bullpen. He has been a lightsout reliever since coming up to the majors in June 2017.
Several of Hader’s tweets from 2011 and 2012 were unearthed Tuesday while he was pitching in the All-Star Game. Hader learned of the situation when he left the game.
MLB announced Wednesday that the commissioner’s office would require Hader to participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives in addition to sensitivity training.
A day filled with acts of contrition by Hader also included a meeting with Billy Bean, MLB’s vice president for social responsibility and inclusion. He described Hader as “punishing himself more than probably anyone else could.”
“I was really convinced after a couple hours together today — much longer than we expected — that his experience as an athlete and a professional in an integrated, diverse environment has created the person that he is today,” Bean said.
Mariners give Servais extension
SEATTLE » The Seattle Mariners will have some continuity in the managerial chair for a change.
Seattle signed Scott Servais to a multiyear contract extension Friday as the club opened the second half of the season in position to potentially end the longest current playoff drought in the four major pro sports.
The extension was a reward after Servais led Seattle to a 58-39 record prior to the All Star break and a hold on the second wildcard spot in the American League. Seattle hasn’t been to the postseason since 2001.
Tigers places Fulmer on DL
DETROIT » The Detroit Tigers have put righthander Michael Fulmer on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.
The Tigers announced the move Friday. Detroit also activated outfielder Leonys Martin from the DL, optioned outfielder Mikie Mahtook to Triple-A Toledo and recalled right-hander Victor Alcantara from Toledo.
Fulmer was initially set to start Sunday. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, Fulmer appeared to be Detroit’s ace entering this season, but he’s gone just 3-9 with a 4.50 ERA for the rebuilding Tigers.
Orioles designate Tillman
TORONTO » — The Orioles designated former All-Star Chris Tillman for assignment, offering the veteran right-hander a chance to remain in the organization and pitch at Triple-A. Tillman, who started the 2016 AL wild card game for Baltimore, is 1-5 with a 10.46 ERA in seven starts and hasn’t pitched since May 10 because of a back injury.