Boras should back off, Manfred says
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Friday that agent Scott Boras should steer clear of the Cubs’ plan on how to handle rookie Kris Bryant.
“I don’t think the Cubs’ decision with respect to what’s going to happen with Kris Bryant is really any of Mr. Boras’ business,” Manfred said.
Bryant, 23, has nine homers this spring, most in the majors. He led the minor leagues with 43 homers last season.
The Cubs are leaning toward starting the third baseman in the minors. If Bryant begins in the minors, the Cubs could gain an extra year until he’s eligible for free agency.
Boras brought up the “integrity” of baseball in lobbying for Bryant to begin the season in the majors.
“I think the Cubs — I know the Cubs — will make decisions that are best for the long-term competitiveness of that club,” Manfred said.
Reliever David Rollins was suspended for 80 games for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Rollins, 25, was a Rule 5 Draft selection from the Houston organization. Rollins had made just one appearance above Double-A in his career, but he was in contention to become one of Seattle’s left-handed options in the bullpen. Rollins had allowed one earned run in seven Cactus League appearances.
Pitcher
Mariners:
White Sox:
Kyle Drabek was claimed off waivers from Toronto. Drabek, 27, spent most of 2014 at Triple-A Buffalo. Over parts of dive seasons with the Blue Jays, the righty went 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA.
Yankees:
Masahiro Tanaka will start the opener April 6 against Toronto. CC Sabathia will have his streak of six straight opening-day starts for New York end.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Alex Rodriguez, who has never played anywhere but shortstop, third base or designated hitter in his 20-year career, will start at dirst base Sunday against the Astros.
Yovani Gallardo will start the season opener April 6 at Oakland. Ace Yu Darvish is out for the season after ligament-replacement elbow surgery, and lefthander Derek Holland will likely start the April 10 home opener.
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Rangers:
Indians:
Right-hander Danny Salazar (1-2 with an 8.18 ERA in 11 spring innings) was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
Outdielder Eury Perez, acquired off waivers from the Yankees, was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy will be re-evaluated today after banging his left shoulder in a collision with second baseman Jonathan Schoop in Friday’s spring game against the Rays.
A cousin of slugger Alex Rodriguez who was the star’s longtime personal assistant pleaded guilty in Miami federal court to a federal drug charge, the last remaining defendant in the probe into steroids illegally provided to athletes through a South Florida clinic.
Yuri Sucart, 52, faces between eight and 14 months in prison at sentencing on June 4.
Braves:
Orioles:
Noteworthy:
Thursday’s Games