Francona: Indians didn’t shield coach
Responding to claims the team protected Mickey Callaway, Indians manager Terry Francona said no one in the Cleveland organization “covered up” for the former pitching coach who’s under investigation by Major League Baseball after allegations of sexual harassment.
Callaway is suspended as the Los Angeles Angels pitching coach, pending the MLB inquiry.
The Athletic reported Tuesday that 12 current and former Indians employees came forward in the last month to say Callaway’s bad behavior was so obvious during his 2013-17 stint with Cleveland that “it would have been difficult for top officials to not be aware” of it.
His alleged lewd behavior included sending inappropriate photos, requesting nude photos in return and making women “feel uncomfortable.”
“Nobody’s ever deliberately covered up for anybody, I can tell you that,” Francona said on a Zoom call from the team’s spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz.
The Indians followed with a statement a few hours later.
“Our organization continues to actively cooperate with MLB on their investigation into Mickey Callaway,“it said. “It is important we honor the confidentiality and integrity of that investigation.
Herrera sorry for 2019 arrest
After playing in his first game with the Philadelphia Phillies since his arrest on domestic violence charges two years ago, Odubel Herrera apologized and vowed that he’s a better person.
“I feel sorry because I made a big mistake,” Herrera said Tuesday. “I know some people are not going to forgive me, and I understand that. I spent the last two years earning (my girlfriend’s) trust back, and I’m grateful she forgave me. Now I would like to have the same opportunity with my teammates, our fans and the Phillies family.”
The former All-Star center fielder was 1 for 3 with a single and stolen base in a 4-2 loss to Toronto. He played right field, and manager Joe Girardi said he “looked pretty normal.”
AAA season delayed a month
The start of the AAA season will be pushed back from April 6 to the first week of May, around the same time lower levels will begin play, Major League Baseball said.
In the meantime, teams again will operate alternate training sites. Last year the Astros’ alternate site was in Corpus Christi, but the team hasn’t announced its 2021 alternate site.
Odds and ends
Diamondbacks starting right fielder Kole Calhoun will have surgery Wednesday on his right knee because of a medial meniscus tear . ...
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he wasn’t sure whether the injury would cause Calhoun to miss opening day April 1 . ...
The Cubs finalized a one-year, $800,000 contract with reliever Ryan Tepera, a deal that allows him to earn up to $1.75 million. They opened a roster spot by designating righthander Duane Underwood Jr. for assignment.