Cactus League requesting delay of spring training

The Cactus League and Arizona community leaders have asked Major League Baseball to delay the start of spring training because of coronavirus concerns just over three weeks before pitchers and catchers are supposed to report.

The Cactus League made the request in a letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred that was obtained by The Associated Press. The letter was co-signed by the mayors of Mesa, Scottsdale, Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear and Peoria, as well as representatives from Phoenix and the Salt River Pima-maricopa Indian Community.

■ Draft: The first MLB draft combine will be held at the USA Baseball training complex in Cary, North Carolina, June 2028. The top 88 high school prospects will be invited to play eight games June 20-26, ending in bronze and gold medal games.

■ Braves: Third baseman Pablo Sandoval signed a minor league contract with Atlanta. Sandoval would receive a $1 million, one-year contract if he is added to the team’s 40-man roster under a deal the team confirmed Monday.

■ Pirates: Pittsburgh signed catcher Joe Hudson to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.

■ Red Sox: Boston acquired reliever Adam Ottavino along with minor league right-hander Frank German for a player to be named or cash from the New

York Yankees. As part of the trade, the Yankees agreed to send Boston $850,000 on July 1 to cover part of the $8 million owed to Ottavino, 35, a right-hander entering the final season of a $27 million, three-year contract. New York remains responsible for Ottavino’s $3 million signing bonus, due January 2022.

■ MLBPA: The Major League Baseball Players Association turned down the latest MLB proposal for the universal designated hitter and an expanded playoff format, according to ESPN.