Payrolls drop by $43 million in 2019

Big deals for Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and others that included large signing bonuses masked an otherwise flat market for the second straight offseason that caused Major League Baseball’s opening-day payrolls to drop by $43 million for 2019.

But according to figures compiled by the commissioner’s office and obtained by the Associated Press, payrolls rose by $131 million when using the averages of multiyear contracts.

The Cincinnati Reds announced Matt Kemp suffered a broken rib when he crashed into the wall in San Diego on Sunday and has been placed on the 10-day injured list . ... Hanley Ramirez cleared waivers and rather than signing a minor league deal with Cleveland, the 35-year-old elected free agency. He played in 15 games for the Indians, batting .239 with two homers and eight RBIs. The Texas Rangers placed left-hander Drew Smyly on the 10-day IL because of nerve tightness in his pitching arm . ... Kansas City Royals pitcher Brad Keller dropped his appeal and started a five-game suspension for hitting Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox in the buttocks with a pitch last week . ... Boston Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi had surgery to remove a loose body in his right elbow . ... Major League Baseball was reviewing Harper’s rant at an umpire to determine whether the Phillies star should be disciplined . ... Reliever Nick Burdi was placed on the 10-day IL by the Pittsburgh Pirates with pain in his right biceps and elbow.