Bauer agrees to short-term stint with team in Mexico
Trevor Bauer pitched last season in Japan. He’ll start this season pitching in Mexico.
With the Major League Baseball season starting Wednesday and none of the 30 MLB clubs extending him a contract offer, Bauer announced on social media Monday he would pitch in six games with the Diablos Rojos of the Mexican League, including an exhibition game Sunday in Mexico City against the New York Yankees.
Bauer, a former Dodgers pitcher, served the longest suspension ever levied for violating the MLB policy on domestic violence and sexual assault. He was reinstated before the 2023 season, but no MLB team signed him and he pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan.
Bauer said he has agreed to pitch five games for the Diablos Rojos between April 11 (opening day in the Mexican League) and May 8 “in lieu of a traditional spring training period.”
“This will help me stay in game shape,” he said, “and I’ll be able to join a rotation immediately if or when an MLB offer comes.” — Bill Shaikin
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is expected to play in Wednesday night’s exhibition against Pittsburgh after an eight-day layoff caused by an abdominal injury while leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu’s status for opening day is unclear because of a hurt foot. ... The Atlanta Braves optioned All-Star pitcher Bryce Elder to the minors, deciding to open the season with Reynaldo López as their fifth starter. ... Left-hander Justin Wilson has agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds after his release from a minor league deal with the Dodgers.
ETC. Messi to sit out friendly in L.A.
Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina’s two friendlies in the U.S. this month, including a March 26 game against Costa Rica at the Coliseum, because of a right leg muscle injury, the Argentine Football Assn. said.
The captain was injured last week while playing for his Inter Miami club.
Messi, 36, will also miss a game against El Savador on Friday in Philadelphia.
The Chargers announced the signing of offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman.
A veteran of six seasons, Bozeman, 29, is expected to take over at center in place of Corey Linsley, who is facing retirement because of a heart-related ailment.
The Chargers also announced the signing of linebacker Troy Dye, who was with Minnesota the last four seasons, who played more time on special teams than defense.
Former Chargers cornerback Michael Davis signed with Washington. — Jeff Miller
The San Francisco 49ers have forfeited a 2025 fifthround draft pick and had a 2024 fourth-round pick moved down four spots because of a salary cap. ... Leighton Vander Esch, 28, retired after six seasons, with the linebacker stepping away after sitting out 12 games for the Dallas Cowboys last year because of the latest in a series of neck injuries. ... The Pittsburgh Steelers signed special teams ace Miles Killebrew
to a two-year contract and also came to terms with former Rams receiver Van Jefferson on a one-year deal. Other signings: offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive tackles Benito Jones and Jonathan Harris
with the Miami Dolphins; receiver Ray-Ray McCloud to the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year deal; defensive end
Byron Cowart to the Chicago Bears (one-year deal).
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum sat out Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons because of a right ankle injury. ... The Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Marcus Morris Sr. to a 10-day contract to add some depth.
Former Philadelphia Flyers star Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement, ending a 15-year NHL career that included three seasons with the Kings. ... Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov was suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary.
Boxing great Roberto Durán, 72, received a pacemaker after he was hospitalized over the weekend, his family said.