League eyeing pace-of-game rule changes

Don’t look for a National League designated hitter this year or for new antitanking rules in June’s amateur draft.

Commissioner Rob Manfred said Friday management is focused on pace-ofgame changes and that some ideas are too complex for the 2019 season. Manfred was pleased that the players association responded to a proposed pitch clock and a three-batter minimum for a relief pitcher unless an inning ends.

After the past two years, players shot down a pitch clock. Management has the right to implement one to speed up play, but Manfred is reluctant to make on-field changes without the players’ approval.

Baseball is in its third year of a fiveyear labor deal; management would discuss larger changes as part of a deal for a new collective bargaining agreement extending beyond December 2021.

In a Feb. 1 proposal, players pushed for an NL designated hitter, an earlier trade deadline and more that Manfred said would be hard to implement this season.

Indians

Shortstop Francisco Lindor could miss the start of the season with a strained right calf. Cleveland’s medical staff confirmed a moderate sprain and estimated he would miss up to nine weeks. A threetime All-Star, Lindor batted .277 last season with 38 homers, 92 RBIs and 129 runs, tied for the league lead. In January, he signed a one-year, $10.55 million contract.

Giants

Bryce Harper and the Giants met in Las Vegas this week and San Francisco operations chief Farhan Zaidi said there was mutual interest but would not say whether an offer was extended to Harper. “Hard to deny when your CEO gets made in the casino,” Zaidi said Friday after Giants CEO Larry Baer was spotted by a fan Monday night in the Bellagio.

Elsewhere

The league is considering two matchups for its 2020 series in London: Mets vs. Nationals or Cubs vs. Cardinals. An announcement is expected after opening day. MLB’s first games in Britain are scheduled for this summer, when the Red Sox play the Yankees at London’s Olympic Stadium June 29-30.