Royals’ Perez may miss season
Kansas City Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez damaged the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, raising the possibility the 2015 World Series MVP may need Tommy John surgery and miss the season.
Perez was hurt during a workout Wednesday, and the team said an MRI Thursday revealed the damage. Perez will travel next week to California for a second opinion from Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
The 28-year-old has been an AllStar for six consecutive seasons and won Gold Gloves in five of the past six years.
He hit .235 last year and had 27 home runs and 80 RBIs for the second season in a row. He has a $10 million salary this year and is owed $13 million in each of the following two seasons.
Twins
Michael Pineda made his first start as he comes back from Tommy John surgery, allowing one hit in two innings during a 4-3 win against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla. The 30-year-old righthander struck out one and walked none, reaching 95 mph and throwing 18 strikes during a 26-pitch outing. He hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since July 5, 2017, for the New York Yankees, and Cincinnati Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek operated that July 18. Pineda signed with the Twins in December 2017 and as he neared a return late last season, he tore the meniscus in his right knee.
Cubs
A 13-year contract doesn’t appeal to third baseman Kris Bryant, whose longtime friend from Las Vegas, Bryce Harper, agreed Thursday to a record $330 million deal of that length with the Phillies. “I don’t think it’s something I would want,” Bryant said. “That’s a very long time. [Harper] is going to be 39 [when the contract expires]. That’s crazy.” Bryant, who shares the same agent, Scott Boras, as Harper, wasn’t knocking the deal as much as he was pointing out players’ differing preferences. “Obviously that’s what he wanted, and I’m happy he got what he wanted,” Bryant said. “He deserves it. He’s been one of the brightest stars in the game since he got called up. There’s been a lot of hype and energy surrounding him, and he’s handled it so well.”
Padres
Right-handed reliever Adam Warren signed a $2.5 million, oneyear contract with San Diego which holds a club option for 2020. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Padres placed left-hander Jose Castillo on the 60-day injured list with a left flexor strain. In 47 relief appearances between the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners last season, Warren went 3-2 with a 3.14 ERA. Over parts of seven major league seasons, Warren is 26-23 with six saves and a 3.42 ERA.
Giants
CEO Larry Baer caused his wife, Pam, to fall to the ground during a scuffle in a public park Friday in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley that was caught on video. The physical altercation was captured on video by a witness and published by TMZ. The Video shows Baer approaching his wife and trying to grab a cell phone from her. While wrestling with her, Pam is shown falling out of her chair and onto the ground while screaming, “Oh my God! Help!”
Dodgers
Left-hander Clayton Kershaw has not resumed throwing since stopping Monday while feeling shoulder discomfort. Kershaw, who felt the discomfort while playing catch, told manager Dave Roberts Friday that his shoulder feels better. Roberts also said 24-yearold right-hander Walker Buehler will have a couple of bullpen sessions, then pitch batting practice before appearing in an exhibition game. Buehler, who pitched a career-high 161 innings last year, including the postseason, is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Athletics
Slugger Khris Davis stepped up his rehab for a left calf strain and has begun running on the field. Oakland manager Bob Melvin said he expects Davis to be ready by the season-opening series against the Seattle Mariners in Japan in midMarch.