HALOS GET RID OF UPTON

The Los Angeles Angels designated Justin Upton for assignment despite owing the slugging outfielder $19.5 million this season.

The Angels will still be responsible for Upton’s salary unless he’s claimed by another team, which seems unlikely. The 34-year-old Upton hit .211 with 17 homers, 41 RBIS and a .705 OPS over 89 games last season.

Upton is in the final season of a $106 million, fiveyear deal he signed to stay in Los Angeles a few months after being acquired from Detroit via trade during the 2017 season.

A four-time All-star, Upton was among the game’s promising young stars when he broke into the majors as a 19-year-old with Arizona in 2007. He has 324 home runs and 1,000 RBIS over 15 major league seasons.

By cutting Upton, the Angels have cleared space in the outfield for youngsters Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh to play every day alongside Mike Trout.

Assuming Upton clears waivers, he’s likely to refuse a minor league assignment and become a free agent.

Braves’ Jackson hurting

Braves reliever Luke Jackson has ligament damage in his right elbow and there’s no timetable for his return.

A key part of the bullpen last year during Atlanta’s run to the World Series championship, Jackson is having a “comprehensive evaluation,” the team said Saturday.

The Braves said tests revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in Jackson’s elbow. The 30-year-old had the test after he was shut down for a week and then had renewed discomfort when he resumed throwing.

Problems with the ulnar collateral ligament can lead to Tommy John surgery, which would end Jackson’s season.

Jackson posted 18 saves in 2019 and has since served as one of the team’s top setup men.

He was 2-2 with a careerbest 1.98 ERA in 71 games in 2021, helping Atlanta win its first championship since 1995.

Scherzer now ailing

Mets ace Max Scherzer is dealing with a hamstring issue and isn’t sure when he’ll pitch next, another frustrating setback for the top of New York’s heralded but suddenly fragile rotation.

A day after the Mets said star Jacob degrom will miss significant time with a shoulder injury, Scherzer was scratched from his outing Saturday morning in a simulated game.

Just five days away from opening day in Washington, Scherzer said he wasn’t sure about the immediate plans.

“Don’t know,” Scherzer said when asked when he’d pitch again. “I’ve had these little hamstring injuries before. They go away in days. Fortunately enough I’ve been pretty good to not have serious hamstring injuries. I’ve had just little hiccups.“

Notable

After striking out in free agency, the Guardians locked up one of their own, agreeing to terms with closer Emmanuel Clase on a $20 million, five-year contract.

The Orioles and slugger

Trey Mancini agreed on a $7.5 million, one-year deal to avoid arbitration that includes a $10 million mutual option for the 2023 season.

Patrick Corbin will make his first opening-day start with the Nationals on Thursday vs. the Mets, manager Dave Martinez said.

The Yankees boosted their depth behind the plate, acquiring catcher Jose Trevino from the Rangers for RHP Albert Abreu and LHP

Robert Ahlstrom in a trade.

Sandy Alcantara will make opening-day start Friday when the Marlins open the season at San Francisco, manager Don Mattingly said.