HOT CORNER

1 2 3 4 PRO BASEBALL:

Shohei Ohtani will make his exhibition debut with the Dodgers today when he serves as DH against the White Sox. Los Angeles has been taking it slowly with the two-way star, who signed a record $700 million contract during the offseason. The two-time MVP is coming off right elbow surgery in September.

MEN’S SOCCER:

Midfielder Weston McKennie will likely miss the CONCACAF Nations League finals in Texas next month after dislocating his left shoulder while playing for Juventus . ... Cristiano Ronaldo is under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match. Footage appeared to show him repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis, seemingly aimed at rival supporters, after the match. Local media reports say the Saudi football federation opened an investigation. He could face a suspension.

OBITUARY:

José DeLeón, a major league pitcher for 13 seasons who led the National League in strikeouts for the Cardinals in 1989, has died. He was 63. Los Leones del Escogido, DeLeón’s team in the Dominican Winter League, said he died Sunday. The team said DeLeón had health issues without giving further information. DeLeón was 86-119 with a 3.76 ERA for Pittsburgh (1983-86), the White Sox (198687, 1993-95), St. Louis (1988-92), Philadelphia (1992-93) and Montreal (1995).

HORSE RACING:

A review of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga Race Course last summer found no definitive cause of why they happened, saying rainfall “could not be overlooked” as a factor. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, in a report, said a multitude of risk factors played into the 13 racing or training deaths of thoroughbreds during the 2023 season at the track in New York. Another horse died in a barn stall accident. HISA’s investigation found that higher rainfall could have played a role. The federal agency now in charge of overseeing the sport did not uncover any rules violations that contributed to the fatalities.