With all the protocols in place, Stephen Strasburg got a good feel Monday night for what pitching on the road will entail this season during the coronavirus pandemic. Last year's World Series MVP threw five strong innings for Washington in a 4-2 exhibition win over the Baltimore Orioles. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said the team took five buses for the 45-minute ride to Baltimore so players and staff could space out, with 14 people on each bus. “It’s pretty intense,” Strasburg said. “You get on the bus and you have to wear a face mask the whole time. Then you get in, and basically they temperature screen you. It’s kind of tough to get a good temperature reading when it’s 100 degrees outside. "But if you pass that, then you come into the clubhouse and everybody’s kind of sectioned off. So it’s just kind of an adjustment that we have to make. But unfortunately it’s kind of challenging to build team chemistry in an environment like this right now.” Strasburg looked just fine on the mound,... [More]

April 91913 — Ebbets Field opened in Brooklyn and Philadelphia defeated the Dodgers 1-0 before a crowd of 10,000. The stadium, which cost $750,000 to build, was named after Charles Ebbets, the club’s principal owner.1947 — Dodgers manager Leo Durocher was suspended for one year by commissioner Happy Chandler for “the accumulation of unpleasant incidents” detrimental to baseball.1959 — The Baltimore Orioles, playing against the Washington Senators, became the first team in history to execute a triple play on opening day. The Senators won the game, 9-2.1965 — The Houston Astrodome opened with an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Astros. President Johnson attended and Gov. John Connally threw out the first ball. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run, but the Astros won 2-1 in 12 innings.1969 — Billy Williams of Chicago hit four consecutive doubles to lead the Cubs to an 11-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.1974 — San Diego Padres owner Ray Kroc criticized his club over... [More]

(April 9)1913 — Ebbets Field opened in Brooklyn and Philadelphia defeated the Dodgers 1-0 before a crowd of 10,000. The stadium, which cost $750,000 to build, was named after Charles Ebbets, the club’s principal owner.1947 — Dodgers manager Leo Durocher was suspended for one year by commissioner Happy Chandler for “the accumulation of unpleasant incidents” detrimental to baseball.1959 — The Baltimore Orioles, playing against the Washington Senators, became the first team in history to execute a triple play on opening day. The Senators won the game, 9-2.1965 — The Houston Astrodome opened with an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Astros. President Johnson attended and Gov. John Connally threw out the first ball. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run, but the Astros won 2-1 in 12 innings.1969 — Billy Williams of Chicago hit four consecutive doubles to lead the Cubs to an 11-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.1974 — San Diego Padres owner Ray Kroc criticized his club over... [More]

April 61972 — For the first time in history, the major leagues failed to open on schedule because of a player strike, which started on April 1. The traditional season opener between Houston and Cincinnati was canceled and a total of 86 games were lost before the strike was settled.1973 — Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first major league designated hitter. With the bases loaded in the first inning, he was walked by pitcher Luis Tiant, but the Red Sox won 15-5.1973 — At the Oakland Coliseum, Tony Oliva became the first designated hitter to homer. The Twins DH hit a two-run shot in the first inning off of Catfish Hunter to Minnesota to an 8-3 win.1974 — Due to renovations at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees' home opener took place at Shea Stadium. It was their first home game outside Yankee Stadium since 1922.1977 — The Seattle Mariners played their first regular-season game and lost 7-0 to the California Angels at the Kingdome.1982 — A freak storm that brought subfreezing... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Zach Davies has to compensate for his lack of velocity.“There are some guys who just go out there and throw, and that’s great and it works," San Diego's newly acquired pitcher said. "Unfortunately, I don’t have that. But there are ways to be successful other than throw hard and try to blow it by people, and that’s something I’ve had to focus on.”Davies, whose fastball averaged just under 89 mph last season, was acquired from Milwaukee in late November along with center fielder Trent Grisham for left-hander Eric Lauer, infielder Luis Urías and a player to be named.Davies examines video of other pitchers who rely on command and control, such as former Padre Jake Peavy, Tim Hudson and Kyle Hendricks.“Just kind of see how hitters react to it," Davies said. "There are differences in the way you sequence and the way you throw to guys, but you can kind of see the way hitters react in certain situations. And if you want to change your game plan, you know what works with other... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego right-hander Chris Paddack has something new to show hitters this season — a blue-eyed lion. Two days before spring training opened, Paddack had a tattoo of a lion — his spirit animal — inked from wrist to elbow on the outside of his left forearm. When he comes to a set position on the mound, the lion is directly batter’s line of vision. He relishes the chance to let it loose on opening day against Colorado on March 26.“Have I reflected on that start? Absolutely,” Paddack said. “But whoever pitches that day is our ace. The chemistry is more important than that. You can’t selfish yourself out of the group. I’m definitely a big believer in that. But don’t get me wrong, March 26 is my goal, for sure.”Paddack is a candidate after going 9-7 with a 3.33 ERA in 26 starts as a rookie last season. The Padres monitored his workload in the final stages of his return from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2017 season.Paddak never pitched on fewer than five... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles Dodgers Manager: Dave Roberts (fifth season). 2019: 106-56, first place, lost to Nationals in Division Series. Training Town: Glendale, Arizona. Park: Camelback Ranch. First Workout: Feb. 14/18. He's Here: OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price, LHP Alex Wood, RHP Blake Treinen, RHP Jimmy Nelson, 2B Clayton Daniel.He's Outta Here: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, RHP Kenta Maeda, LHP Rich Hill, OF Joc Pederson, OF Alex Verdugo, 1B David Freese, RHP Yimi Garcia, 3B Jedd Gyorko, C Russell Martin, RHP JT Chargois, 2B Kristopher Negron.Going campin': In what's become a familiar refrain, the Dodgers arrive at camp still looking for their first World Series championship since 1988. After losing in two straight World Series, they were ousted by Washington in five games in the NL Division Series last fall.... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The rebuilding San Diego Padres rewarded free agent Drew Pomeranz for two strong months in Milwaukee’s bullpen and addressed two big needs by acquiring right-handed starter Zach Davies and lefty outfielder Trent Grisham from the Brewers on Wednesday.They were the first big moves of the offseason for the Padres, who have lost more than 90 games for four straight seasons and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006.San Diego and Pomeranz — an All-Star during his brief stay with the Padres in 2016 — agreed to a $34 million, four-year contract.The left-hander had a strong final two months of the season with the Brewers after being traded to Milwaukee from San Francisco. He was 0-1 with a 2.39 ERA in 25 games, including one start.Pomeranz struck out 45 and walked only eight of the 100 batters he faced"We're banking that he's found a role that really fits for him and it was a chance to get an impact performer," Padres general manager A.J. Preller said."He shortened up his repertoire... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The rebuilding San Diego Padres rewarded free agent Drew Pomeranz for two strong months in Milwaukee’s bullpen and addressed two big needs by acquiring right-handed starter Zach Davies and lefty outfielder Trent Grisham from the Brewers on Wednesday.They were the first big moves of the offseason for the Padres, who have lost more than 90 games for four straight seasons and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006.San Diego and Pomeranz — an All-Star during his brief stay with San Diego in 2016 — agreed to a $34 million, four-year contract.The left-hander had a strong final two months of the season with the Brewers after being traded to Milwaukee from San Francisco. He was 0-1 with a 2.39 ERA in 25 games, including one start.He’ll get an $8 million signing bonus and salaries of $4 million in 2020, $6 million 2021 and $8 million in 2022 and 2023.Pomeranz spent the first half of 2016 with the Padres, going 8-7 with a 2.47 ERA and earning an All-Star berth. He was traded to... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres couldn't wait to put another lost season behind them and move on to 2020.They'll have new uniforms, a new manager and, maybe, just maybe, it will finally be the year they contend after a few years of boasting about their talent-rich farm system.The Padres envisioned being .500 this year, but plummeted to 70-92 and last in the NL West after a promising first half that showcased the addition of $300 million slugger Manny Machado and hotshot rookies Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack.San Diego was 45-45 at the All-Star break and in the wild card chase. Then it all went bad behind a young rotation that needed to be nursed along, an overworked bullpen, an anemic offense and the loss of Tatis, an exciting player who could seemingly start a rally every time he stepped into the batter's box.It was the Padres' fourth straight 90-loss season, their ninth straight season with a losing record and 13th straight year out of the playoffs.General manager A.J. Preller... [More]

Diamondbacks second. Christian Walker homers to left field. Jake Lamb walks. Adam Jones reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jake Lamb out at second. Nick Ahmed grounds out to second base. Adam Jones out at second.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 1, Padres 0.Padres third. Wil Myers walks. Eric Hosmer strikes out swinging. Wil Myers steals second. Manny Machado homers to left field. Wil Myers scores. Hunter Renfroe flies out to center field to Jarrod Dyson. Ty France lines out to left field to Josh Rojas.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Padres 2, Diamondbacks 1.Padres fourth. Luis Urias homers to left field. Austin Hedges strikes out swinging. Garrett Richards grounds out to shallow infield, Robbie Ray to Christian Walker. Manuel Margot singles to shallow infield.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Padres 3, Diamondbacks 1.Padres sixth. Hunter Renfroe called out on strikes. Ty France doubles to deep left field. Luis Urias singles to center field. Ty France scores.... [More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels pitcher Andrew Heaney urged those at a private memorial service to remember a gift fallen teammate Tyler Skaggs gave to them."Take a moment, close your eyes and think of a story or even an image that reminds you of all the good times you had with Ty," Heaney said. "Take that memory and hold it in your hearts and in your minds. That is his lasting gift to everyone here."Skaggs' teammates and family gathered Monday at a Catholic church in his native Santa Monica to remember Skaggs, who was found dead in his hotel room in Texas on July 1. He died shortly before his 28th birthday.The mourners remembered Skaggs as a beloved son, husband, teammate and friend whose upbeat personality brought joy to everyone around him. The altar was flanked by two large red-and-white floral arrangements prominently featuring No. 45, Skaggs' uniform number.Hundreds of attendees laughed and cried at the eulogies from 14 speakers. Several family members related stories... [More]

May 261916 — Benny Kauff of the Giants was picked off first base three times by Boston's Lefty Tyler. The miscues didn't hurt as New York won its 14th consecutive road victory beating the Braves, 12-1.1925 — In Detroit's 8-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, Ty Cobb became the first to collect 1,000 career extra-base hits. He finished his career with 1,139.1929 — Pinch-hitters Pat Crawford of the Giants and Les Bell of the Boston Braves hit grand slams in New York's 15-9 victory.1930 — Joe Sewell of the Cleveland Indians, who fanned only three times in 353 at-bats during the season, was struck out twice in the same game by Pat Caraway of the White Sox.1933 — Philadelphia's Chuck Klein hit for cycle in a 5-4 14-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Dizzy Dean went the distance for St. Louis.1937 — Billy Sullivan and Bruce Campbell appeared for the Cleveland Indians as pinch hitters. Each hit a home run, making it the first time two American League pinch hitters hit home runs in the same... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Aaron Loup and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $1.4 million, a deal that includes a team option for 2020.Loup gets a $1.2 million salary this year under the agreement announced Sunday. San Diego's option is for $2 million with a $200,000 buyout.He can earn an additional $800,000 annually in performance bonuses based on appearances.A 31-year-old reliever, Loup had a 4.54 ERA in 59 games last year for Toronto and Philadelphia, which acquired him July 31. He struck out 44 and walked 14 in 39 2/3 innings.Loup came up to the major leagues with Toronto in 2012 and is 12-20 with a 3.49 ERA and six saves in 378 relief appearances over seven seasons.To clear a roster spot, San Diego transferred right-hander Garrett Richards to the 60-day injured list.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Free agent pitcher Garrett Richards and the San Diego Padres have finalized a $15.5 million, two-year contract.Richards will earn $7 million next year and $8.5 million in 2020 as part of the deal announced Friday. He can earn an additional $2.5 million annually in performance bonuses: $250,000 for each start from 21 through 30.Richards was 5-4 with a 3.66 ERA last season for the Los Angeles Angels before reconstructive surgery in July. The 30-year-old right-hander was 45-38 with a 3.54 ERA with the Angels since 2011.Infielder Carlos Asuaje was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Free agent pitcher Garrett Richards says on Twitter that he's joining the rebuilding San Diego Padres.Multiple reports indicate the right-hander has agreed to a two-year contract worth about $15 million. Richards had reconstructive elbow surgery in July while with the Los Angeles Angels.Neither the Padres nor Richards' agency would confirm the deal Thursday night.The move apparently is with an eye toward 2020, when the Padres expect to be competitive."Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my career," the 30-year-old Richards tweeted. "The emotions I'm feeling are bittersweet. While we're excited to start a new chapter as a Padre, it's not easy to say goodbye to the only team I've know."Richards was 5-4 with a 3.66 ERA last year before having surgery. He was 45-38 with a 3.54 ERA with the Angels since 2011.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Free agent pitcher Garrett Richards says on Twitter that he's joining the rebuilding San Diego Padres.Multiple reports indicate the right-hander has agreed to a $15 million, two-year contract. Richards had reconstructive elbow surgery in July while with the Los Angeles Angels.Neither the Padres nor Richards' agency would confirm the deal Wednesday night.The move apparently is with an eye toward 2020, when the Padres expect to be competitive."Today I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my career," the 30-year-old Richards tweeted. "The emotions I'm feeling are bittersweet. While we're excited to start a new chapter as a Padre, it's not easy to say goodbye to the only team I've know."Richards was 5-4 with a 3.66 ERA last year before having surgery. He was 45-38 with a 3.54 ERA with the Angels since 2011.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports