CLEVELAND (AP) — Seemingly lost, somewhat forgotten, Bradley Zimmer has found his way back to the Cleveland Indians.Sidelined by injuries for most of the past two seasons, Zimmer has put himself in position to not only make Cleveland's roster but also be a part of manager Terry Francona's regular lineup.The 27-year-old started in left field in Monday night's exhibition against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and it's not much of a reach to think he might be there again Friday when the Indians open this COVID-19-delayed 2020 season against the Kansas City Royals.It's an impressive turnaround for the physically gifted Zimmer, who probably would be at Triple-A Columbus if not for this shortened season and a few other scenarios that have gone his way.Zimmer is batting .556 (10 of 18) with four homers and seven RBIs in eight intrasquad games. On Monday, he went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI in the Indians' 11-7 win.Francona said seeing Zimmer thrive in his comeback has been beyond what he or the... [More]

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]

Miami Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas talked Monday about the ways the 2020 season will be different for players, with little clubhouse interaction, seats in the stands and postgame meals via hotel room service.Another change: Rojas believes the Marlins will be good.He joined Miami in 2015 and has since endured five consecutive losing seasons. But like the team’s management and some outside observers, Rojas says the Marlins are poised for a big leap forward in Year 3 of Derek Jeter’s rebuilding program.“I’m really excited about the starting pitching, and our offense is way better than the last couple of years,” Rojas said. “The whole organization has been doing a great job bringing the young prospects along. It doesn’t matter if they don’t make the club right now. We know we have those guys waiting.”Fans will get their first look — on TV only — when the Marlins play an exhibition game Tuesday at Atlanta. They begin the season Friday at Philadelphia.GETTING GOINGDr. Anthony Fauci, a Washington... [More]

The big sports news from Los Angeles this week — other than the sensational outfield play of clubhouse attendant Francisco “Chico” Herrera — was that the Dodgers will join some other teams and sell fan cutouts to fill seats at Dodger Stadium.Which, of course, immediately brought up the question: Will they be like real Dodger fans and leave after the seventh inning?Not that it really matters. Like Chico, the cardboard cutouts are just one more reminder that everything is not as you think you see it in Major League Baseball.Still, as we edge toward the first midsummer opening day in baseball history, we’ve seen enough in what MLB euphemistically calls summer camp to come to this conclusion:A season like no other is really no season at all.Cardboard cutouts in the stands. Players you struggle to name shuffling on and off the field. Rules that appear to have been made up in some fantasy geek convention.And, worst of all, 60 measly games to decide things — assuming a miracle happens and the... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians executive Chris Antonetti says the franchise and representatives for star shortstop Francisco Lindor made a “sincere and earnest effort” to agree on a long-term contract before deciding this week to suspend talks.Antonetti, the president of baseball operations, said Wednesday the sides worked for months and tried “different and creative concepts” to strike a deal, but ultimately decided not to continue negotiations with opening day two weeks away. Lindor characterized the discussions in a similar manner to The Athletic on Monday. Lindor will make $17.5 million this year and can become a free agent after the 2021 season."I’m really appreciative of the effort Francisco and his representatives and our ownership put into the process of trying to find alignment," Antonetti said.Lindor, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .284 with 32 home runs, 22 stolen bases and an .854 OPS last season. The 26-year-old is among the game's top young... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Dad, the elder Delino DeShields, is working less than 100 yards away, behind a fence dividing Cleveland's training complex from the Cincinnati Reds facility. Sister Diamond DeShields is just a phone call away.Together, they help Delino DeShields strive to meet his latest challenge: making an impact in his first season with the Indians.He talks baseball and life with Dad and mental outlook with his sister, a rising WNBA star."Baseball is a big part of our lives, so it is something we both bond over,'' DeShields said of his father, a 13-year MLB veteran who is in his second year as the first base coach of the Reds.DeShields relishes discussions with his sister as well. The former Tennessee standout earned all-WNBA honors last season for the Chicago Sky and was an All-Rookie selection in 2018."She has a killer mindset,'' Delino proudly said. "I thought she could have been a professional in high school, just the way she carried herself and the way she led her team. She... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Dad, the elder Delino DeShields, is working less than 100 yards away, behind a fence dividing Cleveland's training complex from the Cincinnati Reds facility. Sister Diamond DeShields is just a phone call away.Together, they help Delino DeShields strive to meet his latest challenge: making an impact in his first season with the Indians.He talks baseball and life with Dad and mental outlook with his sister, a rising WNBA star."Baseball is a big part of our lives, so it is something we both bond over,'' DeShields said of his father, a 13-year MLB veteran who is in his second year as the first base coach of the Reds.DeShields relishes discussions with his sister as well. The former Tennessee standout earned all-WNBA honors last season for the Chicago Sky and was an All-Rookie selection in 2018."She has a killer mindset,'' Delino proudly said. "I thought she could have been a professional in high school, just the way she carried herself and the way she led her team. She... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Oscar Mercado's left wrist is only sprained, and the Cleveland Indians are crossing their fingers it will heal in time for the outfielder to be ready for opening day.An MRI taken Friday confirmed the sprain, which happened when Mercado made a diving catch in an exhibition game the previous day in Scottsdale.Indians manager Terry Francona said Mercado will take it easy the next few days and be re-evaluated before the team decides what's next for the 25-year-old.“The idea is to take the first 48 to 72 hours to let this thing settle down,” Francona said Saturday. “He'll go out with the team and stretch, get the blood flowing and all of that, and still throw. Then start to gradually introduce him to things and see how he reacts to it. The hope would be that he reacts well to the rest and stuff, and as we introduce him to things he feels great."If he doesn't, they'll have to slow it down.”Opening day is March 26.Mercado is penciled in as a starter for the Indians after... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Shane Bieber and all the young Indians starters have pretty much gotten used to being without stalwarts Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer in Cleveland's rotation. They got a head start last season on what it would be like without them.“We didn't have much of a choice last year,” said Bieber, the MVP of the All-Star Game in Cleveland last summer. '"I guess that kind of benefits us moving forward in this year because we're already kind of familiar with it, and the roles that we have to step into."Kluber suffered a broken right forearm when struck by a comeback liner in his seventh start last season. That was three months before the Indians traded Bauer in a deadline deal, and two-time Cy Young winner Kluber sustained an oblique injury when close to his return. The unquestioned ace then got traded to Texas the week before Christmas by Cleveland, which initially exercised a $17.5 million contract option for Kluber only days after the season ended. With those All-Star pitchers... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Shane Bieber and all the young Indians starters have pretty much gotten used to being without stalwarts Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer in Cleveland's rotation. They got a head start last season on what it would be like without them.“We didn't have much of a choice last year,” said Bieber, the MVP of the All-Star Game in Cleveland last summer. '"I guess that kind of benefits us moving forward in this year because we're already kind of familiar with it, and the roles that we have to step into."Kluber suffered a broken right forearm when struck by a comeback liner in his seventh start last season. That was three months before the Indians traded Bauer in a deadline deal, and two-time Cy Young winner Kluber sustained an oblique injury when close to his return. The unquestioned ace then got traded to Texas the week before Christmas by Cleveland, which initially exercised a $17.5 million contract option for Kluber only days after the season ended. With those All-Star pitchers... [More]

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — Indians reliever Emmanuel Clase could be sidelined three months with a strained back muscle, another blow to Cleveland's pitching staff.The hard-throwing Clase, the centerpiece of an offseason trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to Texas, experienced upper arm discomfort following a bullpen session last week. He continued to have issues this week and the Indians had him undergo imaging tests Wednesday.An MRI confirmed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in his upper back. The team said he will be re-evaluated weekly, but the 21-year-old is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks of game activity.Clase was expected to have a role in the back end of Cleveland's bullpen.It's been a tough start to camp for Indians pitchers as starters Mike Clevinger (knee surgery), Carlos Carrasco (hip flexor) and Aaron Civale (sore groin) are all sidelined. Clevinger is making progress but is not expected to be ready for major league games until at least mid-April.Clase's fastball has been clocked over 100 mph. He made 21 appearances for the Rangers last season and recorded 21 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.Before being hurt, he had been impressive this spring. Manager Terry Francona noted after a session earlier in camp that Clase was "throwing 100 mph bowling balls. It was heavy. It looked really heavy.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport s

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has been diagnosed with a mild strain of his right hip flexor after feeling discomfort while doing squats in the weight room during spring training.The team said Friday that Carrasco was considered day to day after an MRI revealed the strain.Manager Terry Francona said Carrasco felt something in his upper leg when squatting on Wednesday.The 32-year-old pitcher made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia. He revealed that in June, and returned as a reliever in September after treatment.Carrasco had said earlier in camp that his health was good and that he was excited about the upcoming season, when he is expected to move back into the rotation.The Indians, who traded two-time AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber this winter, were already down one starter this spring with right-hander Mike Clevinger recovering from knee surgery and out until mid-April. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — The Cleveland Indians could have another significant pitching problem.Right-hander Carlos Carrasco felt discomfort in his right leg during a spring training workout Wednesday and is undergoing imaging tests to find out the severity of the injury and how long he'll be sidelined.Carrasco, who made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia, got an MRI on Thursday. The Indians kept him from working out and the team plans to provide an update on his status Friday.“He was squatting and felt something in his upper leg area,” manager Terry Francona said. "I know it's a little vague but that's what we know. Instead of telling you something we don't know, we'll wait for more information and pass it on."If Carrasco is out for any period, it will put further strain on Cleveland's pitching depth. Right-hander Mike Clevinger recently underwent knee surgery and will be out until mid-April. On top of that, the team is counting on other pitchers to pick... [More]

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco felt discomfort in his right leg during a spring training workout this week and is undergoing imaging tests. Carrasco, who made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia, is getting an MRI. The Indians said he will not work out Thursday and the team plans to provide an update on his status Friday.If Carrasco is out for any period, it will put further strain on Cleveland's pitching depth. Right-hander Mike Clevinger recently underwent knee surgery and will be out until mid-April.The 32-year-old Carrasco revealed last June that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. He received treatments and battled back, making his return as a reliever on Sept. 1. He and the Indians are hoping he can again pitch in their starting rotation this season.Carrasco recently said his health was good and he was excited about the upcoming season.After he returned last season, Carrasco made 11 relief appearances in September, posting a 6.60 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 15 innings.Carrasco's comeback moved his players and fans across baseball. He received an emotional salute at the All-Star Game in Cleveland. Following the season he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player who demonstrates a deep commitment to community.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred’s stern warning covering the intentional beaning of Houston players in the wake of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal hasn’t stopped an offshore sports book from publishing odds on a variety of bets related to possible plunkings.The player who’s the favorite to get hit the most according to these odds? Third baseman Alex Bregman, whose news conference apology last week was not well received.The possibility of Houston’s hitters being intentionally hit this season has become a topic of discussion after pitchers around the league have either said or implied they would throw at them. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling, who was on the team that lost to the Astros in the 2017 World Series, said he would “lean toward yes” when asked if he would consider throwing at Houston batters this season. Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger, who has been outspoken against the Astros since the cheating scandal emerged, said he doesn’t think “it’s... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred’s stern warning that the intentional beaning of the Houston Astros in the wake of their sign-stealing scandal hasn’t stopped an offshore sports book from publishing odds on a variety bets related to their possible plunking.The player who’s the favorite to get hit the most according to these odds? Third baseman Alex Bregman, whose news conference apology last week was not well received.The possibility of Houston’s hitters being intentionally hit this season has become a topic of discussion after pitchers around the league have either said or implied that they’d throw at them this season. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling, whose was on the team that lost to the Astros in the 2017 World Series, said he would “lean toward yes” when asked if he would consider throwing at Houston batters this season. Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger, who has been outspoken against the Astros since the cheating scandal emerged, said he doesn’t... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are already dealing with adversity before taking the field for their first full-squad workout.Starter Mike Clevinger could be sidelined two months after undergoing surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury the right-hander sustained while working out at the team's training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, earlier this week.“He was doing some drills a couple days ago,” manager Terry Francona said before Clevinger had the procedure. "He felt something. We took him to the training room. Then we let him go home to see how he feels. I think our trainers were a little nervous at the outset that this has meniscus written all over it. He was pretty sore so they got him an MRI."The Indians estimate Clevinger will be able to return to “major league game activity” in 6 to 8 weeks. Cleveland opens the season on March 26 against Detroit.If there's a bright spot, it's that the injury happened early in camp and not closer to the season's start.“It's... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are already dealing with adversity before taking the field for their first full-squad workout.Starter Mike Clevinger could be sidelined two months after undergoing surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury the right-hander sustained while working out at the team's training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, earlier this week.“He was doing some drills a couple days ago,” manager Terry Francona said before Clevinger had the procedure. "He felt something. We took him to the training room. Then we let him go home to see how he feels. I think our trainers were a little nervous at the outset that this has meniscus written all over it. He was pretty sore so they got him an MRI."The Indians estimate Clevinger will be able to return to “major league game activity” in 6 to 8 weeks. Cleveland opens the season on March 26 against Detroit.If there's a bright spot, it's that the injury happened early in camp and not closer to the season's start.“It's... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are already dealing with adversity before taking the field for their first full-squad workout.Starter Mike Clevinger was undergoing surgery Friday to repair torn meniscus in his left knee after the right-hander hurt it while working out at the team's training complex in Goodyear, Arizona.“He was doing some drills a couple days ago,” manager Terry Francona said. "He felt something. We took him to the training room. Then we let him go home to see how he feels. I think our trainers were a little nervous at the outset that this has meniscus written all over it. He was pretty sore so they got him an MRI."The Indians won't have a timetable for Clevinger's return until after the operation, but it's safe to assume he will miss at least several weeks.If there's a bright spot, it's that the injury happened early in camp and not closer to the season's start.“It's not doomsday,” Francona said. “One, we know he's a quick healer. And two, he will be able to keep his arm in... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger will have left knee surgery after an injury during a spring training workout.Clevinger went 13-4 last season and the Indians are counting on him to help fill some of the void after they traded two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Ranger this winter.Clevinger sustained a partial cartilage tear Wednesday at the team's complex in Goodyear, Arizona, the Indians said Friday. The right-hander will have surgery in nearby Avondale, and a timetable for his return will be set after the operation. But it's safe to assume he will miss at least several weeks.He has won 38 games over the past three seasons. He made 21 starts in 2019, but missed time early in the year with a strained back muscle. The 29-year-old had a 2.71 ERA last season.Clevinger avoided salary arbitration by signing a $4.1 million contract for this season. He's been outspoken about the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.Also, the Indians and outfielder Domingo Santana agreed to a $1.5 million contract that includes a $5 million club option for 2021. He played for Seattle last season, batting .253 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs in 121 games. The 27-year-old Santana missed 24 games in August and September with an injured right elbow.___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports