NEW YORK (AP) — Grant Dayton will notice one glaring absence this season after he reports to the Atlanta Braves: his twice-a-month salary.He is among 11 major leaguers whose prorated pay for the abbreviated 60-game season amounts to less than the $286,500 advance already received by the 32-year-old left-hander.“It’s going to be weird not getting a paycheck,” he said Friday, “but we already got paid.”Dayton gave up the 6,776th and final home run of of last season's record total, to the New York Mets' Dominic Smith. To resume preparation for the new season he will drive Monday from his home in Winter Haven, Florida, to Atlanta with wife Cori, 2 1/2-year-old son Decker and nearly 6-month-old Nolan for Braves' workouts at Truist Park.After opening day was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball and the players’ association agreed March 26 to a deal that called for teams to advance $170 million in salaries over the first 60 days of the season.Others who won’t get... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Grant Dayton will notice one glaring absence this season after he reports to the Atlanta Braves: his twice-a-month salary.He is among 11 major leaguers whose prorated pay for the abbreviated 60-game season amounts to less than the $286,500 advance already received by the 32-year-old left-hander.“It’s going to be weird not getting a paycheck,” he said Friday, “but we already got paid.”Dayton will drive Monday from his home in Winter Haven, Florida, to Atlanta with wife Cori, 2 1/2-year-old son Decker and nearly 6-month-old Nolan for the resumption of workouts when the Braves gather at renamed Truist Park.After opening day was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball and the players’ association agreed March 26 to a deal that called for teams to advance $170 million in salaries over the first 60 days of the season.Others who won’t get paychecks because of lower prorated salaries are Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jimmy Nelson and New York Yankees reliever... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Right-hander Jesse Hahn returned to the Kansas City Royals just 11 days after he was let go, agreeing Friday to a $600,000, one-year contract.The 30-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $200,000 in bonuses based on days on the active roster: $25,000 each for 1, 35 and each additional 10 through 95.He had become a free agent when the Royals didn't offer him a contract by the Dec. 2 deadline. If he had been offered a contract, he would have been eligible for salary arbitration.Hahn had Tommy John surgery in 2010, injured his ulnar collateral ligament again during spring training in 2018 and had what is called primary repair procedure on the elbow in August 2018.He returned on Sept. 5 in his first big league appearance since June 28, 2017, and made six relief appearances in the final month of the season. Hahn was acquired from Oakland in January 2018 and is 18-21 with a 4.33 ERA in parts of five seasons with San Diego (2014), Oakland (2015-17) and the Royals.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and reliever Jake Diekman agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract that guarantees $2.75 million and includes a mutual option for 2020 plus bonuses that could make it worth $10 million over two seasons.Kansas City made room on its 40-man roster by placing right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day injured list. Hahn is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to be ready before opening day.The 32-year-old Diekman spent last season with the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, making 71 appearances with a career-worst 4.73 ERA. But he's shown shutdown ability during a seven-year career that included a stop in Philadelphia, going 14-15 with a 3.75 ERA.Diekman gets a $2.25 million salary this year, and the deal announced includes a $5.75 million mutual option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout. He can earn $1 million annually in performance bonuses.The Royals' bullpen was a mess all of last season, and there are plenty of jobs up for grabs this spring training. Kevin McCarthy and Wily Peralta are the only safe bets to make the team.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and reliever Jake Diekman agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract on Wednesday that includes a mutual option for the 2020 season.The Royals made room on the 40-man roster by placing right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day injured list. Hahn is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected before opening day.The 32-year-old Diekman spent last season with the Rangers and Diamondbacks, making 71 appearances with a career-worst 4.73 ERA. But he's shown shutdown ability during a seven-year career that included a stop in Philadelphia, going 14-15 with a 3.75 ERA. Diekman is guaranteed $2.25 million in 2019 and has a $500,000 buyout for 2020.The Royals' bullpen was a mess all of last season, and there are plenty of jobs up for grabs this spring training. Kevin McCarthy and Wily Peralta are the only safe bets to make the team.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed veteran reliever Jake Diekman to a $2.75 million, one-year contract on Wednesday that includes a mutual option for the 2020 season.The Royals made room on the 40-man roster by placing right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day injured list. Hahn is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected before opening day.The 32-year-old Diekman spent last season with the Rangers and Diamondbacks, making 71 appearances with a career-worst 4.73 ERA. But he's shown shutdown ability during a seven-year career that included a stop in Philadelphia, going 14-15 with a 3.75 ERA. Diekman is guaranteed $2.25 million in 2019 and has a $500,000 buyout for 2020.The Royals' bullpen was a mess all of last season, and there are plenty of jobs up for grabs this spring training. Kevin McCarthy and Wily Peralta are the only safe bets to make the team.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Brad Boxberger made it to Royals, 13 years later than Kansas City first envisioned.Kansas City selected the right-hander in the 20th round of the 2006 amateur draft from Foothill High School in North Tustin, California. He opted to go to Southern Cal, and Cincinnati took him three years later with the 43rd overall pick.After seven seasons in the major leagues with San Diego, Tampa Bay and Arizona, the 30-year-old agreed this month to a $2.2 million, one-year contract with the Royals."Just the great opportunity I'd have here," Boxberger explained.Kansas City's bullpen was a strength when the Royals won the 2015 World Series, a group that included Wade Davis, Greg Holland and Kelvin Herrera. Boxberger was an All-Star that year with the Rays, leading the AL with 41 saves.He joins a bullpen that was among the worst in the major leagues last year, compiling a 5.04 ERA and blowing 24 of 57 save chances.Boxberger will compete for the closer's job in spring training with... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed infielder Cheslor Cuthbert, left-hander Brian Flynn and right-hander Jesse Hahn to one-year contracts for next season Thursday ahead of baseball's non-tender deadline.Cuthbert will earn $850,000 while Flynn and Hahn will make $800,000. Cuthbert and Hahn could also earn a $50,000 bonus if they are selected to the All-Star Game.Cuthbert appeared in 30 games last season, hitting .194 with three homers and seven RBIs. But he could be in line for more playing time as the Royals look toward the future.Flynn was 3-5 with a 4.04 ERA in 48 games out of the bullpen, while Hahn missed the entire season with elbow trouble before having surgery in late August. He isn't expected to pitch until the summer.___More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Capsules of American League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Cleveland Indians2017: 102-60, first place, lost to Yankees in ALDS.Manager: Terry Francona (sixth season).He's Here: 1B-DH Yonder Alonso, LF Rajai Davis, RHP Alexi Ogando.He's Outta Here: 1B Carlos Santana, OF Jay Bruce, RHP Bryan Shaw, RHP Joe Smith, OF Austin Jackson, LHP Boone Logan.Projected Lineup: SS Francisco Lindor (.273, 33 HRs, 89 RBIs, 44 2Bs, 15 SBs, 10 errors), 2B Jason Kipnis (.232, 12 HRs, 35 RBIs in 90 games), 3B Jose Ramirez (.318, 29, 83, AL-leading 56 2Bs), DH Edwin Encarnacion (.258, 38, 107), 1B Yonder Alonso (.266, career-high 28 HRs, 67 RBIs with Athletics and Mariners), RF Lonnie Chisenhall (.288, 12, 53 in 82 games), C Roberto Perez (.207, 8, 38, club went 44-22 in his starts) or Yan Gomes (.232, 14, 56), CF Bradley Zimmer (.241, 8, 39, 18 SBs, 0 errors), LF Michael Brantley (.299, 9, 52 in 90 games) or Rajai Davis (.235, 5, 20, 29 SBs with Oakland and Boston).Rotation: RH Corey Kluber... [More]

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Houston Astros2017: 101-61, first place, won World Series.Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Hector Rondon.He's Outta Here: DH Carlos Beltran, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Mike Fiers, RHP Michael Feliz, INF Colin Moran.Projected Lineup: CF George Springer (.283, 34 HRs, 85 RBIs), 3B Alex Bregman (.284, 19, 71, 39 2Bs), 2B Jose Altuve (MLB-best .346, 24, 81, 39 2Bs, 32 SBs, AL MVP), SS Carlos Correa (.315, 24, 84), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.299, 18, 75, 43 2Bs), LF Marwin Gonzalez (.303, 23, 90, 34 2Bs), DH Evan Gattis (.263, 12, 55), RF Josh Reddick (.314, 13, 82, 34 2Bs), C Brian McCann (.241, 18, 62).Rotation: LH Dallas Keuchel (14-5, 2.90 ERA, 251 Ks), RH Justin Verlander (15-8, 3.36, 219 Ks with Tigers and Astros), RH Gerrit Cole (12-12, 4.26, 196 Ks with Pirates), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (7-4, 4.25), RH Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62).Key Relievers: RH Ken... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — This was supposed to be the season that the Kansas City Royals, after spending the last half decade in contention, were finally forced to rebuild as their core group of players hit free agency.Turns out half of them came back.With the market soft across the board, the Royals were able to bring back shortstop Alcides Escobar and third baseman Mike Moustakas on club-friendly, short-term deals. So while first baseman Eric Hosmer signed a seven-figure contract with the Padres and outfielder Lorenzo Cain struck it big with the Brewers, the Royals still have enough pieces that they could compete into the summer.If that happens to be the case, all bets are off."We're fortunate that it happened for us the way it did, and that's as simple as I can say it at this point," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said.What if the Royals are far out of the race in July? Well, all those pieces they brought back could become useful trade chips, allowing Kansas City to jumpstart its... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Ricky Nolasco on Wednesday that includes an invitation to their major league camp.He would get a $1.5 million, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster and would have the chance to make $250,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 for his 10th start and each additional start through 19.The 35-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he went 6-15 with a 4.92 ERA a year ago. Nolasco has a reputation for being durable, going 114-118 with a 4.56 ERA across 12 seasons with the Angels, Dodgers, Marlins and Twins.Kansas City reached a deal with him one day after placing right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list with a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament. Hahn, who had Tommy John surgery in 2010, is expected to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a second opinion.Nolasco will compete for a spot in the back end of the Royals rotation, where the only sure spots are filled by Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Ricky Nolasco on Wednesday that includes an invitation to their major league camp.The 35-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he went 6-15 with a 4.92 ERA a year ago. Nolasco has a reputation for being durable, going 114-118 with a 4.56 ERA across 12 seasons with the Angels, Dodgers, Marlins and Twins.Kansas City reached a deal with him one day after placing right-hander Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list with a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament. Hahn, who had Tommy John surgery in 2010, is expected to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a second opinion.Nolasco will compete for a spot in the back end of the Royals rotation, where the only sure spots are filled by Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have plugged a hole in center field by agreeing to sign Jon Jay.Jay agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract Tuesday, and could earn another $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Kansas City made room for Jay by placing pitcher Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list with an elbow injury.With Lorenzo Cain leaving to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Royals lacked an experienced center fielder to cover the spacious Kauffman Stadium grass.Jay has a .996 career fielding percentage, the highest of any active major league outfielder with a minimum of 500 games. He has appeared in 648 games in center during his eight-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs.Jay did not commit an error in 141 chances last season and enters this season with a 189-game errorless streak."Without knowing him, the more homework I do on him, the more I like him," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "The more people I talk to, the more it's... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have plugged a hole in center field by agreeing to sign Jon Jay.Jay agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract Tuesday, and could earn another $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Kansas City made room for Jay by placing pitcher Jesse Hahn on the 60-day disabled list with an elbow injury.With Lorenzo Cain leaving to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Royals lacked an experienced center fielder to cover the spacious Kauffman Stadium grass.Jay has a .996 career fielding percentage, the highest of any active major league outfielder with a minimum of 500 games. He has appeared in 648 games in center during his eight-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs.Jay did not commit an error in 141 chances last season and enters this season with a 189-game errorless streak."Without knowing him, the more homework I do on him, the more I like him," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "The more people I talk to, the more it's... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Outfielder Jon Jay agreed Tuesday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, a deal that allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses.Jay, who turns 33 on March 15, hit .296 with two homers and 34 RBIs in 141 games last season with the Chicago Cubs, including 13 for 40 (.325) as a pinch hitter.He would get $100,000 bonuses for 250 plate appearances and each additional 25 through 600. Still, his earnings will be well under his $8 million salary last year.Jay did not commit an error in 141 chances last season and has gone 141 games without an error since April 15, 2016. As a left-handed hitter, he was attractive to the predominantly right-handed-hitting Royals.Right-hander Jesse Hahn was placed on the 60-day disabled list to open a roster spot. Hahn, acquired from Oakland during the offseason, has a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament. He had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and felt discomfort in his elbow during a start last Thursday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Designated hitter Brandon Moss has been released by the Oakland Athletics.Moss was acquired from Kansas City on Jan. 29 and was 4 for 10 with two walks in four spring training games. He was designated for assignment when Oakland claimed left-hander Jairo Labourt off waivers from Cincinnati on Sunday.Moss is guaranteed $7.25 million this season and a $1 million buyout of his 2019 club option. He was acquired Kansas City on Jan. 29 along with left-hander Ryan Buchter for right-handers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer, and the Royals agreed to pay Oakland $3.25 million.If the 34-year-old Moss signs with another team, a prorated share of the $545,000 minimum would be offset against what he is owed by the A's, who announced his release Tuesday.Moss hit .207 with 22 homers and 50 RBIs in 118 games for Kansas City last year and has a .237 average with 160 homers and 473 RBIs in 11 big league seasons with Boston (2007-08), Pittsburgh (2008-10), Philadelphia (2011), Oakland (2012-14), Cleveland (2015), St. Louis (2015-16) and Kansas City (2017).___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Designated hitter Brandon Moss has been released by the Oakland Athletics.Moss was acquired from Kansas City on Jan. 29 and was 4 for 10 with two walks in four spring training games. He was designated for assignment when Oakland claimed left-hander Jairo Labourt off waivers from Cincinnati on Sunday.Moss is guaranteed $7.25 million this season and a $1 million buyout of his 2019 club option. He was acquired Kansas City on Jan. 29 along with left-hander Ryan Buchter for right-handers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer, and the Royals agreed to pay Oakland $3.25 million.If the 34-year-old Moss signs with another team, a prorated share of the $545,000 minimum would be offset against what he is owed by the A's, who announced his released Tuesday.Moss hit .207 with 22 homers and 50 RBIs in 118 games for Kansas City last year and has a .237 average with 160 homers and 473 RBIs in 11 big league seasons with Boston (2007-08), Pittsburgh (2008-10), Philadelphia (2011), Oakland (2012-14), Cleveland (2015), St. Louis (2015-16) and Kansas City (2017).___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Outfielder Jon Jay agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, a deal that allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses.Jay, who turns 33 on March 15, hit .296 with two homers and 34 RBIs in 141 games last season with the Chicago Cubs, including 13 for 40 (.325) as a pinch hitter.His deal, announced Tuesday, is a large cut from his $8 million salary last year.Jay did not commit an error in 141 chances last season and has gone 141 games without an error since April 15, 2016. As a left-handed hitter, he was attractive to the predominantly right-handed-hitting Royals.Right-hander Jesse Hahn was placed on the 60-day disabled list to open a roster spot. Hahn, acquired from Oakland during the offseason, has a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament. He had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and felt discomfort in his elbow during a start last Thursday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The offseason Royals fans have been dreading for years has come and gone, and now a team that could bear little resemblance to its championship past is ready to report to spring training in Arizona.Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas could be playing elsewhere. Lorenzo Cain is already headed to camp with Milwaukee. The only core member that reached free agency who will be back is shortstop Alcides Escobar, who agreed to one-year contract with Kansas City with nothing else materialized.One thing the Royals aren't going to do: tank.General manager Dayton Moore insisted they will not regress to their 100-loss past, even if Hosmer and Moustakas also sign with other teams. He's confident that a relatively weak farm system can replace those big names, and that the Royals will at least be competitive by opening day."If anybody thinks we're going to settle for mediocrity," Moore said, "or allow our players to be overmatched on a consistent basis, not put a competitive team on... [More]