Top News:
Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge batting leadoff Friday vs. Red Sox — TAMPA, Fla. — For at least one day, the New York Yankees have a new leadoff hitter: Aaron Judge. — The right fielder will bat first on Friday against the Boston Red Sox in a batting position that's normally occupied …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and Associated Press
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Associated Press:
Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright suspended 15 games under MLB's domestic violence policy — NEW YORK (AP) — Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright has accepted a 15-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy following his arrest on Dec. 8.
Evan Drellich / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Wright suspended 15 games for violation of domestic-violence policy — Steven Wright will be suspended 15 games for violating MLB's domestic violence policy, NBC Sports Boston has learned. The league is set to make the announcement Friday. — Wright, working his way back from right knee surgery …
Discussion:
Eagle-Tribune, MLB Trade Rumors, FanRag Sports, Deadspin and Over the Monster
ESPN:
MLB won't discipline Miguel Sano after investigating assault allegation — Major League Baseball announced Friday that Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano will not face disciplinary action after it investigated an assault allegation. — EDITOR'S PICKS
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
USA Today:
MLB will not discipline Twins' Miguel Sano; Red Sox's Steven Wright gets 15-game suspension — Major League Baseball issued one of its most significant rulings in the three years of its domestic violence policy, announcing Friday that Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano will not be disciplined …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
X-rays on Brandon Drury's left elbow negative after Yankee hit by pitch — TAMPA — The Yankees appeared to avoid a scare when Brandon Drury was struck on the left elbow by a pitch in the fifth inning of Friday's game. — Drury stayed in the game and advanced to third on Neil Walker's ground-rule double …
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Associated Press:
Pop top: Yankees' Judge could get time batting leadoff — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge could be used at times as a leadoff hitter this season. — The 2017 AL Rookie of the Year was at the top of the lineup and went 1 for 4 in a 5-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Friday.
Discussion:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Marcell Ozuna's big move: From Marlins anonymity to Cardinals catalyst — JUPITER, Fla. - Marcell Ozuna didn't want to leave Miami. He didn't see the trade coming. When first told he was going to St. Louis, the All-Star outfielder thought somebody was pulling a prank on him.
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Scott Boeck / USA Today:
Through three teams and seven seasons, Ichiro Suzuki can't get rid of David Phelps — PEORIA, Ariz. — On a recent morning, David Phelps made his way across the Seattle Mariners clubhouse and noticed Ichiro Suzuki sitting at his locker. — No words were exchange. No handshakes.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Newest Cardinals are rounding into top form
Newest Cardinals are rounding into top form
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Associated Press:
Mets' Conforto goes 1 for 4 in 1st game after shoulder surgery — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Michael Conforto received a late-night phone call from New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway, who asked whether he wanted to fill an open spot as Friday's designated hitter. — “Absolutely,” Conforto recalled responding.
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets' Jason Vargas lands in emergency room with stomach virus — PORT ST. LUCIE - Jason Vargas' short time with the Mets has not exactly been smooth. — The veteran lefty took a line drive off his glove hand last week, fracturing the hamate bone in his non-pitching right hand.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Success hasn't turned Cubs from lovable to unlikable ... yet — Chicago Tribune — The parade has been over for 17 months now, but the legacy of the Cubs' championship season remains untouched as they prepare for the 2018 campaign. — The 13 remaining survivors of the '16 World Series roster …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs opt for 8 relievers on opening-day roster
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Munoz, Pena make Cards' team; Gregerson has hamstring injury — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. • The Cardinals nearly finalized their 25-man roster Friday morning when they optioned outfielder Harrison Bader, first baseman Luke Voit and righthanded reliever Josh Lucas to Class AAA Memphis.
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Rep. Peter King says he didn't know spending bill he voted for would make minor leaguers exempt from minimum wage laws — PORT ST. LUCIE — Hours after voting on the omnibus spending bill, which included a provision to strip away federal minimum wage and overtime protection for minor-league baseball players …
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Bob Brookover / Philly.com:
Phillies' manager Gabe Kapler compares Aaron Nola to Zack Greinke after final spring training start — BRADENTON, Fla. - In his final exhibition start before his first career opening-day assignment, Phillies righthander Aaron Nola turned in four scoreless innings Friday afternoon …
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Associated Press:
Will flip-flopping fielders be baseball's latest trend? — CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — New Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler's progressive approach includes a strategy straight from a slow-pitch softball league. — Kapler plans to flip-flop outfielders in the middle of an inning …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Jorge Castillo / Chicago Tribune:
MLB tried to debunk ‘juiced balls’ theory amid historic home run spike. Pitchers remain skeptical. — The Washington Post — Last July, Major League Baseball issued a memo to every player on all 30 clubs as a direct response to the conspiracy theories circulating about the most crucial component …
Associated Press:
Former MLB star Jack Clark files for bankruptcy protection — ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jack Clark, who hit 340 home runs over an 18-year major league career, has filed for bankruptcy protection. — Clark's attorney, Al Watkins, said Friday that Clark and his wife, Angie, claimed in a federal court filing …