Baseball Page 785 - Sports News, Headlines & Highlights

Astros name Josh Hader closer, Ryan Pressly setup man
New Houston Astros manager Joe Espada announced Wednesday that newly acquired Josh Hader will be the team's closer this season, bumping Ryan Pressly to a setup role....

A's add LHP Scott Alexander, send LHP Ken Waldichuk to 60-day IL
The Oakland Athletics added some experience to their bullpen Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with left-hander Scott Alexander....

Yankees acquire LHP Clayton Andrews from Brewers
The New York Yankees acquired left-hander Clayton Andrews from the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday in exchange for a 19-year-old pitcher who just got his start in the Dominican Summer League....

Astros' Justin Verlander (shoulder) is behind schedule
Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander said Wednesday that he's a couple of weeks behind schedule due to an ailing shoulder....

Orioles sign 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn, avoiding arbitration
The Baltimore Orioles signed Ryan O'Hearn to a one-year, $3.5 million contract Wednesday, avoiding arbitration with the first baseman/outfielder....

Padres 3B Manny Machado (elbow) could be ready for Opening Day
San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado isn't offering any projections of when he will make season debut. He is just glad his right elbow is progressing well....

Report: A's to meet with Oakland officials as move approaches
In an effort to find a temporary home in advance of a move to Las Vegas in 2028, the Oakland Athletics are expected to meet with Oakland city officials Thursday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday....

Yankees claim INF Jordan Groshans off waivers from Marlins
The New York Yankees claimed former first-round draft pick Jordan Groshans off waivers from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday....

Jenny Cavnar becomes first woman to get full-time MLB TV play-by-play gig
For the first time in MLB history, a woman will serve as the leading play-by-play announcer for a major league team. NBC Sports California announced Tuesday that Jenny Cavnar will serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics. ...

Report: Rockies RHP Daniel Bard (knee) to miss spring training
Colorado Rockies right-hander Daniel Bard is not expected to start the season with the team due to a left knee injury that will require surgery, The Denver Post reported Tuesday....

A's Jenny Cavnar makes history as first MLB permanent play-by-play voice
Jenny Cavnar was named the lead play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, making her the first woman in MLB history to be a team's primary voice....

Report: Giants agree to 3-year deal with OF Jorge Soler
Free agent outfielder Jorge Soler, the 2021 World Series MVP who is coming off an All-Star season, agreed to a three-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday night....

Mets GM calls Pete Alonso free agency 'most likely outcome'
If the New York Mets expect to keep slugging first baseman Pete Alonso beyond 2024, they're likely going to have to wait until he hits the free-agent market, Mets general manager David Stearns said Monday....

Marlins add Sam Mondry-Cohen as VP of player personnel
The Miami Marlins hired Sam Mondry-Cohen on Monday as vice president of player personnel, while Sara Goodrum was added as director of special projects and Brandon Mann was hired as pitching strategist....

MLB umps Jeff Nelson and Ed Hickox announce retirement
MLB umpires Jeff Nelson and Ed Hickox both announced their retirement, while Ryan Wills and Clint Vondrak were promoted full time to the major league staff on Monday....

BP session has Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani optimistic for opener
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani took on-field batting practice for the first time with his new team Monday at Glendale, Ariz., and put on another of his patented shows....

Reports: Pirates add C Yasmani Grandal on 1-year deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates are signing free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal, multiple outlets reported Monday....

Reports: Padres bringing back Jurickson Profar on 1-year deal
The San Diego Padres are in agreement with utilityman Jurickson Profar on a one-year deal worth $1 million to return for the 2024 season, multiple outlets reported Monday....

Marlins sent LHP Steven Okert to Twins for INF/OF Nick Gordon
The Miami Marlins traded left-handed reliever Steven Okert to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday for utility player Nick Gordon....

Orioles All-Star closer Felix Bautista undergoes two procedures
Baltimore Orioles All-Star closer Felix Bautista underwent two procedures on his pitching elbow Friday, but the club said it won't hinder his projected 2025 return from Tommy John surgery....