Baseball

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — His spot at the top of the batting order no longer secure and his statistics trending downward, George Springer has plenty to prove as he enters the penultimate season of his six-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — From the pinstripes of New York all the way to the Dodger blues of Los Angeles, there is a strong connection among the clubhouse staffers who wash the dirt-caked, hard-worn uniforms of the major leagues.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — After turning the New York Mets into baseball's biggest spender, owner Steve Cohen would like to see his team build more economically through its farm system.

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Justin Turner has agreed to a $6 million, one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation, giving the team additional infield depth. Turner can earn an additional $2.

PHOENIX (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred called the Athletics temporary home charming but reiterated he expects the franchise will open its new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino agreed to a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox and will report to big league spring training.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — DJ LeMahieu reacted to his poor play the way many New York Yankees fans did. “Definitely lost a lot of sleep,” he said Tuesday. A three-time All-Star infielder, LeMahieu hasn't had a fully healthy season since 2020.

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. plans to become a free agent after the season following the passing of his deadline Tuesday to reach a long-term agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays. “Listen, I want to be here.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani threw his second bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday, continuing the process of his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani had his first bullpen session on Saturday.

DUNEDIN — After Vladimir Guerrero Jr. confirmed the news that Blue Jays fans were dreading Tuesday morning, he walked into the team locker-room and put on his Toronto ball cap before making his way to the practice field.