April 2017 - Baseball Wiretap

Rangers Send Josh Hamilton For Knee Evaluation
Josh Hamilton had his surgically reconstructed left knee examined on Wednesday after he experienced discomfort during the Rangers' first full-squad spring training workout.

Associated Press

White Sox Want Pedro Severino From Nationals In David Robertson Trade
The White Sox would trade David Robertson to the Nationals and maybe even eat some of his salary if they receive Pedro Severino in return, according to a report.

Phil Rogers/MLB

Padres May Experiment With Unique Pitching Rotation
The Padres have 11 pitchers competing for rotation spots in camp and may use a unique strategy to maintain flexibility.

A.J. Cassavell/MLB

Jeff Bridich Expects Rockies To Contend For Playoff Berth
In his third season as general manager, Jeff Bridich expects the Rockies to contend for a playoff berth.

Mark Kiszla/Denver Post

Rob Manfred Blasts Union For 'Lack Of Cooperation' On Rule Changes
Rob Manfred blasted the players' association for a "lack on cooperation" on proposed rule changes to improve Major League Baseball's pace of play.

ESPN

Michael Brantley Hopes 'Bad Days' Are Behind Him
Michael Brantley played in just 11 games last season and is making his way back from right shoulder surgery.

Associated Press

MLB, Union Agree To Intentional Walk Change
Major League Baseball has approved a change to the intentional walk rule, going from the traditional four-pitch walk to a dugout signal, according to sources.

Howard Bryant/ESPN

'Zero' Chance Alex Rodriguez Makes Return
Alex Rodriguez returned to the Yankees as an advisor on Tuesday and says there is a "zero" percent chance he'll make a return to the field.

Andrew Marchand/ESPN

Matt Wieters Agrees To Two-Year Deal With Nationals
The contract is reportedly worth $21 million.

Eddie Matz/ESPN

MLB, MLBPA Discussing Changes To Batting Practice
Major League Baseball and the players' association are discussing ways to make batting practice more fan-friendly.

Mike Axisa/CBS Sports

Jeremy Hellickson Likely To Start Opener For Phillies
Pete Mackanin has not yet named his Opening Day starter, but Jeremy Hellickson is likely to take the mound for the Phillies.

Matt Gelb/Philadelphia Inquirer

Nick Swisher To Serve As Guest Instructor For Yankees
Nick Swisher worked with outfielders just three days after he announced his retirement as a player.

Associated Press

Michael Bourn, Orioles Agree To Minor League Deal
Michael Bourn will earn $2 million if he makes the Major League roster, according to a source.

ESPN

Rick Ankiel Drank Before Games To Calm Nerves
Rick Ankiel admitted that he drank vodka before his first two starts of the 2001 season, which came after his meltdown in the 2000 playoffs when he became the first Major League pitcher to throw five

ESPN

Extension Talks Between Mets, Neil Walker 'Probably Dead'
Sandy Alderson has recently met with Neil Walker's representatives to work out a contract extension, but talks hit a roadblock.

Mike Puma/New York Post

Royals Discussing Extension With Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer will be a free agent after the season if a long-term agreement isn't reached with the Royals.

Ken Rosenthal/FOX Sports

Jose Bautista Says He Had Choice Between Five Or Six Places
Jose Bautista remained on the free agent market for longer than expected and the slugger says he had his choice between five or six destinations.

Shi Davidi/SportsNet

Lucas Giolito: Trade To White Sox Was Like 'Breath Of Fresh Air'
Lucas Giolito reacted favorably when the Nationals traded him to the White Sox this offseason.

Bob Nightengale/USA Today

Giants May Open Season With Five Outfielders On Roster
The Giants may open the season with five outfielders on the roster in an effort to give both Hunter Pence and Denard Span time off.

Chris Haft/MLB

Dodgers Expect Yasiel Puig To Play Regularly In Right Field
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts feels Yasiel Puig can impact a game defensively.

MLB.com

Josh Donaldson Could Miss Two To Three Weeks With Calf Strain
Josh Donaldson felt something in his right calf muscle while running sprints on Friday.

MLB.com

Indians To Take Slow Approach With Kluber
Indians manager Terry Francona isn't sure if Corey Kluber will be the team's opening day starter.

ESPN.com

Moreno: Team To Remain In Angel Stadium Until At Least 2029
Angels owner Arte Moreno believes the team will be in better financial shape to go after baseball's top players.

ESPN.com

Betances: Felt 'Trashed' By The Yankees During Hearing
An arbitrator on Saturday decided in the Yankees favor, awarding Dellin Betances $3M for this season, instead of the $5M he sought.

ESPN.com

Kershaw To Start Opening Day For The Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw will be making his seventh consecutive Opening Day start for the Dodgers.

ESPN.com

Longoria Remains 'Upset' With Forsythe Trade
Evan Longoria is having a hard time not having Logan Forsythe on the team this season.

ESPN.com

Padres, Jered Weaver Agree On One-Year, $3M Deal
Jered Weaver went 12-12 with a 5.06 ERA for the Angels last season.

ESPN.com

Yankees President Rips Betances' Agent
The Yankees will pay Dellin Betances $3M in 2017.

ESPN.com

President: Multiple Groups Interested In Purchasing Marlins
David Samson also confirmed that owner Jeffrey Loria is being considered for nomination as U.S. ambassador to France.

Associated Press

Toxicology Report For Yordano Ventura Won't Be Made Public
The toxicology report on Yordano Ventura won't be released to the public following his death last month in a car crash in the Dominican Republic.

Associated Press