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COLORADO ROCKIES

2 MLB players test positive for COVID-19 in past week

(AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)NEW YORK – Two major league players and two staff members were positive for COVID-19 during the past week among 13,978 tests, a 0.03% positive rate. The positive tests were among 11 of the 30 teams. Including intake testing upon arrival at spring training, there have been 33 positive tests — 25 players, eight staff — among 78,227 tests, a positive rate of 0.04%. The positive tests were among 18 teams. All players on 40-man rosters and players with minor league contracts invited to big league training camps are screened.

MLB steps up ball monitoring to suppress foreign substances

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Daulton Jefferies throws against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning of a spring training baseball game, Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)NEW YORK – Major League Baseball is increasing its monitoring of baseballs in an attempt to suppress any use of foreign substances by pitchers. "The stuff that you’re hearing that’s out there is doctoring the baseball. I think MLB is on the right track to try to crack down on that. Ad—MLB Statcast data will be reviewed by the commissioner’s office to analyze spin rate changes among pitchers suspected of using foreign substances, comparing game data with career norms. “As a reminder, all club personnel are prohibited from assisting players in the use of foreign substances and also will be subject to discipline by the commissioner, including fines and suspensions,” Hill wrote.

Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated

The Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.

The Latest: ACC tourney players, coaches get tracing devices

(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Atlantic Coast Conference will expand use of KINEXON SafeTag contact tracing devices by equipping players, coaches and Tier 1 personnel for its upcoming men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. SafeTags measure proximity between users to provide school medical officials with contact tracing data when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. All 15 ACC schools used the devices inside team facilities during the regular season to mitigate the spread of the virus. An ACC release stated that the technology identified several high-risk close contacts of a positive case within the league. Bars, restaurants and music venues will also be able to close two hours later, at 2 a.m., instead of at midnight.

MLB spring training still a hot ticket in Arizona

FILE - In this March 18, 2016, file photo, fans at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick watch a spring training baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Scottsdale, Ariz. PHOENIX – Even during a pandemic, the appetite to sit in the sun and watch Major League Baseball spring training appears robust. The two teams open their spring training schedule against each other next Sunday. Spring training facilities across Arizona and Florida have been making their own decisions about how many fans — if any — are allowed to attend games. “Not just Diamondbacks fans but I think baseball fans throughout the entire United States.

Rockies OF Ian Desmond opts out for 2nd straight season

Colorado Rockies' Ian Desmond during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Mesa, Ariz. Desmond announced Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 he is opting out for a second straight season. (AP Photo/Matt York, file)DENVER – Ian Desmond provided a calming voice to help the Colorado Rockies stick together soon after losing star third baseman Nolan Arenado in a blockbuster trade. Desmond decided Sunday to opt out for a second straight season. He’s going to assess what’s going on and maybe his feelings in a month, two months, two weeks, two days ... “Desi and I had great conversations over the years, probably more so about other things besides just the nuts and bolts of baseball,” Black said.

AP source: Semien, Blue Jays agree to $18M, 1-year contract

Shortstop Marcus Semien agreed to an $18 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)TORONTO, ONT – Shortstop Marcus Semien agreed to an $18 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Semien will become the second star and fourth free agent added by the Blue Jays during a slow offseason amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Blue Jays were swept in two games by the AL champion Rays in a first-round series. It is not clear where the Blue Jays will play home games when the 2021 season starts.

Arenado, Gordon each win 8th Gold Glove; Betts gets 5th

Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)ST. LOUIS – Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove and right fielder Mookie Betts snared his fifth in a row on Tuesday, his first with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after four with Boston. Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon also won his eighth Gold Glove — and fourth straight — in his final major league season. They were joined by seven first-time winners, including Indians second baseman César Hernández. Arenado and Robert earned $9,259, prorated portions of $25,000, and O’Neill earned $3,704, a prorated portion of $10,000.

Padres get back Mike Clevinger, Dodgers add pitcher for NLDS

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Dylan Floro works against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Denver. While Clevinger was among the 15 pitchers on the Padres roster released Tuesday, fellow starter Dinelson Lamet was again left off because of injury. The Dodgers added a pitcher to their roster for the NLDS, where they will have 14 pitchers and 14 position players after carrying only 13 pitchers for the first round series against Milwaukee. Right-handed reliever Dylan Floro (3-0, 2.59 ERA) was the pitcher added for the longer NLDS. The Padres last week became the first team to use eight or more pitchers in three consecutive playoff games.

Breaking down the National League’s most crowded, unique playoff race ever

With six days left until the end of the regular season, the Cardinals will either play seven or nine games. Milwaukee is the team to watch this week because all seven games are between desperate, fringy playoff teams. Why do you think this playoff race is so great?”First of all, think of the unique schedule circumstance. Miami plays six games against playoff teams in the Braves and Yankees. The best teams in baseball will be playing the most desperate teams in baseball the final weekend of the year.

Pujols hits homer No. 660 as Angels rally to beat Rox 5-3

Trailing 3-2, the 40-year-old Pujols lined a fastball from Carlos Estevez (1-3) into the empty seats in left-center for his 660th homer. Pujols now trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696) on the career home run list. It was a crazy day at the plate for the Angels, who had more walks (10) than hits (six). The Angels took two of three from Rockies and wrapped up a six-game trip with a 3-3 mark. If you’re good, you’re young and you’re not hurt, you’ll work through it.

Imagining 8 trades Detroit Tigers could make with 8 different teams ahead of next weeks deadline

Considering the 2020 season is only 60 games long, rental players wont be worth as much ahead of Mondays deadline. Tigers prospect breakdowns:Its a unique season and we dont really know what the deadline will bring. Heres a look at eight possible trades with eight different teams who could be interested in some of the Tigers assets. Sports world to Detroit fans: No, you have not yet suffered enoughThe catcher spot has been a disaster in 2020. Austin Romine has been solid for the Tigers this season and would cost next to nothing as a 25-game rental.

Blackmon raises batting average to .500, Rockies top Arizona

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER Charlie Blackmon raised his batting average to an amazing .500 with three more hits, including a key double during a six-run burst in the eighth inning that led the Colorado Rockies over the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-7 Tuesday night. Blackmon doubled off Kevin Ginkel (0-1) during the Rockies' big inning that made it 8-2. Gallen went seven innings and allowed two runs on seven hits, with seven strikeout and no walks. Kyle Freeland went seven innings for Colorado and allowed two runs on seven hits. UP NEXT Arizona RHP Luke Weaver (0-3, 12.19 ERA) returns to the mound seeking his first win of the season.

Dbacks bop Rockies 13-7; Blackmon hitless, drops under .500

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)DENVER Starling Marte homered and drove in four runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks battered the Colorado Rockies 13-7 Wednesday in a Coors Field slugfest featuring 34 hits, but none by blistering Charlie Blackmon. Blackmon began the game batting an astonishing .500 for the Rockies. Blackmon was on deck when Trevor Story, who doubled twice and singled, grounded into a game-ending double play. Rockies: Following an off day Thursday, the Rockies begin a stretch of 20 games in 20 days starting Friday night in a series opener against the Texas Rangers. Colorado RHP Ryan Castellani (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is slated to start against the Rangers RHP Lance Lynn (2-0, 1.16 ERA).