DAVID BRANDT

AP Sports Writer
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the selection made by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the MLB baseball draft in Fort Worth, Texas, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
Some in baseball think an international draft could address corruption. Creating one isn’t that easy
Major League Baseball is convinced an international draft would cut down on corruption among Latin American signings, a framework the players’ association has long opposed. Some officials in the Dominican agree.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller reacts after being hit by a line drive from Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller hit in the head by a line drive, walks off field under own power
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller was hit in the head by a line drive during the team’s spring training against the Chicago Cubs, but was able to walk off the field.
 
A replay shows on the scoreboard using the Automated Ball-Strike System during the first inning of a spring training baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Players 1, umpires 0: Cubs hurler Cody Poteet makes first ABS challenge in spring training and wins
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet believed the 95 mph fastball he threw to Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Max Muncy was in the strike zone. Plate umpire Tony Randazzo disagreed and called it a ball.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell throws during spring training baseball practice, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
While Manfred frets, some opposing players cheer the big-spending push of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has praised the Los Angeles Dodgers for their big-spending ways. He’s also expressed concern for the financial disparity they’ve helped create. Others around the league aren’t nearly as conflicted.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws during spring training baseball practice, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
With the Dodgers’ organization watching, Roki Sasaki has some success throwing live batting practice
Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki threw 27 pitches over two innings of live batting practice at Camelback Ranch in front of hundreds of fans and several teammates.
 
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Manfred calls Athletics’ new park in Sacramento charming but still expects to be in Vegas by 2028
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred called the Athletics temporary home in Sacramento charming but reiterated that he expects the franchise will open its new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028.
 
Arizona Diamondbacks' Geraldo Perdomo bunts against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb, File)
Diamondbacks, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo agree to $45 million, 4-year deal that starts in 2026
Slick-fielding shortstop Geraldo Perdomo has agreed to a $45 million, four-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that begins in 2026. The deal announced Tuesday includes a club option for 2030.
 
Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay watches the action on the field during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, June 29, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, file)
A’s manager Mark Kotsay agrees to a deal that could keep him with the team through 2029
Manager Mark Kotsay has agreed to a contract extension with the Athletics through the 2028 season that includes a club option for 2029. The deal was announced Monday, which coincided with the team’s first full-squad workout of spring training.
 
Houston Astros relief pitcher Kendall Graveman delivers during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox, File)
D-backs, righty Kendall Graveman agree to $1.35 million, 1-year deal, AP source says
A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that reliever Kendall Graveman has agreed to a $1.35 million, one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondback.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up at the Dodgers baseball spring training facility, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Clayton Kershaw finalizes $7.5 million, 1-year deal to stay with Dodgers for 18th season
Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $7.5 million, one-year contract, bringing back the three-time Cy Young Award winner for his 18th big league season.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, of Japan, throws during a pitching session at the team's baseball spring training facility Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Roki Sasaki flashes big fastball, wicked splitter and a few nerves in first bullpen with the Dodgers
Roki Sasaki was warming up for his bullpen on a cool, breezy Wednesday morning at Camelback Ranch, when the right-hander let loose a fastball that sailed past catcher Austin Barnes and clanged against the chainlink fence.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, gets a ride back to the clubhouse at the team's baseball spring training facility Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Shohei Ohtani expects to throw first bullpen this weekend as he prepares for return to the mound
Shohei Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he aims to return to the mound from a one-season pitching layoff caused by elbow surgery.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, of Japan, throws during a pitching session at the Dodgers baseball spring training facility, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Yamamoto, Sasaki are the likely starting pitchers when the Dodgers play in Tokyo next month
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are the likely starting pitchers for the Los Angeles Dodgers when they face the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo next month, according to manager Dave Roberts.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, warms up with other pitchers and catchers at the Dodgers baseball spring training facility, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Fresh off a World Series win, the Los Angeles Dodgers look even more formidable in 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers went through a light workout and most of the usual superstars were out on the field, including National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw stands on the field during practice in preparation for Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
Clayton Kershaw back at Dodgers camp in latest sign that he’s returning for 18th season
 
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell in action during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, July 9, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
A Chicago Cubs-Alex Bregman pairing makes a lot of sense. As spring arrives, the possibility looms
Two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman is one of the few remaining marquee free agents still on the market as teams begin to report for spring training. It just so happens the Chicago Cubs have uncertainty at third base.
 
Thomas Detry, of Belgium, hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Thomas Detry shoots 65 to take 5-shot lead into the final round of the Phoenix Open
Thomas Detry shot a 6-under 65 on Saturday to take a five-shot lead into the final round of the Phoenix Open as he chases his first PGA Tour victory.
 
Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee (10) drives against Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Booker scores 47 points, Allen forces OT with 3-pointer at buzzer in Suns’ 135-127 win over Jazz
Devin Booker scored a season-high 47 points, Grayson Allen hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime and the short-handed Phoenix Suns rallied to beat the Utah Jazz 135-127.
 
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures toward former NBA player Gary Payton, sitting with fans, as referee Scott Foster, right, reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and the Suns in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Suns’ Big 3 is still together after the trade deadline, so the search for success continues
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are still members of the Phoenix Suns after a tumultuous trade deadline. Now they have roughly 30 games to turn their disappointing season around. There haven’t been many reasons to think it will happen.
 
Trey Mancini agrees to minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with Trey Mancini as the outfielder and first baseman attempts a comeback after sitting out all of last season.
 
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill looks on before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, in Glendale, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2023,. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Former Arizona Cardinals employee sues owner Michael Bidwill, claiming verbal abuse
A former personal assistant to Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has filed a lawsuit against him, saying that she was verbally abused during her tenure with the club.
 
Some of the thousands gathered at the 16th hole during the first round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Tour golf tournament at the TPC Scottsdale Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
WM’s zero-waste approach to golf’s raucous Phoenix Open catching on in the sports world
The Phoenix Open’s famously booze-soaked 16th hole is one of the most unique spectacles in golf, where the normally gentile sport lets loose with stadium-style seating, deafening music and an enthusiastic announcer introducing players in a scene that’s more WWE than PGA Tour.
 
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) gets off a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Anthony Edwards scores 33 points as Timberwolves beat Suns 121-113 for 4th straight win
Anthony Edwards scored 33 points, Julius Randle added 28 and the Minnesota Timberwolves won their fourth straight game by beating the Phoenix Suns 121-113 on Wednesday night.
 
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Devin Booker scores 26 and the Suns survive a late scare to beat the Clippers 111-109
Devin Booker scored 26 points, Kevin Durant added 24 and the surging Phoenix Suns survived a late scare for a 111-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
 
Phoenix Suns' Jusuf Nurkic, left, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers' Guerschon Yabusele during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Suns playing better basketball with former starter Jusuf Nurkic buried deep on the bench
Things are looking up for the Phoenix Suns on the basketball court these days. The same can’t be said for Jusuf Nurkic. The struggling Nurkic has gone from the team’s starting center to a benchwarmer in the space of about a month.
 
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates after his 3-point basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Durant scores 29 points as the Suns hand the Wizards their 13th straight loss, 119-109
Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Nick Richards added 20 points along with a career-high 19 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns held off the Washington Wizards 119-109 on Saturday night. The Suns have won eight of 11.
 
Japan's Roki Sasak pitches during a Pool B game against the Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome, Japan, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)
Money was a limited factor for Roki Sasaki, and he picked the Dodgers anyway
Young Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki said on Instagram that he’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving the defending World Series champions even more star power entering 2025.
 
Arizona Diamondbacks new starting pitcher Corbin Burnes smiles as he is introduced during a news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ace Corbin Burnes joins the Diamondbacks, who are `stretching the budget’ to compete in NL West
Even though it had been nearly three weeks since ace right-hander Corbin Burnes had agreed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $210 million, six-year deal, it was still a little stunning to see him in the team’s jersey at Chase Field on Wednesday.
 
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) as Jared Verse (8) dives on during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Rams overwhelm Vikings 27-9 in wild-card playoff game moved to Arizona because of LA wildfires
Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Rams overwhelmed the Minnesota Vikings, sacking Sam Darnold an NFL playoff record-tying nine times to win 27-9 Monday night.
 
A Los Angeles Rams fan holds a sign b before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Rams host wild-card playoff game nearly 400 miles east of LA because of wildfires
The Los Angeles Rams made themselves at home on Monday night for their NFL wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings — even if their adopted stadium featured an unusual amount of red and was nearly 400 miles east of their regular venue.
 
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