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The Boston Red Sox will be without Steven Wright for half of the 2019 season after MLB levied an 80-game suspension against the pitcher, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Wednesday afternoon.  Feinsand disclosed that Wright tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug called growth hormone releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2), which violates the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Wright has spent his entire major league career with the Red Sox since being called up in 2013. Last season, he contributed to Boston’s World Series run with a 2.68 ERA in 53.2 innings pitched. Wright defended himself against purposefully taking a performance-enhancing substance while still accepting responsibility for a positive test. […]

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be without Clayton Kershaw for the start of the season as the staff ace begins to rebuild from shoulder soreness that caused him to shut down his spring training. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said “that’s fair” when asked Monday whether his opening-day starter would be unavailable in just over three weeks. The Dodgers open against Arizona on March 28. “There’s just way too much importance put on the opening-day roster. The No. 1 thing is for him to be ready and to feel confident physically and mentally,” Roberts said, “and when that is, it is.” […]

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman says he has recovered from the left knee tendinitis that bothered him during much of last season. Chapman threw 21 pitches during a four-batter simulated game appearance on Thursday, his 31st birthday. The left-hander struck out three, including Giancarlo Stanton, and induced Gary Sanchez to hit a broken-bat grounder. Chapman started feeling pain in the knee last May and went on the disabled list from Aug. 22 to Sept. 19. “I’m healthy and feel really good,” Chapman said through a translator. “I felt normal out there. Everything went well.” He was 3-0 with 32 […]

Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado will reportedly be paid a record-breaking amount before he even hits free agency, as the team announced its reached an eight-year contract extension with its star third baseman. Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the eight-year offer from the National League West team, and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted it is worth $260 million with a full no-trade clause and opt-out after three seasons. Bob Nightengale of USA Today also reported the extension plans, noting it will replace the contract that was set to pay him $26 million this year. The new deal will break Miguel Cabrera’s $31 million record for annual salary for […]

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw took a step back from throwing because of inflammation in his throwing shoulder but does not need an MRI and is taking anti-inflammatory medication to treat his ailment. The team had not previously given a specific reason why Kershaw was taking a step back from his normal throwing progression. Roberts told reporters on Sunday evening that Kershaw will play catch on Monday. He didn’t specify how much he will throw or at what distance he will throw from. “It’s just the shoulder, probably inflammation getting ramped up,” Roberts told reporters, according […]