MLB

Monday deadline for MLB drug agreements that don’t impact playoffs
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Looming playoffs could force an end to negotiations in baseball’s latest drug scandal as pressure builds to impose penalties so stars can still make the post-season.
Twins option LHP Scott Diamond, CF Aaron Hicks to Triple-A Rochester
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Twins have optioned Canadian left-hander Scott Diamond and centre fielder Aaron Hicks to Triple-A Rochester.

Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera says he is yet to hear from MLB on possible suspension
OAKLAND, Calif. – Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera says he hasn’t been told by Major League Baseball whether he will face a suspension for his ties to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.
Friday could be decision day in Major League Baseball drug investigation
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Friday could be D-day for Major League Baseball’s drug investigation.

Questions and answers about Major League Baseball’s possible suspension of Alex Rodriguez
In question-and-answer form, a look at the issues and implications of Major League Baseball’s possible suspension of New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez:

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons doesn’t expect another suspension for outfielder Melky Cabrera
OAKLAND, Calif. – Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons believes outfielder Melky Cabrera served his suspension and won’t be penalized by Major League Baseball for his ties to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

Person familiar with case: MLB may hit A-Rod with penalty under labour deal, not drug rules
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Major League Baseball may try to suspend Alex Rodriguez under its collective bargaining agreement instead of its drug rules, which would eliminate any chance of delaying a penalty until after the case goes to an arbitrator, The Associated Press has learned.

Aretha Franklin, Bo Jackson to receive MLB honours before Civil Rights Game next month
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Aretha Franklin and Bo Jackson will be honoured at the 2013 MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon next month.

Culture change: Baseball players deplore doping rather than defending them
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Protective no more, baseball players are downright disgusted these days with doping.
‘We all feel a little bit cheated’: Angry players around majors sound off on Braun suspension
They felt sick, angry, cheated, deceived.

2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun suspended for rest of season for violations of drug program
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former National League MVP Ryan Braun was suspended without pay for the rest of the season and the post-season Monday, the first penalty from baseball’s investigation of players reportedly tied to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

Countdown begins for All-Star Game at Target Field
MINNEAPOLIS – That Target Field was built on an 8 1/2-acre wedge of land in downtown Minneapolis is considered miraculous, and the resulting ballpark intimate. That snugness is part of its charm, and makes it worthy of the 2014 All-Star Game that its success has delivered.

LeBron James, Serena Williams win athlete of year trophies at 21st annual ESPY Awards
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – LeBron James padded his trophy collection, receiving three at the ESPY Awards, including male athlete of the year for helping the Miami Heat win a second straight NBA championship.

Torii Hunter defends records of PED users; says David Ortiz is craziest All-Star ever
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Torii Hunter was an All-Star rookie in 2002 when he robbed Barry Bonds of a home run and got a big bear hug from the slugger on the field. Now he’s a veteran voice in a clubhouse with a record number of newcomers.

MLB agrees to policy on harassment, discrimination over sexual orientation
ALBANY, N.Y. – Major League Baseball says it will bolster its policies against harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation, according to a new agreement provided to The Associated Press on Monday.