Injured Phillies star Bryce Harper says no worries about Opening Day
A day after an errant fastball bruised his right ankle, Phillies slugger Bryce Harper said he had no concerns about being ready for Opening Day.
“As of right now, no,” Harper said Saturday in Clearwater, Fla. “If I felt that way then I’d probably tell you guys. I really don’t.”
Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler said he wasn’t worried about Harper being set for the opener on March 28 against Atlanta. Harper, who recently signed a record $330 million, 13-year contract, agreed with that assessment.
“Felt good today coming in,” Harper said. “I was a little sore. Just trying to keep the swelling out, things like that.”
X-rays were negative and Harper was listed as day to day. He was struck by a 96 mph fastball from Toronto rookie Trent Thornton in the sixth inning of Friday’s game. Harper sat out Saturday’s exhibition against Houston, which the Astros won 13-5 as Michael Brantley had three RBI singles.
Gonzalez, Indians agree: A person familiar with the agreement says free agent outfielder Carlos Gonzalez intends to sign a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians. Gonzalez, who played the past 10 seasons with Colorado, will sign once he completes a physical and join the Indians at spring training.
If he’s added to the 40-man roster, Gonzalez will get a $2 million contract in the major leagues and can earn $1 million in performance bonuses.
A three-time All-Star, Gonzalez has hit .287 over 11 seasons. The left-hander batted .276 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs with the Rockies last season.
Gonzalez drove in 100 runs and hit 25 homers in 2016.
Sabathia pitches: Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia threw his first simulated game since undergoing a heart procedure in December.
The 38-year-old Vallejo...