Giants overcome 3rd straight 4-run deficit on the road, hold off reeling Mets 8-7
Patrick Bailey hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning, Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman saved San Francisco with a defensive gem and the Giants came back from another big deficit to beat the staggering New York Mets 8-7.
Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.
Slugging free agent Jorge Soler agrees to $42M, three-year deal with Giants, AP source says
A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that free agent outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler has agreed to a $42 million, three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Spring training preview: The Dodgers won the offseason. Will it buy them a championship?
Money can buy lots of things, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pair of Japanese superstars that set the Los Angeles Dodgers back more than $1 billion.
Ohtani, Bellinger, Montgomery, Snell head free agent market. Players can start contract talks Monday
Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell and Aaron Nola were among the 130 players who became free agents as baseballโs business season began the day following the Texas Rangersโ first World Series title.
Calm Carter keeps getting on base for Rangers. Bochy wonders if the kid even realizes he's in majors
Evan Carter hasnโt been overwhelmed since jumping right into the playoff chase with the Texas Rangers.
AP exclusive: MLB average salary up 11% year after lockout
The average Major League Baseball salary was up 11.1% to a record $4.9 million to start this season, the biggest jump for the sport since 2001, according to a study by The Associated Press.
Possibility of universal DH could affect roster decisions
If the universal designated hitter returns to the National League for good next season as many people believe, donโt be looking for the role to be filled with prototypical aging superstars who no longer play a position.
No Sprite, no spite: Braves' Anthopoulos beaming as WS champ
Alex Anthopoulos and his family settled on unusual ways to be festive after the Braves' general manager was forced to quarantine at home with COVID-19 as his team ended Atlantaโs 26-year championship drought in the big four major sports.
Soler, Freeman, Correa among 160 free agents who hit market
World Series MVP Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and Eddie Rosario of the champion Atlanta Braves are among 160 players who became free agents as an uncertain offseason started with a lockout threat looming.
New deal for Freeman top priority for Series champion Braves
Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freemanโs future is the most pressing offseason issue facing the Braves, who beat the Astros to cap an improbable run to their first World Series title since 1995.
Summer castoff Jorge Soler transforms into World Series MVP
A bit player during the Chicago Cubsโ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston Astros.
![The Latest: Astros force series back to Houston with 9-5 win](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/m30D_axXAlt-nEE4POeH2UBaTz8=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VGKHFE6YG5A4FIXAXPKZQVNJZE.jpg)
The Latest: Astros force series back to Houston with 9-5 win
Carlos Correa had three hits, Martin Maldonado found three different ways to drive in runs and pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez blooped a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fifth inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 9-5 and cut their World Series deficit to three games to two.
![The Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/N3KcPLUPvUciIOTM0q1-Zgpf6Os=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AS67AJXEIZHQTLZ5YKYMN7IFNA.jpg)
The Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win
Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series.
![Braves throw 2-hitter, blank Astros 2-0 for 2-1 Series lead](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/quGFW0Dh41bS8wyG9srlqvTiJmE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F3GCPGTPJRB2VCWG4M7XI346D4.jpg)
Braves throw 2-hitter, blank Astros 2-0 for 2-1 Series lead
Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis dโArnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.
![World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie Series](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/PIjrHGAHRGnjc9in_KvoBBKxPfY=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PLJMFR6GTJHH3A2ZGNUQQS63FE.jpg)
World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie Series
Rookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.
![Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/ILkS6967_F-R9du_7EEDVKqecjI=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/U3EOS4Z6OJGVTCU56CNT6PWX2E.jpg)
Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1
Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.
![The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over Astros](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/WiW84ob2A83_QylJ1e-uOhg5o_o=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LI3AVIL3P5G2DMID26A5KJZ4CE.jpg)
The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over Astros
Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday nightโs opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.
![Taylor hits 3 HRs, Dodgers beat Braves 11-2 to extend NLCS](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/NlpsFeJcDuO6yRbLK7MBFdY3ogc=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TL4TNFM4BRCN3AZM2SWH52LVCM.jpg)
Taylor hits 3 HRs, Dodgers beat Braves 11-2 to extend NLCS
Chris Taylor hit three homers and drove in six runs to help the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta 11-2, cutting the Braves' lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.
![To jab or not to jab? Vaccinations still hot topic in sports](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/qPoUid21Iy2P0drYUNOyRHjG7LU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LABI6V2A2NAUJMABZCXQDVG5O4.jpg)
To jab or not to jab? Vaccinations still hot topic in sports
Several months after COVID-19 vaccinations were made widely available in the United States, vaccination status continues to disrupt professional and college sports.
![LEADING OFF: Dodgers, Giants prep for deciding NLDS Game 5](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/m0nadU6omraHkgxKkUzW90DTd5w=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QY4TF6VYIRGLNLTGGCZWDJUWHY.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Dodgers, Giants prep for deciding NLDS Game 5
After a season of piling up whopping win totals, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers get a day to prep for their all-or-nothing matchup in Game 5 of the NL Division Series.
![LEADING OFF: La Russa, White Sox weigh '22 after elimination](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/8pFWYO4D4IyR2UYHchgEZsZS47E=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NSDUEUD46ZE3PIR3JXSIM5TCB4.jpg)
LEADING OFF: La Russa, White Sox weigh '22 after elimination
White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night.
![Fried sharp, Braves blank Brewers 3-0 to tie NLDS at 1-all](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/JpsRNq9AvhxkT70_lwZWa7syg9A=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BMUMHNEN7NEV7HS6VI7SQ7YHUA.jpg)
Fried sharp, Braves blank Brewers 3-0 to tie NLDS at 1-all
Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlantaโs bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitkerโs quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece.
![NL East-leading Braves overcome Duvall's lost HR in victory](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/qdCeTN1OdZjHfiRwgtBcpCWBSN4=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/J6ZG3NQJO5F55DMDC2B6OCF4IU.jpg)
NL East-leading Braves overcome Duvall's lost HR in victory
Ian Anderson pitched two-hit ball over six-plus innings and Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman homered as the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2.
![Braves ride big 5th inning to win, extend NL East lead](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/Ee3Wg2DYCyarMTrOsGS2LFFLpLg=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SAVHPSYDNJDXNFQ5ICEI3U2NPA.jpg)
Braves ride big 5th inning to win, extend NL East lead
Austin Riley had three doubles and three RBIs, Adam Duvall added a two-run homer and the Atlanta Braves extended their lead in the NL East by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-4.
![Urรญas 15th win, Dodgers end Braves' 13-game road win streak](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/OdJn1GInaQibTzTQ3P-EWNlEQFU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XNSKKD3B5RBZHAV7PUEEQ35ZPY.jpg)
Urรญas 15th win, Dodgers end Braves' 13-game road win streak
Julio Urรญas earned his major league-best 15th victory, and the Los Angeles Dodgers slugged four homers in a 5-3 victory over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves.
![Soler, Riley back Anderson with HRs, Braves romp over Giants](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/YD2hcc67cirB83NyXEnFncmuLzk=/800x592/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QLCKXJRLSJCW5FTALIH3TXXA2A.jpg)
Soler, Riley back Anderson with HRs, Braves romp over Giants
Jorge Soler and Austin Riley homered off Anthony DeSclafani, Ian Anderson pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0.
![Soler's homer, Pederson's catch lift Braves over Giants 6-5](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/EYBvo0DAq7mxy8nWUJnXtrcdsUE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PSINIACF7JABLJUA6UFNCOH7VI.jpg)
Soler's homer, Pederson's catch lift Braves over Giants 6-5
Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 to end the Giantsโ five-game winning streak.
![Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight win](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/DiKbVzfm-Kq2JpBtEk-cT4YW2a4=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/52I6OUYYYNDZRFWCFAP4YJ2GV4.jpg)
Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight win
Wandy Peralta retired Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded for the final out, and the New York Yankees held off the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in a thriller to extend their longest winning streak in 36 years to 11 games.
![Braves top Orioles 3-1 for Baltimore's 18th straight loss](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/SqlzQSw6ituoO6T3UPDgL344C7s=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/S3HLXNQHXNA25FQDPVQXMNVN7U.jpg)
Braves top Orioles 3-1 for Baltimore's 18th straight loss
Jorge Soler homered, Touki Toussaint pitched effectively into the sixth inning, and the surging Atlanta Braves beat Baltimore 3-1, extending the Oriolesโ losing streak to 18 games.
![Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/eb8Lfc0UTDt0VIa3NIolrR21Ds4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BNLPGYIO5NBH7I7YC7RD32MH3Y.jpg)
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer โ a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.
![Chisox star Jimรฉnez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailing](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/OlIGnRYivOqAcJpfykq_zSwAkAk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FE6RAZFGLJC5FJI6YP4USL5RKQ.jpg)
Chisox star Jimรฉnez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailing
Sixto Sรกnchez made his third start, yielding a run on three hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Austin Gomber gave up five runs on eight hits, four of them home runs, 5 1/3 innings. Arizona starter Luke Weaver struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. Right-hander Adbert Alzolay continued to struggle for Chicago, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings. BREWERS 2, GIANTS 2Brett Anderson pitched two-run ball over 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and striking out three for Milwaukee.
![Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/v2YqSYNfxAdcPPxuycIHsPQqCSk=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BBRBWHZO35B6TGL5OS7XV6K44U.jpg)
Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day
Scherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.
![LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchers](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/gP0wJytnrF1v2hopl63XzHjgbWI=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VRITA2IEOBAVLHG3H3NI5SW5XI.jpg)
LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchers
Starter Zach Eflin pitched four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out four without a walk. ROCKIES 2, MARINERS 1Kyle Freeland allowed three hits in four shutout innings in his second start for Colorado, striking out four. Seattle's Marco Gonzales threw four shutout innings in his second start, allowing two hits while striking out four. Martรญn Pรฉrez made his second start, allowing two hits and a walk in four scoreless innings. ATHLETICS 5, REDS 2 (7)Oakland lefty Sean Manaea struck out four in three innings, allowing one run and three hits.
![Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/rdOSgeBIBWZvAk52rVX37DQfS5o=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/U3NMV3COU5BRTOXKRO3FUKR2WY.jpg)
Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out
TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi Garcรญa pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.
![Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/G1q5GGYGuFNLCx5i9aUBB7YchGY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SC2XS5PJIVBGNMWTTZAFA37SDE.jpg)
Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut
Bieber bounced back with a pair of strikeouts, but Nick Heath hit a single to put the Royals up 3-0. DODGERS 10, ROCKIES 0 (6 INNINGS)Trevor Bauer, pitching for the first time since signing a $102 million, three-year contract, debuted in Dodger blue with two scoreless innings. Jameson Taillon followed with a scoreless inning. CUBS 1, PADRES 0 (7)Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks struck out two in two scoreless innings. BREWERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 1 (8)Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta each threw a scoreless inning for Milwaukee before Jordan Zimmermann gave up a run.
![Royals make official Dozier deal for $25 million, four years](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/wFhZAySilE_KAZlX0Zj3fjdrEmQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W4IFDB5Z3VABZBILZLMDGFUL4Q.jpg)
Royals make official Dozier deal for $25 million, four years
โ The Royals made official their $25 million, four-year contract with third baseman Hunter Dozier on Monday, ensuring that another member of their young foundation is under club control for the foreseeable future. And we want that to happen in Kansas City.โAdDozier's deal replaces a $2.72 million, one-year contract he agreed to on Dec. 2. He gets a $1 million signing bonus and will earn $2.25 million this year, $4.5 million in 2022, $7.25 million in 2023 and $9 million in 2024. The Royals have a $10 million option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout. AdโHunter is willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team win,โ Moore added.
![Royals, 1B Carlos Santana agree to $17 million, 2-year deal](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/nKoDxmdgLpedu8Hmu3OXpIIMpJ4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AMWU7CIFUFFXFB53HMACBWBZTE.jpg)
Royals, 1B Carlos Santana agree to $17 million, 2-year deal
โ The Kansas City Royals and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana have agreed to a $17 million, two-year contract that plugs one of their biggest offensive holes while providing some clubhouse leadership for a rebuilding club. The 34-year-old Santana was an All-Star two years ago in Cleveland, when he hit a career-best .281 with 34 homers and 93 RBIs. Santana has hit .288 with 31 homers and 93 RBIs in 151 career games against them, the best of any team in the division. Relief pitcher Mike Minor signed an $18 million, two-year deal and outfielder Michael Taylor a $1.75 million deal for next season, and nearly all their arbitration-eligible players are under contract. That includes an $8.05 million contract for slugger Jorge Soler and a $3.35 million deal for staff ace Brad Keller.
![Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic fallout](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/HlzftS-NcnRm1dtpUO8r9VuV-Lk=/1600x1141/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CFC3ESHM2BFY5PW7FBDUMDLR6Y.jpg)
Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic fallout
The total cut was one more than the previous high at the tender deadline, ahead of the 2004 season. Schwarber earned $2,596,296 in prorated pay from his $7.01 million salary last season but hit .188 with 11 homers in 59 games, down from 38 homers, 92 RBIs and a .250 batting average in 155 games in 2019. Schwarber returned from a serious knee injury and hit .412 with two RBIs in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Fifty-nine players agreed to one-year contracts ahead of the deadline, many of them facing a threat of being cut. Minnesota reached deals with five players, including pitcher Josรฉ Berrรญos ($500,000 signing bonus plus $5.6 million salary) and center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000).
![Royals' Dozier tests positive for COVID-19 before exhibition](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/tvnUsOREpKIsC_qiTJrEaxQGc9A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7YKO5GAB6NF6DGOR6VNJ2ZEWMU.jpg)
Royals' Dozier tests positive for COVID-19 before exhibition
Kansas City Royals' Hunter Dozier bats during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Houston Astros in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 20, 2020. Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Dozier has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the injured list before the club played its final exhibition game against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Wednesday. And it still snuck up on them.The positive test leaves Matheny with another hole to fill in his starting lineup. Ryan McBroom, who made his big league debut last season, will likely start at first base with O'Hearn sidelined by the virus. Danny Duffy will start opening day against Cleveland and rookie Brady Singer will make his big league debut on Saturday.