MLB criticizes Arizona anti-gay bill
NEW YORK — Major League Baseball issued a statement criticizing legislation in Arizona that would have added protections for people who assert their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed the bill Wednesday.
The baseball commissioner’s office says “as the sport of Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs stand united behind the principles of respect, inclusion and acceptance. Those values are fundamental to our game’s diverse players, employees and fans. We welcome individuals of different sexual orientations, races, religions, genders and national origins.”
The statement Wednesday went on to say “MLB has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation, as reflected by our collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Players Association. Accordingly, MLB will neither support nor tolerate any words, attitudes or actions that imperil the inclusive communities that we have strived to foster within our game.”
Pavano retires after 14 major league seasons
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons.
The 38-year-old right-hander didn’t pitch after June 1 in 2012 because of a strained right shoulder. His spleen was removed in January 2013 after he was injured when he fell in the snow at his home in Vermont.
Pavano had been hoping to return to the major leagues this year. He announced his retirement in a statement issued Wednesday by his agent, David Pepe.
An All-Star in 2004, Pavano was 108-107 with a 4.39 ERA for Montreal (1998-02), Florida 2002-04), the New York Yankees (2005, 2007-08), Cleveland (2009) and Minnesota (2009-12).
He was an All-Star in 2004, going 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA and earning a $39.95 million, four-year contract with the Yankees.
Hamilton strained calf, out at least two weeks
TEMPE, Ariz. — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton will be sidelined for at least two weeks because of a strained calf muscle, and pitcher C.J. Wilson does not appear to be seriously hurt after getting struck on the head by a line drive in batting practice.
Both players were injured during a spring training workout Tuesday.
Hamilton struggled in his first season with the Angels after agreeing to a $125 million, five-year contract, hitting .250 with 21 homers and 79 RBIs. The 2010 AL MVP reported to spring training 20 pounds heavier than last year after losing about 25 pounds following the 2012 season.
Hamilton left the clubhouse on crutches Tuesday after getting hurt during a baserunning drill.
Rangers expect Seahawks QB Wilson to work out
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Russell Wilson is getting on the diamond again.
The Texas Rangers expect Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning quarterback to participate in a team workout and then be in uniform for a Cactus League game when Wilson visits camp Monday.
Wilson tweeted last week his plans to visit the camp.
The Rangers selected Wilson from the Colorado Rockies in the Triple-A portion of baseball’s December draft at the winter meetings.
After playing football and baseball at North Carolina State, Wilson played parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons in Colorado’s organization The second baseman hit .229 with five homers in 93 professional games, none above the Class A level.
He then transferred to Wisconsin to play football. He just finished his second NFL season with the Seahawks, with a win earlier this month over Denver in the Super Bowl.
By wire sources