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Seattle Mariners

Manfred speaks on key issues

Manfred
Manfred

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says the National League and American League will bat last in alternating years in the All-Star Game, regardless of where it’s played.

Manfred disclosed the plan Friday when Miami was awarded the 2017 All-Star Game. The game will be played in an NL city three years in a row, beginning this summer in Cincinnati.

The American League will be the home team in 2016 in San Diego, Manfred said.

On other topics, Manfred stressed the importance of helping players like Alex Rodriguez return to normal careers after serving suspensions for drug program violations. He also said that in the future “I’m going to have to make a decision” regarding possible reinstatement for Pete Rose. Manfred stated he had a “positive” reaction to experiments with a pitch clock in the Arizona Fall League and plans use it in Double-A and Triple-A this season, but said “it’s too early to make a decision” as to whether it will be implemented in the majors.

Teams prevail in arbitration

Toronto All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson and Miami pitcher David Phelps lost in salary arbitration, and closers Aroldis Chapman, Greg Holland and Addison Reed all reached agreements before the scheduled start of their hearings today.

Donaldson was awarded $4.3 million rather than his $5.75 million request.

Phelps was given a $1.4 million salary rather than his request of $1,875,000.

Teams lead players 5-3, and the remaining seven cases are scheduled for next week.

Chapman and Cincinnati agreed at $8.05 million, while Holland struck an $8.25 million deal with AL champion Kansas City. Reed and Arizona settled at $4,875,000.

Shields has opt-out after two years

James Shields can opt out his new contract with the San Diego Padres after two years and $31 million.

The 33-year-old right-hander finalized a $75 million, four-year deal Wednesday. The Padres have a $16 million option for 2019.

Clearing the bases

The Mariners and infielder Rickie Weeks finalized a $2 million, one-year contract following the completion of a physical. … Free agent outfielder Eric Young Jr. and the Braves reached agreement on a minor league deal.