Braves name Snitker manager for 2017
Brian Snitker finally was given his most-cherished prize for four decades of service to the Atlanta Braves.
Snitker was hired by the Braves as their full-time manager on Tuesday, rewarded for helping reverse the team’s direction in his interim role this season.
The Braves finished last in the NL East but won 20 of their final 30 games under Snitker, who became interim manager on May 17 after Fredi Gonzalez was fired. Snitker had a 59-65 record, including 37-35 after the All-Star break.
Sabathia has surgery on troublesome knee
Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia has had surgery on his troublesome right knee.The team described it as “a routine cleanup” and said Sabathia is expected to be ready for spring training. He is due $25 million next year, the final season of his contract.
Angels’ Calhoun needs surgery; ready for spring
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun is having surgery on a bilateral core muscle injury. He will need at least six weeks of recovery time, but he is expected to head into spring training with no limitations. Calhoun batted .271 with 18 homers and 75 RBIs this season, his third full big-league campaign.
Vin Scully set to visit Kimmel
Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, who recently ended his 67-year career, is returning to the air with an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Thursday night. The 88-year-old will be making a rare appearance on a non-baseball show for his first television interview since concluding his career at a Dodgers game in San Francisco on Oct. 2.
Estrada starting game one for Toronto
Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada was selected to start Game 1 of the ALCS in Cleveland. Estrada allowed one run and four hits in 8 1/3 innings to beat Texas in the AL Division Series opener last Thursday, starting Toronto to a sweep. He’s 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA in eight career postseason games.
Young has surgery on abdominal, groin area
Royals pitcher Chris Young had surgery to his abdominal area, pelvis and groin on Tuesday and the veteran right-hander is expected to be ready for spring training in February. Young went just 3-9 with a 6.19 ERA this season.
Tebow aids ill fan after Arizona Fall League game
Tim Tebow comforted a fan who was having a seizure after the former NFL quarterback played his first baseball game in the Arizona Fall League. The Phoenix Fire Department said a man in his 40s was having a seizure Tuesday at Camelback Ranch, the spring training home to two major league teams.
Azcentral reported Tebow was signing autographs after the game when a man fell ill in the stands. Pictures showed Tebow put his hand on the fan’s leg, and azcentral said the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner at Florida prayed and talked to the man about Georgia football.