Astros pitcher Francis Martes is handed an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a PED.
2019 â Astros pitcher Francis Martes, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is handed an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a PED.
The Astros visit the White House
2018 â The Astros take a short break from spring training for the traditional visit of the World Series-winning team to the White House, given they are not scheduled to visit the Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD area until September. A couple of team members, Carlos Correa and Carlos Beltran, choose to boycott the outing as they are still mad at President Donald Trump for his contempt of their native Puerto Rico after it was battered by Hurricane Maria in September.
Actor Will Ferrell to drum up support for cancer survivors suits up for ten different teams and takes part in five different games
2015 â Actor Will Ferrell pulls off a bizarre and hilarious stunt to drum up support for cancer survivors, as he suits up for ten different teams and takes part in five different games (all of them for both teams) during Cactus League play today. He plays all nine positions as well as designated hitter and even puts in some time as a third base coach, while being rushed from game to game. He retires the only batter he faces as a pitcher for the Dodgers, but for some reason all the teams he plays for decide to cut or trade him, once for a couple of hot dogs, after each of his brief appearances. He uses a police escort and a helicopter to ferry him from ballpark to ballpark, wearing uniform number 19 at every stop. âIâm a five-tool guyâ, the comic actor explains. The strange adventure will be the subject of a television special to be broadcast on HBO during the season.
Braves sign P Ervin Santana
2014 â The Braves sign P Ervin Santana, one of the last free agents remaining on the market, to a one-year contract for $14.1 million. Injuries this week to two of the teamâs projected starters, Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen, prompt Atlanta to open its wallet and also give up a draft choice to add the experienced hurler.
Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen gets ejected in the 6th inning of an otherwise placid Grapefruit League game
2012 â New Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen is already in mid-season form. He gets ejected in the 6th inning of an otherwise placid Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox for arguing a foul ball call with umpire Tim Timmons. As Ozzie explains afterwards: âI donât mind getting ejected, man. Thatâs my job. If I get ejected protecting my players, I can sleep at night.â
The pitching hand of Diamondbacks left-hander Zach Duke is brakes two bones in pitching hand
2011 â The pitching hand of Diamondbacks left-hander Zach Duke is struck by a line drive off the bat of the Rockiesâ Charlie Blackmon. X-rays taken the next day will reveal two broken bones, putting Duke on the shelf until mid-May.
the Dodgers are defeated by an All-Star squad from the Chinese Professional League (CPBL) at Taipeiâs Tienmu Baseball Stadium, 5-3
In the opener of a scheduled three-game exhibition series in Taiwan, the Dodgers are defeated by an All-Star squad from the Chinese Professional League (CPBL) at Taipeiâs Tienmu Baseball Stadium, 5-3. The road trip is the teamâs second journey to the Chinese island, having finished with one win and two losses during a trio of spring training games in 1993.
The benches clear in a rare spring training brawl when Shelley Duncan spikes Rays infielder Akinori Iwamura
The benches clear in a rare spring training brawl when Shelley Duncan slides into second base, with his spikes aimed at Rays infielder Akinori Iwamura after being thrown out by a wide margin. The incident was precipitated by Tampa Bayâs aggressive play four days ago which resulted in a home-plate collision which injured Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli.
Richard Hidalgo signs the third-richest contract in Astro history with a four-year $32 million deal with the club. The outfielderâs pact is less than teammateâs Jeff Bagwellâs $85 million (5 years) and Craig Biggioâs $33 million (4 years).
Richard Hidalgo signs the third-richest contract in Astro history with a four-year $32 million deal with the club. The outfielderâs pact is less than teammateâs Jeff Bagwellâs $85 million (5 years) and Craig Biggioâs $33 million (4 years).
Two armed gunmen rob six Astros minor leaguers in a motel in Kissimmee, FL.
2000Â â Two armed gunmen rob six Astros minor leaguers in a motel in Kissimmee, FL. One is apprehended at the scene while the other fled after jumping through a second-story window. One player suffers a bite to his neck.Â
