|
 In ESPN the Magazine, LaRoche revealed he didn't retire just
because of the dispute during spring training about his son Drake
being in the clubhouse.
The 36-year-old LaRoche, who earned roughly $70 million in his
career, stood to make $13 million more this season.
LaRoche's final decision came on March 15 when White Sox manager
Robin Ventura finished his daily spring training meeting in the
team's clubhouse in Glendale, Ariz., and LaRoche asked if he could
have the floor.
The veteran first baseman had edged toward this moment for more than
a week, since White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams told
LaRoche to "dial back," then eliminate altogether, the time his
teenage son spent at the field and in the clubhouse.
According to the ESPN interview, Ventura yielded the floor that
morning to LaRoche, who stood before his teammates.
"I am choosing my son over you guys," LaRoche said. "I cannot tell
you how much I hate that I'm even having to make this decision, and
how much it crushes me to feel like I could be leaving you guys
hanging."
- - -
Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was arrested early
Wednesday morning after a woman accused him of assault at a hotel
outside Washington, D.C.
Olivera, 31, has been placed on administrative leave by Major League
Baseball, effective immediately per the domestic-violence policy.
Police in Arlington, Va., said a woman at the Ritz-Carlton in
Pentagon City called them at 6:51 a.m. ET. The female victim had
visible bruises and was transported to Virginia Hospital Center in
Arlington.
Police said Olivera and the woman knew each other but do not know
the nature of their relationship.
The Braves are playing a four-game series in Washington against the
Nationals this week, including games Wednesday and Thursday.
Olivera joined the Braves last July as part of a three-team trade
with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent the early part of his career
in Cuba before defecting in 2014.
Olivera has appeared in six games this season, batting .211 with two
RBIs in 19 at-bats. In 2015, he played in 24 games, hitting .253
with two home runs and 11 RBIs.
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The Braves recalled infielder Daniel Castro from Triple-A Gwinnett
to take Olivera's spot on the roster.
New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom, who suffered a right lat
injury last Friday that forced him to be scratched from his start
Wednesday, will rejoin the team this Friday in Cleveland after
spending a few days with his wife and newborn son.
If deGrom still feels discomfort during his next bullpen session, he
likely will be placed on the disabled list.
- - -
The Seattle Mariners held a players-only meeting in the clubhouse
following Tuesday's 8-0 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Right fielder Nelson Cruz said the message was simple: "It's a long
season ... keep your head up. No one says it's going to be easy, but
we have a really good team."
- - -
The Rangers are the only major league team without a scheduled
off-day the first two weeks (April 4-17).
The Rangers are scheduled to play 23 games the first 24 days and 36
games the first 38 days.
- - -
The Toronto Blue Jays recalled pitcher Pat Venditte, the
ambidextrous reliever, from Triple-A Buffalo.
Right-hander Arnold Leon was designated for assignment to make room
on the roster.
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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