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Diamondbacks News
Zack Greinke Named Opening Day Starter
Although there was some speculation that Greinke might be held in reserve for game two of the season, allowing him to forego the pomp and pageantry of Opening Day, the decision to tab Greinke as the team’s Opening Day starter for the third time for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
One week after signing a one-year contract and being introduced to Arizona fans as part of the 2019 team, Adam Jones has made his spring training debut. The veteran outfielder went 0-for-3 hitting from the leadoff spot.
Around MLB
Regular Season Opens in Japan with Slugfest
The Oakland A’s “hosted” the Seattle Mariners in the first of two games being played in Japan to kick off the 2019 regular season. Despite being designated the home team, the stands were filled with Mariners fans; not surprising, given the fact that Ichiro is on Seattle’s roster in order to allow him a proper send-off in his home country of Japan, where he is arguably the biggest sports star in the baseball-crazy country. After all the festivities, the Mariners slugged their way to a 9-7 victory, powered in part by a Domingo Santana grand slam.
Ichiro Bats Twice Before Leaving to Ovation
The veteran superstar went )-for-1 with a walk before being lifted by manager Scott Servais in the bottom of the fourth inning to a standing ovation both in the stands and both clubhouses.
Royals Shift Ian Kennedy to Bullpen
Former Arizona ace and whipping boy, Ian Kennedy, has been moved from the Kansas City rotation into the bullpen. Last season was the first since 2009 where Kennedy failed to make at least 30 starts.
Astros, Alex Bregman Agree to Contract Extension
The big money deals continue to roll in. The Houston Astros have signed star third baseman, Alex Bregman to a contract extension that amounts to a five-year, $100 million extension. It comes with a $10 million signing bonus.