MLB

Rough start to Cleveland's season -- Cy Young winner Shane Bieber has tested positive for COVID-19 ... but thankfully, he's said to be experiencing only "very, very mild symptoms."

Cleveland President Chris Antonetti announced Thursday the ace tested positive as he arrived to the team's spring training facility in Goodyear, AZ ... and is going through the proper protocols to ensure a safe return.

Antonetti added Bieber is expected to return to the team in a matter of days.

Bieber is the first big name out of spring training to test positive prior to the 2021 season ... and will almost certainly not be the last -- around 48 players (including names like Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto) reported having COVID-19 throughout last season.

Bieber is an absolute beast for Cleveland -- he led the American League in ERA, strikeouts and wins en route to his first Cy Young award in 2020.

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa says he's still incredibly embarrassed by his recent DUI arrest -- and says the criticism that ensued has been nothing short of "torturous."

There 76-year-old MLB legend was arrested for drunk driving in Phoenix, AZ back in February 2020 (after leaving a dinner with some L.A. Angels staffers during Spring Training).

Cops say La Russa wrecked his car during the incident ... and bloodwork showed he had a BAC of .095.

But, the news of Tony's arrest didn't break until November 9 -- 11 days after La Russa was hired to manage the Sox. And, many wondered if the Sox would cut ties with Tony as a result (they ultimately didn't).

Now, TLR is finally addressing the incident and the aftermath -- admitting to USA Today, "I made no excuses, it was an inexcusable mistake."

"It has cost as much embarrassment personally as possible. Anyone to think that this wasn’t something that had a very negative impact ... I mean, part of the embarrassment and negative feelings is the impact on the organization and the fans and the people that hired me."

La Russa later reached a deal in the criminal case -- he pled guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving -- but says the incident added more pressure to succeed in his new role with the Sox.

"There were already enough questions of me managing, and then this. It has been torturous."

There's more ... La Russa -- who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 -- admits he was concerned about taking the Sox job because he wasn't sure if becoming an acting manager again would mean his plaque would be pulled out of Cooperstown.

"If this opportunity, as great as it is, cost me the Hall of Fame, I wouldn’t have taken it. The Hall of Fame is beyond everything else."

Sounds like Tony was worried that if he sucked as a manager this time around, the HOF wouldn't let him back in!

So, Tony says he called the HOF -- and officials assured him he would remain a Hall of Famer even if he took another active role with an MLB team.

The Philadelphia Phillies have invited former star outfielder Odubel Herrera back to mini-camp for the 2021 season ... claiming he deserves a 2nd chance after a 2019 domestic violence arrest.

The 29-year-old had received an 85 game suspension following an arrest at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City in May 2019 in which he allegedly assaulted his 20-year-old girlfriend, leaving visible marks on her arms and neck.

Herrera later cut a deal with prosecutors in which they agreed to drop the simple assault charge if he completed an anger management course, which he did.

The Venezuelan native was a member of the Phillies at the time of the incident. He was later sent down to the minor leagues but has not played at the MLB level for the club since.

But, that could change in 2021 ... Herrera was one of 19 players to get an invite to the Phillies mini-camp, where he will compete for a roster spot.

So, we reached out to the Phillies to ask why they would consider bringing him back considering the horrible allegations against him in the past.

"The discipline for Odubel’s 2019 incident was determined by the Commissioner’s Office under the collectively bargained Domestic Violence Policy, which allows opportunities for redemption," the team says.

The Phillies also noted this -- "In consulting with experts in domestic violence, zero tolerance policies reduce reporting and could result in greater harm."

In other words, the team believes it's in Odubel's best interest to get another shot -- especially since they believe he's done the work to improve himself off the field.

"We are encouraged by Odubel’s efforts to strive for a better version of himself and to live by the values and personal conduct that his family, teammates, fans, and the great game of baseball demand."

The team also points to a statement Herrera issued in February 2020, in which he takes accountability for his actions.

Tommy Pham just revealed the gnarly scar he suffered in a 2020 strip club stabbing incident ... and it makes his recovery even more impressive.

Pham was badly slashed on his lower back during a dispute on Oct. 11 outside a strip club in San Diego ... and video of the aftermath of the attack showed the Padres outfielder was covered in blood.

Tommy was eventually taken to the hospital and required a procedure to close the wound. A few weeks later, the 32-year-old said the entire thing took 200 stitches to repair.

Now, in a workout video posted by the MLB player's trainers at Stretch Affect, you can see just how bad the damage truly was.

Pham's scar goes all the way from his right hip to his left hip, proving once again the 7-year MLB vet is lucky to have avoided any career- or even life-threatening injuries.

Pham had said after the attack he'd be ready for the 2021 season ... and, given how he looks in all of his training videos, it appears nothing has changed with that timeline.

Pedro Gomez -- longtime ESPN reporter -- has died suddenly at the age of 58, the network announced.

ESPN has not revealed the cause of death -- only noting he died "unexpectedly at his home" on Sunday afternoon.

Gomez joined ESPN in April 2003 and was one of the most respected Major League Baseball reporters in the country ... covering over 25 World Series throughout his impressive career.

During Barry Bonds chase of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record in the mid-2000's, Gomez famously covered the Giants slugger for several seasons.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro released a statement on Gomez's passing, saying ... “We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away.”

“Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedro’s family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.”

Prior to joining ESPN, Gomez worked for several newspapers in the '80s and '90s -- including the Sacramento Bee -- where he was a beat reporter for the Oakland Athletics.

The entire sports world -- and especially MLB -- is mourning Gomez's death.

The Dodgers tweeted, saying they're "stunned and saddened to hear about the passing of Pedro Gomez. We are thinking of his family, friends and colleagues and offer our condolences during this difficult time."

The Red Sox also issued a statement on social media, saying ... "Our hearts go out to the Gomez family, including Pedro Gomez’s son, Rio, a pitcher in our minor league system."

Pedro -- who passed away suddenly -- tweeted about the Super Bowl only several hours ago.

Gomez -- a south Florida native who attended the University of Miami -- is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their 3 children.

Ex-MLB superstar Jose Canseco is boxing a 22-year-old Barstool Sports intern TONIGHT ... and the intern tells us why he's convinced he's gonna BEAT the 56-year-old's ass.

Jose's opponent is Billy Football -- who's VERY confident he can send the former slugger to the canvas when they clash in the main event of Barstool's "Rough N' Rowdy 13" card in West Virginia Friday night.

"I have a very, very competitive side to me that's gonna come out Friday night," Billy tells us.

"I think I'm gonna shock Jose. Jose has misjudged me and I think -- as a lot of people would -- they don't actually know who I am and what I can sort of accomplish."

The whole thing stemmed from a beef between Jose and Alex Rodriguez -- with the "Pardon My Take" intern ultimately volunteering to take on Canseco, despite having zero experience as a pro athlete. You can see the full story in this video ...

There's a big size difference between the two men -- Jose is 270 lbs, Billy is 225 -- but Mr. Football says he's not scared.

"It's gonna be very fun to shock the world and show everyone that 'Oh, hey this guy's for real'. This isn't just some s***-show that got thrown together."

Since the fight was slammed together on a month's notice, Billy says his training focused more on stamina than power. But, let's be honest, he's gonna need both.

No matter who emerges victorious, Billy says he hopes the two can be friends after the fight.

Andrelton Simmons -- one of the best shortstops in baseball -- says he opted out of the end of the 2020 season to deal with a crippling depression caused by the COVID pandemic ... revealing it got so bad, he was having suicidal thoughts.

"It was tough for me mentally to where the thought of suicide crossed my mind," Simmons said in a text message interview Tuesday with the Orange County Register.

"I was really saddened by how much I was hearing about the death toll and seeing how smaller businesses were going out of business, and I was a little depressed at how the effects of all the new rules and fears were gonna affect people's livelihoods and how disconnected people were becoming," Simmons said.

The 31-year-old Gold Glove winner was still playing for the L.A. Angels when he opted out in Sept. 2020 -- missing the final 5 games of the season. He has since signed a new contract with the Minnesota Twins.

But, in his interview with the OC Register, Simmons says, "The idea of finishing the [2020] season in a bubble was too much for me to handle."

Simmons also reveals he's dealt with suicidal thoughts in the past and made it a priority to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Fortunately, Simmons began seeing a therapist who helped him "let go of those thoughts."

Now, he's encouraging anyone else who's battling mental health issues to follow his lead.

"I know there’s the fear of seeking help/assistance because of the perception of people thinking there’s something wrong with you," Simmons said, "but I think in reality there are way more people than you might think that are going through stressful stuff."

Simmons continued, "You’re not alone. You don’t have to keep everything bottled up. Find someone that can help you express your emotions freely and that can assist you with it.”

Five women in the sports media industry say former Mets manager Mickey Callaway is a scumbag who "preyed on women" with inappropriate messages and sexual advances.

Callaway, though, said in a statement all of his actions were "consensual" and added, "my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to any women involved."

The five women came forward with the allegations under the condition of anonymity to The Athletic ... detailing how the 45-year-old -- who's currently the Los Angeles Angels' pitching coach -- made them incredibly uncomfortable with calls, emails, texts and in-person advances.

One of the women, using the pseudonym Samantha, says when she was covering the Mets in 2018 ... Callaway got her phone number and proceeded to send her multiple shirtless selfies.

Samantha says at one point Callaway told her, "Now you send me one of you." The woman says she never did.

Samantha claims Callaway inappropriately massaged her shoulders while she was in the Mets' clubhouse when no one was looking ... and says for an entire month, Callaway "would text me asking for nude pics."

"He was completely unrelenting," Samantha said.

Four other women shared similar stories with The Athletic ... a New York-based reporter using the pseudonym Anne says Callaway pressured her to go on dates and often commented inappropriately on her appearance.

A reporter using the pseudonym Lauren says in a 1-on-1 interview with Callaway shortly after he was hired as Mets manager, he thrust his crotch near her face and had tried to "peacock her" by putting his leg up on a railing during the interaction.

"I got warned he was gross (beforehand)," Lauren said ... before adding, "He just preyed on women."

The three teams Callaway has worked for since 2013 all released statements regarding the allegations ... with Mets owner Steve Cohen saying, "The conduct reported in The Athletic story today is completely unacceptable and would never be tolerated under my ownership."

The Angels, who hired Callaway before the 2020 season, said, "The behavior being reported violates the Angels Organization’s values and policies. We take this very seriously and will conduct a full investigation with MLB."

The Indians, where Callaway worked as a coach from 2013-2017, added, "We were made aware for the first time tonight of the allegations in The Athletic regarding Mickey Callaway’s behavior towards women."

"We are currently reviewing the matter internally and in consultation with Major League Baseball to determine appropriate next steps. Our organization unequivocally does not condone this type of behavior. We seek to create an inclusive work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe and comfortable to do their jobs."

MLB officials say they hadn't previously been made aware of the allegations prior to Monday's report.

For his part, Callaway's entire statement on the claims read, "Rather than rush to respond to these general allegations of which I have just been made aware, I look forward to an opportunity to provide more specific responses."

"Any relationship in which I was engaged has been consensual, and my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to any women involved. I am married and my wife has been made aware of these general allegations."

Dustin Pedroia -- one of the most legendary Boston Red Sox players ever -- has officially called it a career ... the 37-year-old announced Monday he's retiring.

Pedroia was a STAR for the Sox for over a decade ... he won AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2007 and went on to win the league's MVP award just one year later.

The 2nd basemen -- whose final years with the Sox were marred by various injuries -- also helped Boston win two World Series titles.

He ultimately ended his 14-year MLB career with a .299 batting average, four Gold Gloves and four total All-Star selections.

"Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed throughout his impressive 17-year career in our organization,” team owner John Henry said in a statement.

“Dustin came to represent the kind of grit, passion, and competitive drive that resonates with baseball fans everywhere and especially with Red Sox fans."

Henry continued, "He played the game he loves in service to our club, its principles and in pursuit of championships. Most of all we are forever grateful to him for what he brought to our club and to our region as an important role model showing all of us how much one can accomplish with determination and hard work.”

Pedroia is so beloved in Boston ... the Red Sox changed their Twitter profile picture to his #15 on Monday, and even put together a sweet highlight package commemorating the guy's epic career.

Can "The Kid" fix baseball's diversity problem? He's sure as hell gonna try!

Ken Griffey Jr. has been tapped to be a Senior Advisor to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred -- to consult on several issues including "improving diversity at amateur levels of the game."

It's a big problem in baseball -- where less than 8% of players on 2020 opening day rosters were Black, according to USA Today.

And, get this ... 3 teams in the league had ZERO Black players on their 2020 opening-day rosters.

The 51-year-old Hall of Famer -- one of the most exciting baseball players of all time -- will also be involved in baseball operations and youth baseball development.

"Griffey also will serve as an MLB ambassador at youth baseball initiatives and at its special events, such as the All-Star Game and during the Postseason," the league announced.

"I am humbled to be asked to work with Major League Baseball in this role," Griffey said ... "It will be an honor to represent the best sport in the world and to promote our game among today’s youth."

Commissioner Rob Manfred also praised KGJ -- saying, "We are thrilled that Ken will represent Major League Baseball on some of our sport’s most important stages, alongside our current and future stars."

"We welcome the perspective and insights that Ken gained as an historic player, as a parent, and as someone who has spent his life in and around our great game."

Griffey was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 -- the same year he began serving as a youth ambassador for both MLB and the MLB Players Association on their joint baseball development initiatives.

On the field, Junior was an absolute monster in his 22-year MLB career -- making 13 All-Star teams, smashing 630 career HRs and winning the AL MVP in 1997.

Curt Schilling says he's so "mentally done" after being snubbed by Baseball's Hall of Fame again this year ... he's now asking to be removed from next year's voting process altogether.

The legendary MLB pitcher has been HOF-eligible since 2012 ... but all nine times his name has appeared on the ballot -- baseball's most prestigious writers have shunned him.

The reason? He's made several controversial comments since his retirement ... including a 2016, since-deleted tweet in which he appeared to advocate for the killing of journalists.

Schilling was also suspended from his role as an ESPN analyst for posting an anti-Muslim photo in 2015. He was eventually fired from the gig after sharing imagery that was very offensive to the transgender community.

Writers have been reluctant to put him on their ballot because of it all ... snubbing him for the 9th-straight year on Tuesday.

But, Schilling did see his odds of getting in climb in 2021 ... the number of votes he got this year was only 16 shy of hitting the required amount -- and many believe he'd likely get in next year in his final year of eligibility.

Schilling, though, is asking the Hall to remove him from the process ... saying he'd rather take his chances with the veteran's committee than go through another round of writers' voting.

"Nothing, zero, none of the claims being made by any of the writers hold merit," Schilling wrote in a lengthy letter to Hall of Fame officials that he shared on his Facebook page.

"In my 22 years playing professional baseball in the most culturally diverse locker rooms in sports, I’ve never said or acted in any capacity other than being a good teammate."

Schilling continued, "I am requesting to be removed from the ballot. I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player."

Schilling added he was sick over being lumped in with guys like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, who writers snubbed again this year because of their alleged ties to steroids.

"I’m now somehow in a conversation with two men who cheated," Schilling said, "and instead of being accountable they chose to destroy others lives to protect their lie."

Schilling likely did enough to eventually earn a bust in Cooperstown someday -- he was a 6-time All-Star with 3,116 strikeouts and 216 career wins.

Hank Aaron's closest friends and teammates joined to pay their respects to the late baseball legend on Tuesday ... with the Atlanta Braves hosting an emotional memorial service.

Hammerin' Hank -- who famously finished his career with 755 home runs -- died last Friday of natural causes.

Names like Chipper Jones, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and Marquis Grissom spoke at the ceremony in person.

Chipper told the story about how Hank told the Braves to draft him back in the day.

"Y'all better draft that Jones boy. I'll never forget that," Jones regaled ... "That comment must carry some weight."

Jones added, "I respected the man so much. I wouldn't want to disappoint him or his family."

Rob Manfred explained why it was destiny for Hank to break Babe Ruth's career home run record.

"Just like Jackie Robinson was the perfect person to change our game forever, Hank Aaron was the perfect person to see the historic moment he created in 1974."

Other stars like John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Dusty Baker, Dale Murphy, Freddie Freeman and more paid tribute via pre-recorded videos.

Glavine said, "We've all seen the movie 'Field of Dreams' ... if there is a baseball team in heaven, they just picked up one heck of a clean-up hitter."

Hannah Viverette -- the woman whose TikTok recording captured the moment a man busted into her home -- can sleep like a baby now that she's moved into a new apartment ... with help from a former MLB pitcher and his wife.

Hannah has moved into a new, upscale apartment complex that offers, among other things, round-the-clock security. The building has lots of amenities ... but the most important feature's definitely security.

Former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins and his wife, Anita Hawkins, have fronted Hannah's rent for the next 6 months to help her get back on her feet following her terrifying confrontation with a home intruder last month.

As for how the Hawkins got involved ... Anita had a personal connection, having been a single, teen mom and homeless herself, she was moved by Hannah's story when it made national headlines.

Hannah showed the Hawkins tons of love for the assist. She tells TMZ ... "I am so excited to settle into my new place! Thank you so much Mrs. Hawkins, you have given me and my son so many reasons to smile!"

Symone Redwine, the attorney who helped Hannah get out of her lease, tells TMZ ... "We are truly grateful to Mrs. Hawkins and the Find One Reason to Smile foundation for their generosity. They have turned this nightmare into a dream come true for Hannah and her son.”

Officials DO NOT believe the COVID-19 vaccination played any role in Hank Aaron's death based on a preliminary investigation -- this according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office.

The 86-year-old MLB legend and his wife received the first of 2 vaccine doses at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta on Jan. 4. Hank died just a few weeks later on Jan. 22.

Some had concerns the vaccine may have been a factor in the slugger's death -- but a rep for the FCME tells TMZ Sports it appears Hank died of natural causes unrelated to the COVID shot.

As we previously reported, Hank -- along with other prominent Black leaders -- decided to get the shot in front of the media in hopes of showing others in the community that the vaccine is safe.

One of the people who got vaccinated with Aaron is Ambassador Andrew Young -- who told KSDK in Atlanta the MLB legend "never had any reaction" to the shot before his death.

"I talked to the fella who was his driver," Young told KSDK ... "And I said, 'Was Hank feeling any discomfort or any problem over the last few days?' And he said, 'No.'"

We're told Aaron's primary doctor will ultimately sign off on cause of the death on Hank's death certificate -- but so far, there does not appear to any evidence showing a link to the COVID vaccine.

Aaron -- one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- raved about the vaccine in the days after the shot ... telling AP, "[It] makes me feel wonderful. I don’t have any qualms about it at all."

"I feel quite proud of myself for doing something like this. ... It’s just a small thing that can help zillions of people in this country."

Hank Aaron's life has been celebrated by some of the most famous and powerful people on Earth -- including President Biden, President Barack Obama, Magic Johnson, Mike Trout, Barry Bonds and more.

A bat Lou Gehrig used more than 80 years ago is hitting the auction block ... and the insane piece of history can be all yours -- if you've got a fortune laying around!!

Officials at SCP Auctions tell TMZ Sports ... the bat is seriously one of a kind -- they believe Gehrig used it during his final days as a New York Yankee, possibly even in the 1938 World Series.

According to the SCP reps, authenticators believe Gehrig ordered the bat in Sept. 1938 and possibly used it into the 1939 season -- just before his ALS diagnosis and subsequent retirement.

We’re told the bat was graded a perfect 10 by PSA/DNA.

Reps for the bat say Gehrig gifted the piece to former Yankees teammate and coach Earle Combs, who kept it as one of his prized possessions for YEARS.

Just recently, though, Combs' family decided to put it up for auction -- and now, SCP tells us it could sell for as much as $1 MILLION.

Of course, Gehrig is one of the greatest baseball players that have ever lived -- so the potential price tag ain't too surprising.

Gehrig -- who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939 under a special circumstance due to his illness -- was a two-time MVP, 7-time All-Star, and had a career batting average of .340.

Hank Aaron -- one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- has died. He was 86.

The Hall of Famer reportedly passed away Friday morning. We're working on the details.

Hammerin' Hank is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- he famously broke Babe Ruth's home run record of 714 in 1973.

During his legendary career, he made 25 All-Star teams and won the NL MVP in 1957.

Aaron made his MLB debut when he was only 20 -- launching a 23-year career that would go down in the record books.

He retired from playing in 1976 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1982. He's also in the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame and the team retired his #44 uniform.

In fact, he's such a legend in Atlanta ... the city's mayor said Friday his death is nothing short of devastating.

"While the world knew him as 'Hammering Hank Aaron' because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career," Keisha Lance Bottoms said, "he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place."

Among his many career highlights, a World Series victory in 1957 -- the same year he won National League MVP. He also won 3 Gold Gloves, 2 NL batting titles and led the NL in home runs in 4 separate years.

Hank finished his career with an unreal 755 home runs -- a record that lasted decades until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007.

Aaron was a hero right up until the end of his life -- earlier this month, Hank and his wife Billye went to the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to get their COVID vaccine shots in the hopes of inspiring other Black Americans to follow his lead.

Aaron started off in the Negro Leagues, signing with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1951. He played with the team for 3 months -- earning just $200 per month. He signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1952 and kicked around the minor leagues until 1954.

Superstars from sports, entertainment, politics and more are paying tribute to Aaron …

"Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron," Magic Johnson said. "I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader."

"While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business. Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend."

Added Bill Russell, "Heartbroken to see another true friend & pioneer has passed away. [Hank Aaron] was so much better than his reputation! His contributions were much more than just baseball. Jeannine & I send our prayers & deepest condolences to his wife & kids."

Legendary MLB slugger Frank Thomas also issued a statement on Twitter, writing, "I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!!"

Mike Trout added ... "You were and are an inspiration to be a better person on and off the field. We lost a true LEGEND of the game today... #RIPHankAaron 🙏🏼"

Cal Ripkin, Jr. shared his condolences, saying, "I’m saddened to learn of Hank’s passing. He was a giant in our game and inspired so many on and off the field."

"What he endured and how he persevered to surpass the all-time HR record, thought to be unbreakable, was remarkable. My thoughts are with his family and @Braves fans."

RIP