Community Picks: Cleveland Indians 0% vs Oakland Athletics 0%

OAKLAND — A cell phone can be the worst enemy for a ballplayer trying to get in the competitive frame of mind before first pitch. Sonny Gray had his next to him leading up to Friday night’s start. He probably wishes he hadn’t. Less than an hour before game time at the Coliseum, Gray’s phone lit up with text messages from friends and loved ones who saw a false tweet coming out of Chicago that the A’s right-hander had been scratched against the Cleveland Indians, leading to all kinds of speculation that a trade was in the works. “It’s hard,” Gray said. “You get 50 text messages 45 minutes before the game, and that’s when you just try to put your phone away and go to a place where you can block Continue to Article

July 15, 2017 12:55:am EST

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona rejoined his team Thursday for an extended stay in Northern California, one week after undergoing a minor procedure for an irregular heartbeat. Wearing his familiar uniform, Francona smiled and laughed as he talked about his health while the Indians held an evening workout at the Oakland Coliseum. Cleveland begins a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday. "Better, better," Francona said. "A little tired, but that'll come." The 58-year-old Francona was supposed to manage the American League during Tuesday's All-Star Game but opted out after undergoing a cardiac ablation procedure at the Cleveland Clinic on July 6. Francona had been hospitalized Continue to Article

July 13, 2017 11:54:pm EST

Among the most unlikely All-Stars is a former 17th-round draft pick with one career home run. Brad Mills won't swing a bat Tuesday night. But he will pinch-hit. The Cleveland Indians bench coach will manage the American League team as a replacement for Indians manager Terry Francona, who is recovering from a procedure last week to correct an irregular heartbeat. "Getting this responsibility is very humbling," Mills said. "I'm thrilled to be here, but I definitely would love to have Terry sitting here in this chair." If not for Francona's health issue, Mills would have taken part in the game as a coach. Now he's responsible for running a 32-man team and getting most of the players into the game. Continue to Article

July 11, 2017 10:36:am EST

Under the bright lights and on a big stage Sunday night, Fulmer again showed why he's Miami-bound. Fulmer outlasted All-Star teammate Corey Kluber, Alex Presley hit a tiebreaking, two-run double and the Detroit Tigers hung on late to salvage the series finale with a 5-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday night. Fulmer (9-6) dominated the defending AL champions until the seventh inning, when he gave up a two-run homer to Indians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez. Continue to Article

July 10, 2017 12:56:am EST