CLEVELAND (AP) Cleveland manager Terry Francona won't sidestep the hot-button topic any longer. He believes the Indians need to change their contentious nickname.

"I think it's time to move forward," Francona said Sunday.

Francona's comments came two days after the Indians, amid a nationwide movement to erase racially insensitive symbols, released a statement saying the organization is "committed to engaging our community and appropriate stakeholders to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name."

Read More...

ATLANTA (AP) Former Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernandez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made after Hernandez participated in workouts on Friday and Saturday at Truist Park.

NEW YORK (AP) The Yankees had their Sunday brightened by Masahiro Tanaka, who came to the ballpark and seemed well a day after being hit in the head by Giancarlo Stanton’s line drive.

They’re hoping Yankee Stadium’s lights will do the same this week.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

---

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

---

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Left-hander Andrew Heaney is expected to make his first opening day start for the Los Angeles Angels.

Manager Joe Maddon confirmed his choice Sunday before the Angels' third workout of summer camp. Los Angeles is expected to open the season July 24.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

---

HOUSTON (AP) Houston Astos shortstop Carlos Correa is so serious about not contracting the coronavirus that he’s asked his wife, Daniella, a former pageant queen, to stay out of beauty salons until the season is over.

“When I talk to my wife she knows,” he said Sunday. “No getting your nails done. No getting your hair done right now. So we’re going to be home. We’re going to focus on the baseball season and once everything is done, then you can go to get your nails done and do everything else."

MILWAUKEE (AP) Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich acknowledges he benefited from fortunate timing in his contract negotiations.

The Brewers held a March 6 news conference to announce that the 2018 NL MVP had agreed to a nine-year, $215 million contract. Spring training was halted less than a week later because of the coronavirus pandemic.