MLB Notes: Dallas Keuchel, Jake Arrieta win Cy Young Awards

Share

NEW YORK -- Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs aced out Dodgers stars Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw for the NL Cy Young Award while Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel won the AL honor Wednesday.

In what was expected to be a tighter three-person race, Arrieta got 17 first-place votes for 169 points from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Greinke drew 10 first-place votes and had 147 points. Kershaw had the other three firsts and 101 points.

Arrieta led the majors in wins, going 22-6. He went 11-0 in his last 12 starts, pushing the Cubs into the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The 29-year-old righty had a 1.77 ERA, struck out 236 and pitched a no-hitter (see full story).

Red Sox: DH Ortiz to retire after 2016 season
BOSTON -- Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, Boston's beloved "Big Papi" who helped the cursed franchise end its dynasty of disappointment and cursed out the bombers who attacked his adopted city, said on Wednesday he will play one more year before retiring.

On the day that he turned 40, the Dominican designated hitter said in a video posted on The Players' Tribune (http://bit.ly/1WYZJxo ) that the 2016 season will be his last. The post was titled "40."

"Life is based on different chapters, and I think I am ready to experience the next one in my life," he told his fans. "I wish I could play another 40 years, so I could have you guys behind me, but it doesn't work that way. After this year, time is up. So let's enjoy the season (see full story)."

Tigers acquire closer Rodriguez in trade with Milwaukee
DETROIT -- The Tigers are turning to Francisco Rodriguez in their latest attempt to shore up the back end of their bullpen.

Detroit acquired the right-hander in a trade with Milwaukee on Wednesday, sending minor league infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named to the Brewers. Detroit general manager Al Avila said the Tigers might also receive a player to be named in the deal, but that's not certain.

Rodriguez, who turns 34 in January, went 1-3 with a 2.21 ERA for the Brewers in 2015. He had 38 saves in 40 chances. Detroit finished last in the AL Central this year after winning four straight division titles, and the bullpen was a priority heading into this offseason (see full story).

Dodgers: Team in the mix to bring back free agent Chase Utley
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers are among about a half-dozen teams interested in acquiring free agent infielder Chase Utley, according to his agent.

Agent Joel Wolfe said Wednesday he is in discussions with five or six teams about Utley, who was traded in August from the Phillies to the NL West champion Dodgers and played 34 games with Los Angeles down the stretch. He had played his entire 13-year major league career in Philadelphia before the trade, and now is hoping for a multiyear contract.

"It'll be interesting. There's quite a bit of interest in him," Wolfe said. "Hopefully over the next couple of weeks we'll kind of start to distill it down."

Wolfe spoke Wednesday at AT&T Park, where shortstop client Brandon Crawford discussed his $75 million, six-year contract (see full story).

Contact Us