sMLB news & notes

Sandoval beaten out for Red Sox 3B job

FORT MYERS, FLA.

Pablo Sandoval has become a $95 million bench player.

The Boston Red Sox announced before their final spring training game Thursday that Travis Shaw, a 25-year-old who made his big league debut last May, will be their starting third baseman.

“If it’s the right decision to help the team win, I’m going to be happy. I’m going to be ready for the bench. I’ll get ready for everything in the season and do my job,” Sandoval said. “It’s going to be difficult. I have to be happy and do a great job. It’s still a fantastic spring. ... Nothing is easy.”

Sandoval hit .245 last season with a .292 on-base percentage, .366 slugging percentage, 10 homers and 47 RBIs. A switch-hitter he gave up hitting from the right side. Sandoval missed spring training games due to back soreness after he dove for a ball on March 22 off the bat of the Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton.

Shaw hit .270 with 13 home runs and 36 RBI in 65 games last season.

Yankees name Tanaka opening day starter

TAMPA, Fla.

Masahiro Tanaka will be the New York Yankees’ opening day starter Monday against the Houston Astros, manager Joe Girardi said Thursday.

Tanaka rebounded from a slow spring training start by allowing one run over four innings in Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia. He had a procedure in October to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow.

“He felt good today,” Girardi said. “He’s confident he’s ready to go.”

Tanaka will be followed in the rotation by Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi and Luis Severino.

“Very happy to be given the position,” Tanaka said through an interpreter.

Girardi said there is no decision yet on whether CC Sabathia or Ivan Nova will be the fifth starter.

Rockies pitcher gets treatment for anxiety

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Colorado Rockies left-hander Tyler Matzek returned to spring training Thursday after spending two weeks taking brain tests and undergoing coaching for performance anxiety.

Matzek started the Rockies’ home opener last year, but ended up in the low minors because of control and confidence issues. He failed to get anybody out in his first spring appearance on March 2, was scratched from his next start and then left camp on March 14.

The 25-year-old Matzek spent the past two weeks in Denver with the Rockies’ new mental skills coach, former NFL linebacker and psychologist Dr. Rick Perea.

“He’s got a lot of holistic views of how to connect your mind and your body,” Matzek said. “He’s got a lot of strategies on how to do that. A lot of good information, coaching and stuff like that.”

Matzek said he took twice-daily neurotherapy tests, mental exercises in which he was taught to overcome brain wave imbalances that are causing his mental health issues.

Braves’ Schuerholz reduces day-to-day role

ATLANTA

Atlanta Braves executive John Schuerholz, 75, has stepped back from a day-to-day role with the team as it prepares for the final season at Turner Field.

The Braves announced several front-office changes Thursday, including Schuerholz moving from team president to vice chairman. Mike Plant will take over a president in charge of development while Derek Schiller becomes president overseeing business, a reorganization that coincides with the move to suburban SunTrust Park in 2017.

Braves chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk said Schuerholz is giving up “day-to-day business and development duties” but will continue to serve as a consultant on baseball operations.

Associated Press