UNDATED (AP) — Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team has a new name. The team that’s been known as the Indians since 1915 will be called the Guardians, effective at the end of the 2021 season.
The organization spent most of the past year whittling down a list of potential names that numbered 1,200 just over a month ago. But the process quickly accelerated, and the club landed on Guardians.
The team’s incoming logo font will be similar to the current style, as will the look in the new uniforms. The road uniforms with Cleveland on the front will appear identical to the new ones, although there will be a new look to the “C” on the caps.
In other MLB news:
— The Mets have acquired starting pitcher Rich Hill from the Rays for right-hander Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer. Hill could be a valuable addition with starters Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Carlos Carrasco and David Peterson recovering from injuries. The 41-year-old Hill has pitched just 95 1/3 innings this year, going 6-4 with a 3.89 ERA in 19 starts.
— The Nationals have shut down Steven Strasburg again after he felt some discomfort in his neck following a recent bullpen session. Manager Dave Martinez says the Nationals are trying to figure out what to do next, which includes the possibility of finding another specialist to look at the right-hander. Strasburg has made just five starts this season due to neck and shoulder issues and has started just seven times since being named the MVP of the 2019 World Series.
— Nationals infielder Starlin Castro’s administrative leave was extended by Major League Baseball through July 29 under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. The leave began July 16 under the policy adopted by MLB and the players’ association in 2015 and can be the initial step leading to a longer suspension. Castro was placed on the restricted list June 16 due to what manager Dave Martinez at the time said were “family matters.”
— Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer appeared in court Friday to fight the extension of a protective order sought by a woman who says he choked and punched her during two sexual encounters earlier this year. Attorneys for both sides revealed in court that they intend to call witnesses and argue over the order in what amounts to a trial that is expected to last three days. Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman delayed the beginning of that hearing until Aug. 2.
