PHOENIX -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche said he planned to retire and walk away from a $13 million salary after being told by the team president to cut down the time his son spent in the clubhouse.
Team president Kenny Williams confirmed Wednesday that he twice asked LaRoche in the last week to "dial it back" with 14-year-old son Drake.
LaRoche abruptly said Tuesday at spring training that he planned to leave the game. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said at the time it was a "personal decision" and that LaRoche was asked to reconsider.
Williams said LaRoche's son was a "quality young kid" and wasn't a distraction. But Williams indicated he didn't want anything to deter the team's focus.
The 36-year-old LaRoche hit only .207 with 12 home runs last year.
Dodgers: MLB will not punish Yasiel Puig after investigation
NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig will not be punished for his involvement in an incident in a Miami club last fall.
Puig sustained a swollen eye and facial bruises on Nov. 26. Miami police spokesman Delrish Moss said at the time the injuries were sustained as Puig was leaving the Blue Martini at bouncers' request following an argument with his sister.
MLB
MLB said Wednesday that it interviewed Puig and his sister and reviewed video from inside the club and the "investigation did not uncover any witness who supported the assault allegation." Puig was not charged.
"Both Puig and his sister denied that an assault occurred, and the available video evidence did not support the allegation," MLB said. "Barring the receipt of any new information or evidence, no discipline will be imposed on Puig in connection with the alleged incident."
Puig's lawyer, Jay Reisinger, said in a statement that "Yasiel greatly appreciates the support he has received from the Dodgers, his teammates and other players throughout baseball."
"Now that the matter has been resolved and is behind him, Yasiel is looking forward to the 2016 season," Reisinger said. (see full story)
Mets: Infielder Ruben Tejada released
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Infielder Ruben Tejada was released Wednesday by the New York Mets, who decided he was superfluous.
Tejada will receive $491,803, which is 30 days' termination pay, rather than the $3 million salary under the contract he agreed to on Jan. 15.
Tejada signed with the Mets in 2006 and spent parts of six big league seasons with New York. But after the Mets offered him a contract on Dec. 2, they signed free-agent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and acquired second baseman Neil Walker from Pittsburgh. With Wilmer Flores also on the roster, Tejada's future with the team became uncertain.
He hit .261 with 23 doubles, three homers and 28 RBIs last year. His season ended when the Los Angeles Dodgers' Chase Utley broke Tejada's right leg with a takeout slide in the NL Division Series.
Dodgers: LHP Hyun-jin Ryu unlikely to return before June
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Hyun-jin Ryu isn't expected to appear in a spring game, and manager Dave Roberts says it's unrealistic to believe he'll be able to pitch in May.
Ryu missed all of last season after having shoulder surgery in May. He threw 20 pitches in a bullpen session Monday. It was his first since Feb. 26, after which he experienced discomfort in his shoulder.
"He was a guy we had penciled in at the top of the rotation," Roberts said. "But you've got to adapt. Things are going to happen that we're not too excited about. But that's our reality."
The Dodgers' No. 3 starter in 2013 and 2014 came into camp saying his goal was to pitch in May. He also said he wanted to work 150 innings in 2016.
"To me, that's pretty unrealistic," Roberts said.
Astros: RHP McCullers (shoulder) won't start season in rotation
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Right-hander Lance McCullers won't start the season in the Astros' rotation because of shoulder pain.
Manager A.J. Hinch made it official Wednesday. The 22-year-old McCullers has been shut down until the discomfort subsides in his throwing shoulder and did not pitch in a spring training game. An MRI taken Friday ruled out structural damage.
Hinch says that "there's just not enough time to build him up to the role we anticipate him doing."
McCullers went 6-7 in 22 starts as a rookie in 2015, posting a 3.22 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 125 2-3 innings.
McCullers' absence settles the Astros' season-opening rotation as Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh, Doug Fister, Scott Feldman and Mike Fiers. Keuchel will start the opener April 4 against the Yankees in New York.