Search result for Jose Esparza

Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation enters 2023 strong as ever amid absences

GLENDALE – Featuring young stars and veteran leadership, the Dodgers’ starting five boasts a wide array of stories. Regardless, the rotation enters 2023 stronger than ever, ready to compete in a strong NL West.

Tony Gonsolin winds up to throw a baseball.

Veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed gearing up for healthy return to Diamondbacks

SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed is returning for the 2023 MLB season after missing all but 17 games in 2022 due to a shoulder injury. Now recovered, Ahmed, one of the few veteran leaders in the clubhouse, looks to help the Diamondbacks reachr their first postseason appearance since 2017.

Nick Ahmed slides on the baseball field to catch a ball.

David Benavidez’s unanimous decision headlines lineup of finest Phoenix boxers on Las Vegas card

LAS VEGAS – Phoenix’s David Benavidez picked up an impressive victory in Las Vegas on Saturday as he defeated the toughest opponent of his career, Caleb Plant, by unanimous decision in front of a spirited crowd.

David Benavidez, left, had the crowd on his side Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where he defeated Caleb Plant via unanimous decision. (Photo by Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)

Corbin Carroll’s $111 million extension shows Diamondbacks’ belief in prospect pipeline

SCOTTSDALE – Corbin Carroll signed the largest guaranteed contract extension for a player with less than 100 MLB service days earlier this month, and the Diamondbacks could have more talented prospects on the way to the big leagues.

Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll needed only 32 games to impress the front office and earn a contract extension worth $111 million. The 22-year-old enters the upcoming season with high expectations but says "there's no added pressure." (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

Trademarking their turf: Jack Daniel’s, Arizona dog-toy maker spar in court

WASHINGTON - An Arizona dog-toy manufacturer told the Supreme Court Wednesday that its "Bad Spaniels" squeaky toy is a "playful parody" of Jack Daniel's that does not infringe on the distiller's trademarks - arguments the distiller rejects.


Diamondbacks share excitement for Merrill Kelly’s start in WBC championship

SCOTTSDALE – Merrill Kelly is the starting pitcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship. His team share excitement for the biggest start of Kelly’s life.

Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly earned the start for the United States against Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic championship. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

NASCAR levies severe penalties to Hendrick Motorsports, Justin Haley and Denny Hamlin for Phoenix incidents

AVONDALE – For Hendrick Motorsports and Justin Haley, NASCAR issued a historic punishment for illegal modifications made before Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. Denny Hamlin also received penalties for intentionally trying to wreck Ross Chastain during the race.

Kyle Larson is one of four drivers who will receive a 100-point deduction as part of NASCAR's historic ruling on Wednesday. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

U-S-A! Americans book trip to World Baseball Classic quarterfinals in win over Colombia

PHOENIX – Behind a 3-2 win over Colombia Wednesday night, Team USA moves on to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals after going 3-1 in the group stage and now faces Venezuela on Saturday.

Mike Trout accounted for every run while batting 3-for-4 to lead the way for Team USA in a must-win matchup Wednesday against Colombia at Chase Field. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Ticket punched: Team Mexico advances to quarterfinals of World Baseball Classic with win over Team Canada

PHOENIX – Thanks to a clutch offensive round by Randy Arozarena and Alexis Wilson throughout group play at the World Baseball Classic, Team Mexico cruised through and punched a ticket to the quarterfinals in MIami, Florida.

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena recorded five RBI against Team Canada to help secure Mexico's spot in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Hobbs: State not ready to execute Gunches by April 6; court urged to step in

WASHINGTON - With just three weeks until convicted murderer Aaron Gunches is scheduled to be put to death, a court battle continues to rage over whether the state will be ready to execute him by lethal injection on April 6.


With his father, Pedro, on his mind, Rio Gomez returns to Arizona with Team Colombia

MESA – Red Sox minor leaguer Rio Gomez, the son of former ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez, returned to Arizona to pitch for Team Colombia in preparation of the World Baseball Classic.

Rio Gomez, pitcher for the Columbian team, warms up before the Oakland A’s spring training game against the Columbian National team at Hohokam Stadium Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of John Medina)

Giants twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers make historic pairing in bullpen

SCOTTSDALE – With Taylor Rogers signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, fans will be doing double takes all season long. Identical twins Taylor and Tyler Rogers are looking to provide solid innings out of the Giants bullpen while making MLB history.

Taylor Rogers hopes to regain his 2021 form in his first season with the San Francisco Giants. (Photo by Kaitlyn Parohinog/Cronkite News)