Sports

Twins GM Levine out after 8 years, 3 Central titles

Published

9 months ago

October 4, 2024

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ESPN News Services

Oct 4, 2024, 11:55 AM ET

Thad Levine is out after eight years as the Minnesota Twins‘ senior vice president and general manager.

An announcement Friday said Levine, 52, was leaving “to pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball.”

Levine joined the Twins in November 2016 and helped the club capture three American League Central division titles (2019, 2020, 2023) and make four postseason berths.

Minnesota was in postseason position much of this year before going 6-18 down the stretch to finish 82-80 and miss the playoffs.

“Thad’s impact on the Minnesota Twins cannot be overstated,” Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said in a statement. “He has been a true partner and leader, always striving to elevate the organization and care for the people around him. Thad helped create a strong team culture, one focused on excellence and collaboration, that will continue well into the future. While we will miss his leadership, we are equally excited to see the next chapter of his journey unfold, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. I want to personally thank him for everything he has done to help us get better every day.”

The Twins also dismissed four assistant coaches Wednesday but announced at the end of the season that manager Rocco Baldelli would return in 2025.

Before joining the Twins, Levine worked in the front offices of the Los Angeles Dodgers (1998), Colorado Rockies (1999-2005) and Texas Rangers (2006-16).

“I am grateful to the Pohlad family, Derek Falvey and Dave St. Peter for providing me with such a comprehensive leadership opportunity spanning the last eight years of my career,” Levine said. “The time is right for me to pursue my next enriching, professional challenge. I will forever cherish the friendships that I have made in the Minnesota Twins organization and throughout Twins Territory.”

The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.

Sports

MLB: Iassogna crew chief, plate umpire for ASG

Published

13 mins ago

July 10, 2025

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MLB: Iassogna crew chief, plate umpire for ASG

Associated Press

Jul 10, 2025, 04:27 PM ET

NEW YORK — Dan Iassogna will be the umpire crew chief and work the plate during Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

His crew will include Marvin Hudson at first, Chris Segal at second, Jansen Visconti at third, Jeremie Rehak in left and Erich Bacchus in right, Major League Baseball said Thursday.

Iassogna, 56, will work his second All-Star Game. He was at third base for the 2011 game at Arizona.

He worked his first big league game in 1999, was hired to the major league staff in 2004 and appointed a crew chief ahead of the 2020 season. Iassogna umpired the World Series in 2012, ’17 and ’22 along with eight League Championship Series and seven Division Series.

Segal, Visconti, Rehak and Bacchus will work their first All-Star Games and Hudson his second after being in left field in 2004 at Houston.

Tony Randazzo will be the replay umpire in New York.

Sports

A’s Rooker joins list of HR Derby participants

Published

13 mins ago

July 10, 2025

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A's Rooker joins list of HR Derby participants

Associated Press

Jul 10, 2025, 01:16 PM ET

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is adding his name to the list of Home Run Derby participants.

Rooker announced Thursday that he’s participating in the event, which takes place Monday in Atlanta. He will become the first Athletics player in the Home Run Derby since Matt Olson in 2021.

“Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream of mine,” Rooker said in an Instagram post. “Can’t wait to make it happen next week in Atlanta! See ya there!”

Rooker, 30, entered Thursday with a .270 batting average, 19 homers and 50 RBIs, putting him on pace for a third straight season of at least 30 homers. He went deep 30 times in 2023 and had 39 homers in 2024.

His 58 homers since the start of the 2024 season rank him third among all American League players.

The only A’s to win the Derby were Mark McGwire in 1992 and Yoenis Céspedes in 2013 and 2014.

Other announced participants include Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr., Minnesota’s Byron Buxton, Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and Washington’s James Wood.

Sports

Mets recall Acuna from Triple-A, DFA Jankowski

Published

13 mins ago

July 10, 2025

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Mets recall Acuna from Triple-A, DFA Jankowski

Associated Press

Jul 10, 2025, 01:54 PM ET

BALTIMORE — The New York Mets recalled 23-year-old utility man Luisangel Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse before Thursday’s split doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.

The brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., Luisangel Acuña went 13-for-45 (.286) for Syracuse after the Mets optioned him in late June.

Capable of playing second base, shortstop or the outfield, Acuna had batted .241 in 65 games before going to the minors.

“He was a big part of this team the first couple of months,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters. “We got to a point where we felt like, ‘Hey, let’s get him some everyday playing time. ‘And now it’s time for him to be back up here, continuing to help us win baseball games.”

In a corresponding move, the Mets designated outfielder Travis Jankowski for assignment.

Acuna was on the bench for New York’s first game of the doubleheader.