1+ hour, 38+ min ago (252+ words) Shohei Ohtani plans to play for Japan in next year's World Baseball Classic. The two-way Los Angeles Dodgers star made the announcement on social media Monday night. Ohtani helped Japan win the 2023 WBC, striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the championship game against the United States. He was named MVP of the tournament. Ohtani won his fourth MVP award this month, shortly after he helped the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title. He did not specify in his post whether he plans to pitch for Japan in the WBC, which begins on March 5. Shohei Ohtani announces he will play for Japan in next year's World Baseball Classic Ohtani helped Japan win the 2023 WBC, striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the championship game against the…...

12+ hour, 52+ min ago (376+ words) Schaeffer assumed the role on an interim basis after the Rockies fired Bud Black, the winningest manager in franchise history, in May following a 7-33 start. The Rockies finished the season 43-119 and in last place in the NL West. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team," said Schaeffer. "My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work and trust. We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way, and my goal is to keep strengthening those relationships while leading a team that our fans can embrace and be proud of." Schaeffer becomes the eighth full-time manager in club history. The 40-year-old has been a member of the Rockies organization for over a decade. "We're confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving…...