MLBPA concerned about unsigned free agents…Duke’s Bagley ready to play…Clock ticking on IOC’s Russian decision

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Major league players are concerned about an unusual number of unsigned free agents as spring training nears the end of its second week. That’s according to union leader Tony Clark, who says the union’s special training camp for free agents will stay open indefinitely. About a third of the 166 players who exercised free agency rights last November haven’t reached a contract agreement with a team. That includes stars like starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (ehr-ee-ET’-uh) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (moos-TAH’-kahs).

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds have signed left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez to a minor league contract. Perez spent the past two seasons with the Washington Nationals. He made 50 appearances with the Nationals last year, pitching 33 innings with a 4.64 ERA. The Reds plan to use him to get left-handed hitters out in pressure situations.

ORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have signed 12-year veteran shortstop Erick Aybar (EYE’-bahr) to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Aybar made his debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2006 and was their everyday shortstop for seven seasons. He won a Gold Glove award in 2011 and made the All-Star team in 2014. He played last year for the San Diego Padres, batting .234 with 11 stolen bases in 333 at-bats.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke says freshman forward Marvin Bagley III is available to play after missing two weeks with a sprained knee. Bagley leads the Atlantic Coast Conference with averages of 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds. He sprained his right knee in the loss at North Carolina on Feb. 8 and missed four games. The Blue Devils went 4-0 in his absence. Duke hosts Syracuse later today.

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — The International Olympic Committee must announce by tomorrow if the Russian Olympic Committee will be readmitted to the Olympic family after being ousted because of a doping scandal. That would allow about 160 Russian athletes competing at the Pyeongchang Games to fly their own flag at the closing ceremony. Meanwhile, a Russian bobsledder who tested positive for a banned substance during the Olympics has admitted to doping and has been disqualified.

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