BASEBALL
Chang Yu could get call-up
Cleveland Indians starting shortstop Francisco Lindor is to be sidelined for the next seven to nine weeks due to a right calf strain, the Major League Baseball club announced on Friday. The setback could set the stage for Taiwan’s 23-year-old Chang Yu to make a jump from Cleveland’s top development club into the major leagues. Lindor suffered the setback while preparing for this month’s start of pre-season training in Orlando, Florida, and was evaluated on Wednesday by doctors in Cleveland, Ohio, before starting his rehabilitation process. The three-time American League All-Star’s projected return timetable could mean he would miss next month’s season opener for the Indians on March 28 at Minnesota. Among the prospects expected to see extra time at shortstop for Cleveland in pre-season games is Chang, who batted .256 with 13 home runs and 62 runs batted in more than 457 times at bat with Cleveland’s top developmental club last year. The Indians have also looked at moving Chang to third baseman given his success and Lindor’s dominance at shortstop. Also in the mix could be Max Moroff, primarily a second baseman who played part-time at shortstop for Pittsburgh who was obtained in a trade in November last year, or 32-year-old infielder Ryan Flaherty, who played for Atlanta last season.
CYCLING
Landis to open hemp cafe
Former professional cyclist Floyd Landis has announced plans to open a bicycle showroom and coffee shop that is to sell hemp products in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. LNP cited Landis as saying on Thursday that he would open Floyd’s of Lancaster Cafe in the spring featuring products from his Colorado-based business that sells cannabis derivatives. The cafe is to serve coffee, food and products made with cannabidiol, the nonpsychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The bike shop is also to feature electric bikes from Van Dessel, which sponsors Landis’ professional cycling team. Landis said that his company would begin to make “significant purchases” from Pennsylvania hemp farmers. Landis, who is from Farmersville, Pennsylvania, was initially declared the winner of the 2006 Tour de France. He later lost the title after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
OLYMPICS
British Basketball gets funds
The British Basketball Federation is to get £75,000 (US$97,129) from UK Sport as a second wave of funding to help support preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the British governing body said on Friday. The federation lost out in the initial round of British government funding in December last year, in which 14 Olympic and Paralympic sports shared a £3 million investment pot. “I want to express my thanks to UK Sport for their latest show of support,” federation chairman Maurice Watkins said in a statement. “This news is another step forward for basketball, and whilst we were disappointed to miss out during the initial allocation from the Aspiration Fund, we are pleased to have now been awarded additional financial assistance as our teams gear up for an exciting 2019.” Britain, which has never won a medal in Olympic basketball, claimed 67 medals, including 27 golds, at the 2016 Rio Games.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely