BOSTON — Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has called out the Rays’ coaching staff a day after the teams were involved in a benches-clearing scrum.
Valentine said the Rays’ staff escalated the situation that arose in the ninth inning of Tampa Bay’s 7-4 win on Friday night after Red Sox reliever Franklin Morales hit Luke Scott on the right leg. He called their actions “unprofessional.”
“I thought their coaches were really aggressive; as a matter of fact, I took offense to the aggressiveness of their coaches.” Valentine said.
Rays manager Joe Maddon was asked a few times to comment on Valentine’s accusations but avoided it, and specifically praised Boston’s players.
“I covered everything I wanted to cover on that last night,” Maddon said.
O’s Jones getting raise? • BALTIMORE — A person familiar with the negotiations said the Orioles and center fielder Adam Jones have agreed to a six-year contract through 2018 worth about $85 million.
Jones has a one-year, $6.15 million contract and is eligible for arbitration next winter and for free agency after the 2013 season.
League loses closer’s job • SEATTLE — Brandon League has lost his job as the Mariners’ closer after blowing three of his last five save opportunities.
Manager Eric Wedge said he will give League opportunities outside of the closer role.
League, who is 0-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 appearances, has nine saves and four blown saves.
Footnotes. The Cardinals optioned struggling reliever Fernando Salas, their closer much of last season, to Triple-A Memphis. … The Braves placed Chipper Jones on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left leg and recalled catcher J.C. Boscan from Triple-A Gwinnett. … Indians catcher Carlos Santana is likely headed to the seven-day concussion list.
