MLB’s drug tests to include opioids but not marijuana

Major League Baseball will start testing for opioids and cocaine, but only players who do not cooperate with their treatment plans will be subject to discipline.

Marijuana will be removed from the list of drugs of abuse and will be treated the same as alcohol as part of changes announced Thursday to the joint drug agreement between MLB and the players’ association. In addition, suspensions for marijuana use will be dropped from the minor-league drug program.

Opioids are classified as a drug of abuse under the joint big-league program, which began in late 2002 and until now has limited testing to performanceenhancing substances and banned stimulants. Talks to add testing for opioids began after the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

Player signings

The Yankees re-signed outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year, $12.5 million contract. The left-handed hitter earned $7.5 million last season, when he hit .251 and set career highs with 28 homers and 74 RBI. The Yankees have a $10 million option for 2021 with a $2.5 million buyout.

♦ The Mets reportedly signed Rick Porcello to a one-year, $10 million deal. He was 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 starts last year, his fifth season with the Red Sox. His best year there was 2016, when he went 22-4 and won the Cy Young.

♦ The Brewers agreed to a one-year, $5.125 million deal with pitcher Corey Knebel, who’s returning from Tommy John surgery he had April 3.

♦ The Tigers reportedly signed catcher Austin Romine to a one-year, $4.15 million contract. He backed up Gary Sanchez for the Yankees the last four seasons.

♦ The Red Sox reportedly signed second baseman Jose Peraza to a one-year, $3 million deal. Peraza had a .239/.285/.346 slash line with six homers and 33 RBI in a utility role for the Reds in 2019.

This and that

Former Giants manager Bruce Bochy will manage France for the 2021 World Baseball Classic.

♦ The Tigers led off the Rule 5 Draft by selecting right-hander Rony Garcia from the Yankees.