Clase pleads

not guilty

NEW YORK (AP) — Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has pleaded not guilty to charges that he took bribes to help gamblers win bets on the pitches he threw. The 27-year-old three-time All-Star appeared in Brooklyn federal court Thursday.

He was arrested earlier at JFK airport after returning to the country from his native Dominican Republic. Teammate and countryman Luis Ortiz pleaded not guilty Wednesday to similar charges. The two have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July, when MLB began investigating what it said was unusually high in-game betting activity when they pitched.

Prosecutors say the two accepted thousands of dollars in bribes to help unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 on bets placed on their pitches.

Purdy returns

for 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Quarterback Brock Purdy returns to the starting lineup for the San Francisco 49ers this week after missing six games with a toe injury.

Coach Kyle Shanahan announced Thursday that Purdy will start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Purdy expressed excitement about his return, saying he feels healthy and ready to lead. He initially injured his toe in a game against Jacksonville, which led to a setback.

Shanahan admits the team may have rushed him back too soon but believes Purdy is now ready after six weeks off. Despite backup Mac Jones’ strong performance, the 49ers trust Purdy’s abilities.

Antonio Brown

awaits trial

MIAMI (AP) — Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been released from a Miami jail a day after pleading not guilty to second-degree attempted murder. The 37-year-old Brown is accused of firing shots after a celebrity boxing match in Miami on May 16. Brown left the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with his attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, after a judge set his bail at $25,000 and ordered him to wear a GPS ankle monitor while awaiting trial. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors had argued for pretrial detention, citing his resources to flee.

Kai Trump

shoots 13-over

BELLEAIR, Fla. (AP) — Kai Trump shot a 13-over 83 on Thursday in her LPGA Tour debut in The Annika, leaving President Donald Trump’s granddaughter last in the 108-player field.

In breezy afternoon conditions at Pelican Golf Club, the high school senior bogeyed the first four holes and finished the birdie-less round with nine bogeys and two double bogeys. The University of Miami recruit is playing on a sponsor exemption. Haeran Ryu led the tournament at 6-under 64, also playing in the afternoon.