BASEBALL

Pedro Borbon, a 48-year-old pitcher who hasn’t played in the major leagues in 15 years, was introduced as the Cincinnati Reds’ first replacement player. General Manager Jim Bowden said that Borbon had to first pass a physical before he could sign a non-guaranteed minor-league contract. Borbon has a double chin and a protruding belly.

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Former Red reliever Rob Dibble, who underwent rotator cuff surgery last spring, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox.

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The Baltimore Orioles’ refusal to use replacement players caused two teams to call off five exhibition games against them, the first cancellations of spring training. The Philadelphia Phillies canceled games scheduled March 3 and 8 against the Orioles, and the Chicago White Sox canceled games scheduled March 7, 19 and 21.

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A judge refused to order the Cleveland Indians to delay the deadline for season-ticket purchases, but asked the team to consider holding off for a few days so fans who waited for his ruling could get their money in on time.