Feb 19, 2018 3 min read

Penguins reassign forward Blueger

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forward Teddy Blueger to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

Blueger, 23, spent the past week with the Penguins but did not see any game action during his first career NHL stint. At the AHL level this year, he has 26 points, including 12 goals, and a plus-10 in 45 games.

Pittsburgh has won a season-high five-straight games, the NHL’s longest active winning streak, to jump into first place in the Metropolitan Division entering Monday morning.

The Penguins return to game action Friday at Carolina.

Wild Things offer Kids Eat Free Sundays

The Washington Wild Things announced two new packages to benefit families and kids this summer with “Kids Eat Free” Sundays and a discounted kids ticket for all home games in 2018.

All kids ages 12 and under receive a free ticket to all eight Sunday home games, a free meal voucher that includes a hot dog, chips and a drink and more benefits for each use. Each use of the card gets the child a free Dunkin’ Donut, and after five uses, kids receive a free Washington Wild Things hat.

The Sunday schedule is themed for families and kids, with specialized entertainment and promotions. The first Sunday home is May 27. The schedule also includes a Replica Youth Jersey giveaway, presented by PA Leadership Charter School, for the first 500 kids in attendance at the Aug. 12 game.

“We are going all in to make sure Wild Things Park is the best ballpark for families and kids. No other team in the country is offering a free program for every child, with a free ticket and free food included,” said assistant general manager Tony Buccilli.

The team also announced another kid-friendly offer for Tuesdays through Saturdays. In 2018, every child, 12 years old and younger, can purchase an $8 ticket to sit anywhere in the ballpark. The $8 kids tickets will only be available via phone orders or walkup, not online. Children under three years old still do not need a ticket to enter the stadium.

“It is important we give lasting memories to the kids who attend our games. With this ticket offer, kids get to sit closer to the action and parents don’t have to break the bank to do so,” Buccilli said. “We encourage families to grab a seat in the lower bowl, get to know our players and enjoy the entertainment up close. We never want finances to limit a child’s opportunity to enjoy America’s pastime.”

Red Sox reach deal with J.D. Martinez

Hours after Red Sox owner John Henry said talk of collusion in free-agent negotiations was “ridiculous,” his team made a splash by reaching agreement with slugger J.D. Martinez on a $110 million, five-year contract.

About half the 166 players who exercised free-agency rights in November remain unsigned.

Jake Arrieta and Mike Moustakas were among the free agents still looking for a place to play.

Martinez hit .303 with 45 homers and 104 RBIs last year for Detroit and Arizona, which acquired him on July 18 for three prospects. He had 29 homers and 65 RBIs in 62 games with the Diamondbacks, and hit a record-tying four home runs in a game.

Martinez started a combined 112 games in right field last year. He figures to become the primary designated hitter for the AL East champion Red Sox, which would turn Hanley Ramirez into a platoon player at first with Mitch Moreland.