National Sports

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson had a simple message before the National League champions took the field Thursday for their first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Starter Kevin Gausman was as advertised in his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a lucrative long-term contract with the team.

Alex Russell and Lockie Kratz return from injury to bolster Canada's lineup for the Feb. 25-26 Los Angeles Sevens, the sixth stop on the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

TORONTO — William Nylander had mostly been cast in a Maple Leafs' supporting role.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks signed Canadian kicker Michael Domagala and American linebacker Tobi Antigha on Thursday. Domagala, of St. Catharines, Ont., spent the last two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He averaged 44.8 yards per punt and 66.

MONTREAL — Holding true to her values eventually brought Christine Girard to the top of the podium. She intends to take that quality with her to Santiago, Chile, where Girard will lead Canada's team as chef de mission at the 2023 Pan American Games.

HAMILTON, Ohio — Veteran linebacker Simoni Lawrence is staying put. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Thursday that they've re-signed the 34-year-old American, who became a free agent Tuesday.

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions signed American defensive back Mike Jones on Thursday.

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Montreal's Félix Auger-Aliassime defeated Grégoire Barrère of France 6-4, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Rotterdam Open on Thursday.

ORLANDO, Fla.