Sports Briefs #2 5/11/21

MLB

ESPN reports the Oakland A’s have been given permission by Major League Baseball to explore relocation possibilities if a new stadium proposal is not approved by local politicians. A proposed new stadium has been considered for years but has been in limbo.

Minor League Baseball

The Bowling Green Hot Rods play their home opener this evening as they host the Asheville Tourists. The Hot Rods are 4-2 on the season.

The Nashville Sounds welcome the Memphis Redbirds in their home opener tonight at First Horizon Park. The Sounds are 3-2 following their opening series.

Horse Racing

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit will be allowed to run in The Preakness this weekend, but there will be drug pre-testing before Saturday’s race. That’s according to a statement issued this afternoon from trainer Bob Baffert’s attorney. Medina Spirit was found to have used an illegal substance in a test following the Derby and if a subsequent test is also positive, the horse will be stripped of its title.

Golf

The Royal and Ancient Club announced plans today for a “significant” number of fans for The Open championship scheduled for July 15-18 at Royal St. George’s. The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic.