INSIDER
Whitlock pitches Red Sox over Yanks 3-2 in rivals' 1st meeting this year
Read full article: Whitlock pitches Red Sox over Yanks 3-2 in rivals' 1st meeting this yearGarrett Whitlock got his second win since replacing Corey Kluber in the Red Sox rotation, Rafael Devers and Kiké Hernández homered, and Boston beat the New York Yankees 3-1 in the first meeting this year of a rivalry cut to 13 games by the new balanced schedule.
Guardians sweep Rays on Gonzalez's homer in 15th, on to NY
Read full article: Guardians sweep Rays on Gonzalez's homer in 15th, on to NYRookie Oscar Gonzalez broke up the longest scoreless postseason game in major league history with a leadoff home run off Corey Kluber in the 15th inning, giving the Cleveland Guardians a 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays and a two-game Wild Card Series sweep.
Judge, Yankees start with 7 straight hits, rout Kluber, Rays
Read full article: Judge, Yankees start with 7 straight hits, rout Kluber, RaysLeadoff man Aaron Judge singled twice during a six-run first inning off Corey Kluber as the New York Yankees started with seven straight hits for the first time since 1990 and routed the Tampa Bay Rays 10-3.
Rays beat Yankees 9-0 to move within 5 games in AL East
Read full article: Rays beat Yankees 9-0 to move within 5 games in AL EastJeffrey Springs pitched neatly into the sixth inning, Christian Bethancourt hit a seventh-inning two-run homer, and the Tampa Bay Rays moved within five games of the AL East-leading New York Yankees with a 9-0 victory.
Arozarena's early homer sends Rays past skidding Yankees 3-1
Read full article: Arozarena's early homer sends Rays past skidding Yankees 3-1Randy Arozarena hit a three-run homer off Nestor Cortes in the first inning and the Tampa Bay staff made it stand up, leading the Rays over the skidding New York Yankees 3-1.
LEADING OFF: Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx, Kershaw at Coors
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx, Kershaw at CoorsRon Guidry, Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez highlight the Yankees alumni set to appear at Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx prior to a matchup with the Kansas City Royals.
Judge homers again as Cortes, Yankees roll past Orioles 6-0
Read full article: Judge homers again as Cortes, Yankees roll past Orioles 6-0Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 37th home run, fellow All-Star Nestor Cortes pitched six sharp innings and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-0.
Carpenter hammers Cubs; 2 HRs, 7 RBIs in Yanks' 18-4 rout
Read full article: Carpenter hammers Cubs; 2 HRs, 7 RBIs in Yanks' 18-4 routMatt Carpenter homered twice and tied his career high with seven RBIs, powering the New York Yankees to complete a weekend sweep of the Chicago Cubs with a 18-4 rout for their 11th win in 12 games.
LEADING OFF: Angels skid goes on sans Maddon, Correa ready
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Angels skid goes on sans Maddon, Correa readyFree falling toward a dreadful bit of team history, the Angels fired manager Joe Maddon on Tuesday and appointed third base coach Phil Nevin to the role on an interim basis.
Kluber, Cole duel, Rays end Yankees' 4-game winning streak
Read full article: Kluber, Cole duel, Rays end Yankees' 4-game winning streakCorey Kluber and Gerrit Cole dueled evenly for six impressive innings before the Tampa Bay Rays scored a pair of late runs to beat the Yankees 3-1, ending New York’s four-game winning streak.
Arozarena's 2 HRs spoil Rutschman's debut as Rays top O's
Read full article: Arozarena's 2 HRs spoil Rutschman's debut as Rays top O'sRandy Arozarena hit a pair of homers, Jeffrey Springs threw shutout ball into the sixth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays spoiled the debut of Baltimore Orioles top prospect Adley Rutschman with a 6-1 victory.
Kluber looks good, Rays beat Orioles 8-0 to complete sweep
Read full article: Kluber looks good, Rays beat Orioles 8-0 to complete sweepTwo-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber looked good in his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching into the fifth inning to help the defending AL East champions beat Baltimore 8-0 and complete a season-opening sweep of the Orioles.
Teams spend $1.4B in 1 day, then MLB locks out players
Read full article: Teams spend $1.4B in 1 day, then MLB locks out playersMajor League Baseball teams committed to an unprecedented $1.4 billion in salaries Wednesday, hours before the league locked out players following the 11:59 p.m. expiration of the sport's collective bargaining agreement.
Yanks toss it away in 9th, fall to Hays, Orioles 3-2 in 10th
Read full article: Yanks toss it away in 9th, fall to Hays, Orioles 3-2 in 10thYankees reliever Clay Holmes threw a wild pitch with two outs in the ninth inning that let the tying run score, then Austin Hays chopped an RBI single in the 10th that lifted the Baltimore Orioles to a 3-2 win and dropped New York back in the AL wild-card race.
Brewers' Burnes, Hader combine for MLB record 9th no-hitter
Read full article: Brewers' Burnes, Hader combine for MLB record 9th no-hitterMilwaukee ace Corbin Burnes combined with reliever Josh Hader to pitch baseball’s record ninth no-hitter this season, breaking a mark set when pitchers began throwing overhand in 1884 as the Brewers beat the Cleveland Indians 3-0.
O's rally against Chapman, win after nearly no-hitting Yanks
Read full article: O's rally against Chapman, win after nearly no-hitting YanksAroldis Chapman gave up Pedro Severino’s tiebreaking sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees lost to Baltimore 4-3 after the last-place Orioles took a no-hitter into the seventh.
O's lose no-hit bid vs Yanks on bobbled infield grounder
Read full article: O's lose no-hit bid vs Yanks on bobbled infield grounderPinch-hitter Gleyber Torres broke up Baltimore’s no-hit bid with an infield single that bounced off the glove of second baseman Jahmai Jones with one out in the seventh inning.
Snell pulled after 7 no-hit innings, Padres beat D-backs 3-0
Read full article: Snell pulled after 7 no-hit innings, Padres beat D-backs 3-0Blake Snell threw seven hitless innings before being pulled for a reliever, and San Diego lost its bid for a combined no-hitter in the eighth inning when Arizona’s David Peralta dropped a bloop single into shallow left field in the Padres' 3-0 win.
Ohtani hits MLB-high 42nd home run, Angels beat Yankees 8-7
Read full article: Ohtani hits MLB-high 42nd home run, Angels beat Yankees 8-7Shohei Ohtani hit his major-league leading 42nd home run, Jack Mayfield connected for his first grand slam and the Los Angeles Angels were able to defeat the New York Yankees 8-7.
LEADING OFF: Báez, Mets barb home fans, anger team president
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Báez, Mets barb home fans, anger team presidentJavier Báez and his New York Mets teammates get a day to cool off after the derogatory gestures they directed toward frustrated fans at Citi Field angered club management.
Judge's single sends Yankees past A's for 12th straight win
Read full article: Judge's single sends Yankees past A's for 12th straight winAaron Judge hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the ninth inning, Giancarlo Stanton homered for the third consecutive game and the New York Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7-6 for their 12th straight victory and longest winning streak in nearly 60 years.
Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight win
Read full article: Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight winWandy Peralta retired Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded for the final out, and the New York Yankees held off the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in a thriller to extend their longest winning streak in 36 years to 11 games.
Gallo homers twice, Judge goes deep again, Yanks top ChiSox
Read full article: Gallo homers twice, Judge goes deep again, Yanks top ChiSoxJoey Gallo hit a two-run shot in the 10th inning for his second homer of the game, and the New York Yankees outlasted the Chicago White Sox 7-5 in another back-and-forth thriller.
Elusive kitten, Orioles hittin' in 7-1 romp over Yankees
Read full article: Elusive kitten, Orioles hittin' in 7-1 romp over YankeesIn a game delayed for several minutes while a bevy of groundskeepers tried to corral a scaredy cat in the outfield, the Baltimore Orioles hit four solo homers off Yankees newcomer Andrew Heaney to beat New York 7-1.
Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11
Read full article: Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros beat Texas 4-1, sending the Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss.
Giants' Gausman through 6 hitless innings vs St. Louis
Read full article: Giants' Gausman through 6 hitless innings vs St. LouisSan Francisco right-hander Kevin Gausman hasn’t allowed a hit through six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, closing in on what would be the record-tying eighth no-hitter in the majors this season.
Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0
Read full article: Kiermaier ends combined no-hit bid, Rays top Red Sox 1-0Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by the Boston Red Sox with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 1-0 victory.
Rivalry renewed: Red Sox stop slide in Bronx, beat Yanks 5-2
Read full article: Rivalry renewed: Red Sox stop slide in Bronx, beat Yanks 5-2Rafael Devers hit a three-run homer in the first inning off Michael King, Marwin González added a two-run double and the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 5-2 in the first of the rivals’ 19 meetings this season.
Yarbrough gets Rays 1st complete game in 5 years, tops Yanks
Read full article: Yarbrough gets Rays 1st complete game in 5 years, tops YanksRyan Yarbrough ended a 24-start winless skid with Tampa Bay’s first complete game in more than five years, Austin Meadows homered off shaky Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and drove in five and the Rays beat New York 9-2.
LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers, Tribe plays 2, deGrom at night
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers, Tribe plays 2, deGrom at nightThe finale of an entertaining four-game series between longtime rivals features an excellent pitching matchup Sunday at Dodger Stadium between Giants right-hander Kevin Gausman and Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw.
LEADING OFF: Syndergaard has setback, Kluber to get MRI
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Syndergaard has setback, Kluber to get MRINoah Syndergaard was pulled from his minor league rehabilitation outing because of soreness in his pitching elbow Tuesday night, the latest setback for a New York Mets team ravaged by injuries.
Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8
Read full article: Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8Francisco Mejía hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8.
LEADING OFF: No-hit streak, Davis down, Cueto vs Reds
Read full article: LEADING OFF: No-hit streak, Davis down, Cueto vs RedsAfter no-hitters on consecutive nights by Detroit right-hander Spencer Turnbull and Yankees newcomer Corey Kluber, is there a pitcher on the docket who can make it three days in a row.
Yanks rally past Nats 4-3 in 10th, Scherzer strikes out 14
Read full article: Yanks rally past Nats 4-3 in 10th, Scherzer strikes out 14Gleyber Torres’ tying single in the ninth inning and a winning infield single in the 11th helped the New York Yankees overcame Max Scherzer’s commanding 14-strikeout performance to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3.
Kluber gets 100th win, Yankees sweep Tigers to reach .500
Read full article: Kluber gets 100th win, Yankees sweep Tigers to reach .500Corey Kluber handcuffed Detroit batters to gain his 100th career win with his most dominant performance since 2018, and the New York Yankees beat the Tigers 2-0 to complete their first series sweep this season and get back to.
Stanton homers twice, powering Yankees past Indians 5-3
Read full article: Stanton homers twice, powering Yankees past Indians 5-3Giancarlo Stanton busted out of his slump with two rocketed home runs — one with the highest exit velocity this season — and New York connected four times, sending the Yankees to a 5-3 win over the Cleveland Indians.
Hill sharp, Kluber roughed up as Rays beat Yankees 10-5
Read full article: Hill sharp, Kluber roughed up as Rays beat Yankees 10-5Rich Hill pitched six strong innings, Austin Meadows led a hit parade against Corey Kluber and New York’s bullpen, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Yankees 10-5 to snap a four-game skid.
LEADING OFF
Read full article: LEADING OFFThe Los Angeles Dodgers will raise the World Series flag for the first time since 1988 and will hand out championship rings before Friday’s home opener against Washington, the first time fans are allowed into Dodger Stadium since the Game 5 loss in the 2019 NL Division Series.
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
Read full article: Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
Read full article: Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluatedThe Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchers
Read full article: LeMahieu HR ends inning, no more early exits for pitchersStarter Zach Eflin pitched four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out four without a walk. ROCKIES 2, MARINERS 1Kyle Freeland allowed three hits in four shutout innings in his second start for Colorado, striking out four. Seattle's Marco Gonzales threw four shutout innings in his second start, allowing two hits while striking out four. Martín Pérez made his second start, allowing two hits and a walk in four scoreless innings. ATHLETICS 5, REDS 2 (7)Oakland lefty Sean Manaea struck out four in three innings, allowing one run and three hits.
Yanks' Germán pitches 2 innings in 1st game since suspension
Read full article: Yanks' Germán pitches 2 innings in 1st game since suspensionFILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German throws to first in a pickoff-attempt during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in New York. German has started the process of talking to teammates about his domestic violence suspension that has kept him off the mound since September 2019. “Exciting to be back on the field, be back with my teammates,” Germán said. Germán missed the final nine games of the regular season and all nine of New York’s playoff games. AdBack with the Yankees for the start of spring training, Germán spoke with his New York teammates last week and issued a public apology the next day.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
Read full article: Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgeryI look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
Germán apologizes after serving domestic violence suspension
Read full article: Germán apologizes after serving domestic violence suspensionHe returned to the Yankees last week for the start of spring training. Germán was 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 2019 when he was put on leave. Manager Aaron Boone said Germán is competing with Deivi García, Michael King, Asher Wojciechowski, Jhoulys Chacín and Nick Nelson. It is clear that I must improve on that.”Germán would not discuss the events that led to his suspension. Germán said he learned “the biggest thing is about how do you react to certain things?
Yankees view Kluber and Taillon as high risk, high reward
Read full article: Yankees view Kluber and Taillon as high risk, high rewardFILE - In this July 9, 2020, file photo, Texas Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber throws during an intrasquad game in Arlington, Texas. The New York Yankees reached a deal with Kluber worth $11 million for one year, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Happ to become free agents, signed Kluber to an $11 million, one-year contract and acquired Taillon from Pittsburgh for four prospects. To drop payroll below the $210 million luxury tax threshold, Cashman traded right-hander Adam Ottavino to rival Boston, saving $7.15 million. New York enters spring training with a projected rotation of Gerrit Cole, Deivi García, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, Kluber and Taillon.
Tanaka leaves Yankees, rejoins former team to pitch in Japan
Read full article: Tanaka leaves Yankees, rejoins former team to pitch in JapanFILE - New York Yankees' Masahiro Tanaka, of Japan, delivers a pitch during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in New York, in this Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, file photo. Former New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has signed a two-year contract with the Rakuten Eagles in Japanese baseball, the club said Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)TOKYO – Masahiro Tanaka is returning to pitch for his former team in Japan after seven seasons with the New York Yankees. The Rakuten Eagles of the Pacific League said Thursday the 32-year-old free agent had signed a two-year contract. “I have decided to return to Japan and play for the Rakuten Eagles for the 2021 season,” Tanaka wrote on Twitter.
Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money deals
Read full article: Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money dealsLindor, the star shortstop acquired last week by the New York Mets from Cleveland, got the largest of the deals at $22.3 million. Bellinger and Seager got big raises after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win heir first World Series title since 1988. New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, coming off his second straight injury-wrecked season, agreed at $10,175,000. Ace pitcher Walker Buehler asked for $4.15 million and was offered $3.3 million, and catcher Austin Barnes asked for $2 million and was offered $1.5 million. Also exchanging were New York Mets third baseman-outfielder J.D.
AP sources Yankees reach deals with Kluber, LeMahieu
Read full article: AP sources Yankees reach deals with Kluber, LeMahieuFILE - New York Yankees' DJ LeMahieu celebrates at second base after hitting a two-run double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium in New York, in this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, file photo. The New York Yankees and AL batting champion DJ LeMahieu worked Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, to put in place a six-year contract worth about $90 million, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. LeMahieu, who turns 33 in July, became the first player to win undisputed batting titles in both leagues. He won his first AL batting title last year at .364, the highest average for an AL batting champion since Minnesota’s Joe Mauer hit .365 in 2009, after winning the NL championship with Colorado in 2016. A three-time All-Star, LeMahieu signed a $24 million, two-year contract with the Yankees in January 2019.
Rangers trade RHP Lance Lynn to White Sox
Read full article: Rangers trade RHP Lance Lynn to White SoxThe Chicago White Sox acquired a big workhorse for their starting rotation. Lance Lynn was traded from the Texas Rangers to the White Sox on Tuesday for right-hander Dane Dunning and lefty Avery Weems. The on-the-rise White Sox are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2008, going 35-25 and finishing tied for second in the AL Central before losing to Oakland in their wild-card series. While the Rangers didn't move Lynn at the Aug. 31 trade deadline, they did send All-Star lefty Mike Minor to Oakland. Weems, 23, was 5-4 with a 2.09 ERA over 14 starts in the White Sox minor league system in 2019 after he was selected on the sixth round of the amateur draft.
Lester, Kluber, Hand boost free agent total to 175
Read full article: Lester, Kluber, Hand boost free agent total to 175Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal. Lester gets a $10 million buyout from the Chicago Cubs that completes a $155 million, six-year contract rather than a $25 million mutual option. Milwaukee turned down Gyorko and Sogard, a day after declining a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun. The White Sox declined a $12 million option for Encarnación and a $7 million option for González, who will receive a $500,000. Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal.
LEADING OFF: Shane Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 start
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Shane Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 startA look at what’s happening around the majors today:___NOT JUSTIN, SHANEIt hasn’t taken Shane Bieber long to become Cleveland’s ace — and maybe the best pitcher in baseball this season. Bieber, who is 7-0 with a 1.25 ERA and leads the majors in numerous categories, is already 2-0 against the Twins this year. “We should know more then.”SO LONG, FAREWELLA pair of NL West teams said goodbye Thursday to familiar faces and former All-Stars at third base. FIRST PLACE AND FIRED UPOakland right-hander Mike Fiers (4-2, 4.93 ERA) starts for the AL West leaders when they begin a series at Texas. Fiers has gone 3-1 with a 3.22 ERA over his last four starts and the A’s are 6-2 in his outings.
LEADING OFF: Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 start
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Bieber faces Twins seeking 8-0 startBieber, who is 7-0 with a 1.25 ERA and leads the majors in numerous categories, is already 2-0 against the Twins this year. Bieber began last season as Cleveland’s No. Atlanta's beleaguered rotation took another hit when left-hander Tommy Milone was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with elbow inflammation. FIRST PLACE AND FIRED UPOakland right-hander Mike Fiers (4-2, 4.93 ERA) starts for the AL West leaders when they begin a series at Texas. Oakland took a 6½-game lead on second-place Houston after beating the Astros in four of five at the Coliseum.
Gallo homers and Rangers use 6 pitchers to beat Angels 2-0
Read full article: Gallo homers and Rangers use 6 pitchers to beat Angels 2-0ARLINGTON, Texas Joey Gallo hit a two-run homer, six Texas pitchers combined on a four-hitter and the Rangers have consecutive wins for the first time this season after beating the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 on Saturday night. It was his first win for the Rangers since 2007, before the former starter was traded to Cincinnati for Josh Hamilton. Allard, the youngest Rangers pitcher, struck out six and walked one while throwing 94 pitches five days before his 23rd birthday. Simmons has been on the injured list since July 28. Rangers: CF Danny Santana (right forearm strain) is eligible to come off the injured list as early as Sunday.
Trout homers again on birthday, but Angels fall to Rangers
Read full article: Trout homers again on birthday, but Angels fall to RangersLos Angeles Angels' Mike Trout waves to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas Mike Trout homered again on his birthday, but Robinson Chirinos drove in two runs without a hit and the Texas Rangers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. Trout turned 29, and homered for the fifth time in the seven big league games he has played on his birthday. The three-time AL MVP put the Angels up 2-0 in the first with his 444-foot drive over their bullpen in left-center. Castro was upset after striking out on a check swing in the second inning and got tossed by Edwin Moscoso, the rookie fill-in umpire who made the call from third base.
LEADING OFF: Yelich, Springer slumping, Blue Jays wandering
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Yelich, Springer slumping, Blue Jays wanderingYelich also has struck out 12 times going into the series opener at home against Jack Flaherty and the Cardinals. Former World Series MVP George Springer (.048), two-time batting champ Jose Altuve (.174) and former All-Star Game MVP Alex Bregman (.174) will look to break loose when the Astros visit the Angels. TORONTOS TRAVELSVladimir Guerrero Jr. and the wandering Blue Jays will figure out where to spend this weekend after a three-game series in Philadelphia was called off because two Phillies staffers tested positive for the virus. Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and the Jays will stay in DC and work out at Nationals Park. The Blue Jays eventually will play home games in Buffalo at the stadium of their Triple-A affiliate.
MLB hitters slow out of the box to start 60-game season
Read full article: MLB hitters slow out of the box to start 60-game seasonThe Milwaukee Brewers star is 1 for 27 to start the season, an .037 average that's worst among qualified hitters. Coming off a condensed preseason camp for a 60-game season truncated by the coronavirus pandemic, hitters are stumbling out of the batter's box. The league-wide batting average after Wednesday's games is .229, down from .252 last season even though the National League adopted the designated hitter for this season. And although hitters often start slowly in March and April, this collective slump is far worse than anything seen in recent years. Many indicators of the offensive struggles, including a rise in strikeouts and drop in batting average, are continuations of trends already underway.
Rangers activate Martin from virus IL, Kluber to 45-day IL
Read full article: Rangers activate Martin from virus IL, Kluber to 45-day ILARLINGTON, Texas Texas Rangers left-hander Brett Martin has been activated from the injured list after missing the start of the season because of a positive coronavirus test. Kluber, who exited his start Sunday after one inning, had a platelet-rich plasma injection and returned to his home in the Boston area. The Rangers also recalled outfielder Adolis Garca and optioned outfielder Leody Taveras, one of their top prospects, to the alternate training site. Martin, already at higher risk for COVID-19 because he has Type 1 diabetes, experienced mild symptoms of the disease including congestion and fatigue. Manager Chris Woodward said Martin threw a two-inning simulated game Monday and would likely be ready to pitch in a game as early as Wednesday.
LEADING OFF: Marlins postponed again amid virus outbreak
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins postponed again amid virus outbreakCommissioner Rob Manfred said the soonest the Marlins could resume their schedule is Wednesday, when they are set to play in Baltimore. And we think we can keep people safe and continue to play.The Yankees and Phillies also postponed their game Monday after the Marlins played in Philadelphia over the weekend. Word of multiple positive tests among the Marlins and Reds rosters shook many around the game. Mondays scheduled opener of a three-game series against the Indians was postponed by rain and will be made up Tuesday as part of a traditional doubleheader. The right-hander was acquired from Milwaukee in November after going 10-7 with a 3.55 ERA in 31 starts last year.
LEADING OFF: Marlins postponed again amid virus outbreak
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins postponed again amid virus outbreakMiami Marlins' manager Don Mattingly looks out from the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Philadelphia. Commissioner Rob Manfred said the soonest the Marlins could resume their schedule is Wednesday, when they are set to play in Baltimore. And we think we can keep people safe and continue to play.The Yankees and Phillies also postponed their game Monday after the Marlins played in Philadelphia over the weekend. Word of multiple positive tests among players on the Marlins and Reds rosters shook many around the game. The right-hander was acquired from Milwaukee in November after going 10-7 with a 3.55 ERA in 31 starts last year.
MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after 1st weekend
Read full article: MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after 1st weekendThe 60-game sprint started with a bang thunder, actually, along with a torrential downpour in the rain-shortened opener between the Yankees and Nationals. Now is when people will finally listen, explained Stanton, a Black slugger with the New York Yankees who plans to kneel throughout the season. Made it interesting.Lastly, MLB unveiled another modification hours before first pitch, expanding the postseason from 10 teams to 16. The news Sunday of potential outbreaks with the Reds and Marlins was a reminder of how fragile the season could be. If 10 or 15 or 25 guys do it and the rest are messing around, it can mess everything up.
Rangers' Kluber could be done for year with shoulder injury
Read full article: Rangers' Kluber could be done for year with shoulder injuryTexas Rangers starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 26, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. He is headed to the injured list after just one inning of work in his debut as a Texas Rangers starter. He has a tear in a small muscle in his right shoulder and is not expected to make another start this season if he pitches at all. The right-hander will then be evaluated in about four weeks to determine if he can start throwing again. The Rangers acquired Kluber in a trade from Cleveland in December, adding him to a rotation with All-Star left-hander Mike Minor and hard-throwing veteran Lance Lynn.
LEADING OFF: Virus fears force changes in lineups, plans
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Virus fears force changes in lineups, plansMiami Marlins' Brian Anderson, right, celebrates his two-run home run with Francisco Cervelli, left, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, July 26, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)The Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds are waiting to see how COVID-19 affects them heading into the second series of the season. The Marlins planned to arrive in Miami hours before their home opener against Baltimore, unsure how many players might remain quarantined in Philadelphia. The Reds were without second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel for a 3-2 loss to the Tigers in Cincinnati. Both felt sick a day after teammate Matt Davidson went on the injured list after testing positive for the coronavirus.