MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brewers reliever Corey Knebel says he will have Tommy John surgery and miss the season, a major setback for the NL Central champions.Knebel revealed his decision Friday before Milwaukee played St. Louis.The 27-year-old right-hander had been pitching with a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow since 2014, when he was pitching for the Texas Rangers. He has been sidelined since March 17, when he experienced discomfort in his elbow while pitching in a spring training game.Knebel was 4-3 with 16 saves and a 3.58 ERA in 57 games last season. He was outstanding in the playoffs, pitching nine games with a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings as the Brewers relied on a dominant bullpen to come within one win of the World Series.Knebel had 39 saves and was a 2017 NL All-Star."It happened five years ago and now it's just gotten a little worse," Knebel said. "I don't want it to really hurt me in the long run. Right now, I'm 27. I think it's better to do it now than wait until later."The... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers vaunted bullpen is entering the season without a couple of its most imposing pieces.Corey Knebel is out indefinitely with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the type of injury that sometimes ends in Tommy John surgery. He's expected to join Jeremy Jeffress, down with a sore right shoulder, on the injured list to open the season.Knebel had 16 saves and a 3.58 ERA with Milwaukee last season, plus a 1.29 ERA in six postseason appearances. He plans to see multiple doctors before deciding if he needs surgery."It's going to take a week for him to compile some opinions from other doctors and then sit down and make a decision on what he feels is the best way to get this thing right," manager Craig Counsell said Friday.Knebel missed about six weeks early last season with a hamstring injury. He was an All-Star in 2017 with 39 saves and a 1.78 ERA in 78 innings.Jeffress, another important cog in the bullpen a year ago, hasn't thrown... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Ryan Braun already is seeing a difference in his swing this spring.The longtime Milwaukee Brewers star was the designated hitter in his exhibition debut, going 1 for 3 on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks."He's made some swing changes and made an attempt to tweak some little things and try to get in the zone a little bit sooner," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "He's been really pleased with the results, the batting practice results. Now he has to take it into the game and get some results. He had a good day. It's nice to get the first hit."Braun has noticed the ball is carrying more during batting practice and it's not just because of the dry Arizona weather."We'll see how it translates to game action," Braun said. "Obviously, I've taken batting practice on the same field out here for a long time and the ball is carrying significantly further than it has in a long time, maybe ever. I'm very encouraged by what I've seen so far and how I've felt so far."The Brewers... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Yelich has already had conversations with some of his Milwaukee Brewers teammates about their biggest message this spring after coming up one win short of the World Series."What you did last year means nothing basically. Whether it was good or bad for you as an individual or as a team, it means absolutely nothing. It doesn't matter," Yelich said. "We all start with a clean slate. It's all what are you going to do in 2019 to help the Brewers win."Even for the young slugging outfielder who was the NL MVP after nearly winning the Triple Crown (.326, 36 homers, 110 RBIs) in his first season with the Brewers.Milwaukee's first full-squad workout is Tuesday, four months after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series. The Brewers made a late-September surge to force a Game 163 tiebreaker, beat the Chicago Cubs for their first NL Central title since 2011 and swept Colorado in the NL Division Series."It was a little shorter offseason, not... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Milwaukee BrewersManager: Craig Counsell (fifth season).2018: 96-67, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Training Town: Phoenix.Park: Maryvale Baseball Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: C Yasmani Grandal, OF Ben Gamel, 2B-3B Cory Spangenberg, LHP Alex Claudio, RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Bobby Wahl, RHP Josh Tomlin.He's Outta Here: 3B Mike Moustakas, LHP Gio Gonzalez, LHP Wade Miley, OF Keon Broxton, OF Domingo Santana, 2B Jonathan Schoop, RHP Joakim Soria, LHP Dan Jennings, OF Curtis Granderson, LHP Xavier Cedeno.Going campin': The Brewers return mostly intact after making it to the NL Championship Series last year in the franchise's first playoff appearance since they also lost the NLCS in 2011. Grandal is a major upgrade behind the plate after he hit 24 homers last year with... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Milwaukee BrewersManager: Craig Counsell (fifth season).2018: 96-67, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Training Town: Phoenix.Park: Maryvale Baseball Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: C Yasmani Grandal, OF Ben Gamel, 2B-3B Cory Spangenberg, LHP Alex Claudio, RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Bobby Wahl.He's Outta Here: 3B Mike Moustakas, LHP Gio Gonzalez, LHP Wade Miley, OF Keon Broxton, OF Domingo Santana, 2B Jonathan Schoop, RHP Joakim Soria, LHP Dan Jennings, OF Curtis Granderson, LHP Xavier Cedeno.Going campin': The Brewers return mostly intact after making it to the NL Championship Series last year in the franchise's first playoff appearance since they also lost the NLCS in 2011. Grandal is a major upgrade behind the plate after he hit 24 homers last year with the Dodgers. There... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — David Stearns doesn't expect wholesale change for the Milwaukee Brewers after they fell a game short of the World Series.Milwaukee is set to return most of its roster after winning the NL Central in a tiebreaking 163rd game and pushing the Dodgers to Game 7 of the NL Championship Series. Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain headline the group, with Ryan Braun, Travis Shaw, Jesus Aguilar and Orlando Arcia all under contract, too. That gives Milwaukee's general manager reason for optimism long-term."Those are players that performed on a big stage in October and have the ability to continue performing as Brewers in the future," Stearns said. "We genuinely believe we are set up to succeed going forward."Stearns also pointed to an abundance of young pitching. Rookie right-handers Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta pitched well down the stretch, and Woodruff and Burnes played crucial roles in the postseason. All three will be in the mix for a rotation spot with Jhoulys... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers think they're just getting started.Sure looks that way, too.Led by breakout performances by Yelich, Josh Hader and Jesus Aguilar, Milwaukee chased down the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central for the first time since 2011. The youthful Brewers then swept Colorado in the Division Series before taking the Los Angeles Dodgers all the way to Game 7 in the NL Championship Series.The playoff run ended with a 5-1 loss to the more seasoned Dodgers on Saturday night, but the Brewers plan on returning to October very soon."We feel like we've got a lot of talent here," Yelich said. "Hopefully it's just the beginning."The 26-year-old Yelich nearly won the Triple Crown in his first season with Milwaukee after he was acquired in a trade with Miami in January. The silky smooth outfielder is the leading candidate for his first NL MVP award.Aguilar cruised past his previous career highs with 35 homers and 108 RBIs, and Hader set a major league record... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are casting doubt on Jimmy Nelson's chances of returning this season.Nelson had shoulder surgery last September after he got hurt diving back to first after rounding the base on a single. It was a tough conclusion to a breakout year for the right-hander, who went 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts.The 29-year-old Nelson has been working out, but he is running out of time."Jimmy pitching for us this year is unlikely," manager Craig Counsell said before Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. "And that's not due to a setback of any nature. That's just due to the pace of his rehab right now. So we're not ruling it 100 percent out, probably best goal is to just get him into a competitive situation before he shuts it down for the offseason. But I think at this point, pitching for us, the timetable to get there just doesn't seem likely."Even with Nelson out and a couple more pitching injuries, Milwaukee is in the thick of the playoff hunt in the National... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are casting doubt on Jimmy Nelson's chances of returning this season.Nelson had shoulder surgery in September after he got hurt diving back to first after rounding the base on a single. It was a tough conclusion to a breakout year for the right-hander, who went 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts.The 29-year-old Nelson has been working out, but he is running out of time."Jimmy pitching for us this year is unlikely," manager Craig Counsell said before Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs. "And that's not due to a setback of any nature. That's just due to the pace of his rehab right now. So we're not ruling it 100 percent out, probably best goal is to just get him into a competitive situation before he shuts it down for the offseason. But I think at this point, pitching for us, the timetable to get there just doesn't seem likely."Even with Nelson out and a couple more pitching injuries, Milwaukee is in the thick of the playoff hunt in the National League.... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers announced they had claimed right-hander Jordan Lyles off waivers from the San Diego Padres on Sunday.The 27-year-old Lyles is 2-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 24 appearances, including eight starts, this season."He's always had a really good arm. He's proven he has some versatility being able to throw out of the 'pen, and he's made some starts this year," Brewers general manager David Stearns said. "We think he adds to overall level of depth in our pitching staff right now."Lyles, a former first-round pick of the Houston Astros, signed a one-year, $750,000 deal with the Padres to start the season. He has a $3.5 million team option left on his contract for 2019 with a $250,000 buyout."In August trade waivers, whenever you make a claim on the player you have to do so assuming you're going to get the player," Stearns said. "It didn't shock me that we were awarded the claim."Milwaukee is extremely thin in its starting rotation with Brent Suter (left elbow) out for... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers acquired second baseman Jonathan Schoop in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, adding another option to a crowded infield as they make a push for the playoffs.The Brewers sent second baseman Jonathan Villar and two prospects to Baltimore.Schoop was the second infielder Milwaukee acquired in the last few days before Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline. The Brewers also dealt for third baseman Mike Moustakas from Kansas City. The plan then was for left-handed hitting third baseman Travis Shaw to shift to second base. The 26-year-old Schoop now gives Milwaukee a right-handed option at second.The Brewers have also played Hernan Perez at second of late. The upside of having so many infielders is having another quality bat available on the bench."Really, what it comes down to for us is we think we're getting better and we think we're adding to our overall depth," general manager David Stearns said.The Brewers were in Los Angeles on Tuesday for the second... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers' injury-plagued rotation took another hit Monday when lefty Brent Suter said he would have Tommy John surgery that will end his season."It was pretty crushing news, but I'm kind of starting to accept it a little bit," Suter said before the Brewers played Washington at Miller Park. "It's tough news at the same time."Suter had an MRI earlier in the day that revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He left Milwaukee's 11-2 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday after three innings when he felt pain — the team initially diagnosed it as a strain, the same injury that led to a stint on the disabled list late last month.Suter said he would have the elbow surgery in the near future.The 28-year-old Suter pitched a career-high 101 1/3 innings this season, going 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 18 starts. He's helped the Brewers stay near the top of the NL Central race."He'd cemented himself as a member of the rotation and was giving us a chance to win,"... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:YO, YOU GOOD?Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets are awaiting a report and recommendation from doctors after the slugger had an MRI on both feet Monday. Cespedes may need surgery to address calcification on both heels that has bothered him for 15 years, and he said recently that surgery would sideline him for 8-to-10 months. "I guess what we're looking to find out is if it has progressed to the point where it's something that cannot be managed with the conservative treatment that we've been using," Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.Ricco said the Mets were aware of the foot problem when they acquired Cespedes from Detroit in July 2015. The 32-year-old has been treated with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises and orthotics.BIEBER VS BUCCOSThe Pirates offense is rolling, and Cleveland will ask rookie Shane Bieber to slow Pittsburgh's roll. The Bucs have averaged 6.4 runs per game while winning 10 straight, including seven... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:YO, YOU GOOD?Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets are awaiting a report and recommendation from doctors after the slugger had an MRI on both feet Monday. Cespedes may need surgery to address calcification on both heels that has bothered him for 15 years, and he said recently that surgery would sideline him for 8-to-10 months. "I guess what we're looking to find out is if it has progressed to the point where it's something that cannot be managed with the conservative treatment that we've been using," Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.Ricco said the Mets were aware of the foot problem when they acquired Cespedes from Detroit in July 2015. The 32-year-old has been treated with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises and orthotics.SOMETHING BREWING?The Brewers were already rumored to be shopping ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline before starting pitcher Brent Suter said Monday he would need season-ending Tommy... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:YO, YOU GOOD?Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets are awaiting a report and recommendation from doctors after the slugger had an MRI on both feet Monday. Cespedes may need surgery to address calcification on both heels that has bothered him for 15 years, and he said recently that surgery would sideline him for 8-to-10 months. "I guess what we're looking to find out is if it has progressed to the point where it's something that cannot be managed with the conservative treatment that we've been using," Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.Ricco said the Mets were aware of the foot problem when they acquired Cespedes from Detroit in July 2015. The 32-year-old has been treated with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises and orthotics.SOMETHING BREWING?The Brewers were already rumored to be shopping ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline before starting pitcher Brent Suter said Monday he would need season-ending Tommy... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers' injury-plagued rotation took another hit Monday when lefty Brent Suter said he would have Tommy John surgery that will end his season."It was pretty crushing news, but I'm kind of starting to accept it a little bit," Suter said before the Brewers played Washington at Miller Park. "It's tough news at the same time."Suter had an MRI earlier in the day that revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He left Milwaukee's 11-2 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday after three innings when he felt pain — the team initially diagnosed it as a strain, the same injury that led to a stint on the disabled list late last month.Suter said he would have the elbow surgery in the near future.The 28-year-old Suter pitched a career-high 101 1/3 innings this season, going 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 18 starts. He's helped the Brewers stay near the top of the NL Central race."He'd cemented himself as a member of the rotation and was giving us a chance to win,"... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers' injury-plagued rotation took another hit Monday when lefty Brent Suter said he would have Tommy John that will end his season."It was pretty crushing news, but I'm kind of starting to accept it a little bit," Suter said before the Brewers played Washington at Miller Park. "It's tough news at the same time."Suter had an MRI earlier in the day that revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He left Milwaukee's 11-2 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday after three innings when he felt pain — the team initially diagnosed it as a strain, the same injury that led to a stint on the disabled list late last month.Suter said he would have the elbow surgery in the near future.The 28-year-old Suter pitched a career-high 101 1/3 innings this season, going 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 18 starts. He's helped the Brewers stay near the top of the NL Central race."He'd cemented himself as a member of the rotation and was giving us a chance to win," Brewers... [More]

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

Just the thought of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in the same lineup sent fans into a frenzy. Come opening day, all of baseball will see which teams really have the muscle.A season of haves and have-nots begins March 29 with Derek Jeter's pared-down Marlins playing the pumped-up Cubs. Later that day, the New York Yankees unleash their most potent pair of sluggers since Mantle & Maris.MVP Jose Altuve and the World Series champion Houston Astros added ace Gerrit Cole to a rotation with Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. The Dodgers and Indians are still poised after coming within one win of that elusive crown. The Nationals hired a new manager to help free agent-to-be Bryce Harper, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg reach the top. And the Red Sox got the bopper they needed.Where does that leave the Reds, Pirates, Tigers, Rays and A's? Well, better luck next year. Or the year after that.Major League Baseball is in a hurry these days, with record home runs and strikeouts the new norm.... [More]