ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his second homer in two games at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning, and Zack Cozart had walk-off homer in the 13th inning of the Los Angeles Angels' 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.One day after Ohtani hit an electrifying three-run homer in his first home plate appearance, the Japanese two-way rookie connected for a tying two-run homer off AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in his second game at the Big A.Neither team scored again after Ohtani's blast until Cozart, the Angels' new infielder, connected for his first career walk-off homer against Zach McAllister (0-1).Ohtani also singled leading off the 10th to go 2 for 5, giving him six hits this season and five in his only two home games. The Angels' rookie sensation will make his first home pitching start Sunday against Oakland, one week after beating the Athletics on the road in his big-league pitching debut.The Angels hadn't had a walk-off homer in extra innings since Aug. 9,... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his second homer in two games at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning, and Zack Cozart had walk-off homer in the 13th inning of the Los Angeles Angels' 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.One day after Ohtani hit an electrifying three-run homer in his first home plate appearance, the Japanese two-way rookie connected for a tying two-run homer off AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in his second game at the Big A.Neither team scored again after Ohtani's blast until Cozart, the Angels' new infielder, connected for his first career walk-off homer against Zach McAllister (0-1).Ohtani also singled leading off the 10th to go 2 for 5, giving him six hits this season and five in his only two home games. The Angels' rookie sensation will make his first home pitching start Sunday against Oakland, one week after beating the Athletics on the road in his big-league pitching debut.The Angels hadn't had a walk-off homer in extra innings since Aug. 9,... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his second homer in two games at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning, and Zack Cozart had walk-off homer in the 13th inning of the Los Angeles Angels' 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.One day after Ohtani hit an electrifying three-run homer in his first home plate appearance, the Japanese two-way rookie connected for a tying two-run homer off AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in his second game at the Big A.Neither team scored again after Ohtani's blast until Cozart, the Angels' new infielder, connected for his first career walk-off homer against Zach McAllister (0-1).Ohtani also singled leading off the 10th to go 2 for 5, giving him six hits this season and five in his only two home games. The Angels' rookie sensation will make his first home pitching start Sunday against Oakland, one week after beating the Athletics on the road in his big-league pitching debut.The Angels hadn't had a walk-off homer in extra innings since Aug. 9,... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his second homer in two games at Angel Stadium in the fifth inning, and Zack Cozart had walk-off homer in the 13th inning of the Los Angeles Angels' 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.One day after Ohtani hit an electrifying three-run homer in his first home plate appearance, the Japanese two-way rookie connected for a tying two-run homer off AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber in his second game at the Big A.Neither team scored again after Ohtani's blast until Cozart, the Angels' new infielder, connected for his first career walk-off homer against Zach McAllister (0-1).Ohtani also singled leading off the 10th to go 2 for 5, giving him six hits this season and five in his only two home games. The Angels' rookie sensation will make his first home pitching start Sunday against Oakland, one week after beating the Athletics on the road in his big-league pitching debut.The Angels hadn't had a walk-off homer in extra innings since Aug. 9,... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kenta Maeda struck out 10 over five innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers finally found their offense to beat the San Francisco Giants 5-0 on Saturday night for their first win of the season.After striking out 18 times in a pair of 1-0 defeats to open the season, the Dodgers got the loudest cheers in the first inning for a sacrifice fly by Yasiel Puig that scored their first run off Derek Holland (0-1). Matt Kemp followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.Maeda (1-0) allowed five hits and walked one. He faced baserunners in every inning except the fifth.Joe Panik, whose solo homers beat the Dodgers in the first two games, hit into a game-ending double play in the ninth.BREWERS 7, PADRES 3SAN DIEGO (AP) — Christian Yelich tied his career high with five hits, leading the Brewers to a sweep of their season-opening series.Yelich scored three times and drove in two runs as Milwaukee improved to 3-0 for the first time since it won its first five games in 2006. Lorenzo Cain had... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Adam Eaton had solo homer among his career-high five hits and Brian Goodwin hit his first career grand slam on Saturday, powering the Washington Nationals to a 13-7 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.The Nationals have won their first two games under new manager Dave Martinez, hired after Dusty Baker was fired last season following another quick exit in the playoffs. The last time they opened a season 3-0 was 2013, when they swept the Marlins.Matt Adams and Trea Turner also homered for Washington.Stephen Strasburg (1-0) gave up three runs — only one earned — in 6 1/3 innings while improving to 5-1 career against Cincinnati. Scott Schebler's homer in the fourth inning provided Cincinnati's first run of the season after 12 scoreless innings.The Nationals piled up six runs in six innings off Luis Castillo (0-1), the Reds' top young starter last season.BLUE JAYS 5, YANKEES 3TORONTO (AP) — Yangervis Solarte hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning of Toronto's first win of... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Adam Eaton had solo homer among his career-high five hits and Brian Goodwin hit his first career grand slam on Saturday, powering the Washington Nationals to a 13-7 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.The Nationals have won their first two games under new manager Dave Martinez, hired after Dusty Baker was fired last season following another quick exit in the playoffs. The last time they opened a season 3-0 was 2013, when they swept the Marlins.Matt Adams and Trea Turner also homered for Washington.Stephen Strasburg (1-0) gave up three runs — only one earned — in 6 1/3 innings while improving to 5-1 career against Cincinnati. Scott Schebler's homer in the fourth inning provided Cincinnati's first run of the season after 12 scoreless innings.The Nationals piled up six runs in six innings off Luis Castillo (0-1), the Reds' top young starter last season.BLUE JAYS 5, YANKEES 3TORONTO (AP) — Yangervis Solarte hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning of Toronto's first win of... [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]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Eight days before opening day, Jake Arrieta made his first appearance for the Philadelphia Phillies."I had a ton of nervous energy," Arrieta said Thursday after allowing two runs that included Miguel Cabrera's solo homer during a 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers.Arrieta struck out two and walked none, throwing 31 pitches over two innings. He gave up three hits."Very anxious to get out there," the 32-year-old right-hander said. "I was in here at 8, and I couldn't stop moving. But now that's over, I can kind of take a deep breath and remember what it feels like to be in a game situation. Umpires, crowd, and it felt great."Arrieta and the Phillies finalized a $75 million, three-year contract on March 12, a deal that could be worth up to $135 million over five seasons.Detroit starter Matthew Boyd and Philadelphia relievers Parker Frazier and Pedro Beato were ejected along with Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler and bench coach Rob Thomson as three batters were hit by pitches.ELSEWHERE... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Shohei Show is about to begin for the Los Angeles Angels.Mike Trout might be the best player in baseball. Albert Pujols is its most accomplished active slugger. The Angels are loaded with veteran offensive talent around them, and their injury-plagued pitching staff is certainly intriguing.Yet most of the attention in Anaheim this spring will be directed squarely at Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese sensation attempting to become the majors' most accomplished two-way player in decades.Ohtani is expected to start the season in the Angels' specially designed six-man rotation. Los Angeles also plans to use Ohtani as its designated hitter for a couple of days in between his starts, providing ample opportunity for the 23-year-old phenom to adjust to the speed and quirks of the big-league game.It's an unprecedented undertaking, and the Angels realize they've got to do right by both Ohtani and the other 24 players on the roster during a landmark season for a franchise that... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The disappointment showed in manager Bryan Price's expression and his words. The Cincinnati Reds had just lost their top starter during spring training for the third year in a row, and that was only the half of it.Not only was Anthony DeSclafani headed to the disabled list with another oblique injury, left-hander Brandon Finnegan had to stop throwing because of a sore forearm.The Reds have lost 90 games and finished last in the NL Central each of the last three seasons as their rebuilding plods along, their worst such streak since the 1930s. The biggest problem is the rotation, which has been gutted by injuries the last two years. This season is starting ominously."I say that with nothing but frustration for Anthony and our club," Price said while revealing DeSclafani's injury.The injuries to DeSclafani and Finnegan left the Reds with one healthy veteran starter as the got ready to open the season — Homer Bailey, who missed time each of the last four seasons because of... [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]

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Houston Astros2017: 101-61, first place, won World Series.Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Hector Rondon.He's Outta Here: DH Carlos Beltran, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Mike Fiers, RHP Michael Feliz, INF Colin Moran.Projected Lineup: CF George Springer (.283, 34 HRs, 85 RBIs), 3B Alex Bregman (.284, 19, 71, 39 2Bs), 2B Jose Altuve (MLB-best .346, 24, 81, 39 2Bs, 32 SBs, AL MVP), SS Carlos Correa (.315, 24, 84), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.299, 18, 75, 43 2Bs), LF Marwin Gonzalez (.303, 23, 90, 34 2Bs), DH Evan Gattis (.263, 12, 55), RF Josh Reddick (.314, 13, 82, 34 2Bs), C Brian McCann (.241, 18, 62).Rotation: LH Dallas Keuchel (14-5, 2.90 ERA, 251 Ks), RH Justin Verlander (15-8, 3.36, 219 Ks with Tigers and Astros), RH Gerrit Cole (12-12, 4.26, 196 Ks with Pirates), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (7-4, 4.25), RH Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62).Key Relievers: RH Ken... [More]

Shortstop offers depth and diversity this season for fantasy baseball owners, who will have the opportunity to use a top 30 pick or significant auction funds on a quartet of players that can become cornerstones of success.Trea Turner's versatility and value in the stolen base category makes the Nationals standout a top 5 overall pick while Carlos Correa of the Astros has the potential to emerge as the position's most dominant power hitter since Alex Rodriguez's peak years. Indians star Francisco Lindor is a half-notch below Turner and Correa and Corey Seager of the Dodgers has enough pop in his bat to join Correa as a possible member of the 30-homer club.Fantasy owners who miss out on the top 4 should not lament as the position goes around 10-12 players deep before a noticeable drop. Even then, middle-tiered shortstops like the Rockies' Trevor Story, Jorge Polanco of the Twins and Eduardo Nunez of the Red Sox can provide above-average production while players like Jose Peraza (Reds), Addison... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — David Price made his delayed spring-training debut for Boston, allowing one hit over four scoreless innings in a 7-5 win over Toronto on Thursday.Price struck out five and walked one. An elbow injury limited to a career-low 11 starts last season."Felt good," Price said. "I had really good fastball command early. I made good pitches when I needed to. I stayed away from the big part of the plate with the exception of a couple of fastballs. I thought it was a good day."Price was 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA last year. The 32-year-old left-hander is entering the third season of a $217 million, seven-year contract."This is March 15 and I've never had a four-pitch mix this early in spring training," he said. "I've never been this far along even though I've only thrown in one game. I'm excited about it."Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs with a pair of doubles for the Red Sox, while Christian Vazquez hit his first home run — a two-run drive. Teoscar Hernandez had two hits and two... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — David Price made his delayed spring-training debut for Boston, allowing one hit over four scoreless innings in a 7-5 win over Toronto on Thursday.Price struck out five and walked one. An elbow injury limited to a career-low 11 starts last season."Felt good," Price said. "I had really good fastball command early. I made good pitches when I needed to. I stayed away from the big part of the plate with the exception of a couple of fastballs. I thought it was a good day.Price was 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA last year. The 32-year-old left-hander is entering the third season of a $217 million, seven-year contract."This is March 15 and I've never had a four-pitch mix this early in spring training," he said. "I've never been this far along even though I've only thrown in one game. I'm excited about it."Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs with a pair of doubles for the Red Sox, while Christian Vazquez hit his first home run — a two-run drive. Teoscar Hernandez had two hits and two... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Zack Cozart was set to move from shortstop to second base after leaving Cincinnati for a $38 million, three-year contract with the Angels. Then general manager Billy Eppler asked whether he would be willing to shift to third, which would allow Los Angeles to acquire Ian Kinsler from Detroit."I was about to fly out for my physical, and Billy called and he just said 'Hey, I hate to do this to you, but I have a chance to swing this trade for Kinsler that's going to make our team much better,'" Cozart recalled. "He told me 'If you're not comfortable with it than I won't make the trade, simple as that.'"Cozart admitted being a little shocked."The whole point of me coming to the Angels and to switch positions anyways was because I felt like the Angels were doing everything they can to win," Cozart said. "So it was easy to say 'of course I'll do it.'"After postseason appearances early in his career, the Reds finished no better than fourth place in the NL Central from 2014 through... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Zack Cozart was set to move from shortstop to second base after leaving Cincinnati for a $38 million, three-year contract with the Angels. Then general manager Billy Eppler asked whether he would be willing to shift to third, which would allow Los Angeles to acquire Ian Kinsler from Detroit."I was about to fly out for my physical, and Billy called and he just said 'Hey, I hate to do this to you, but I have a chance to swing this trade for Kinsler that's going to make our team much better,'" Cozart recalled. "He told me 'If you're not comfortable with it than I won't make the trade, simple as that.'"Cozart admitted being a little shocked."The whole point of me coming to the Angels and to switch positions anyways was because I felt like the Angels were doing everything they can to win," Cozart said. "So it was easy to say 'of course I'll do it.'"After postseason appearances early in his career, the Reds finished no better than fourth place in the NL Central from 2014 through... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Jose Peraza is moving to his accustomed position at shortstop, a significant change in the Cincinnati Reds' lineup that will affect not only their up-the-middle defense but the top of the batting order. The 23-year-old infielder knows he'll be in the spotlight all season."I like it," Peraza said of the move.The Reds' main focus in spring training is keeping their veteran starters healthy and getting Peraza settled in at one of the most important everyday positions. The rest of the everyday lineup returns intact.Zack Cozart was one of their best defensive players and one of their most reliable hitters the last two years. He didn't fit into Cincinnati's long-term plans and was allowed to leave as a free agent after his best season — 24 homers, 63 RBIs, a .297 batting average. He signed with the Angels, leaving the job open for Peraza.It's taken Peraza a couple of years to get his chance. He was stuck behind Cozart and second baseman Brandon Phillips in 2016. After the... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels are trying to fill a hole at second base that's dragged down their offense the past couple of years.Enter Ian Kinsler.Kinsler is part of a revamped Angels' infield that will include Zack Cozart, an All-Star last year in Cincinnati, at third base while usual designated hitter Albert Pujols is expected to get more time in the field at first base.The Angels' second base position has been one of the least productive in baseball the past two years.In 2016, the Angels went with Johnny Giavotella and Cliff Pennington; the pair combined for a minus-1.6 WAR, among the worst in baseball.In 2017, the Angels went with slick-fielding Danny Espinosa at second. But he hit just .162 in 77 games and had 91 strikeouts in 228 at-bats. They also tried Pennington and Kaleb Cowart.The position produced such miniscule combined numbers as a .206 average, 14 homers and a .274 OBP. They acquired veteran Brandon Phillips late to try to push them to a wild-card spot but fell... [More]