CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians probably can't catch the Chicago White Sox, so they're helping their AL Central rival. Cleveland traded second baseman Cesar Hernandez to the first-place White Sox on Thursday for minor league pitcher Konnor Pilkington. The White Sox, who lead the Indians by 8 1/2 games and open a series with them Friday, have been in the market for a second baseman since starter Nick Madrigal suffered a season-ending hamstring tear June 10. In Hernandez, Chicago is getting a Gold Glove defender who can bat leadoff and drive in runs for manager Tony La Russa. The 31-year-old Hernandez is hitting .231 in his second season with the Indians with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 96 games. "Cesar Hernández provides our club with a valuable combination of a power bat in the middle infield and Gold-Glove quality defense,” Chicago general manager Rick Hahn said. “Adding a player like Cesar gives Tony a strong and proven option at second base for the stretch run of the season and hopefully... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians probably can't catch the Chicago White Sox, so they're helping their AL Central rival. Cleveland traded second baseman Cesar Hernandez to the first-place White Sox on Thursday in return for minor league pitcher Konnor Pilkington. The White Sox, who lead the Indians by 8 1/2 games and open a series with them on Friday, have been in the market for a second baseman since starter Nick Madrigal suffered a season-ending hamstring tear on June 10. In Hernandez, Chicago is getting a Gold Glove defender who can bat leadoff and drive in runs. The 31-year-old Hernandez is hitting .231 in his second season with the Indians with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 96 games. Hernandez has always been viewed as the player most likely to be dealt before Friday's deadline because of the Indians' depth with middle infielders. Andrés Giménez, who was acquired from the Mets in the offseason as part of the Francisco Lindor deal, is ready at Triple-A and Owen Miller, Tyler Freeman and... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians are finalizing a trade that will send second baseman Cesar Hernandez to the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The Indians are getting minor league pitcher Konnor Pilkington from the White Sox, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams are still working through details. The left-hander has pitched in Double-A this season. ESPN was first to report the agreement. The trading deadline is Friday, when Cleveland opens a three-game series in Chicago. The decision to deal the 31-year-old Hernandez to their division rival signals a concession by the Indians, who have managed to stay around .500 despite a slew of injuries. They're currently without reigning Cy Young winner Shane Bieber because of a shoulder issue and starter Aaron Civale, who was leading the league in wins earlier this season before hurting his finger in a start against the Cubs. Hernandez... [More]

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (shoulder), who was moved to the 60-day injured list over the weekend as a procedural move, has yet to throw off the mound and his recovery from a strained muscle in his right rotator cuff hasn't gone as quickly as anticipated, Cleveland.com reported, citing Chris Antonetti, the team's president of baseball operations. The 26-year-old ace is out until at least Aug. 13 but his fantasy managers can take heart in the fact that he has resumed throwing. The two-time All-Star and the American League Cy Young winner in 2019 should remain stashed in an injured-list spot in all formats, even if he's only able to make a handful of starts late in the season. Bieber was 7-4 with a 3.28 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 130 strikeouts to 33 walks in 90 2/3 innings over 14 starts before his shoulder injury in June.

The Seattle Mariners have worked their way into the postseason race — one run at a time. The Mariners improved to 23-8 in one-run games, and that remarkable record has them just 1 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second wild card in the American League. Seattle has been outscored by 52 runs on the season, but the Mariners are eight games over .500. This last series against the Athletics was a microcosm of Seattle's season. The Mariners lost 4-1 in the opener before taking three straight one-run games. Although there are still reasons to doubt that Seattle will be in the playoffs in the end, there is understandable excitement surrounding this team. The Mariners haven't made the postseason since 2001 — the longest drought in baseball. The Miami Marlins ended what was the second-longest absence during last year's shortened season. They qualified for the first time since 2003 Seattle is seven games behind first-place Houston, and the Mariners have a chance to cut into that gap during a three-game... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: START IT UP The second half begins with one game when Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and the AL East-leading Red Sox visit Yankee Stadium. Left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez (6-5, 5.52 ERA) starts for Boston, which holds a 1 1/2-game edge over Tampa Bay. New York and Toronto are eight games behind the Red Sox. J.D. Martinez and the Red Sox have wrecked the Yankees lately, going 6-0 against their longtime rivals this season and outscoring them 36-17 in those matchups. The Yankees, who haven’t announced their rotation for this three-game series, face Boston eight times in their first 10 games coming out of the All-Star break. The stretch could decide whether New York is a buyer or seller heading into the July 30 trade deadline. TRADE WINDS The clock is ticking -- two weeks for contenders to make deals before the deadline. Need some home runs? Nelson Cruz keeps connecting at age 41, hitting 18 this year while batting .304 for Minnesota. The Target... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Across the globe, everybody is watching Shohei Ohtani in awe and intrigue. Major League Baseball can only love the attention from around the world surrounding the Angels' two-way star and the spotlight he's brought to the sport. Can Ohtani keep this up? An encore to a sensational first half? He leads the majors with 33 home runs and has shown no signs of slowing down or slumping — and should soon have a healthy Mike Trout back in the lineup with him. Pitchers across the big leagues are doing their part so far, too. There have already been seven no-hitters in the majors this season, matching the mark for most in one year during the modern era. The record of eight was set in 1884, the first season overhand pitching was allowed. Will Jacob deGrom, Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole join the list soon? And will the uproar over sticky substances tamp down? Manager Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager for a fresh start, determined to forget that record 24-game... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors on Thursday: START IT UP The second half begins with one game when Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and the AL East-leading Red Sox visit Yankee Stadium. Left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez (6-5, 5.52 ERA) starts for Boston, which holds a 1 1/2-game edge over Tampa Bay. New York and Toronto are eight games behind the Red Sox. J.D. Martinez and the Red Sox have wrecked the Yankees lately, going 6-0 against their longtime rivals this season and outscoring them 36-17 in those matchups. The Yankees, who haven’t announced their rotation for this three-game series, face Boston eight times in their first 10 games coming out of the All-Star break. The stretch could decide whether New York is a buyer or seller heading into the July 30 trade deadline. TRADE WINDS The clock is ticking -- two weeks for contenders to make deals before the deadline. Need some home runs? Nelson Cruz keeps connecting at age 41, hitting 18 this year while batting .304 for Minnesota.... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Across the globe, everybody is watching Shohei Ohtani in awe and intrigue. Major League Baseball can only love the attention from around the world surrounding the Angels' two-way star and the spotlight he's brought to the sport. Can Ohtani keep this up? An encore to a sensational first half? He leads the majors with 33 home runs and has shown no signs of slowing down or slumping — and should soon have a healthy Mike Trout back in the lineup with him. Pitchers across the big leagues are doing their part so far, too. There have already been seven no-hitters in the majors this season, matching the mark for most in one year during the modern era. The record of eight was set in 1884, the first season overhand pitching was allowed. Will Jacob deGrom, Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole join the list soon? And will the uproar over sticky substances tamp down? Manager Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager for a fresh start, determined to forget that record 24-game... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Across the globe, everybody is watching Shohei Ohtani in awe and intrigue. Major League Baseball can only love the attention from around the world surrounding the Angels' two-way star and the spotlight he's brought to the sport. Can Ohtani keep this up? An encore to a sensational first half? He leads the majors with 33 home runs and has shown no signs of slowing down or slumping — and should soon have a healthy Mike Trout back in the lineup with him. Pitchers across the big leagues are doing their part so far, too. There have already been seven no-hitters in the majors this season, matching the mark for most in one year during the modern era. The record of eight was set in 1884, the first season overhand pitching was allowed. Will Jacob deGrom, Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole join the list soon? And will the uproar over sticky substances tamp down? Manager Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks are eager for a fresh start, determined to forget that record 24-game... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Fashion forward? Maybe more like fashion faux pas. The fans on social media weren't exactly raving about the new All-Star jerseys that were on display Tuesday night. No classic birds-on-a-bat design for the Cardinals at Coors Field, no sweet script for the Dodgers. No brown pinstripes on the shirts for the Padres, no recognizable “NY” logo prominently on the hat for the Yankees. Nowhere close. Bring back the rainbow of colors, many said, with players wearing their own team’s uniforms. That was a big part of the game's charm, they said. Brett Anderson, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, posted on Twitter: “MLB should just let the players wear their own uniforms instead of these slow pitch softball ones.” The AL wore blue uniforms in its 5-2 win that reminded some of jumpsuits. The NL had an all-white ensemble that had many commenting they look, well, bland. Rather than familiar logos and names, there were three-letter abbreviations on the jerseys for what team they represented.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Fashion forward? Maybe more like fashion faux pas. The fans on social media weren't exactly raving about the new All-Star jerseys that were on display Tuesday night. No classic birds-on-a-bat design for the Cardinals at Coors Field, no sweet script for the Dodgers. No brown pinstripes on the shirts for the Padres, no recognizable “NY” logo prominently on the hat for the Yankees. Nowhere close. Bring back the rainbow of colors, many said, with players wearing their own team’s uniforms. That was a big part of the game's charm, they said. Brett Anderson, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, posted on Twitter: “MLB should just let the players wear their own uniforms instead of these slow pitch softball ones.” The AL is wearing blue uniforms that remind some of jumpsuits. The NL has an all-white ensemble that has many commenting they look, well, bland. Rather than familiar logos and names, there were three-letter abbreviations on the jerseys for what team they represented. Major... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Fashion forward? Maybe more like fashion faux pas. The fans on social media weren't exactly raving about the new All-Star jerseys that were on display Tuesday night. No classic birds-on-a-bat design for the Cardinals at Coors Field. No sweet script for Dodgers, no famed “NY” logo for the Yankees. Nowhere close. Bring back the rainbow of colors, many said, with players wearing their own team’s uniforms. That was a big part of the game's charm, they said. Brett Anderson, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, posted on Twitter: “MLB should just let the players wear their own uniforms instead of these slow pitch softball ones.” The AL is wearing blue uniforms that remind some of jumpsuits. The NL has an all-white ensemble that has many commenting they look, well, bland. Rather than familiar logos and names, there were three-letter abbreviations on the jerseys for what team they represented. Major League Baseball has a billion-dollar contract with Nike, whose swoosh is displayed... [More]

DENVER (AP) — There’s no two ways about it: Shohei Ohtani could be ushering in an era of two-way players. Hurler or hitter — why pick? He didn't. The Los Angeles pitcher/hitter phenom is starting on the mound for the American League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night. He's also batting leadoff as the designated hitter. It's a rare double dip. Not even Babe Ruth stayed with doing both for much more than two seasons before phasing out pitching. The time may be now to update the model, although most players concede they can't envision having enough time to practice both. “It always takes one to hopefully have a trend,” said Freddie Freeman, a five-time All Star for the Atlanta Braves. “I just don’t know if anyone will do it like Shohei. That’s one of a kind.” Freeman was once a dual threat — he said he was drafted by one of two teams who viewed him as a hitter. The rest thought his future might be on the mound. He could've been like Ohtani. “My elbow would’ve blown,” cracked Freeman, who... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed optimism that the Cleveland Indians will sign a long-term lease extension for Progressive Field with the city. The team's current lease is set to expire in 2023. On Tuesday, DeWine said he plans to ask for state funding to renovate the 27-year-old downtown ballpark, which opened in 1994 and is owned by Cuyahoga County. DeWine did not say how much money the state would allocate for upgrades and any renovations. DeWine believes the team is “moving toward” a 15-year extension. With the lease nearing its end, owner Paul Dolan slashing the team's payroll over the past year and seeking a minority owner, there has been speculation the Indians could be planning a move — something Clevelanders fear after the Browns bolted in 1995. But DeWine said owner Dolan “is committed to Cleveland” and there are no plans to relocate. Indians spokesman Curtis Danburg released a statement calling the lease “a complex, multi-faceted agreement for our public/private... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, Denverr-replacement; i-inactiveAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesCatchersMike Zunino, Tampa Bay InfieldersMatt Olson, Oakland i-Jose Altuve, Houston Bo Bichette, Toronto Jose Ramirez, Cleveland i-Carlos Correa, Houston Jared Walsh r-Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox r-Whit Merrifield, Kansas City r-Joey Wendle, Tampa Bay Outfieldersi-Mike Trout, L.A. Angels i-Michael Brantley, Houston Joey Gallo, Texas Adolis Garcia, Texas Designated HittersNelson Cruz, Minnesota J.D. Martinez, Boston PitchersStartersShohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels i-Shane Bieber, Cleveland Gerrit Cole, N.Y. Yankees... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, Denverr-replacement; i-inactiveAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Mike Trout, L.A. Angels Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesCatchersMike Zunino, Tampa Bay InfieldersMatt Olson, Oakland i-Jose Altuve, Houston Bo Bichette, Toronto Jose Ramirez, Cleveland i-Carlos Correa, Houston Jared Walsh r-Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox r-Whit Merrifield, Kansas City r-Joey Wendle, Tampa Bay Outfieldersi-Michael Brantley, Houston Joey Gallo, Texas Adolis Garcia, Texas Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Designated HittersNelson Cruz, Minnesota J.D. Martinez, Boston PitchersStartersi-Shane Bieber, Cleveland Gerrit Cole, N.Y. Yankees Nathan Eovaldi, Boston Kyle... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., elected to start Tuesday's All-Star Game as the NL's top vote-getter among outfielders, tore the ACL in his right knee Saturday during Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins and will miss the rest of the season. Acuña landed awkwardly on his right leg after jumping on the warning track in right field to try to catch a drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the fifth inning at Miami. The 23-year-old slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted out an inside-the-park homer. Acuña needs surgery and was replaced on the All-Star roster by third baseman Manny Machado. Philadelphia’s J.T. Realmuto will take over for injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the NL starter in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Coors Field. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina earned his 10th All-Star selection, among 10 replacements announced Saturday by Major League Baseball, then said hours later he would... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto will take over for injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the National League's starter in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina earned his 10th All-Star selection, among 10 replacements announced Saturday by Major League Baseball, then said hours later he would also skip the All-Star Game. He was replaced by Milwaukee catcher Omar Narváez. Molina was elected on the players' ballot and filled the spot vacated when Posey was put on the injured list Friday, five days after his left thumb was bruised by a foul tip. Narváez will make his first All-Star appearance. Major League Baseball also said Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was injured and won't participate, though Betts played an entire nine innings Friday night. “An All-Star Game is definitely an honor, especially being voted in by your peers, so I definitely don’t want to discount that honor. But I do understand that I do have some nagging things going... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto will take over for injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the National League's starter in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina earned his 10th All-Star selection, among 10 replacements announced Saturday by Major League Baseball, then said hours later he would also skip the All-Star Game. He was replaced by Milwaukee catcher Omar Narváez. Molina was elected on the players' ballot and filled the spot vacated when Posey was put on the injured list Friday, five days after his left thumb was bruised by a foul tip. Narváez will make his first All-Star appearance. Major League Baseball also said Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was injured and won't participate, though Betts played an entire nine innings Friday night. Kansas City second baseman Whit Merrifield and Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson also earned selections from the players' ballot, replacing Houston second baseman José Altuve and shortstop... [More]