FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — As he searched for the best things Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis brings to the team, bench coach Walt Weiss shared several.Highly credible. Strong, quiet leader. One of the most respected players in baseball. Humble. Calming force.But you could tell Weiss had something else on his mind.And then he said it."He's one of those guys that's the conscience of the team," Weiss said.Markakis made some of the strongest comments this spring about the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.The soundbite — "I feel every single guy over there deserves a beating" — is what most people heard. But his other comments on how this affected baseball's integrity spoke more about what Markakis is about."I know we're all competitors, we're out to compete, but there are right ways to do it and wrong ways to do it. I 100% disagree the way with the way they did it. A lot of people were hurt by it."Weiss wasn't surprised by what Markakis said. "That fire runs pretty deep," he said."When... [More]

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Nothing like a little encouragement from Hammerin' Hank himself to show the way at spring training for the Atlanta Braves.The Braves welcomed Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron to their first full-squad workout and named a street for him at their new complex Tuesday, starting off a season full of high expectations."It's awesome, we're so appreciative," manager Brian Snitker said. "We talked in the winter of him coming down. I told the guys and Hank we'd like to have him around more."The two-time NL East champions intend to put some pressure on themselves this year.The Braves signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna, starting pitcher Cole Hamels and reliever Will Smith in the offseason, and gave contract extensions to general manager Alex Anthopolous, Snitker and his coaching staff.That's all intended to boost a team that went 97-65 last season, but lost to Ozuna and the St. Louis Cardinals in a five-game Division Series.Atlanta hasn't won a playoff series since 2001, with one-and-done... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Marcell Ozuna doesn't have to match his career-best numbers of 2017 or even meet the standards set by Josh Donaldson last season to make the Atlanta Braves feel good about their investment in the outfielder.Ozuna only needs an average season as Atlanta's new cleanup hitter to help the Braves' offense enjoy another productive season.Still, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos dares to dream that Ozuna's 2020 season will be far more than average.“We'd be happy with what he did the last few years, but we think there's that upside in him to be even better,” Anthopoulos said Tuesday night after the Braves signed Ozuna, one of the top remaining free agents, to the $18 million, one-year deal.With Donaldson hitting cleanup in 2019, the Braves ranked third in the NL and seventh in the majors in runs scored. The Braves made a late bid to re-sign Donaldson, who instead signed a $92 million, four-year deal with Minnesota.Donaldson hit .259 with 37 homers and 94 RBIs in his one season... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves found their new cleanup hitter when then reached an agreement with free agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna on an $18 million, one-year deal Tuesday.Ozuna joins the team he helped beat in the playoffs last October. He hit .429 with two home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals in their five-game win over the Braves in the NL Division Series.“We just focused on the player we thought was the best fit here,” Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. “We were looking for a middle of the order bat.”The 29-year-old Ozuna hit .241 with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs last season. His low batting average was something on an oddity because he ranked among the major league leaders in the highest percentage of hard-hit balls, according to Statcast.Ozuna will be the probable choice to fill the fourth spot in the Braves lineup that was left vacant when third baseman Josh Donaldson signed a $92 million, four-year deal with Minnesota.“The projection is he will bat cleanup for us,... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves are bringing back outfielder Nick Markakis in what will likely be a reduced role next season, but Julio Teheran's long tenure with the team could be over.Atlanta announced Monday it had re-signed Markakis and catcher Tyler Flowers to $4 million, one-year contracts for 2020 after declining their team options.Teheran, the first pitcher to make six straight opening-day starts for Atlanta, also had a club option for 2020. The team turned that down, making the 28-year-old right-hander a free agent after completing a $32.4 million, six-year contract."He's been here a long time," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "He's been a big part of the organization."Atlanta opted against a $12 million option for Teheran in 2020, instead paying a $1 million buyout. The move was not unexpected on the heels of Teheran being left off the postseason roster after going 10-11 with a 3.81 ERA, though he was added back to the squad as an injury replacement when Chris Martin went down... [More]

A look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Thursday, at Atlanta, 5:02 p.m. (TBS); Game 2, Friday, at Atlanta, 4:37 p.m. (TBS); Game 3, Sunday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 4, Monday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 5, Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Atlanta, TBA (TBS).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Braves won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Cardinals: RF Dexter Fowler (.236, 18 HRs, 65 RBIs), 2B Tommy Edman (.307, 11, 36) or Kolten Wong (.285, 11, 59), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.256, 33, 95), LF Marcell Ozuna (.242, 29, 88), C Yadier Molina (.271, 10, 57), 3B Matt Carpenter (.226, 14, 43), SS Paul DeJong (.234, 30, 78), CF Harrison Bader (.207, 12, 39).Braves: CF Ronald Acu�a Jr (.280, 41, 101, 37/46 SBs), 2B Ozzie Albies (.295, 24, 86, 15/19 SBs), 1B Freddie Freeman (.295, 38, 121, .389 OBP), 3B Josh Donaldson (.259, 37, 94, .379 OBP), LF Nick Markakis (.285, 9, 62), RF Matt Joyce (.295, 7, 23) or Adam... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Freeman says his rested right elbow is good to go, and he expects it to be that way through the postseason.Freeman was set to bat third and play first base for the Atlanta Braves on Friday night against the New York Mets after staying home this week to get treatment on his sore elbow.The four-time All-Star did not travel with Atlanta for a two-game series at Kansas City and hadn't played since Sunday. The elbow has bothered Freeman for about two months, and he said he could not straighten his right arm before taking the time off."I feel really good," the 30-year-old Freeman said. "I can straighten my arm with no problem. I'm very encouraged. I guess I just needed the four days off."Freeman, a left-handed batter and righty thrower, expected to play all three games this weekend in New York to conclude the regular season. Atlanta will host an NL Division Series opener on Thursday.Freeman is batting .296 and has set career highs with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs. He hasn't homered since Sept. 1."Now he feels like he's good to go for about two months," manager Brian Snitker said.Notes: Snitker said OF Ender Inciarte will be shut down after his strained right hamstring did not respond well to running this week. Inciarte could return for the second round of the playoffs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Freeman has returned to the Atlanta Braves' lineup after staying home this week to receive treatment on his sore right elbow.Freeman was set to bat third and start at first base for the NL East champions against the Mets on Friday night.The four-time All-Star says he could not straighten his right arm before resting this week. He did not travel with Atlanta for a two-game series at Kansas City and hasn't played since Sunday.He says the rehab was effective and he anticipates playing all three games this weekend in New York to conclude the regular season. Atlanta will host the first game of an NL Division Series on Thursday.Freeman is batting .296 and has set career highs with 38 home runs and 121 RBIs. The elbow has bothered him for about two months, and he hasn't homered since Sept. 1.Braves manager Brian Snitker says outfielder Ender Inciarte will be shut down after his strained right hamstring did not respond well to running this week. Inciarte could return for the second round of the playoffs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Braves shut down Ronald Acuña Jr. for the remainder of the regular season Wednesday after the All-Star outfielder left their series opener against the Royals with tightness in his left hip.Braves manager Brian Snitker said Acuña was examined by the Royals' team physician, who recommended he sit until the playoffs. Snitker said the decision is largely precautionary, and Acuña can continue to throw and hit while sitting out the final four games.Acuña, who left Tuesday night's game after the second inning, is hitting .280 with 41 homers, 101 RBIs and 37 stolen bases. He's also scored a National League-leading 127 runs."It's just biting him a little bit," Snitker said, likening the injury to a mild strain. "It's just one of those things that if he goes (hard), it could end up being something really bad if we're not careful. So, we just felt like it was better off just to shut him down for the remainder of the weekend."The Braves already have clinched the NL East.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Billy Hamilton feels like Christmas came early.After being let go by one of baseball's worst teams, Hamilton joined the first-place Atlanta Braves on Tuesday to help with their push for the playoffs."It's a great feeling," Hamilton said in the clubhouse at SunTrust Park before the opener of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. "I had chills going down my body when they called me the other morning and told me I had been claimed by the Braves."Hamilton was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals on Friday after a dismal season for both him and the rebuilding team. He was hitting .211 with no homers and 12 RBIs.The Braves claimed Hamilton off waivers to bolster their injury-plagued roster, which is missing outfielders Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley, along with shortstop Dansby Swanson. All are on the 10-day injured list, and only Riley seems close to getting back on the field.For now, Hamilton will play a role off the bench, serving as a... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:OLD FRIENDSPete Alonso and the resurgent Mets face Cleveland in the opener of a pivotal nine-game homestand against a trio of playoff contenders: the Indians, Braves and Cubs. All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) starts for Cleveland against Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33). Mets manager Mickey Callaway was the Indians' pitching coach under skipper Terry Francona before getting the top job in New York. Cleveland begins the second leg of a weeklong visit to New York City after splitting a four-game series at Yankee Stadium last weekend.Back in Ohio, the Indians got encouraging news about Carlos Carrasco, who returned to the mound Monday two months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer. Carrasco, who hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation. He got another... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:OLD FRIENDSPete Alonso and the resurgent Mets face Cleveland in the opener of a pivotal nine-game homestand against a trio of playoff contenders: the Indians, Braves and Cubs. All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) starts for Cleveland against Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33). Mets manager Mickey Callaway was the Indians' pitching coach under skipper Terry Francona before getting the top job in New York. Cleveland begins the second leg of a weeklong visit to New York City after splitting a four-game series at Yankee Stadium last weekend.Back in Ohio, the Indians got encouraging news about Carlos Carrasco, who returned to the mound Monday two months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer. Carrasco, who hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation from fans.... [More]

Bryce Harper's game-ending grand slam and sprint around the bases gave a jolt to the Philadelphia Phillies and could be the prelude to a fascinating National League playoff scramble.As thrilling as the win was for the Phillies , the 7-5 final Thursday night was a kick in the gut for the Chicago Cubs, since both teams are in a tenuous playoff position.The drama is becoming a daily occurrence for many of the NL hopefuls.It's mid-August and the only sure bet to make the postseason is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who continue to barrel through their schedule with an 82-44 record and 18 1/2-game lead over second-place San Francisco.Atlanta's still in a good spot at 74-52, but a rash of injuries makes a spot in October feel a little less inevitable. The Braves' lineup is without Nick Markakis (wrist), Austin Riley (knee), Dansby Swanson (foot) and Ender Inciarte (hamstring) and the revamped bullpen has been a little shaky.After that, the race is a mess with six weeks remaining.The Phillies, Nationals,... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte says he will miss four to six weeks after straining his right hamstring while running the bases in Friday's game.It's the second serious injury this year for Inciarte, who returned July 27 from a lumbar strain that sidelined him for 55 games. He hopes to return before the end of the regular season and be ready for the postseason.Atlanta began Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 4½-game lead in the NL East."We're still going to play in October, and I want to be a part of that," Inciarte said. "It's just bad timing, but you've got to try and think positive. ... I just wanted to stay with the team and keep playing."The Braves recalled Adam Duvall after a one-day trip to Triple-A Gwinnett to take Inciarte's spot on the roster. Ronald Acuña Jr. started in center field Saturday with Duvall starting in left.Inciarte is the latest everyday player to get hurt in Atlanta. Right fielder Nick Markakis is out until mid-September,... [More]

Dodgers second. Cody Bellinger homers to center field. Corey Seager strikes out swinging. Edwin Rios grounds out to second base, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman. Will Smith grounds out to third base, Josh Donaldson to Freddie Freeman.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Dodgers 1, Braves 0.Braves second. Josh Donaldson walks. Brian McCann lines out to left field to Matt Beaty. Ender Inciarte doubles to deep center field. Josh Donaldson to third. Adeiny Hechavarria walks. Matt Joyce singles to left center field. Adeiny Hechavarria to second. Ender Inciarte scores. Josh Donaldson scores. Mike Soroka strikes out swinging. Ronald Acuna Jr. singles to left center field. Matt Joyce to third. Adeiny Hechavarria scores. Ozzie Albies walks. Freddie Freeman lines out to right center field to Joc Pederson.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Braves 3, Dodgers 1.Dodgers third. Matt Beaty doubles to right field. Kenta Maeda strikes out swinging. Joc Pederson singles to right center field. Matt Beaty scores.... [More]

Mets first. Amed Rosario doubles to deep right field. Joe Panik singles to center field. Amed Rosario to third. Pete Alonso homers to center field. Joe Panik scores. Amed Rosario scores. Michael Conforto singles to center field. Wilson Ramos strikes out swinging. J.D. Davis singles to right field. Michael Conforto to second. Todd Frazier lines out to shortstop to Johan Camargo. Michael Conforto doubled off second.3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mets 3, Braves 0.Mets second. Juan Lagares strikes out swinging. Marcus Stroman singles to shortstop. Amed Rosario triples to deep left field. Marcus Stroman scores. Joe Panik walks. Pete Alonso walks. Joe Panik to second. Michael Conforto walks. Pete Alonso to second. Joe Panik to third. Amed Rosario scores. Wilson Ramos singles to right field. Michael Conforto to second. Pete Alonso to third. Joe Panik scores. J.D. Davis grounds out to shortstop. Wilson Ramos out at second.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Mets 6, Braves 0.Mets third. Todd... [More]

Braves second. Josh Donaldson singles to center field. Adam Duvall walks. Josh Donaldson to second. Johan Camargo reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Adam Duvall out at second. Josh Donaldson to third. Ender Inciarte doubles. Johan Camargo to third. Josh Donaldson scores. Tyler Flowers flies out to right field to Michael Conforto. Dallas Keuchel grounds out to shallow infield, Steven Matz to Pete Alonso.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Braves 1, Mets 0.Mets seventh. Ruben Tejada flies out to right field to Ronald Acuna Jr.. Juan Lagares flies out to right field to Ronald Acuna Jr.. Steven Matz singles to right field. Amed Rosario singles to left center field, advances to 2nd. Steven Matz to third. J.D. Davis singles to center field. Amed Rosario scores. Steven Matz scores. Pete Alonso flies out to center field to Ender Inciarte.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mets 2, Braves 1.Braves seventh. Josh Donaldson walks. Adam Duvall singles to deep left field. Josh Donaldson to... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carlos Santana hit a grand slam in the 10th inning, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Sunday to win the four-game series and forge another tie for the AL Central lead.The Twins tied the game with four hits in a two-run ninth against Brad Hand (5-3), using a single by Luis Arraez and a double by Marwin Gonzalez to extend the game.As pinch-runner Ehire Adrianza tried to score the winning run from first base, left fielder Tyler Naquin grabbed the ball off the bounce from the wall and zipped a throw to shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose relay home was in perfect position for catcher Kevin Plawecki to tag Adrianza with ease.Twins closer Taylor Rogers (2-3) allowed a single, a walk and another single on a bunt by Greg Allen to load the bases with none out for Santana, who quickly erased the late-inning drama with one big swing.The Twins and Indians play six more times, all in September.ORIOLES 8, ASTROS 7BALTIMORE (AP) — Rio Ruiz hit a two-run homer with... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carlos Santana hit a grand slam in the 10th inning, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Sunday to win the four-game series and forge another tie for the AL Central lead.The Twins tied the game with four hits in a two-run ninth against Brad Hand (5-3), using a single by Luis Arraez and a double by Marwin Gonzalez to extend the game.As pinch-runner Ehire Adrianza tried to score the winning run from first base, left fielder Tyler Naquin grabbed the ball off the bounce from the wall and zipped a throw to shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose relay home was in perfect position for catcher Kevin Plawecki to tag Adrianza with ease.Twins closer Taylor Rogers (2-3) allowed a single, a walk and another single on a bunt by Greg Allen to load the bases with none out for Santana, who quickly erased the late-inning drama with one big swing.The Twins and Indians play six more times, all in September.ORIOLES 8, ASTROS 7BALTIMORE (AP) — Rio Ruiz hit a two-run homer with... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Asdrubal Cabrera hit a tiebreaking two-run double against his former team, helping the Washington Nationals beat the streaking New York Mets 7-4 Sunday.Nationals star Juan Soto was injured on Cabrera's bases-loaded hit in the seventh inning. Soto went from first to third but turned his right ankle after getting a late stop sign from third base coach Bob Henley. He was worked on by trainers in the outfield grass before coming out of the game.Victor Robles replaced Soto and homered off Edwin Díaz in the ninth.Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect ninth for his 26th save two nights after blowing a three-run lead in the final inning. The Nats bullpen had blown five consecutive save chances at Citi Field prior to Sunday.The Mets had won eight in a row. They dropped 1 1/2 games behind Washington for the top NL wild card.Jeff McNeil had two hits and two RBIs, and Robert Gsellman (2-3) got the loss.YANKEES 1, BLUE JAYS 0TORONTO (AP) — Masahiro Tanaka and Aroldis Chapman combined on a... [More]