CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs are gambling a change of scenery will help Cole Hamels return to form.The Cubs acquired the veteran left-hander in a trade with the Texas Rangers, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal who spoke Friday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams haven't announced the move. Texas is reportedly sending cash with Hamels to Chicago for a couple of minor leaguers.Hamels is in the midst of perhaps the worst year of his career, going 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts with last-place Texas. He is just 1-3 with an 11.12 ERA in four starts in July.But the 34-year-old Hamels is an experienced playoff pitcher with a history of success at Wrigley Field. He was the NL Championship Series and World Series MVP when Philadelphia won the title in 2008. He is 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 career postseason starts.Cubs manager Joe Maddon was in Tampa Bay's dugout when Hamels led the Phillies past the Rays for the championship 10 years ago."He's... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:WOOD WORKA day after hitting three homers and two doubles in just six innings, Cardinals slugger Matt Carpenter tries to torment the Cubs over a doubleheader. Carpenter drove in seven before getting pulled early in St. Louis' 18-5 thrashing at Wrigley Field on Friday. He tied the major league record for extra-base hits in a game, and became the first player to do it in just six innings. He'll look to inflict more damage against starters Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 5.04) and Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.91).METS MOVES COMING?The Mets could have a busy Saturday beyond their scheduled Subway Series game against the Yankees. Closer Jeurys Familia was held out of a tight game Friday night, and manager Mickey Callaway said it was because New York was nearing a trade to send Familia to a contender. Meanwhile, Yoenis Cespedes is contemplating season-ending surgery on his balky heels, and he said recovery from the operation would take 8-to-10 months. He's playing... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:WOOD WORKA day after hitting three homers and two doubles in just six innings, Cardinals slugger Matt Carpenter tries to torment the Cubs over a doubleheader. Carpenter drove in seven before getting pulled early in St. Louis' 18-5 thrashing at Wrigley Field on Friday. He tied the major league record for extra-base hits in a game, and became the first player to do it in just six innings. He'll look to inflict more damage against starters Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 5.04) and Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.91).DEGROM WATCHJacob deGrom knows he could be traded this month, but he says his preference is to remain with the Mets. His agent, Brodie van Wagenen, said this week that if New York is not interested in a long-term deal for the 30-year-old All-Star right-hander, it should consider trade options. DeGrom said Friday in New York that "I want to win here" and he hopes "the feeling is mutual."Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said the team has... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:WOOD WORKA day after hitting three homers and two doubles in just six innings, Cardinals slugger Matt Carpenter tries to torment the Cubs over a doubleheader. Carpenter drove in seven before getting pulled early in St. Louis' 18-5 thrashing at Wrigley Field on Friday. He tied the major league record for extra-base hits in a game, and became the first player to do it in just six innings. He'll look to inflict more damage against starters Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 5.04) and Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.91).DEGROM WATCHJacob deGrom knows he could be traded this month, but he says his preference is to remain with the Mets. His agent, Brodie van Wagenen, said this week that if New York is not interested in a long-term deal for the 30-year-old All-Star right-hander, it should consider trade options. DeGrom said Friday in New York that "I want to win here" and he hopes "the feeling is mutual."Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said the team has... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Tyler Mahle tossed one-run ball into the seventh inning and the Cincinnati Reds edged the Cubs 3-2 on Friday for their fifth straight victory over Chicago.Adam Duvall and Scooter Gennett drove in runs as the Reds won for the 14th time in 18 games and ended the Cubs' six-game winning streak. Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati's No. 9 hitter, had three hits and leadoff man Jose Peraza had two.Mahle (7-6) allowed five hits and struck out four over 6 2/3 innings to win his fourth straight decision. In his last seven starts, the 23-year-old right-hander has a 2.06 ERA.Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati's third reliever, got the final five outs for his 17th save in 20 chances.Cubs starter Mike Montgomery (3-3) allowed three runs on six hits in five innings while walking two and hitting two batters.TIGERS 3, RANGERS 1DETROIT — Jordan Zimmermann denied Bartolo Colon's bid at baseball history, striking out 11 batters in eight innings as Detroit beat Texas.Colon (5-6) as trying to become the winningest... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Tyler Mahle tossed one-run ball into the seventh inning and the Cincinnati Reds edged the Cubs 3-2 on Friday for their fifth straight victory over Chicago.Adam Duvall and Scooter Gennett drove in runs as the Reds won for the 14th time in 18 games and ended the Cubs' six-game winning streak. Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati's No. 9 hitter, had three hits and leadoff man Jose Peraza had two.Mahle (7-6) allowed five hits and struck out four over 6 2/3 innings to win his fourth straight decision. In his last seven starts, the 23-year-old right-hander has a 2.06 ERA.Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati's third reliever, got the final five outs for his 17th save in 20 chances.Cubs starter Mike Montgomery (3-3) allowed three runs on six hits in five innings while walking two and hitting two batters.TIGERS 3, RANGERS 1DETROIT — Jordan Zimmermann denied Bartolo Colon's bid at baseball history, striking out 11 batters in eight innings as Detroit beat Texas.Colon (5-6) as trying to become the winningest... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:HITTING BRAVESAmong the many things the Atlanta Braves have done right on their way to leading the National League East this season, they've been getting hits. The Braves began their series against fellow division leader Milwaukee on Thursday night with three of the top four hits leaders in the NL, with outfielder Nick Markakis (108) leading the way and infielder Ozzie Albies (102) and Freddie Freeman (101) close behind in third and fourth, respectively. It's the first time in franchise history the team has had three players reach 100 hits prior to the All-Star game, and the Braves will continue their series when Mike Foltynewicz and Freddy Peralta face off.GOING GRAYIn a season full of highlights for the New York Yankees, right-hander Sonny Gray has been one of the team's biggest disappointments in his first full season with club. Gray will try and rebound from his worst start of the season when the Yankees begin a weekend series in Toronto... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:HITTING BRAVESAmong the many things the Atlanta Braves have done right on their way to leading the National League East this season, they've been getting hits. The Braves began their series against fellow division leader Milwaukee on Thursday night with three of the top four hits leaders in the NL, with outfielder Nick Markakis (108) leading the way and infielder Ozzie Albies (102) and Freddie Freeman (101) close behind in third and fourth, respectively. It's the first time in franchise history the team has had three players reach 100 hits prior to the All-Star game, and the Braves will continue their series when Mike Foltynewicz and Freddy Peralta face off.GOING GRAYIn a season full of highlights for the New York Yankees, right-hander Sonny Gray has been one of the team's biggest disappointments in his first full season with club. Gray will try and rebound from his worst start of the season when the Yankees begin a weekend series in Toronto... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as the New York Yankees bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday night to retake the top record in the majors.Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two best marks in baseball. Home runs decided this matchup, too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines forming outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston's four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston and doubled and singled off Sabathia. No matter, the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as the New York Yankees bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday night to retake the top record in the majors.Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two best marks in baseball. Home runs decided this matchup, too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines forming outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston's four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston and doubled and singled off Sabathia. No matter, the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as the New York Yankees bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday night to retake the top record in the majors.Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two best marks in baseball. Home runs decided this matchup, too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines forming outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston's four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston and doubled and singled off Sabathia. No matter, the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as the New York Yankees bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday night to retake the top record in the majors.Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two best marks in baseball. Home runs decided this matchup, too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines forming outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston's four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston and doubled and singled off Sabathia. No matter, the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia shut down the high-scoring Red Sox, Greg Bird hit two home runs and Aaron Judge connected off a college teammate as the New York Yankees bopped Boston 8-1 on Friday night to retake the top record in the majors.Not since the famed Bucky Dent playoff game in 1978 had the Yankees and Red Sox met so late in a season when they owned the two best marks in baseball. Home runs decided this matchup, too, with Miguel Andujar also going deep for New York.The biggest crowd of the year at Yankee Stadium was in the spirit as lines forming outside the gates more than 3 1/2 hours before the start. The pro-Yankees chants began prior to the first pitch, the anti-Boston shouts soon followed.Sabathia (5-3) helped end Boston's four-game winning streak, less than a month from his 38th birthday. He gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.Steve Pearce, acquired a day earlier from Toronto, batted cleanup in his debut for Boston and doubled and singled off Sabathia. No matter, the... [More]

Here's a look at what's happening around the major leagues today:BEASTS OF THE EASTThe Red Sox and Yankees start a three-game series in the Bronx, with the American League East division race as tight as ever. Boston comes in with a one-game lead, with the teams still toting the top two records in the major leagues. Boston and New York have split their first six matchups this season, with each team winning a home series so far.CC Sabathia takes the mound for the Yankees. The 37-year-old left-hander took a no-decision against the Red Sox with four runs allowed in four innings on May 10. Boston counters with Eduardo Rodriguez, who is coming off just his second loss of the season against Seattle last week. Rodriguez also squared off against Sabathia in that May 10 meeting at Yankee Stadium, striking out eight with only one hit allowed over five scoreless innings.Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is expected back in the lineup after sitting out the series finale at Philadelphia on Wednesday that manager... [More]

Here's a look at what's happening around the major leagues on Friday:BEASTS OF THE EASTThe Red Sox and Yankees start a three-game series in the Bronx, with the American League East division race as tight as ever. The archrivals were just a half-game apart in the standings entering play on Thursday, with the teams still toting the top two records in the major leagues. Boston and New York have split their first six matchups this season, with each team winning a home series so far.CC Sabathia takes the mound for the Yankees. The 37-year-old left-hander took a no-decision against the Red Sox with four runs allowed in four innings on May 10. Boston counters with Eduardo Rodriguez, who is coming off just his second loss of the season against Seattle last week. Rodriguez also squared off against Sabathia in that May 10 meeting at Yankee Stadium, striking out eight with only one hit allowed over five scoreless innings.Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is expected back in the lineup after sitting out... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is day to day with a sore left shoulder.Bryant was out of Chicago's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Reds, the second straight start he missed, but didn't expect to be out much longer."It'll be no longer than a day or two," said Bryant, who is hitting .280 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 66 games.Bryant wasn't the only missing Cub. Right-hander Tyler Chatwood, the scheduled starter, left the club Sunday morning when his wife went into labor. Left-hander Mike Montgomery was starting in his place.The Cubs optioned righty Luke Farrell to Triple-A Iowa and placed lefty Rob Zastryzny on the 10-day disabled list. Zastryzny left Saturday's game with tightness in his left side. Righties Cory Mazzoni and Justin Hancock were recalled from Iowa.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs will have to get by without closer Brandon Morrow for a little while.The Cubs placed the right-hander on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday because of lower back tightness, leaving a short-handed bullpen without its most important piece.While Morrow went on the DL, Yu Darvish threw a simulated game. Manager Joe Maddon said he looked "outstanding," and the Cubs will see how he feels Thursday before announcing the next step as he works his way back from tendinitis in his right triceps.Morrow — signed by Chicago to a $21 million, two-year contract in December after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cubs in the NLCS — has 16 saves in 17 chances.He hurt his back taking his pants off at home early Monday morning, after the team returned from St. Louis. The Cubs put him on the DL before their game against the Dodgers and announced right-hander Justin Hancock will remain with the club after being called up from Triple-A Iowa as the 26th man for Tuesday's day-night... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs will have to get by without closer Brandon Morrow for at least a little while.The Cubs placed the right-hander on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday because of lower back tightness, leaving a short-handed bullpen without its most important piece.While Morrow went on the DL, Yu Darvish threw a simulated game. Manager Joe Maddon said he looked "outstanding," and the Cubs will see how he feels Thursday before announcing the next step as he works his way back from tendinitis in his right triceps.Morrow — signed by Chicago to a $21 million, two-year contract in December after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cubs in the NLCS — has 16 saves in 17 chances.He hurt his back on Monday. The Cubs put him on the DL before their game against the Dodgers and announced right-hander Justin Hancock will remain with the club after being called up from Triple-A Iowa as the 26th man for Tuesday's day-night doubleheader."We thought it would be wise to give him a couple... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs will have to get by without closer Brandon Morrow for at least a little while.The Cubs placed the right-hander on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday because of lower back tightness, leaving a short-handed bullpen without its most important piece.While Morrow went on the DL, Yu Darvish threw a simulated game. Manager Joe Maddon said he looked "outstanding," and the Cubs will see how he feels Thursday before announcing the next step as he works his way back from tendinitis in his right triceps.Morrow — signed by Chicago to a $21 million, two-year contract in December after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cubs in the NLCS — has 16 saves in 17 chances.He hurt his back on Monday. The Cubs put him on the DL prior to their game against the Dodgers and announced right-hander Justin Hancock will remain with the club after being called up from Triple-A Iowa as the 26th man for Tuesday's day-night doubleheader."We thought it would be wise to give him a couple... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs will have to get by without closer Brandon Morrow for at least a little while.The Cubs placed the right-hander on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, leaving a short-handed bullpen without its most important piece.While Morrow went on the DL, Yu Darvish threw a simulated game. Manager Joe Maddon said he looked "outstanding," and the Cubs will see how he feels Thursday before announcing the next step as he works his way back from tendinitis in his right triceps.Morrow — signed by Chicago to a $21 million, two-year contract in December after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cubs in the NLCS — has 16 saves in 17 chances.He hurt his back on Monday. The Cubs put him on the DL prior to their game against the Dodgers and announced right-hander Justin Hancock will remain with the club after being called up from Triple-A Iowa as the 26th man for Tuesday's day-night doubleheader."We thought it would be wise to give him a couple of days," Maddon said. "We just... [More]