NEW YORK (AP) — Madison Bumgarner was among 10 free agents who received $17.8 million qualifying offers from their former teams on Monday, a move that likely will decrease demand for the 30-year-old left-hander.Bumgarner, the 2014 World Series MVP, went 9-9 with a 3.90 ERA over 34 starts this year after two injury-shortened seasons. San Francisco also made a qualifying offer to left-handed reliever Will Smith.Six pitchers received the qualifying offers, including right-handers Gerrit Cole (Houston), Stephen Strasburg (Washington), Zack Wheeler (New York Mets) and Jake Odorizzi (Minnesota). The others given the offers were third basemen Anthony Rendon (Washington) and Josh Donaldson (Atlanta), first baseman José Abreu (Chicago White Sox) and outfielder Marcell Ozuna (St. Louis).On the day before free agents can start negotiating contracts with all teams, Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez decided to stay in Boston instead of becoming a free agent, declining an option that would have... [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]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves have re-signed outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Tyler Flowers to $4 million, one-year contracts for 2020 after declining their team options.The team also declined a club option for longtime starting pitcher Julio Teheran, likely signaling the end of his tenure with the Braves, and made a $17.8 million qualifying offer to free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson.The deals for Markakis and Flowers were essentially a financial wash. Both players made $4 million last season and had club options of $6 million for 2020. The team will pay $2 million buyouts to each and their new deal ensures both will take home a total of $6 million to remain in Atlanta another season.Teheran became the first pitcher to make six straight opening-day starts for Atlanta, but the team opted against exercising a $12 million option for 2020, instead paying a $1 million buyout. The move was not unexpected after Teheran was left off the postseason roster after going 10-11 with a 3.81 ERA, though he was added back to the squad after Chris Martin was injured.Teheran completed a $32.4 million, six-year contract and becomes a free agent.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — One day later, Brian Snitker had shed his uniform but was still wearing the pain of yet another one-and-done postseason exit for the Atlanta Braves."It's going to take me a while to kind of get over this whole thing," the manager said Thursday.Snitker and general manager Alex Anthopoulos had no quick explanations for the Braves' record-tying 10th straight loss in a postseason round. After splitting the first four games of the NL Division Series, the Braves were bowled over and embarrassed in a 13-1 loss to St. Louis in Wednesday's Game 5."You throw that one away," Anthopoulos said, while adding the loss was "a tough pill to swallow. ... From my standpoint in the front office, we need to turn the page quick."The Cardinals' knockout blow was quick and decisive — 10 runs in the first inning."It happened so quick, I don't think there was anything we could do," Snitker said.The Braves have won two straight NL East titles but haven't won a postseason series since 2001. Atlanta... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves received approval Friday to replace injured reliever Chris Martin with Julio Teheran on their NL Division Series roster.The switch will have a big impact on the Braves' pitching plans, with 17-game winner Max Fried possibly taking a more significant role in the bullpen."It's going to affect the bullpen," manager Brian Snitker said before Game 2. "That's a huge hit right there. Probably Max is going to need to maybe fill that role and pitch some of those high-leverage innings late in the game. We know he can do it. And he's got stuff to do it and all that. That's probably going to elevate him to those roles now."Martin reported tightness in his left oblique while warming up for the eighth inning of Game 1 Thursday night. He left the field without facing a St. Louis batter and was replaced by Luke Jackson, who surrendered two runs to squander a 3-1 lead. The Cardinals scored four runs in the ninth off closer Mark Melancon and held on for a 7-6 victory to... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves received approval Friday to replace injured reliever Chris Martin with Julio Teheran on their NL Division Series roster.Martin reported tightness in his left oblique while warming up for the eighth inning of Game 1 Thursday night. He left the field without facing a St. Louis batter and was replaced by Luke Jackson, who surrendered two runs to squander a 3-1 lead. The Cardinals scored four runs in the ninth off closer Mark Melancon and held on for a 7-6 victory to begin the best-of-five series.Martin was acquired from Texas before the trade deadline in one of three deals to bolster Atlanta's struggling bullpen. The 33-year-old right-hander went 1-1 with 4.08 ERA in 20 games for the Braves and was considered a key setup man along with Shane Greene.Major League Baseball approved the roster change before Game 2. Dr. Gary Green, MLB's medical director, confirmed the injury after communicating with the evaluating physician, as well as reviewing Martin's medical... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have three players picked up cheaply during the season on the NL Division Series roster, while the St. Louis Cardinals left right-hander John Gant off their 25-man squad.Outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría and catcher Francisco Cervelli made the roster announced by the Braves ahead of Game 1 Thursday in the best-of-five series. Atlanta had previously announced it would carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, leaving 10-game winner Julio Teheran and rookie slugger Austin Riley off the squad.Gant, a former Braves pitcher, was omitted from the Cardinals roster despite going 11-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 64 games. He got off to a brilliant start but looked worn out by the end of the season, posting a 13.50 ERA over his last nine appearances.“The biggest person off the roster is John Gant,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “That was the hardest decision, quite candidly, by far. You're talking about a guy that won 11 games, more than... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have three players picked up cheaply during the season on the NL Division Series roster, while the St. Louis Cardinals left right-hander John Gant off their 25-man squad.Outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría and catcher Francisco Cervelli made the roster announced by the Braves ahead of Game 1 Thursday in the best-of-five series. Atlanta had previously announced it would carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, leaving 10-game winner Julio Teheran and rookie slugger Austin Riley off the squad.Gant, a former Braves pitcher, was omitted from the Cardinals roster despite going 11-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 64 games. He got off to a brilliant start but looked worn out by the end of the season, posting a 13.50 ERA over his last nine appearances.Infielder Kolten Wong, who has not played since Sept. 19 because of a hamstring injury, was included on the Cardinals roster. He batted .285 with 11 homers, 59 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.When the Braves... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have three players picked up cheaply during the season on the NL Division Series roster, while the St. Louis Cardinals are going with five rookies on their 25-man squad.Outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría and catcher Francisco Cervelli made the roster announced by the Braves ahead of Game 1 Thursday in the best-of-five series. Atlanta had previously announced it would carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, leaving 10-game winner Julio Teheran and rookie slugger Austin Riley off the squad.When the Braves were struck by a rash of injuries, Hamilton was claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals, while Hechavarría and Cervelli were signed after being released by the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively.They contributed in Atlanta’s push for a second straight NL East title.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trea Turner's go-ahead grand slam lifted Washington to a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies for a doubleheader sweep Tuesday that helped the Nationals clinch an NL wild card, capping quite a turnaround for a team that was 19-31 in late May.Turner had three hits in the day's first game, a 4-1 win for the Nationals. Washington assured itself of returning to the playoffs for the fifth time in eight years after sitting out October in 2018.Anthony Rendon delivered two sacrifice flies to raise his majors-leading RBIs total to 124 in the opening victory, a result that also eliminated Philadelphia and $330 million outfielder Bryce Harper, the ex-Nationals star, from postseason contention.In the nightcap, Washington trailed 4-2 entering the sixth, because Brad Miller managed to hit two homers off Max Scherzer (11-7).Washington loaded the bases in the sixth against Aaron Nola (12-7) with two walks and a single, setting the stage for Turner's 18th homer of the season and... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trea Turner's go-ahead grand slam lifted Washington to a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies for a doubleheader sweep Tuesday that helped the Nationals clinch an NL wild card, capping quite a turnaround for a team that was 19-31 in late May.Turner had three hits in the day's first game, a 4-1 win for the Nationals. Washington assured itself of returning to the playoffs for the fifth time in eight years after sitting out October in 2018.Anthony Rendon delivered two sacrifice flies to raise his majors-leading RBIs total to 124 in the opening victory, a result that also eliminated Philadelphia and $330 million outfielder Bryce Harper, the ex-Nationals star, from postseason contention.In the nightcap, Washington trailed 4-2 entering the sixth, because Brad Miller managed to hit two homers off Max Scherzer (11-7).Washington loaded the bases in the sixth against Aaron Nola (12-7) with two walks and a single, setting the stage for Turner's 18th homer of the season and... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trea Turner's go-ahead grand slam lifted Washington to a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies for a doubleheader sweep Tuesday that helped the Nationals clinch an NL wild card, capping quite a turnaround for a team that was 19-31 in late May.Turner had three hits in the day's first game, a 4-1 win for the Nationals. Washington assured itself of returning to the playoffs for the fifth time in eight years after sitting out October in 2018.Anthony Rendon delivered two sacrifice flies to raise his majors-leading RBIs total to 124 in the opening victory, a result that also eliminated Philadelphia and $330 million outfielder Bryce Harper, the ex-Nationals star, from postseason contention.In the nightcap, Washington trailed 4-2 entering the sixth, because Brad Miller managed to hit two homers off Max Scherzer (11-7).Washington loaded the bases in the sixth against Aaron Nola (12-7) with two walks and a single, setting the stage for Turner's 18th homer of the season and... [More]

Braves second. Nick Markakis reaches on error. Throwing error by Cesar Hernandez. Matt Joyce reaches on error. Nick Markakis to third. Fielding error by Adam Haseley. Brian McCann reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Matt Joyce out at second. Nick Markakis scores. Dansby Swanson strikes out swinging. Julio Teheran called out on strikes.1 run, 0 hits, 2 errors, 1 left on. Braves 1, Phillies 0.Phillies fourth. J.T. Realmuto hit by pitch. Bryce Harper homers to center field. J.T. Realmuto scores. Rhys Hoskins grounds out to third base, Josh Donaldson to Freddie Freeman. Jean Segura flies out to center field to Ronald Acuna Jr.. Scott Kingery strikes out on a foul tip.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Phillies 2, Braves 1.Phillies sixth. Cesar Hernandez homers to center field. J.T. Realmuto reaches on catcher interference. Interference error by Brian McCann. Bryce Harper walks. J.T. Realmuto to second. Rhys Hoskins walks. Jean Segura walks. Rhys Hoskins to second. Bryce Harper to third. J.T. Realmuto scores. Scott Kingery strikes out swinging. Adam Haseley strikes out swinging. Maikel Franco grounds out to third base, Josh Donaldson to Freddie Freeman.2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 3 left on. Phillies 4, Braves 1.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yu Darvish struck out a season-high 14 and allowed only two hits in six innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday to remain tied with Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.The Padres scored in the ninth when Manny Machado was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, but Rowan Wick struck out Luis Urias to end it.Chicago split the four-game series and won for just the second time in seven games.Darvish (6-6) retired his first eight batters before allowing his first hit, an infield single by starter Dinelson Lamet (2-5). Darvish kicked the ball with his right foot and it caromed to third baseman Kris Bryant. Darvish struck out Greg Garcia to end the inning.The big right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning. After Greg Garcia tripled leading off the sixth, Darvish finished strong by striking out the side, including Eric Hosmer for the third straight time.Darvish was one shy of his career high, set Aug. 12, 2013, at Houston... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yu Darvish struck out a season-high 14 and allowed only two hits in six innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday to remain tied with Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.The Padres scored in the ninth when Manny Machado was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, but Rowan Wick struck out Luis Urias to end it.Chicago split the four-game series and won for just the second time in seven games.Darvish (6-6) retired his first eight batters before allowing his first hit, an infield single by starter Dinelson Lamet (2-5). Darvish kicked the ball with his right foot and it caromed to third baseman Kris Bryant. Darvish struck out Greg Garcia to end the inning.The big right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning. After Greg Garcia tripled leading off the sixth, Darvish finished strong by striking out the side, including Eric Hosmer for the third straight time.Darvish was one shy of his career high, set Aug. 12, 2013, at Houston... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yu Darvish struck out a season-high 14 and allowed only two hits in six innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday to remain tied with Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.The Padres scored in the ninth when Manny Machado was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, but Rowan Wick struck out Luis Urias to end it.Chicago split the four-game series and won for just the second time in seven games.Darvish (6-6) retired his first eight batters before allowing his first hit, an infield single by starter Dinelson Lamet (2-5). Darvish kicked the ball with his right foot and it caromed to third baseman Kris Bryant. Darvish struck out Greg Garcia to end the inning.The big right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning. After Greg Garcia tripled leading off the sixth, Darvish finished strong by striking out the side, including Eric Hosmer for the third straight time.Darvish was one shy of his career high, set Aug. 12, 2013, at Houston... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yu Darvish struck out a season-high 14 and allowed only two hits in six innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday to remain tied with Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.The Padres scored in the ninth when Manny Machado was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, but Rowan Wick struck out Luis Urias to end it.Chicago split the four-game series and won for just the second time in seven games.Darvish (6-6) retired his first eight batters before allowing his first hit, an infield single by starter Dinelson Lamet (2-5). Darvish kicked the ball with his right foot and it caromed to third baseman Kris Bryant. Darvish struck out Greg Garcia to end the inning.The big right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning. After Greg Garcia tripled leading off the sixth, Darvish finished strong by striking out the side, including Eric Hosmer for the third straight time.Darvish was one shy of his career high, set Aug. 12, 2013, at Houston... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BACK IN ACTIONHouston Astros ace Justin Verlander takes the mound for the first time since throwing his third career no-hitter Sunday at Toronto. Verlander struck out 14 and walked one in the 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays. He is 7-1 with a 1.76 ERA in his last 10 starts, strengthening his case for a second AL Cy Young Award. He faces visiting Seattle on Saturday night. Yusei Kikuchi pitches for the last-place Mariners.WAITING GAMEChicago Cubs shortstop Javier B�ez is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday on his jammed left thumb. The All-Star slugger got hurt during Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Brewers. He was in the starting lineup for Friday night's game at Milwaukee, but was scratched after he continued to feel discomfort. B�ez is batting .281 with 29 homers and 85 RBIs. With B�ez out, Addison Russell has been playing shortstop for Chicago.WORTH WATCHINGCleveland continues its weekend series at Minnesota, and Washington visits Atlanta in another... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:BACK IN ACTIONHouston Astros ace Justin Verlander takes the mound for the first time since throwing his third career no-hitter Sunday at Toronto. Verlander struck out 14 and walked one in the 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays. He is 7-1 with a 1.76 ERA in his last 10 starts, strengthening his case for a second AL Cy Young Award. He faces visiting Seattle on Saturday night. Yusei Kikuchi pitches for the last-place Mariners.WAITING GAMEChicago Cubs shortstop Javier B�ez is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday on his jammed left thumb. The All-Star slugger got hurt during Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Brewers. He was in the starting lineup for Friday night's game at Milwaukee, but was scratched after he continued to feel discomfort. B�ez is batting .281 with 29 homers and 85 RBIs. With B�ez out, Addison Russell has been playing shortstop for Chicago.WORTH WATCHINGCleveland continues its weekend series at Minnesota, and Washington visits Atlanta in... [More]

Braves first. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Ozzie Albies lines out to first base to Jose Abreu. Freddie Freeman homers to right field. Ronald Acuna Jr. scores. Josh Donaldson strikes out swinging. Brian McCann lines out to right field to Leury Garcia.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Braves 2, White sox 0.White sox second. James McCann pops out to Freddie Freeman. Eloy Jimenez lines out to center field to Billy Hamilton. Yolmer Sanchez walks. Adam Engel walks. Yolmer Sanchez to second. Lucas Giolito singles to deep right center field. Adam Engel scores. Yolmer Sanchez scores. Leury Garcia lines out to right field to Ronald Acuna Jr..2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 2, Braves 2.Braves sixth. Johan Camargo pinch-hitting for Julio Teheran. Johan Camargo doubles to deep right field. Ronald Acuna Jr. strikes out swinging. Ozzie Albies lines out to center field to Adam Engel. Freddie Freeman homers to center field. Johan Camargo scores. Josh Donaldson singles to right field. Brian McCann... [More]