NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Loaisiga pitched three-hit ball over five impressive innings to win his major league debut, and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0 on Friday night.Didi Gregorius homered off ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi, and Gary Sanchez broke out of a long slump with a three-run double in the eighth. Giancarlo Stanton had a sacrifice fly for New York, which improved the best record in the majors to 45-20.Jonathan Holder, David Robertson, Dellin Betances and Adam Warren each worked an inning to finish the four-hitter.Loaisiga (1-0) was called up from Double-A Trenton to fill in for injured starter Masahiro Tanaka. The 23-year-old righty, who walked only four batters in 45 minor league innings this year, struggled a little with his command, issuing four walks while striking out six.Pitching against his former team, Eovaldi (1-2) allowed only two runs over the first seven innings until the Yankees chased him in the eighth. He was charged with five runs and eight hits in... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The last time the Seattle Mariners were in first place this deep into the season, the current hitting coach was the designated hitter, the current "Special Assistant to the Chairman" was hitting .352 at the top of the order, and the club won 93 games but missed the playoffs.Yes, it has been a long time since Edgar Martinez and Ichiro Suzuki had the Mariners in contention like they are right now."We just love playing for each other right now," pitcher Marco Gonzales said. "We're all rallying around each other and it's a lot of fun to be out there."The Mariners started Monday at 37-22 and with a one-game lead in the AL West, a position they haven't held this far into a season since late August 2003. That's nearly 15 years since the club has sniffed the clear air of the division lead outside the early stages of the regular season. An entire generation of Little Leaguers in the Pacific Northwest who look up to the likes of Nelson Cruz, James Paxton and Dee Gordon have never seen... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Rather than waiting to see where the Seattle Mariners are sitting by the time the trade market heats up, general manager Jerry Dipoto decided to be proactive.Rewarding a strong start in spite of numerous injuries and the suspension of Robinson Cano, the Mariners pulled off the first big trade of the season Friday, landing outfielder Denard Span and right-handed reliever Alex Colome from the Tampa Bay Rays for two minor leaguers.It's not a blockbuster deal, but it does immediately improve the Mariners after spending the first two months dealing with a number of significant injuries and still finding themselves near the top of the AL West."They're going to fit in our clubhouse and really fit too to what we think are critical needs," Dipoto said. "The fact we were able to do it and maintain another four, five months of their contribution for this year, it's so much different than an ordinary in-season or July-type of pick up."Seattle was seeking outfield depth and a boost for... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Rather than waiting to see where the Seattle Mariners are sitting by the time the trade market heats up, general manager Jerry Dipoto decided to be proactive.Rewarding a strong start in spite of numerous injuries and the suspension of Robinson Cano, the Mariners pulled off the first big trade of the season Friday, landing outfielder Denard Span and right-handed reliever Alex Colome from the Tampa Bay Rays for two minor leaguers.It's not a blockbuster deal, but it does immediately improve the Mariners after spending the first two months dealing with a number of significant injuries and still finding themselves near the top of the AL West."They're going to fit in our clubhouse and really fit too to what we think are critical needs," Dipoto said. "The fact we were able to do it and maintain another four, five months of their contribution for this year, it's so much different than an ordinary in-season or July-type of pick up."Seattle was seeking outfield depth and a boost for... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — James Paxton of the Seattle Mariners is pitching a no-hitter through eight innings against the Toronto Blue Jays.Paxton has walked three and struck out six while throwing 92 pitches Tuesday night in Toronto.Paxton got some help from third baseman Kyle Seager for the final out of the seventh. Seager made a full-length diving stop on speedy Kevin Pillar's grounder down the line, then slung an off-balance throw that first baseman Ryon Healy snagged on one hop.Russell Martin led off the eighth with a long drive that left fielder Ben Gamel caught near the wall.Paxton is a 29-year-old lefty from Canada. He struck out a career-high 16 in his previous start, last week against Oakland.Seattle leads 5-0.

SEATTLE (AP) — Roughly three hours before first pitch on Thursday night, Ichiro Suzuki jogged to join his Seattle Mariners teammates in the outfield, fully in uniform, black mitt in hand, prepping for another pregame routine of catching fly balls and hitting in the cage.Except there was no game for the 44-year-old Suzuki to get ready for. He wouldn't be in the lineup on this night, or again in the 2018 season. And maybe his career."The past two months have been the happiest I've been," Suzuki said through an interpreter. "I knew one day that the day would come when I would have to walk away. But the Mariners have given me this opportunity to stay on. Obviously, with my teammates and how great they've been and how much they mean to me and how much I want to help is the reason I wanted to stay on and help in any way I can."Suzuki's career transitioned Thursday when the Mariners announced he was shifting into a front office role as a special assistant to the chairman. The job isn't sitting... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki was released Thursday by the Seattle Mariners and is shifting into a front office role with the team, although he is not completely shutting the door on playing again.The Mariners announced that Suzuki was becoming a special assistant to the chairman effective immediately. The team said Suzuki will have an active presence with the team and assist with outfield play, base running and hitting.But nowhere in the announcement do they say the 44-year-old is retiring, although Suzuki is precluded from returning to the active roster in 2018."We want to make sure we capture all of the value that Ichiro brings to this team off the field," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a release. "This new role is a way to accomplish that. While it will evolve over time, the key is that Ichiro's presence in our clubhouse and with our players and staff improves our opportunity to win games. That is our number-one priority and Ichiro's number-one priority."Suzuki is in his... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki was released Thursday by the Seattle Mariners and is transitioning into a front office role with the team, although he is not completely shutting the door on playing again.The Mariners announced that Suzuki was becoming a special assistant to the chairman effective immediately. The team said Suzuki will have an active presence with the team and assist with outfield play, base running and hitting.But nowhere in the announcement do they say the 44-year-old is retiring. Suzuki is in his 18th season and had appeared in 15 games this year for the Mariners. Suzuki started Wednesday night and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. He hit .205 in 44 at-bats and all nine of his hits this season were singles."We want to make sure we capture all of the value that Ichiro brings to this team off the field," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a release. "This new role is a way to accomplish that. While it will evolve over time, the key is that Ichiro's presence... [More]

ANAHEIM, California (AP) — Didi Gregorius hit a solo homer in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees won their seventh straight by beating the Los Angeles Angles 4-3 on Friday night after two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani left with an ankle injury.Gregorius hit a fastball from Blake Parker (0-1) out to right, delighting a big contingent of Yankees fans at Angel Stadium. It was Gregorius' 10th homer of the season but just his first on the road, although he still took a curtain call.Ohtani homered on an inside fastball in the second inning but left after trying to beat out a groundball in the fifth. He awkwardly avoided a possible collision with Yankees first baseman Neil Walker on the play. He's listed as day to day with a mild left ankle sprain.David Robertson (1-1) pitched the ninth and Aroldis Chapman closed out the 10th for his fifth save.ATHLETICS 8, ASTROS 1HOUSTON (AP) — Sean Manaea followed up his no-hitter with seven solid innings, three Athletics homered and Oakland beat the Houston... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Sean Manaea followed up his no-hitter with seven solid innings, three Athletics homered and Oakland beat the Houston Astros 8-1 on Friday night for its fifth win in six games.Manaea (4-2) no-hit Boston last Saturday and didn't allow a hit Friday until the fourth inning. He gave up one unearned run and four hits.Dallas Keuchel (1-4) retired his first 13 batters before Matt Chapman's one-out homer in the fifth. Chad Pinder added a two-run homer in the sixth off Keuchel, who allowed a season-high six runs and seven hits in seven innings.INDIANS 6, MARINERS 5CLEVELAND (AP) — Corey Kluber (4-1) struck out 10 in 8 2/3 innings and Cleveland hit hit five solo home runs, including three in the first inning.Kluber left with a 6-2 lead after Kyle Seager's two-out single in the ninth, the Mariners' fourth hit. Cody Allen gave up Mitch Haniger's single and Mike Zunino's three-run homer, then retired Ben Gamel on a lineout to shortstop Francisco Lindor.Lindor, Michael Brantley and Edwin... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Seattle Mariners have recalled right-hander Erasmo Ramirez from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma to make his season debut starting the series finale at Texas.Ramirez didn't appear in a spring training game and started the season on the disabled list because of a strained right lat.Seattle made the move before Sunday's game. Guillermo Heredia, one of five outfielders that had been on the roster, was optioned to Tacoma to make room on the 25-man roster.The remaining outfielders are Dee Gordon, Mitch Haniger, Ben Gamel and Ichiro Suzuki. The 44-year-old Ichiro was hitting .212 with seven singles and no walks in his 11 games before starting Sunday in right field.Heredia was hitting .310 with two homers in 16 games.Texas activated center fielder Delino DeShields from the 10-day DL and put Carlos Tocci on the DL with a hip issue.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners are going with five outfielders for now after recalling Ben Gamel from Triple-A Tacoma and optioning left-handed pitcher Ariel Miranda back to the minors.Seattle's roster shuffling finally allowed a chance for Gamel to rejoin the club Wednesday. Gamel was sidelined by a strained oblique during spring training.He started his rehab assignment on April 5 and hit a combined .286 with five RBIs in 10 games at Single-A Modesto and Tacoma. Gamel was Seattle's projected starting left fielder but the injury ultimately led to the club signing Ichiro Suzuki during spring training. Suzuki has split time in left field with Guillermo Heredia through the first three weeks of the season.The decision to option Miranda will mean Seattle has five outfielders — Gamel, Heredia, Suzuki, Dee Gordon and Mitch Haniger — for now.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Mariners placed first baseman Ryon Healy on the disabled list with an ankle injury and recalled right-hander Chasen Bradford from Triple-A Tacoma before Monday night's game in Kansas City.Seattle starters Nelson Cruz, Mike Zunino and Ben Gamel already had gone on the 10-day disabled list. Daniel Vogelbach was in the lineup at first base for the series opener against the Royals.Healy broke out of a 1-for-21 slump with a three-run double in the eighth inning against the Twins on Saturday. He hurt his right ankle during a postgame workout and showed up at the ballpark with a walking boot and using crutches the next day.Bradford was claimed off waivers from the Mets, where he was 2-0 with a 3.74 ERA last season.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seattle Mariners first baseman Ryon Healy injured his right ankle during a postgame workout Saturday and likely will miss at least a few games this week.Healy was injured following an 11-4 win over Minnesota and showed up on crutches and in a walking boot Sunday, when the series finale was postponed due to poor weather. Manager Scott Servais tells MLB.com that Healy will have an MRI and likely miss the upcoming three-game series against Kansas City.Healy opened the season with a 1-for-21 slump before hitting a three-run double in the eighth inning Saturday.Seattle could have Daniel Vogelbach, Andrew Romine or Taylor Motter handle first base in Healy's absence.Starting position players Nelson Cruz, Mike Zunino and Ben Gamel are already on the 10-day disabled list.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Seattle Mariners have placed designated hitter Nelson Cruz on the 10-day disabled list after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the season-opening series against Cleveland.Seattle made the move Tuesday before beginning a two-game series in San Francisco where Cruz was unlikely to play. The move was retroactive to April 1. The Mariners recalled utility player Taylor Motter to take Cruz's spot on the roster. Daniel Vogelbach is likely to get the majority of at-bats at designated hitter while Cruz is out.Cruz started the season with two homers in his first six at-bats, but slipped on the dugout steps following a two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday's game against Cleveland. X-rays were negative.Cruz is the fourth Seattle starter on the disabled list, joining catcher Mike Zunino, outfielder Ben Gamel and pitcher Erasmo Ramirez.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SEATTLE (AP) — When catcher Mike Zunino was scratched on opening day, the Seattle Mariners believed he'd be on the field making his season debut Saturday.Instead, Zunino was spending his second day on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left oblique."It's frustrating. I wish there was a word that's more than that," Zunino said on Saturday. "You know it's part of the game. Obviously if this happened halfway through the year, you take a couple of days and it's different. But for the anticipation of the season and what we had in store as at team, it's not how you want to get off to a start. But I'm trying to get healthy as soon as I can so I can help this team as long as I can."Zunino suffered the injury during batting practice on Wednesday and is the latest addition to Seattle's list of ailments that started in spring training and has carried into the regular season. The Mariners are already without outfielder Ben Gamel and pitcher Erasmo Ramirez due to injuries suffered in spring training... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The lingering question of whether Ichiro Suzuki would be ready for opening day was solved on Wednesday.Yes, he'll be on the Seattle Mariners 25-man roster, despite a lingering calf injury. And, yes, he'll be in left field on Thursday night when the Mariners open the season hosting the Cleveland Indians."It was a crazy spring for him getting in late and having a little setback with the calf injury but I think he showed us enough here the last couple of days that he can get out there, run around and help us out a little bit," Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "As I said when we brought him in he'll hit at the bottom of the lineup, he'll help in a number of different ways. But obviously he'll be in the lineup tomorrow night."This isn't turn back the clock night, although the nostalgia will be thick — let alone the challenge of facing Cleveland ace Corey Kluber and one of the powerhouse clubs in the American League. It'll be Suzuki's first regular season game in a Seattle uniform... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is set to start on opening day for the 10th straight year.Manager Scott Servais made the announcement Sunday.Hernandez will make his 10th consecutive and 11th opening day start overall when the Mariners host the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night."First of all, it's an honor. Ten straight with one team is really, really an honor for me," Hernandez said.The right-hander was slowed in spring training this year by a line drive that struck him in the pitching arm Feb. 26, leaving a deep bruise. Hernandez made only one more exhibition start after that, pitching 3 2/3 innings Saturday against the Cubs.Hernandez said after the injury and recovery from it, he didn't doubt he'd be chosen for opening day.Servais said he made the decision after Hernandez pitched well and felt fine following the outing against the Cubs. Hernandez is coming off an injury-plagued 2017 season."It's not about one game. Our season's about 162. Felix has earned the... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Robinson Cano has spent enough time now to understand the angst surrounding the Seattle Mariners.The Mariners have the longest playoff drought in the four major sports, meaning there is an urgency to finally end the skid. They also appear to be an average ballclub at a time when the American League is filled with mostly superpowers and rebuilders.It's an odd spot for a club with talent but scant optimism that this is the year the playoff drought ends."We've been close a couple of times. ... That's life, that's part of the game. But I know we have a bunch of great guys here, guys who know how to play this game," Cano said.The Mariners enter the 2018 season with an offense that could score a lot of runs and a pitching staff that could give up just as many. Cano and Nelson Cruz are the anchors of a batting order that with the additions of Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy could be potent enough to keep Seattle in a lot of games. But there's mostly skepticism about the pitching staff.James... [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]