SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Drew Smyly was excited to pitch against several Los Angeles Angels stars on Saturday."It's a really good lineup. You want to face those guys, so that you can get better, regardless of the outcome. Seeing them in the lineup, that's good quality work," the San Francisco Giants lefty said after he pitched two scoreless innings.After giving up a scratch hit to leadoff man David Fletcher, Smyly struck out Mike Trout, retired Anthony Rendon on a flyball and fanned Justin Upton to end the first inning. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the second, throwing 31 pitches, 19 for strikes.Saturday's stint followed up a scoreless outing on Monday against Arizona."My fastball was pretty good today. I could tell by some of their swings," Smyly said. "I'm excited where I'm at right now."Both strikeouts were called and came on 80-mph curveballs. Trout's was on a full count."It seems like I end up facing Trout a lot," said Smyly, who until last year pitched entirely in the American League.... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mickey Callaway says his baseball knowledge expanded tremendously during his two seasons as the New York Mets' manager, and the Los Angeles Angels will benefit from his Queens education as he returns to his familiar role as a pitching coach.“I just think about the game more globally now than I did,” Callaway said Friday after another early-spring workout at the Angels' spring complex.“(As a pitching coach) I was so focused on, ‘OK, let’s get the out. This is how you pitch a guy.’ Now I understand why a manager gets upset when a guy steals a base. I always want our pitchers to be quick, but that was kind of the extent of it. Now I understand how impactful a stolen base is, like truly is. It makes you think more globally about the game, and hopefully that will translate into me being a better leader and coach.”Those two years in the New York pressure cooker also left Callaway with an excitement about taking a job that's slightly less stressful. After the Mets fired him,... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Houston Astros Manager: Dusty Baker (first season). 2019: 107-55, first place, lost to Nationals in World Series. Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida. Park: Ballpark of Palm Beaches. First Workout: Feb. 13/17. He's Here: Manager Dusty Baker, RHP Austin Pruitt, C Dustin Garneau.He's Outta Here: Manager AJ Hinch, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Will Harris, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Tony Kemp. Going campin': The Astros enter the spring reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. They brought in Baker to steady the team, and it gives the 70-year-old another chance to chase his first World Series title as a manager. He’ll get a crash course learning his new team this spring after being hired less than three weeks before pitchers and catchers... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Minnesota TwinsManager: Rocco Baldelli (second season). 2019: 101-61, first place, lost to Yankees in Division Series.Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex. First Workout: Feb. 12/17.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, RHP Kenta Maeda, RHP Homer Bailey, RHP Tyler Clippard, C Alex Avila, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Matt Wisler, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, LHP Blaine Hardy.He's Outta Here: RHP Brusdar Graterol, RHP Kyle Gibson, 1B C.J. Cron, 2B Jonathan Schoop, C Jason Castro, LHP Mart�n P�rez, RHP Ryne Harper, RHP Trevor Hildenberger, RHP Sam Dyson.Going campin': The high-priced addition of the big-swinging, slick-fielding Donaldson boosted an already deep lineup that produced a major league record 307 home runs last season. Then came the agreement this week... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.Castro would get a one-time $250,000 assignment bonus if traded, payable by the receiving team.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Los Angeles Angels and catcher Jason Castro have agreed to a $6.85 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the deal was pending a successful physical and had not been announced.The 32-year-old Castro was an All-Star with Houston in 2013 and has a strong defensive reputation. He batted .232 with 13 home runs and a .767 OPS in 79 games for the Minnesota Twins last season. Los Angeles used five players at catcher last year, with Jonathan Lucroy and Kevan Smith getting the most starts. Angels backstops combined to bat .221 with 15 home runs and were valued at -0.6 wins above replacement (per FanGraphs). Castro has been worth at least 1.6 WAR in six of the past seven seasons.Castro is set to join a lineup that also added All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon on a $245 million, seven-year deal last month. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Free agent catcher Alex Avila and the Minnesota Twins have reached agreement on a one-year contract for $4.25 million.A person with direct knowledge of the deal, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been finalized, confirmed the details on Friday.Avila hit .207 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs in 63 games for Arizona last season. He also pitched in two games.Avila turns 33 in January. He's batted .235 with 103 homers in an 11-season career with Detroit, the White Sox, the Cubs and Arizona.The AL Central champion Twins had been looking for a reliable backup this offseason. Jason Castro became a free agent, so Minnesota was in the market for a veteran complement to Mitch Garver after his breakout season. Garver hit 31 home runs in 93 games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Shildt began his life in baseball at his mom's side, tagging along with her to work at a Double-A ballpark and picking up odd jobs around the clubhouse.When Shildt was recognized Tuesday night for the career that has followed, the late Lib Shildt was the first thing on his mind."My mom was remarkable," he said.Less than a week after his mother died, Shildt was honored for piloting the St. Louis Cardinals back into the playoffs, narrowly beating Craig Counsell of the Milwaukee Brewers to win NL Manager of the Year.Shildt earned the award in his first full season on the job, even though Counsell received more first-place votes (13-10) from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli won the AL prize in a tight finish over Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. Both received 13 first-place votes, but Baldelli got more second-place nods (13-9). The 38-year-old is the youngest to win the award.Shildt teared up upon learning he'd been... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Shildt began his life in baseball at his mom's side, tagging along for her shifts at a Double-A ballpark and picking up odd jobs around the clubhouse.When Shildt was recognized Tuesday night for the career that has followed, the late Lib Shildt was the first thing on his mind.Less than a week after his mother's passing, Shildt was honored for piloting the St. Louis Cardinals back into the playoffs, narrowly beating Craig Counsell of the Milwaukee Brewers to win NL Manager of the Year.Shildt earned the award in his first full season on the job, even though Counsell received more first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli won the AL prize in a tight ballot over Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. Both received 13 first-place votes, but Baldelli got more second-place nods. The 38-year-old is the youngest to win the award.Shildt teared up upon learning he'd been chosen. The 51-year-old is the first... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — While the New York Yankees were dousing themselves with cheap drinks down the hall in the Target Field basement, the Minnesota Twins were left to wonder how 101 wins, 307 homers and so much summer fun could lead to such an abrupt autumn exit.Minnesota's major league record streak of 16 straight postseason losses, with 13 of those defeats exacted by the seemingly indefatigable Yankees, will gnaw at the franchise and the fan base for yet another year.For the free agents to be, the 2019 regular season might well be the highlight of their time in Minnesota rather than the start of a dynastic run. The players who return in 2020, even with their experience of October disappointment administered by the nemesis Yankees limited to a mere three or four games, will face the same questions next year about slaying the pinstriped dragon that's bound to be among the AL favorites again.One bad weekend of baseball on the big stage, though, can't erase the remarkable consistency, admirable... [More]

Twins third. Ryan LaMarre flies out to right field to Travis Demeritte. LaMonte Wade Jr grounds out to first base to John Hicks. Ronald Torreyes singles to shortstop. Ian Miller singles to center field. Ronald Torreyes scores. Luis Arraez flies out to deep right field to Travis Demeritte.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 1, Tigers 0.Tigers third. Brandon Dixon triples to deep center field. Miguel Cabrera grounds out to shortstop, Luis Arraez to LaMonte Wade Jr. Brandon Dixon scores. Ronny Rodriguez lines out to shortstop to Ronald Torreyes. Dawel Lugo grounds out to shortstop, Luis Arraez to LaMonte Wade Jr.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 1, Tigers 1.Twins fourth. Willians Astudillo singles to center field. Jake Cave grounds out to second base, Ronny Rodriguez to John Hicks. Willians Astudillo to third. Jonathan Schoop singles to left field. Willians Astudillo scores. Jason Castro walks. Jonathan Schoop to second. Ryan LaMarre reaches on a fielder's choice to third base.... [More]

Tigers first. Victor Reyes strikes out swinging. Dawel Lugo doubles to deep right field. Harold Castro singles to shallow infield. Dawel Lugo to third. Jeimer Candelario out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Jake Cave. Dawel Lugo scores. Christin Stewart flies out to right center field to LaMonte Wade Jr.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Tigers 1, Twins 0.Twins seventh. Jake Cave singles to right field. LaMonte Wade Jr doubles to left field. Jake Cave to third. Willians Astudillo singles to center field. LaMonte Wade Jr scores. Jake Cave scores. Jason Castro hit by pitch. Willians Astudillo to second. Luis Arraez grounds out to shallow infield, Nick Ramirez to Jeimer Candelario. Jason Castro to second. Willians Astudillo to third. Jorge Polanco lines out to third base to Dawel Lugo. Nelson Cruz is intentionally walked. Eddie Rosario doubles to shallow left field. Nelson Cruz to third. Jason Castro scores. Willians Astudillo scores. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 4, Tigers 1.Tigers eighth. Willi Castro doubles to left field. Victor Reyes lines out to left field to Eddie Rosario. Dawel Lugo doubles to right center field. Willi Castro scores. Harold Castro grounds out to second base, Luis Arraez to Willians Astudillo. Dawel Lugo to third. Jeimer Candelario strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 4, Tigers 2.

Twins first. Luis Arraez grounds out to shortstop, Adalberto Mondesi to Cheslor Cuthbert. Jorge Polanco singles to left field. Nelson Cruz singles to shortstop. Jorge Polanco to second. Eddie Rosario doubles to deep right center field. Nelson Cruz to third. Jorge Polanco scores. Mitch Garver grounds out to shallow infield, Nicky Lopez to Cheslor Cuthbert. Marwin Gonzalez singles to shallow infield. Eddie Rosario to third. Nelson Cruz scores. Miguel Sano homers to center field. Marwin Gonzalez scores. Eddie Rosario scores. Jake Cave walks. LaMonte Wade Jr singles to center field. Jake Cave to third. Luis Arraez singles to center field. LaMonte Wade Jr to second. Jake Cave scores. Jorge Polanco flies out to shallow left field to Whit Merrifield.6 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 6, Royals 0.Royals second. Cheslor Cuthbert grounds out to first base to Marwin Gonzalez. Bubba Starling singles to right field. Humberto Arteaga flies out to right field to Jake Cave. Nick Dini homers to... [More]

Royals second. Hunter Dozier grounds out to shortstop, Luis Arraez to Marwin Gonzalez. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Ryan McBroom singles to right field. Alex Gordon to second. Ryan O'Hearn doubles to deep right field. Ryan McBroom to third. Alex Gordon scores. Meibrys Viloria out on a sacrifice fly to left center field to Eddie Rosario. Ryan McBroom scores. Brett Phillips strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 0.Twins third. Jason Castro flies out to deep center field to Brett Phillips. LaMonte Wade Jr homers to center field. Luis Arraez singles to left field. Jorge Polanco strikes out on a foul tip. Nelson Cruz grounds out to third base, Hunter Dozier to Ryan O'Hearn.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 1.Twins fifth. LaMonte Wade Jr triples to deep center field. Luis Arraez doubles to right field. LaMonte Wade Jr scores. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz singles to center field. Jorge Polanco to second. Luis Arraez scores. Eddie Rosario pops... [More]

Twins first. Max Kepler flies out to left field to Jordan Luplow. Jorge Polanco singles to center field. Nelson Cruz flies out to right field to Yasiel Puig. Eddie Rosario homers to right field. Jorge Polanco scores. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 2, Indians 0.Indians first. Francisco Lindor walks. Oscar Mercado doubles to left field. Francisco Lindor to third. Carlos Santana singles to right center field. Oscar Mercado to third. Francisco Lindor scores. Yasiel Puig walks. Carlos Santana to second. Jordan Luplow walks. Yasiel Puig to second. Carlos Santana to third. Oscar Mercado scores. Franmil Reyes strikes out swinging. Yu Chang strikes out swinging. Kevin Plawecki strikes out on a foul tip.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Twins 2, Indians 2.Indians third. Yasiel Puig flies out to deep right field to Eddie Rosario. Jordan Luplow homers to center field. Franmil Reyes strikes out swinging. Yu Chang strikes out on a foul tip.1 run, 1 hit,... [More]

Nationals first. Trea Turner strikes out swinging. Adam Eaton pops out to Willians Astudillo. Anthony Rendon homers to center field. Juan Soto singles to right field, tagged out at second, Eddie Rosario to C.J. Cron to Ehire Adrianza.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 1, Twins 0.Twins first. Mitch Garver grounds out to shortstop, Trea Turner to Matt Adams. Luis Arraez doubles to deep right field. Nelson Cruz flies out to deep right field to Adam Eaton. Luis Arraez to third. Eddie Rosario singles to right field. Luis Arraez scores. C.J. Cron reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Eddie Rosario out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 1, Twins 1.Nationals third. Trea Turner doubles to left center field. Adam Eaton singles to right field. Trea Turner to third. Anthony Rendon walks. Adam Eaton to second. Juan Soto reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Anthony Rendon out at second. Adam Eaton to third. Trea Turner scores. Howie Kendrick strikes out... [More]

Nationals first. Trea Turner pops out to Willians Astudillo. Adam Eaton doubles to deep left center field. Anthony Rendon walks. Juan Soto singles to center field. Anthony Rendon to second. Adam Eaton scores. Howie Kendrick pops out to shallow center field to Jonathan Schoop. Ryan Zimmerman singles to center field. Juan Soto to third. Anthony Rendon scores. Brian Dozier lines out to third base to Ehire Adrianza.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Nationals 2, Twins 0.Nationals third. Adam Eaton flies out to deep center field to LaMonte Wade Jr. Anthony Rendon pops out to shallow center field to Jonathan Schoop. Juan Soto walks. Howie Kendrick doubles to deep right field. Juan Soto scores. Ryan Zimmerman homers to center field. Howie Kendrick scores. Brian Dozier called out on strikes.3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 5, Twins 0.Twins third. Jason Castro grounds out to shallow infield, Stephen Strasburg to Ryan Zimmerman. Luis Arraez singles to left field. Jorge Polanco homers to center field. Luis Arraez scores. Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging. Eddie Rosario lines out to center field to Victor Robles.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 5, Twins 2.Nationals ninth. Victor Robles strikes out swinging. Trea Turner homers to center field. Adam Eaton grounds out to second base, Jonathan Schoop to Willians Astudillo. Anthony Rendon lines out to left field to Luis Arraez.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 6, Twins 2.

Indians third. Yu Chang flies out to center field to Max Kepler. Francisco Lindor homers to right field. Oscar Mercado grounds out to third base, Miguel Sano to C.J. Cron. Carlos Santana singles to deep right field. Yasiel Puig flies out to deep right center field to Jake Cave.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 1, Twins 0.Twins fourth. Nelson Cruz singles to shallow infield. Eddie Rosario reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Nelson Cruz out at second. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging. Luis Arraez singles to center field. Eddie Rosario to third. C.J. Cron doubles to deep right center field. Luis Arraez to third. Eddie Rosario scores. Jason Castro grounds out to second base, Jason Kipnis to Carlos Santana.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Indians 1, Twins 1.Twins fifth. Jake Cave singles to right field. Max Kepler singles to left field. LaMonte Wade Jr to third. Jorge Polanco singles to right field. Max Kepler to second. LaMonte Wade Jr scores. Nelson Cruz grounds out... [More]