WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Atlanta Braves scratched starter Drew Smyly and placed him on the 10-day injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs due to pain in his throwing arm. The left-hander was added to the IL retroactive to April 13 with what the club called left forearm inflammation. Manager Brian Snitker said he hopes Smyly (0-0, 5.73 in two starts) will only miss one start. Smyly signed an $11 million, one-year deal with Atlanta as a free agent after the lefty's stuff suddenly ticked up near the end of 2020 with San Francisco. The Braves recalled Kyle Wright from their alternate site in Gwinnett, Georgia, to start in Smyly’s place. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: ___ PITCHING CLINIC A pair of three-time Cy Young Award winners square off when Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers face Max Scherzer and the Nationals in a marquee matchup between the past two World Series champions. Los Angeles is looking for a three-game sweep of its first home series this season, and Dodgers starters are 5-0 in their last seven outings. The Dodgers have won five of their last six regular-season games against the Nationals and are 11-4 versus Washington over the past four seasons. But the Nats beat Los Angeles in a five-game playoff series on the way to their 2019 title. LIKE THOSE LEFTIES AL MVP José Abreu and the Chicago White Sox will try to win their 18th straight game when facing a left-handed starter. That would tie the major league record set by Atlanta from 2004-05. The White Sox get their chance when they host Mike Minor and the Royals. Chicago’s streak dates to a loss to Detroit on Sept. 28, 2019, when lefty Tyler... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: ___ SLOW STARTS Both winless teams in the majors are defending division champions. After finishing first in the AL West last year, the Oakland Athletics (0-6) have matched the worst start in franchise history. The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics also began the season with six consecutive losses. “It (stinks) to start this way but we know how good we are,” A’s starter Chris Bassitt said. “It’s just embarrassing right now.” Over in the National League, the Atlanta Braves are 0-4 following a three-game sweep in Philadelphia and a 6-5 loss Tuesday to the virus-depleted Nationals in their delayed opener. “I don’t think anybody is too worried,” new Braves pitcher Drew Smyly said. Atlanta, coming off three straight NL East titles, gets two chances Wednesday to win for the first time in 2021. Max Fried is scheduled to start the first game of a doubleheader in Washington that will feature back-to-back seven-inning games. Oakland tries to stop its early... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ The Washington Nationals are finally set to start their season, hosting Atlanta after their three-game series against the New York Mets was postponed by a coronavirus outbreak. The Nats still have 11 players sidelined — four of whom tested positive for COVID-19. The Nationals haven’t announced who is in isolation because of test results or which additional seven players are under quarantine because contact tracing determined they could have been exposed to the illness. Asked whether it’s possible his Game 1 lineup for 2021 could feature as many as five starting position players that weren’t expected to be there on opening day, manager Dave Martinez replied: “It is possible. We’re going to make it work.” Washington’s active players practiced Monday — a group that included Game 1 starter Max Scherzer, outfielders Juan Soto and Victor Robles, and third baseman Starlin Castro. Among the key folks not present on the field while the media... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday: ___ The Washington Nationals are finally set to start their season, hosting the Atlanta Braves after their three-game series against the New York Mets was postponed by a coronavirus outbreak. The Nats still have 11 players sidelined -- four of whom tested positive for COVID-19. The Nationals haven’t announced who is in isolation because of test results or which additional seven players are under quarantine because contact tracing determined they could have been exposed to the illness. Asked whether it’s possible his Game 1 lineup for 2021 could feature as many as five starting position players that weren’t expected to be there on opening day, manager Dave Martinez replied: “It is possible. We’re going to make it work.” Washington’s active players practiced Monday -- a group that included Game 1 starter Max Scherzer, outfielders Juan Soto and Victor Robles and third baseman Starlin Castro. Among the key folks not present on the field... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors Monday: ___ WAITING GAME The Nationals and Atlanta Braves hadn’t heard by Sunday evening whether Major League Baseball will allow their game while Washington deals with a COVID-19 outbreak that could prevent 11 players from participating. Washington’s season-opening, three-game series against the Mets at Nationals Park was postponed because of coronavirus concerns. Nats general manager Mike Rizzo said none of those 11 — a majority of whom, although not all, were supposed to be on the opening day roster — would be available if the three-game set with Atlanta begins Monday afternoon. Drew Smyly is scheduled to make his first start for the Braves, 0-3 after getting swept in Philadelphia. Max Scherzer had been scheduled to start for Washington in the opener against the Mets. ___ HOME AGAIN The Texas Rangers are set to play their first regular-season game in front of fans at Globe Life Field. The $1.2 billion ballpark opened last year when crowds... [More]

Mike Soroka surrendered a homer while working two innings for the Atlanta Braves in his 2021 debut Tuesday, a big step in the former All-Star's comeback from a torn Achilles tendon. Soroka got into the Braves’ final game of spring training at Fort Myers, Florida, taking over in the bottom of the sixth with Atlanta leading the Boston Red Sox 4-2. The 23-year-old right-hander made it through his first inning of work without giving up a run. The Red Sox put two aboard with a hit and a walk, but Soroka recorded a pair of strikeouts, including Chris Herrmann swinging to end the threat. Jarren Duran led off the next inning by launching a towering drive over the right-field wall to bring the Red Sox to 5-3. Soroka issued another walk and again had to deal with two runners aboard after Johan Camargo's throwing error. But Soroka closed out the seven-inning game by getting Jeter Downs to hit into a double play, earning a save. “It felt good. It felt really good," Soroka said “It was kind of nice... [More]

.ATLANTA (AP) — Kung Fu Panda has made the opening day roster for the Atlanta Braves. The team made a flurry of moves Saturday to complete its 26-man group, most notably promoting nonroster infielder Pablo Sandoval to the big league roster. The 34-year-old Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and 2012 World Series MVP looking to revive his career in a bench role with the Braves. The portly switch-hitter earned his spot with a strong spring, hitting .429 with four RBIs in 35 at-bats. “Pablo speaks for himself, just the way he comes in, his professionalism, what he adds in clubhouse, the presence has, the respect he has from everybody,” manager Brian Snitker said. “And he can still hit. He's kind of what you're looking for. He’s a guy who can sit around and stay ready.” The Braves, who open the season Thursday at Philadelphia, also selected the contracts of two other nonroster players: infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones. Former All-Stars Jake Lamb and Jason Kipnis were released,... [More]

The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Bryse Wilson to their alternate training site on Friday for what is expected to be a brief stay. Wilson is expected to be recalled about two weeks into the season. Manager Brian Snitker said Friday the team won't use a fifth starter for its first pass through the rotation. Instead, the plan is to use a combination of relievers for the team's fifth game before the fifth spot in the rotation is needed again on April 13. Wilson will be eligible to be recalled on April 11. Wilson was 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four games, including three starts, this spring training. He beat out Kyle Wright, who was optioned to the alternate training site on Wednesday, for the No. 5 job. Wright had a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings this spring. On Thursday, Snitker announced Max Fried the team's starter for next Thursday’s opener at Philadelphia. Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson and Drew Smyly will join Fried in the rotation until Mike Soroka is ready to pitch, perhaps by the end of April. Soroka, who was the 2020 opening day starter, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried will make his first opening day start for the Atlanta Braves, getting the nod in the wake of two stellar seasons. Manager Brian Snitker told Fried on Thursday that he would go in the opener at Philadelphia against the Phillies. Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season, finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting. He established himself as the Atlanta ace after Mike Soroka went down with a torn Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old left-hander had his breakout in 2019, posting a 17-6 record after moving into the rotation early in the season. “It's been really neat to be with Max through this whole run, to watch him mature and become the pitcher that he is," Snitker said. With Soroka — the 2020 opening day starter — still rehabbing from his injury, Fried was the logical choice to get the nod in next Thursday's opener against Aaron Nola of the Phillies. Still, it was a thrill for Fried to get the word officially. “I was excited,” he said. “It's something you dream... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried will make his first opening day start for the Atlanta Braves, getting the nod in the wake of two stellar seasons. Manager Brian Snitker told Fried on Thursday that he would go in the opener at Philadelphia against the Phillies. Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season, finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting. He established himself as the Atlanta ace after Mike Soroka went down with a torn Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old left-hander had his breakout in 2019, posting a 17-6 record after moving into the rotation early in the season. “It's been really neat to be with Max through this whole run, to watch him mature and become the pitcher that he is," Snitker said. With Soroka — the 2020 opening day starter — still rehabbing from his injury, Fried was the logical choice to get the nod in next Thursday's opener against Aaron Nola of the Phillies. Still, it was a thrill for Fried to get the word officially. “I was excited,” he said. “It's something you dream... [More]

The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Kyle Wright to their alternate training site on Wednesday, clearing the way for Bryse Wilson to open the season as the No. 5 starter. Wright made two postseason starts in 2020 following a strong finish to the regular season but was unable to pitch with consistency this spring. He had a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings this spring after finishing 2020 with a 2-4 record and 5.21 ERA in eight regular-season starts. Wright, 25, helped the Braves advance to the NL Championship Series last season. Making his postseason debut, he threw six scoreless innings in Game 3 of Atlanta's three-game sweep of Miami in the NL Division Series. He couldn't maintain that form, however, as he gave up seven runs while recording only two outs in his only NLCS start, a 15-3 loss to the Dodgers. Wright and Wilson led the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation as the Braves await the return of Mike Soroka from a torn Achilles tendon. Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson and... [More]

Michael Kopech is getting used to his new relief role with the Chicago White Sox. Judging by his first Cactus League appearance, it looks like he's going to be just fine. The talented right-hander worked a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against San Diego. It was his first game since he opted out of the pandemic-shortened season for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health. “It’s been a while, obviously,” Kopech said. “But it just felt good to kind of knock some rust off and get back out there and compete.” The 24-year-old Kopech, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, was a starter coming up through the minors and likely will return to Chicago’s rotation at some point. But he is expected to begin the year in the White Sox bullpen. Part of his spring training work involves getting up to speed when it comes to life as a reliever. He worked out of the stretch against the Padres. “If I am going to be throwing out of the bullpen for part of this year at least and maybe... [More]

Michael Kopech is getting used to his new relief role with the Chicago White Sox. Judging by his first Cactus League appearance, it looks like he's going to be just fine. The talented right-hander worked a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against San Diego. It was his first game since he opted out of the pandemic-shortened season for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health. “It’s been a while, obviously,” Kopech said. “But it just felt good to kind of knock some rust off and get back out there and compete.” The 24-year-old Kopech, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, was a starter coming up through the minors and likely will return to Chicago’s rotation at some point. But he is expected to begin the year in the White Sox bullpen. Part of his spring training work involves getting up to speed when it comes to life as a reliever. He worked out of the stretch against the Padres. “If I am going to be throwing out of the bullpen for part of this year at least and maybe... [More]

Mike Soroka isn't considering a cautious approach to his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon after throwing on the opening day of the Atlanta Braves' spring training. “Really, on the mound I am ready to compete,” Soroka said, adding “I feel amazing.” Soroka was the Braves' 2020 opening day starter before tearing his right Achilles tendon in his third start of the season. The right-hander needed surgery before beginning his recovery with the goal of being ready to open the 2021 season. Braves pitchers and catchers had their first workout on Thursday in North Port, Florida. Manager Brian Snitker said Soroka “looked really good” while throwing. Soroka said his arm feels as strong as normal for the start of spring. The question, of course, is the health of Soroka's right leg. He said the Achilles tendon is strong, but he acknowledged he still has to build up the strength in his calf, knee and hip. Even so, Soroka had a quick response when asked if it would be smart to avoid trying to be ready... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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: ___ Atlanta Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (sixth season). 2020: 35-25, first place, lost to Dodgers in NL Championship Series. Training Town: North Port, Florida. Park: CoolToday Park. First Workout: Feb. 18/23. He’s Here: RHP Charlie Morton, LHP Drew Smyly, RHP Carl Edwards, SS Ehire Adrianza, RHP Victor Arano. He’s Outta Here: OF Nick Markakis, OF Adam Duvall, INF Charlie Culberson, RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Mark Melancon, C Tyler Flowers, RHP Shane Greene, RHP Darren O’Day, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Adeiny Hechavarria, LHP Cole Hamels. Going campin’: The key offseason move was re-signing left fielder Marcell Ozuna to a four-year, $65 million deal. Morton and Smyly add experience to the rotation. The team can take a cautious approach with 2020 opening day starter Mike Soroka’s return from... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Marcell Ozuna is returning to Atlanta, with or without the designated hitter. The Braves reclaimed Ozuna's power bat for the middle of their lineup on Friday night by signing the slugger to a $65 million, four-year contract. Atlanta announced the deal for the 2020 National League home run and RBI leader less than two weeks before pitchers and catchers are set to report for spring training. Ozuna gets $12 million this year, $16 million in 2022 and $18 million in each of the final two seasons. The deal includes a fifth-year club option for $16 million with a $1 million buyout. Ozuna will donate 1% of salary each season to the Braves' charitable branch. The Braves made the major commitment to Ozuna despite having no assurance there will be a DH in the NL in 2021. He flourished in the role in 2020, helping the Braves win the NL East and come within one win of advancing to the World Series. The Braves lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series after... [More]