NEW YORK (AP) — Relief pitcher Chasen Shreve became a free agent when the New York Mets declined to offer him a 2021 contract by Wednesday night’s deadline. New York agreed to a $5.1 million, one-year deal with left-hander Steven Matz and finalized its $15.5 million, two-year contract with free-agent reliever Trevor May. The Mets also announced one-year deals with outfielder Guillermo Heredia, who provides depth in center, and right-handed reliever Jacob Barnes. New York did not offer contracts to right-handers Nick Tropeano, Paul Sewald and Ariel Jurado. Tropeano was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh in October. Shreve, a 30-year-old left-hander, was 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA over 17 appearances in his only season with the Mets, striking out 34 and walking 12 in 25 innings while allowing 17 hits. He earned $556,556 in prorated pay from his $1.5 million salary. Shreve is a veteran of seven major league seasons with Atlanta (2014), the New York Yankees (2015-18), St. Louis (2018-19) and the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets' $18.9 million qualifying offer Wednesday to stay with the team for 2021. The 29-year-old right-hander did not play this year, missing the start of the shortened season in late July due to a torn left calf muscle, then announcing Aug. 10 he had opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic. A native of Long Island who grew up about 50 miles from Citi Field, Stroman announced his decision the day after new Mets owner Steve Cohen held an introductory news conference. Cohen bought the team last week from the Wilpon and Katz families for a baseball-record $2.42 billion. “After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir,” Stroman posted on Twitter. “I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great!” “Marcus, That is great news,” Cohen replied on Twitter. “Looking forward to meeting you soon. I will call you over the next few days to thank you.” Stroman rejoins a... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman and San Francisco starter Kevin Gausman accepted $18.9 million qualifying offers Wednesday, receiving one-year deals to stay with their teams rather than test what they could get in free agency. Four players declined qualifying offers at the 5 p.m. EST deadline: right-hander Trevor Bauer from Cincinnati, outfielder George Springer from Houston, second baseman DJ LeMahieu from the New York Yankees and catcher J.T. Realmuto from Philadelphia. If any of those players sign with a new team, his former club would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round of next year’s amateur draft or at the end of competitive balance round B. The placement depends on whether the new contract is worth $50 million or more and the revenue-sharing and luxury tax status of the team losing the player. A team signing the player would give up either its third-highest draft pick, its second-highest pick and $500,000 of international signing bonus allotment... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets' $18.9 million qualifying offer on Wednesday to stay with the team for 2021. The 29-year-old right-hander did not play this year, missing the start of the shortened season in late July due to a torn left calf muscle, then announcing Aug. 10 he had opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic. A native of Medford on Long Island, Stroman announced his decision the day after new Mets owner Steven Cohen held an introductory news conference, Cohen bought the team last week from the Wilpon and Katz families for a baseball record $2.42 billion. “After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir,” Stroman posted on Twitter. “I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great!” “Marcus, That is great news,” Cohen replied on Twitter. “Looking forward to meeting you soon. I will call you over the next few days to thank you.” Stroman projects to be part of a rotation that includes... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman and San Francisco starter Kevin Gausman accepted $18.9 million qualifying offers Wednesday, receiving one-year deals to stay with their teams rather than test what they could get in free agency. Four players declined qualifying offers at the 5 p.m. EST deadline: right-hander Trevor Bauer from Cincinnati, outfielder George Springer from Houston, second baseman DJ LeMahieu from the New York Yankees and catcher J.T. Realmuto from Philadelphia. If any of those players signs with a new team, his former club would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round of next year’s amateur draft or at the end of competitive balance round B. The placement depends on whether the new contract is worth $50 million or more and the revenue-sharing and luxury tax status of the team losing the player. A team signing the player would give up either its third-highest draft pick, its second-highest pick and $500,000 of international signing bonus... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman and San Francisco starter Kevin Gausman accepted $18.9 million qualifying offers Wednesday, receiving one-year deals to stay with their teams rather than test what they could get in free agency. Four players declined qualifying offers at the 5 p.m. EST deadline: right-hander Trevor Bauer from Cincinnati, outfielder George Springer from Houston, second baseman DJ LeMahieu from the New York Yankees and catcher J.T. Realmuto from Philadelphia. If any of those players signs with a new team, his former club would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round of next year’s amateur draft or at the end of competitive balance round B. The placement depends on whether the new contract is worth $50 million or more and the revenue-sharing and luxury tax status of the team losing the player. A team signing the player would give up either its third-highest draft pick, its second-highest pick and $500,000 of international signing bonus... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets' $18.9 million qualifying offer on Wednesday to stay with the team for 2021. The 29-year-old right-hander did not play this year, missing the start of the shortened season in late July due to a torn left calf muscle, then announcing Aug. 10 he had opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic. He announced his decision the day after new Mets owner Steven Cohen held an introductory news conference, Cohen bought the team last week from the Wilpon and Katz families for a baseball record $2.42 billion. “After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir,” Stroman posted on Twitter. “I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great!” “Marcus, That is great news,” Cohen replied on Twitter. “Looking forward to meeting you soon. I will call you over the next few days to thank you.” Stroman projects to be part of a rotation that includes two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Pitcher Marcus Stroman has indicated he will accept the New York Mets' $18.9 million qualifying offer to stay with the team for 2021. The 29-year-old right-hander did not play this year, missing the start of the shortened season in late July due to a torn left calf muscle, then announcing Aug. 10 he had opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic. He tweeted his intention to accept the qualifying offer hours before the 5 p.m. EST Wednesday deadline and one day after new Mets owner Steven Cohen held a news conference after buying the team last week from the Wilpon and Katz families for a baseball record $2.42 billion. “After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir,” Stroman posted on Twitter. “I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great!” Stroman projects to be part of a rotation that includes two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Seth Lugo and David Peterson. Noah Syndergaard will miss the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Stroman was acquired by the Mets from Toronto on July 28, 2019, for left-hander Anthony Kay and minor league right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson. He went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets, leaving his career record at 51-47 with 3.76 ERA. By opting out, he gave up a little more than $3,250,414 of $4,444,444 in prorated pay from his $12 million salary. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Like so many things in everyday life this year, little went according to plan for the New York Mets. And with a change in ownership pending, more upheaval could be coming soon. After starting 2020 with such high hopes, the Mets finished 26-34 under rookie manager Luis Rojas in a rocky season cut short by the coronavirus. They tied Washington for last in the NL East and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year — even with the field expanded to eight teams per league. “That’s pretty frustrating,” said ace Jacob deGrom, who delivered another stellar performance on the mound. “There’s a lot of disappointment.” With slugger Pete Alonso powering a young corps of rising hitters, a second-half surge last year propelled New York to an 86-76 record and generated optimism. Former star Carlos Beltrán was hired as manager to replace Mickey Callaway, and the Mets set about beefing up their pitching staff in free agency. That's when everything went haywire. Beltrán was let go after... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have placed struggling pitchers Dellin Betances and Steven Matz on the injured list, one day after they both made appearances against the New York Yankees. Betances landed on the injured list with right lat tightness. Matz was placed on the IL with left shoulder discomfort and will see a doctor Monday to determine the next step.Betances threw a wild pitch on Saturday in the ninth inning that allowed Clint Frazier to score the winning run to give the Yankees a 2-1 win.“I definitely felt like I didn’t have anything today,” Betances said.Manager Luis Rojas said he did not think this injury was related to the lat strain that sidelined him for most of last season with the Yankees.The Mets signed Betances to a one-year deal with a player option for 2021 in December. The deal will guarantee him $10.5 million.The New York native is 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in 13 appearances this season. He is averaging 93.2 mph on his fastball, down from the 97.8 he averaged on the... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:SAN DIEGO SLAMMERSThe Padres have hit grand slams in four straight games, the only team in big league history to accomplish the feat. Eric Hosmer extended the streak when he connected Thursday night against Texas.All four slams have come against the Rangers -- Fernando Tatis Jr., Wil Myers and Manny Machado did it earlier this week.The Padres next take aim on Lance McCullers when he starts for the Astros at Petco Park. Houston has won eight in a row.HOLD ONThe Mets have another day off after two positive tests for COVID-19 in the organization. Their game at Miami scheduled for Thursday night was postponed an hour before it was supposed to begin and the series opener against the Yankees at Citi Field also was called off.Seth Lugo’s promotion from the Mets bullpen to the rotation was delayed because of the latest developments. He leads the team with three saves, but was set to start in place of place struggling lefty Steven Matz, who is 0-4... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Friday:SAN DIEGO SLAMMERSThe Padres have hit grand slams in four straight games, the only team in big league history to accomplish the feat. Eric Hosmer extended the streak when he connected Thursday night against Texas.All four slams have come against the Rangers -- Fernando Tatis Jr., Wil Myers and Manny Machado did it earlier this week.The Padres next take aim on Lance McCullers when he starts for the Astros at Petco Park. Houston has won eight in a row.HOLD ONThe Mets have another day off after two positive tests for COVID-19 in the organization. Their game at Miami scheduled for Thursday night was postponed an hour before it was supposed to begin and the series opener against the Yankees at Citi Field also was called off.Seth Lugo’s promotion from the Mets bullpen to the rotation was delayed because of the latest developments. He leads the team with three saves, but was set to start in place of place struggling lefty Steven Matz, who... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Right-hander Seth Lugo, who leads the New York Mets with three saves, will move into their rotation starting Thursday against Miami to replace struggling left-hander Steven Matz.Matz, who is 0-4 with an ERA of 9.00, will move to the bullpen, and Edwin Diaz will become the closer.Manager Luis Rojas decided to make the switch before Wednesday's game against Miami. “Seth has been a starter for us in the past,” Rojas said. “He’s a guy who is ready for any kind of challenge with his versatility.” Lugo was one of baseball's best, most durable relievers in 2019, compiling a 2.70 ERA while covering 80 innings over 61 appearances. He's repeatedly expressed a preference for starting and had some success in the role in 2017. New York considered converting Lugo back to the rotation over the offseason but instead added free agents Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha. The bullpen struggled without Lugo on Wednesday, allowing three runs to blow a lead before Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the ninth to give New York a 5-3 win.Diaz walked in a run in the eighth but pitched a perfect ninth with three strikeouts for the victory. He has a 2.53 ERA and one save and said he embraces returning to the role of closer, where he struggled last year. “I feel like I've been ready since spring training,” the Puerto Rican said through a translator. “I'm ready to pitch in whatever situation they need me.”___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning Wednesday, and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins for the third night in a row, 5-3.Jacob deGrom pitched six shutout innings and left with a lead, but Miami scored against the Mets' bullpen on a wild pitch and two bases-loaded walks for a 3-all tie going into the ninth.Brandon Nimmo walked with two out against Brandon Kintzler (1-2), and Conforto hit his fourth homer to center field, a shot estimated at 425 feet.“With how great Jake was,” Conforto said, “it feels good to get that win tonight.” “It’s a big homer,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said, “and one of those wins we haven't haven't had this year — in the ninth to take a lead with two outs, especially after blowing a save.”DeGrom struck out seven, walked none, allowed four hits and departed after throwing 91 pitches. Working for the first time in 10 days after skipping a turn because of neck stiffness, he touched 100 mph in the first inning and 98 in... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning Wednesday, and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins for the third night in a row, 5-3.Jacob deGrom pitched six shutout innings and left with a lead, but Miami scored against the Mets' bullpen on a wild pitch and two bases-loaded walks for a 3-all tie going into the ninth.Brandon Nimmo walked with two out against Miami closer Brandon Kintzler (1-2), and Conforto hit his fourth homer to center field, a shot estimated at 425 feet.DeGrom struck out seven, walked none, allowed four hits and departed after throwing 91 pitches. Working for the first time in 10 days after skipping a turn because of neck stiffness, he touched 100 mph in the first inning and 98 in the sixth. Edwin Diaz (1-0) walked in a run in the eighth but pitched a perfect ninth, getting all four of his outs via strikeout.Miami’s Pablo Lopez allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings, raising his ERA to 2.42.The Marlins have lost five games in a row to... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Adam Duvall hit a tiebreaking home run off the foul pole with one out in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves broke a four-game losing streak by beating the first-place Miami Marlins 2-1 Saturday.Atlanta’s Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings and was in line for his fourth victory until Monte Harrison hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Will Smith for a 1-all tie.The Braves regained the lead when Duvall lunged at an outside pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-1) and pulled it down the left field line.Marcell Ozuna produced the game’s first run when he led off the seventh with his fifth homer off Daniel Castano, making only his second major league start.Fried allowed four hits, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.24, but he remained winless in five career starts against Miami.Smith (1-0) worked the eighth. Mark Melancon pitched around a two-out single in the ninth for his fourth save to complete a six-hitter.INDIANS 3, TIGERS 1DETROIT (AP)... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Adam Duvall hit a tiebreaking home run off the foul pole with one out in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves broke a four-game losing streak by beating the first-place Miami Marlins 2-1 Saturday.Atlanta’s Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings and was in line for his fourth victory until Monte Harrison hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Will Smith for a 1-all tie.The Braves regained the lead when Duvall lunged at an outside pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-1) and pulled it down the left field line.Marcell Ozuna produced the game’s first run when he led off the seventh with his fifth homer off Daniel Castano, making only his second major league start.Fried allowed four hits, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.24, but he remained winless in five career starts against Miami.Smith (1-0) worked the eighth. Mark Melancon pitched around a two-out single in the ninth for his fourth save to complete a six-hitter.INDIANS 3, TIGERS 1DETROIT (AP)... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Adam Duvall hit a tiebreaking home run off the foul pole with one out in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves broke a four-game losing streak by beating the first-place Miami Marlins 2-1 Saturday.Atlanta’s Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings and was in line for his fourth victory until Monte Harrison hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Will Smith for a 1-all tie.The Braves regained the lead when Duvall lunged at an outside pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-1) and pulled it down the left field line.Marcell Ozuna produced the game’s first run when he led off the seventh with his fifth homer off Daniel Castano, making only his second major league start.Fried allowed four hits, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.24, but he remained winless in five career starts against Miami.Smith (1-0) worked the eighth. Mark Melancon pitched around a two-out single in the ninth for his fourth save to complete a six-hitter.INDIANS 3, TIGERS 1DETROIT (AP)... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Adam Duvall hit a tiebreaking home run off the foul pole with one out in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves broke a four-game losing streak by beating the first-place Miami Marlins 2-1 Saturday.Atlanta’s Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings and was in line for his fourth victory until Monte Harrison hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Will Smith for a 1-all tie.The Braves regained the lead when Duvall lunged at an outside pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-1) and pulled it down the left field line.Marcell Ozuna produced the game’s first run when he led off the seventh with his fifth homer off Daniel Castano, making only his second major league start.Fried allowed four hits, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.24, but he remained winless in five career starts against Miami.Smith (1-0) worked the eighth. Mark Melancon pitched around a two-out single in the ninth for his fourth save to complete a six-hitter.INDIANS 3, TIGERS 1DETROIT (AP)... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Adam Duvall hit a tiebreaking home run off the foul pole with one out in the ninth inning, and the Atlanta Braves broke a four-game losing streak by beating the first-place Miami Marlins 2-1 Saturday.Atlanta’s Max Fried pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings and was in line for his fourth victory until Monte Harrison hit his first major league homer leading off the eighth against Will Smith for a 1-all tie.The Braves regained the lead when Duvall lunged at an outside pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-1) and pulled it down the left field line.Marcell Ozuna produced the game’s first run when he led off the seventh with his fifth homer off Daniel Castano, making only his second major league start.Fried allowed four hits, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 1.24, but he remained winless in five career starts against Miami.Smith (1-0) worked the eighth. Mark Melancon pitched around a two-out single in the ninth for his fourth save to complete a six-hitter.TWINS 4, ROYALS 1, Game 1ROYALS... [More]