HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):7:10 p.m.Five-time Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt from the Houston Texas wore a Jose Altuve jersey when giving an enthusiastic "Play Ball!" before the Astros opened the World Series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.Texans players wore Astros gear when they departed Houston for their game at Indianapolis last weekend.When Watt arrived at the stadium before Sunday's NFL game, he also sported an Altuve jersey, that time with the No. 27 and the 5-foot-6 second baseman's name facing the front. That was after Altuve's AL pennant-clinching two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the AL Championship Series to beat the New York Yankees on Saturday night.___7:05 p.m.Brian McCann didn't make it to the World Series as a player after returning to his original team. He was still there for Game 1 in Houston.McCann, the primary catcher for the Astros' championship season two years ago, threw out the... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):5:10 p.m.Right-handers Joe Ross and Wander Suero were added to the Washington Nationals' active roster for the World Series in place of Roenis Elías and Austin Voth.Ross started Game 4 in the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing four runs, three hits and a walk in 2 2/3 innings. Washington rebounded to tie the score before losing 6-5.Suero entered in Game 3 after Los Angeles had scored four runs off Patrick Corbin to take a 5-2 lead. Suero allowed a three-run homer to Justin Turner, his first batter, and gave up a double before getting the final out of the inning. That was his only appearance of the series.Elías and Voth were on the roster for the NL Championship Series sweep of St. Louis but did not pitch,"I can use Ross in back-to-back days," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "Voth, I don't really know if we use him one day, he might not be able to pitch back-to-back days."___3:25 p.m.Trea Turner... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):3:25 p.m.Trea Turner will be the first batter in this year's World Series when the Washington Nationals shortstop leads off Game 1 on Tuesday night against Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole.The rest of the Nationals starting lineup has RF Adam Eaton batting second, followed by 3B Anthony Rendon, LF Juan Soto, DH Howie Kendrick, 2B Asdrúbal Cabrera, 1B Ryan Zimmerman, C Kurt Suzuki and CF Victor Robles.Houston's lineup against Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer has CF George Springer leading off, followed by 2B Jose Altuve, LF Michael Brantley, 3B Alex Bregman, 1B Yuli Gurriel, SS Carlos Correa, DH Yordan Alvarez, C Martin Maldonado and RF Josh Reddick.___2 p.m.The assistant general manager of the Houston Astros has issued a statement apologizing for using "inappropriate language" after a report in Sports Illustrated said he repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters during the team's celebration after clinching the... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — After losing 100 games in three straight seasons, the Houston Astros are in position to become the first team to win 100 in four consecutive years.A core of José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and George Springer has been supplemented with stud starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke, the combination leading the Astros to their second World Series appearance in three seasons."The ability to recognize when you have a chance to win — and realistically when you have a chance to win and not — I think is one of our most important responsibilities," former Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said ahead of Tuesday's Series opener against Washington. "You can fool yourself one way or the other. Making the wise decisions is extremely important for you to try to win a championship."Houston went 56-106 in 2011 after dealing stars Lance Berkman, Michael Bourn, Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence. The team was sold from Drayton McLane... [More]

A position-by-position look at the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros going into the World Series, starting Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park:___First Base:Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman. The longtime face of the franchise, Zimmerman was Washington's first draft pick in 2005 after the team moved to the nation's capital from Montreal. The fan favorite has been through all of the Nationals' ups and downs, from a string of painful early playoff exits to the feel-good story of his first trip to the World Series this season. A converted third baseman, he's been hampered by injuries much of the past six years — including shoulder problems that affect his throwing. But at age 35, he's become an everyday player again during a solid postseason.Astros: Yuli Gurriel. From a family of baseball royalty in Cuba, the highly touted Gurriel got a $47.5 million contract and has established himself as a productive RBI man during three full years in the majors. He took off in late June and put together a big... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Howie Kendrick is in the postseason for the eighth time in his 14 major league seasons, having played in October for three different teams. This time, he is finally on a World Series team."This is a dream come true," the 36-year-old utilityman, who has been in 43 playoff games, said Monday before the Washington Nationals worked out in Houston. "Been in the playoffs many times, and this is truly special."Washington's appearance in the World Series also means the first time for Ryan Zimmerman, the first guy ever drafted by the Nationals in 2005 and the only player to wear their uniform in each of their 15 seasons."This has obviously been an unbelievable ride, and I'm just trying to soak it all in," the 35-year-old Zimmerman said.They aren't the only players with more than a decade of big league service time that are World Series first-timers.Astros reliever Joe Smith has made 782 appearances for six teams over the past 13 seasons. Asdrúbal Cabrera, who rejoined the Nationals... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Take out pennant-clinching home run hitter Jose Altuve, and the Houston Astros' bats are really scuffling this postseason.After leading the majors with a .274 team batting average during the regular season, the Astros hit only .208 in their two American League playoffs series while making it to their second World Series in three seasons. That drops nearly 20 points without the AL Championship Series MVP."The playoffs aren't about statistics. It's about moments," George Springer, the 2017 World Series MVP, said Monday. "It takes only at-bat a day to help your team. One at-bat a day can impact a game."Springer hit five home runs in that 2017 World Series after going 3 for 26 (.115) in the seven-game AL Championship Series, when he had three singles and didn't drive in a run.The Astros are hoping for similar performances from several players going into Game 1 against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.First baseman Yuli Gurriel, who hit .289 in 144 regular-season games,... [More]

A look at the best-of-seven World Series between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Tuesday, at Houston, 8:08 p.m.; Game 2, Wednesday, at Houston, 8:07 p.m.; Game 3, Friday, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; Game 4, Saturday, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 5, Sunday, Oct. 27, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 6, Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Houston, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 7, Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Houston, 8:08 p.m. (All games on FOX).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Did not play.___Projected Lineups:Nationals: SS Trea Turner (.298, 19 HRs, 57 RBIs, 37 2Bs, 35 SBs, 96 runs), RF Adam Eaton (.279, 15, 49, 15 SBs, 103 runs), 3B Anthony Rendon (.319, 34, 126, 44 2Bs, 117 runs, 1.010 OPS), LF Juan Soto (.282, 34, 110, 110 runs, .949 OPS), 2B Howie Kendrick (.344, 17, 62), 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.257, 6, 27 in 52 games), DH Asdrúbal Cabrera (.260, 18, 91 in 131 games with Texas and Washington) or Matt Adams (.226, 20, 56, 115 Ks, 310 ABs in 111 games), C Kurt Suzuki (.264,... [More]

Astros first. George Springer strikes out swinging. Jose Altuve doubles to deep left center field. Michael Brantley flies out to center field to Aaron Hicks. Alex Bregman walks. Yuli Gurriel homers to left field. Alex Bregman scores. Jose Altuve scores. Carlos Correa grounds out to shortstop, Gio Urshela to DJ LeMahieu.3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Astros 3, Yankees 0.Yankees second. Aaron Hicks grounds out to first base to Yuli Gurriel. Edwin Encarnacion strikes out swinging. Didi Gregorius doubles to right field. Gary Sanchez singles to center field. Didi Gregorius scores. Gio Urshela walks. Gary Sanchez to second. Brett Gardner called out on strikes.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Astros 3, Yankees 1.Yankees fourth. Gary Sanchez strikes out swinging. Gio Urshela homers to center field. Brett Gardner singles to shallow left field. DJ LeMahieu lines out to deep center field to George Springer. Aaron Judge strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 3, Yankees... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton visited manager Aaron Boone's office Thursday night. Their conversation was brief."We both kind of said, 'Let's go,'" Boone said.Stanton is back in New York's lineup for Game 5 of the AL Championship Series after missing three straight games with a strained right quadriceps. He's set to start at designated hitter and bat fourth against Astros ace Justin Verlander on Friday night.The Yankees lost all three games in Stanton's absence, falling behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven series. They hope the 2017 NL MVP can jumpstart an offense that's stalled out after creating plenty of traffic. New York has worked Houston's pitching staff hard, drawing 16 walks but going 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position the past three games. The one hit didn't even score a run."Ultimately, the goal is to create those opportunities," Boone said. "Now we've got to break through."Limited by injuries to 18 games during the regular season, Stanton homered in the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton visited manager Aaron Boone's office Thursday night. Their conversation was brief."We both kind of said, 'Let's go,'" Boone said.Stanton is back in New York's lineup for Game 5 of the AL Championship Series after missing three straight games with a strained right quadriceps. He's set to start at designated hitter and bat fourth against Astros ace Justin Verlander on Friday night.The Yankees lost all three games in Stanton's absence, falling behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven series. They hope the 2017 NL MVP can jumpstart an offense that's stalled out after creating plenty of traffic. New York has worked Houston's pitching staff hard, drawing 16 walks but going 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position the past three games. The one hit didn't even score a run."Ultimately, the goal is to create those opportunities," Boone said. "Now we've got to break through."Limited by injuries to 18 games during the regular season, Stanton homered in the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sounds as though Zack Greinke got an earful at Yankee Stadium while warming up in the bullpen.By the time the ninth inning rolled around, most of those fans were long gone.Awfully satisfying for the Houston Astros."They emptied out pretty quick toward the end. I guess there wasn't that much to say," right fielder Josh Reddick said.Greinke kept his cool after a rocky start Thursday night and the Astros romped to an 8-3 victory over the New York Yankees for a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.A report by NJ Advance Media detailed some of the jeering directed at Greinke as he got loose before the game. Fans in the left field bleachers insulted his family and taunted the Astros starting pitcher with chants about his social anxiety disorder. At least one was ejected as police officers kept a watchful eye close by, the outlet noted."I didn't hear anything," Greinke said softly in the Houston clubhouse after allowing one run in 4 1/3 innings.The revved-up Bronx... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sounds as though Zack Greinke got an earful at Yankee Stadium while warming up in the bullpen.By the time the ninth inning rolled around, most of those fans were long gone.Awfully satisfying for the Houston Astros."They emptied out pretty quick toward the end. I guess there wasn't that much to say," right fielder Josh Reddick said.Greinke kept his cool after a rocky start Thursday night and the Astros romped to an 8-3 victory over the New York Yankees for a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.A report by NJ Advance Media detailed some of the jeering directed at Greinke as he got loose before the game. Fans in the left field bleachers insulted his family and taunted the Astros starting pitcher with chants about his social anxiety disorder. At least one was ejected as police officers kept a watchful eye close by, the outlet indicated."I didn't hear anything," Greinke said softly in the Houston clubhouse after allowing one run in 4 1/3 innings.The revved-up... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sounds as though Zack Greinke got an earful at Yankee Stadium while warming up in the bullpen.By the time the ninth inning rolled around, most of those fans were long gone.Awfully satisfying for the Houston Astros."They emptied out pretty quick toward the end. I guess there wasn't that much to say," right fielder Josh Reddick said.Greinke kept his cool after a rocky start Thursday night and the Astros romped to an 8-3 victory over the New York Yankees for a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.A report by NJ Advance Media detailed some of the jeering directed at Greinke as he got loose before the game. Fans in the left field bleachers insulted his family and taunted the Astros starting pitcher with chants about his social anxiety disorder, the outlet indicated. At least one was ejected as police officers kept a watchful eye close by."I didn't hear anything," Greinke said softly in the Houston clubhouse after allowing one run in 4 1/3 innings.The revved-up... [More]

Yankees first. DJ LeMahieu walks. Aaron Judge reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. DJ LeMahieu out at second. Aaron Hicks singles to right center field. Aaron Judge to second. Gleyber Torres pops out to shallow right field to Yuli Gurriel. Edwin Encarnacion walks. Brett Gardner walks. Edwin Encarnacion to second. Aaron Hicks to third. Aaron Judge scores. Gary Sanchez strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3 left on. Yankees 1, Astros 0.Astros third. Robinson Chirinos walks. Josh Reddick singles to right field. Robinson Chirinos to second. George Springer homers to center field. Josh Reddick scores. Robinson Chirinos scores. Jose Altuve singles to shortstop. Michael Brantley singles to right field. Jose Altuve to third. Alex Bregman reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield, advances to 2nd. Michael Brantley to third. Jose Altuve out at home. Yuli Gurriel flies out to right field to Aaron Judge. Yordan Alvarez flies out to left field to Brett Gardner.3 runs, 4 hits, 0... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch says he will remove his team from the field if fans at Yankee Stadium again throw objects at Houston players.Right fielder Josh Reddick said fans tossed water bottles, baseballs and other objects at him during Game 3 on Tuesday night."I will pull the team off the field if we get in that situation again where bottles are being thrown and balls are being thrown and it becomes unruly," Hinch said Thursday before Game 4. "There's other ways to support your home team, and this place does as good a job as anybody to trying to police that while also trying to create an environment that's all pro Yankees. It would be a very ugly scene for baseball, a very ugly seen for the Yankees, if one of our guys was hit by something from the upper deck. Something tragic could happen and nobody wants that."A warning message was shown on large center-field video board before the game: "Please be advised that it is illegal to throw any substance or object in the stadium.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch says he will remove his team from the field if fans at Yankee Stadium again throw objects at Houston players.Right fielder Josh Reddick said fans tossed water bottles, baseballs and other objects at him during Game 3 on Tuesday night."I will pull the team off the field if we get in that situation again where bottles are being thrown and balls are being thrown and it becomes unruly," Hinch said Thursday before Game 4. "There's other ways to support your home team, and this place does as good a job as anybody to trying to police that while also trying to create an environment that's all pro Yankees. It would be a very ugly scene for baseball, a very ugly seen for the Yankees, if one of our guys was hit by something from the upper deck. Something tragic could happen and nobody wants that."A warning message was shown on large center-field video board before the game: "Please be advised that it is illegal to throw any substance or object in the stadium.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch says he will remove his team from the field if fans at Yankee Stadium again throw objects at Houston players.Right fielder Josh Reddick said fans tossed water bottles, baseballs and other objects debris at him during Game 3 on Tuesday night."I will pull the team off the field if we get in that situation again where bottles are being thrown and balls are being thrown and it becomes unruly," Hinch said Thursday before Game 4. "There's other ways to support your home team, and this place does as good a job as anybody to trying to police that while also trying to create an environment that's all pro Yankees. It would be a very ugly scene for baseball, a very ugly seen for the Yankees, if one of our guys was hit by something from the upper deck. Something tragic could happen and nobody wants that."New York fans erupted after a replay review changed Edwin Encarnación's infield hit leading off the eighth to a groundout. Houston went on to win 4-1 and take... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton remained out of the New York Yankees lineup for the third straight game and Aaron Hicks was moved up to third in the batting order for Game 4 of the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros on Thursday night.Limited by injuries to 18 games during the regular season, Stanton homered in the series opener and missed the next two games because of a strained right quadriceps.Stanton ran on the field before Thursday's game, but Boone already had made up his mind to keep Stanton out of the starting lineup."Probably for the first time saw some improvement today," Boone said. "Whether he's running at 60% or whatever, don't feel like he's ready to be an option in the field for us. I think there's a possibility of that kind of DH role now. So it's a little bit of a decision for me."Boone said Stanton was available to pinch hit and could be New York's designated hitter for Game 5 on Friday night, a move that would cause him to either bench Edwin Encarnación... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Astros right fielder Josh Reddick called out Yankees fans for tossing water bottles, baseballs and other objects on the field during New York's 4-1 loss in the AL Championship Series on Tuesday night."You throw a baseball hard enough and hit somebody in the head when they're not looking, it could do some damage to the player, so it's definitely disrespectful and at the same time very unsafe," Reddick said.Fans erupted after a replay review changed Edwin Encarnación's infield hit leading off the eighth to a groundout. Houston went on to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series."I don't think fans realize when they do that that you could hit a player. You hit a baseball player with a baseball from the third deck, it's got a little bit of movement on it so it can definitely do some damage to you and it's frustrating to see as a player in the outfield," Reddick said. "I saw water bottles and like two baseballs. There were two souvenir baseballs thrown in center and... [More]