The Latest on baseball's opening day (all times Eastern):7:20 p.m.Matt Davidson became the fourth player in major league history to homer three times on opening day, and the White Sox have homered six times total against the Kansas City Royals, as they spoil their AL Central rivals' 50th anniversary celebration at Kauffman Stadium.Tim Anderson also homered twice and Jose Abreu went deep for the White Sox, matching the big league record for opening-day homers set by the Mets in 1988.Three of the four players to homer three times on opening day have done so against the Royals.___7:15 p.m.Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw gave up consecutive singles to open the first inning against the San Francisco Giants.Austin Jackson singled to left center and Joe Panik followed with a single to right field. Kershaw then got Giants newcomer Andrew McCutchen to hit into a double play to shortstop before striking out clean-up hitter Buster Posey to end the inning.Kershaw had a 0.00 ERA in six spring training starts.___7:10... [More]

The Latest on baseball's opening day (all times Eastern):7 p.m.Felix Hernandez will join select company when he makes his 10th straight opening day start for the Seattle Mariners.Hernandez will become just the seventh pitcher to make at least 10 straight opening day starts, joining Steve Carlton, Roy Halladay, Walter Johnson, Robin Roberts, Tom Seaver and Jack Morris. Carlton, Johnson and Halladay started 10 straight; Roberts and Seaver started 12 straight; and Morris started 14 straight opening days from 1980 to 1993.Hernandez has started 11 season openers overall in his career beginning in 2007. The one gap came in 2008 when Erik Bedard started the opener for Seattle.___5:50 p.m.Justin Verlander has finished his first opening day start for the Houston Astros with six scoreless innings.Verlander struck out five, walked two and hit a batter while throwing 90 pitches for the World Series champions in their season opener at the Texas Rangers. The big right-hander, who had started nine of... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani got off to a perfect start at the plate.The two-way newcomer from Japan quickly put aside a rugged spring training, hitting a single in his first real at-bat for the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.Batting eighth as the designated hitter, Ohtani swung at the first pitch and grounded a hard single to right field off Oakland's Kendall Graveman in the second inning. He grounded out his next time up.Ohtani often looked overmatched in the Cactus League, managing just four singles in 32 at-bats (.125) and striking out 10 times.The 23-year-old also struggled on the mound in exhibition play and wound up pitching on back fields against minor leaguers. He'll get his first chance in a game that counts when he starts Sunday against the A's.Ohtani left the Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League during the offseason and joined the Angels for a $2,315,000 bonus. If Ohtani had waited two more years, he could have commanded a deal for $100 million or more."I think... [More]

The Latest on baseball's opening day (all times Eastern):5:50 p.m.Justin Verlander has finished his first opening day start for the Houston Astros with six scoreless innings.Verlander struck out five, walked two and hit a batter while throwing 90 pitches for the World Series champions in their season opener at the Texas Rangers. The big right-hander, who had started nine of the previous 10 openers for Detroit, allowed four singles.Verlander has a 0.90 ERA in his six regular-season starts since getting traded from the Tigers to the Astros last Aug. 31. He was 5-0 last September, then won four more postseason games, and was the AL Championship Series MVP.Houston led 3-0 when Chris Devenski took over for Verlander at the start of the seventh inning.___5:45 p.m.Some of the biggest names in Dodgers history are gathering for opening day against the rival Giants as the franchise marks its 60th anniversary in Los Angeles.Sandy Koufax and Fernando Valenzuela chatted each other up on the field under... [More]

The Latest on baseball's opening day (all times Eastern):5:22 p.m.Zach Duke performed a baseball rarity at Camden Yards, striking out four in an inning.Unfortunately for the Twins reliever, he yielded two runs in the process.Duke entered in the seventh inning of a scoreless game and promptly struck out Trey Mancini, who reached when the third strike got past catcher Jason Castro.Duke also struck out Tim Beckham, Craig Gentry and Chris Davis. Between those Ks, however, Caleb Joseph hit a two-run triple.The last Twins pitcher to strike out four in an inning was Tyler Duffy in May 2016.___4:50 p.m.Braves catcher Tyler Flowers has left the game after injuring his left oblique while batting in Atlanta.In his first at-bat of the season, Flowers fouled off a pitch and a winced in pain before heading straight to the clubhouse.He was replaced by Kurt Suzuki.Flowers had surgery on both his left wrist and forearm after the 2017 season, the result of being hit by 20 pitches over the course of the season.... [More]

The Latest on baseball's opening day (all times Eastern):4:50 p.m.Braves catcher Tyler Flowers has left the game after injuring his left oblique while batting in Atlanta.In his first at-bat of the season, Flowers fouled off a pitch and a winced in pain before heading straight to the clubhouse.He was replaced by Kurt Suzuki.Flowers had surgery on both his left wrist and forearm after the 2017 season, the result of being hit by 20 pitches over the course of the season. But the Braves announced that he left the game with "left oblique discomfort."The 32-year-old Flowers is coming off one of his best years, hitting a career-high .281 with 12 homers and 49 RBIs. He combined with Suzuki to give the Braves one of baseball's most productive catching duos.___4:40 p.m.Just like that, Shohei Ohtani has his first major league hit.Ohtani lined a first-pitch single down the right-field line against Oakland's Kendall Graveman with two outs in the second inning and the Angels ahead 1-0.The two-way Japanese... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Just like that, Shohei Ohtani has his first major league hit.Ohtani lined a first-pitch single down the right-field line Thursday against Oakland's Kendall Graveman with two outs in the second inning and the Angels ahead 1-0.The Japanese two-way star started at designated hitter batting eighth for Los Angeles. He is set to pitch for the first time in Sunday's series finale against the Athletics.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:___FIRST DEFENSEThe Houston Astros begin the season as reigning World Series champions for the first time following their victory over the Dodgers last fall. AL Championship Series MVP Justin Verlander will make his first opening-day start with Houston after nine with Detroit. Verlander will face Texas ace Cole Hamels, who is making his fourth season-opening start, including his second with the Rangers.NEW FACESGiancarlo Stanton joins Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez in the Yankees' imposing lineup, while J.D. Martinez suits up for Boston and Eric Hosmer for San Diego after signing nine-figure deals in free agency. Five skippers — Washington's Dave Martinez, Boston's Alex Cora, the Yankees' Aaron Boone, the Mets' Mickey Callaway and Philadelphia's Gabe Kapler — will make their managerial debuts, while Detroit's Ron Gardenhire will manage his first opening day since 2014 with Minnesota.ACES UPClayton Kershaw, Corey Kluber, Chris Sale and... [More]

A look at what's happening all around the majors Thursday:___FIRST DEFENSEThe Houston Astros begin the season as reigning World Series champions for the first time following their victory over the Dodgers last fall. AL Championship Series MVP Justin Verlander will make his first opening-day start with Houston after nine with Detroit. Verlander will face Texas ace Cole Hamels, who is making his fourth season-opening start, including his second with the Rangers.NEW FACESGiancarlo Stanton joins Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez in the Yankees' imposing lineup, while J.D. Martinez suits up for Boston and Eric Hosmer for San Diego after signing nine-figure deals in free agency. Five skippers — Washington's Dave Martinez, Boston's Alex Cora, the Yankees' Aaron Boone, the Mets' Mickey Callaway and Philadelphia's Gabe Kapler — will make their managerial debuts, while Detroit's Ron Gardenhire will manage his first opening day since 2014 with Minnesota.ACES UPClayton Kershaw, Corey Kluber, Chris Sale... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kendall Graveman will take the ball on opening day for Oakland in a second straight season, eager to be the leader of a young rotation at age 27."It's fun. I feel healthy," Graveman said as he begins his fourth season with the A's. "It's special. It's the longest I've ever been somewhere. ... It just feels like home. This is a special place and I think we've got something really good going on."The right-hander spent a pair of stints on the disabled list last season with soreness in his pitching shoulder. Now, he is thankful for a new year.Slugger Khris Davis will try to keep the baseballs flying out of the ballpark after hitting 85 home runs over the past two seasons.Manager Bob Melvin is counting on the production of both Graveman and Davis.Melvin said of Graveman's spot atop the rotation, "He's ready for it.""It's an honor to be able to go out and kind of set the tone for the season and to be that guy," Graveman said.He will have a new catcher in Jonathan Lucroy... [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]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Los Angeles third baseman Justin Turner's broken left wrist is expected to heal without surgery, according to Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts.Turner was hurt Monday when hit by a pitch from Oakland's Kendall Graveman.Turner arrived at the Dodgers spring training facility with a cast over his wrist Tuesday morning and was scheduled to see a hand specialist for an estimate of the time he could miss."We know that it's not a surgery thing, it's just essentially time," Roberts said. "That's the initial thought. That could change but that's what I've heard."Turner hit .322 with 21 homers and 71 RBIs last year and was a first-time All-Star. He had 14 RBIs in the postseason, including seven against the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series, when he was voted MVP.The Dodgers appear poised to move Logan Forsythe from second base to third in Turner's absence and have Enrique Hernandez and Chase Utley share time at second."It obviously makes a lot of sense to have Logan over there a lot more at third, and to kind of put together some guys at second base, and leave Chris (Taylor) in center field," Roberts said.Backup catcher Austin Barnes also could see time at second base.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Los Angeles third baseman Justin Turner's broken left wrist is expected to heal without surgery, according to Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts.Turner was hurt Monday when hit by a pitch from Oakland's Kendall Graveman.Turner arrived at the Dodgers spring training facility with a cast over his wrist Tuesday morning and was scheduled to see a hand specialist for an estimate of the time he could miss."We know that it's not a surgery thing, it's just essentially time," Roberts said. "That's the initial thought. That could change but that's what I've heard."Turner hit .322 with 21 homers and 71 RBIs last year and was a first-time All-Star. He had 14 RBIs against the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series and was voted MVP.The Dodgers appear poised to move Logan Forsythe from second base to third in Turner's absence and have Enrique Hernandez and Chase Utley share time at second."It obviously makes a lot of sense to have Logan over there a lot more at third, and to kind of put together some guys at second base, and leave Chris (Taylor) in center field," Roberts said.Backup catcher Austin Barnes also could see time at second base.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

The Dodgers are going to be without their red-headed slugger on opening day, and possibly for a while after.Justin Turner has a broken left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Los Angeles' 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.Turner was struck by a pitch from right-hander Kendall Graveman in the first inning. Turner grunted and winced as he jogged away from the plate toward the dugout, his hand hanging limp at his side. He was quickly visited by a trainer and replaced by Donovan Solano."I was hoping obviously the X-rays would be negative, but there's a small non-displaced fracture," Turner said. "We'll just play it by ear, see how it goes."General manager Farhan Zaidi said the team didn't know yet how long Turner would be out, but it should be a matter of at least a few weeks. Turner says he'll visit the doctor again Tuesday to hopefully learn more.Los Angeles seems likely to slide Logan Forsythe to third base in Turner's absence, with Chase Utley or someone else assuming... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The reigning National League champion Dodgers are going to be without their red-headed slugger on opening day, and possibly for a while after.Justin Turner has a broken left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Los Angeles' 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.Turner was struck by a pitch from right-hander Kendall Graveman in the first inning. Last year's NLCS MVP grunted and winced as he jogged away from the plate toward the dugout, his hand hanging limp at his side. He was quickly visited by a trainer and replaced by Donovan Solano."I was hoping obviously the X-rays would be negative, but there's a small non-displaced fracture," said Turner, who led the Dodgers last year by getting plunked 19 times. "We'll just play it by ear, see how it goes."General manager Farhan Zaidi said the team didn't know yet how long Turner would be out, but players with broken wrists usually miss several weeks. Turner says he'll visit the doctor again Tuesday to hopefully... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Dodgers are going to be without their red-headed slugger on opening day, and possibly for a while after.Justin Turner has a broken left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Los Angeles' 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.Turner was struck by a pitch from right-hander Kendall Graveman in the first inning. Turner grunted and winced as he jogged away from the plate toward the dugout, his hand hanging limp at his side. He was quickly visited by a trainer and replaced by Donovan Solano."I was hoping obviously the X-rays would be negative, but there's a small non-displaced fracture," Turner said. "We'll just play it by ear, see how it goes."General manager Farhan Zaidi said the team didn't know yet how long Turner would be out, but it should be a matter of at least a few weeks. Turner says he'll visit the doctor again Tuesday to hopefully learn more.Los Angeles seems likely to slide Logan Forsythe to third base in Turner's absence, with Chase Utley or someone else assuming regular duty at second base."We're not as good of a team without J.T.," Zaidi said, adding "We do feel good about our internal options. There are guys who can move around."The 33-year-old Turner hit .322 with 21 homers and 71 RBIs last season. He also led the team and finished third in the majors by getting plunked 19 times.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

The Dodgers are going to be without their red-headed slugger on opening day, and possibly for a while after.Justin Turner has a broken left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Los Angeles' 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.Turner was struck by a pitch from right-hander Kendall Graveman in the first inning. Turner grunted and winced as he jogged away from the plate toward the dugout, his hand hanging limp at his side. He was quickly visited by a trainer and replaced by Donovan Solano."I was hoping obviously the X-rays would be negative, but there's a small non-displaced fracture," Turner said. "We'll just play it by ear, see how it goes."General manager Farhan Zaidi said the team didn't know yet how long Turner would be out, but it should be a matter of at least a few weeks. Turner says he'll visit the doctor again Tuesday to hopefully learn more.Los Angeles seems likely to slide Logan Forsythe to third base in Turner's absence, with Chase Utley or someone else assuming... [More]

Jharel Cotton had planned to build off a promising rookie campaign for the Oakland Athletics.He'll have to wait another year.The 26-year-old righty will undergo elbow surgery and not pitch in 2018, a setback for a young club trying to improve on a last-place finish."It's tough. I'm missing the 2018 season with my boys, so it's kind of hard to take. I'm trying to take it as best as I can and just get ready for the long process, the long road that's ahead," Cotton said Saturday.Cotton had been diagnosed with a sprain and had a second scan Friday, then was told he would need Tommy John surgery.Cotton was 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA average in 24 starts. This spring, he had a 3.75 ERA in four exhibitions, striking out 16 in 12 innings."Unfortunate. Just of him having to go through what a lot of guys have to go through," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "But we felt like he was on the cusp of really coming into his own and it's going to be delayed a year, unfortunately."The A's figure to go into the 2018... [More]

Jharel Cotton had planned to build off a promising rookie campaign for the Oakland Athletics.He'll have to wait another year.The 26-year-old righty will undergo elbow surgery and not pitch in 2018, a setback for a young club trying to improve on a last-place finish."It's tough. I'm missing the 2018 season with my boys, so it's kind of hard to take. I'm trying to take it as best as I can and just get ready for the long process, the long road that's ahead," Cotton said Saturday.Cotton had been diagnosed with a sprain and had a second scan Friday, then was told he would need Tommy John surgery.Cotton was 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA average in 24 starts. This spring, he had a 3.75 ERA in four exhibitions, striking out 16 in 12 innings."Unfortunate. Just of him having to go through what a lot of guys have to go through," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "But we felt like he was on the cusp of really coming into his own and it's going to be delayed a year, unfortunately."The A's figure to go into the 2018... [More]

Jharel Cotton had planned to build off a promising rookie campaign for the Oakland Athletics.He'll have to wait another year.The 26-year-old righty will undergo elbow surgery and not pitch in 2018, a setback for a young club trying to improve on a last-place finish."It's tough. I'm missing the 2018 season with my boys, so it's kind of hard to take. I'm trying to take it as best as I can and just get ready for the long process, the long road that's ahead," Cotton said Saturday.Cotton had been diagnosed with a sprain and had a second scan Friday, then was told he would need Tommy John surgery.Cotton was 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA average in 24 starts. This spring, he had a 3.75 ERA in four exhibitions, striking out 16 in 12 innings."Unfortunate. Just of him having to go through what a lot of guys have to go through," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "But we felt like he was on the cusp of really coming into his own and it's going to be delayed a year, unfortunately."The A's figure to go into the 2018... [More]