CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox tied a major league record with four consecutive home runs, all against Roel Ramirez in his major league debut, and went on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday. Ramirez is the first pitcher to allow four straight homers in his debut. Yoán Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez connected during a six-run fifth inning.It was the 10th time in major league history a team hit four straight homers. The only other time the White Sox did it was on Aug. 14, 2008, against Kansas City, when Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe connected.The White Sox got another solid start from Dallas Keuchel (3-2) and won for just the third time in 11 home games.St. Louis right-hander Dakota Hudson (0-2) allowed one run in four innings in his first start since July 26.INDIANS 8, TIGERS 5DETROIT (AP) — Franmil Reyes homered twice, and the Indians beat the Tigers for the 20th straight time, nearing the major league record for most consecutive... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eric Hosmer singled in the go-ahead run with two outs in the sixth inning, and the San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in the series opener Monday night.Joc Pederson bobbled the ball on Hosmer’s hit to left and couldn’t attempt a throw as Trent Grisham scored from second after Dustin May (1-1) walked him, giving the Padres a 2-1 lead.Austin Hedges homered with two outs in the fifth to tie it at 1. It was Hedges’ third hit and first homer of the season and only the second home run given up by May.Emilio Pagán retired Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner in order in the eighth, and the Dodgers managed just four hits. Betts, Bellinger and Turner were 1 for 4 with a strikeout each. Los Angeles was 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.Cal Quantrill (2-0) got the victory with three innings of relief. He allowed two hits and struck out three.Drew Pomeranz retired the side in the ninth for his third save.ANGELS 10, ATHLETICS 9ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) —... [More]

The defending World Series champion Washington Nationals are happy to have their starting center fielder finally in camp and the Detroit Tigers have named their opening day starter.Teams around the league were beginning to make their final preparations Sunday for the start of the abbreviated baseball season.Washington is counting on having Victor Robles patrolling center field when Max Scherzer throws the first pitch of the season Thursday night against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park.Robles had his first official workout with the team on Sunday after being quarantined for two weeks because he came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.“It was definitely very difficult, the fact that I really wasn’t able to work much on my swing,” Robles said through an interpreter. “But I appreciate that the team did a good job of taking me a lot of things that I could use within the apartment, even baseballs and whatnot, to try to stay as ready as I could physically.”Robles... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia second baseman Neil Walker, Texas pitcher Edinson Vólquez and Pittsburgh pitcher Derek Holland have made opening-day rosters.So have Milwaukee first baseman Logan Morrison, Cincinnati pitcher Nate Jones, Tampa Bay pitcher Aaron Loup and New York Yankees pitcher Luis Avilán.The seven were among the former free agents clubs had to make decisions on by Sunday, five days ahead of opening day.Two players were given $100,000 retention bonuses this weekend, allowing teams to keep them with minor league contracts: New York Mets catcher René Rivera and Colorado catcher Drew Butera.Among those released ahead of the deadline were Philadelphia pitcher Francisco Liriano and infielder Logan Forsythe, Mets first baseman Matt Adams and Washington reliever Fernando Abad.Released players remain eligible to re-sign with the teams.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — For a team that didn’t anticipate a lot of change after making the playoffs for the first time in six years, the Tampa Bay Rays have a lot of new faces on the roster entering spring training.Japanese slugger Yoshi Tsutsugo and trade acquisitions José Martinez, Hunter Renfroe, Manuel Margot and Randy Arozarena are among the newcomers the Rays are counting on to help a largely young team build on the success of the past two seasons.Key departures include catcher Travis d’Arnaud, closer Emilio Pagán and outfielders Tommy Pham and Avisaíl García, however expectations remain high after improving from 90 wins two years ago to 96 and an AL wild-card berth last season.“Expectations are up, but that’s what you want,” general manager Erik Neander said.“At the end of the day, the goal is to win by one. I think we’ve done enough on the offensive side to have a different look with guys who chip in in different ways,” Neander added. “And, I think we’ve also strengthened the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon became a free agent Thursday, a day after homering to spark Washington's seventh-inning comeback in Game 7 of the World Series.Houston pitcher Gerrit Cole also went free after warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the season finale.And Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the World Series MVP, could be joining them in the next few days. He has the right to opt out of his contract, which has $100 million over four years remaining.Baseball's business season starts shortly after the final out."I think it's hard to kind of fast-forward," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Seasons end really fast. I don't care if you get all the way to the seventh game of the World Series. It's all of a sudden — boom! — it's over."Cole, Rendon and Strasburg all are represented by Scott Boras, known for slow, methodical negotiations. Last winter, he reached outfielder Bryce Harper's $330 million, 13-year contract with Philadelphia on Feb. 28.Cole,... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Padres introduced their new manager and hinted about old uniform colors they'll wear in 2020. It's easy to predict which the team's weary, patient fans are more excited about.When Jayce Tingler was presented at a news conference on Thursday, he was wearing the club's classic brown jersey, which is expected to return next season.The 38-year-old is a first-time big league manager and takes over a team that last had a winning record in 2010. San Diego has not hired a manager with prior big league experience since Jack McKeon in 1988."I may not be perfect," Tingler said of his lack of experience. "But I have managed a lot of games in my mind."Andy Green was fired Sept. 21 after going 274-366 in four seasons.Padres general manager A.J. Preller's relationship with Tingler dates to 2015 and their time together with the Texas Rangers."I think the easy thing to do sometimes when you make a decision and it doesn't get the result you're looking for is going 180 degrees in a different... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian slugging prospect Josh Naylor has been called up for his major league debut by the San Diego Padres during a rare interleague series at Toronto.Naylor is from Mississauga, Ontario, about an hour away from Toronto. He was promoted by San Diego on Friday and was set to bat sixth as the designated hitter.He is one of two Canadian youngsters playing for the Padres this weekend. Right-hander Cal Quantrill, the son of former big league pitcher Paul Quantrill, is set to start Saturday.Naylor was the 12th overall pick in the 2015 draft by Miami, the earliest a Canadian-born position player has been selected. San Diego acquired him a year later in a deal that sent back Andrew Cashner.Naylor is hitting .299 with 10 homers in 45 games with Triple-A El Paso this season.The Padres placed outfielder Alex Dickerson (right wrist) on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 20. Left-hander Aaron Loup (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Aaron Loup and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $1.4 million, a deal that includes a team option for 2020.Loup gets a $1.2 million salary this year under the agreement announced Sunday. San Diego's option is for $2 million with a $200,000 buyout.He can earn an additional $800,000 annually in performance bonuses based on appearances.A 31-year-old reliever, Loup had a 4.54 ERA in 59 games last year for Toronto and Philadelphia, which acquired him July 31. He struck out 44 and walked 14 in 39 2/3 innings.Loup came up to the major leagues with Toronto in 2012 and is 12-20 with a 3.49 ERA and six saves in 378 relief appearances over seven seasons.To clear a roster spot, San Diego transferred right-hander Garrett Richards to the 60-day injured list.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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 BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [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 BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [More]

Looking for an offensive boost, the Philadelphia Phillies added an All-Star who may not help them for a while.The NL East-leading Phillies acquired injured catcher Wilson Ramos from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for a player to be named or cash. They also got left-hander Aaron Loup from the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league right-hander Jacob Waguespack.Ramos is batting .297 with 14 homers and 53 RBIs but is on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. General manager Matt Klentak said the best-case scenario has Ramos returning in mid-to-late August, though it's possible he may be sidelined until September."We're uniquely positioned to take on a risk like this," Klentak said in a conference call. "The fact he may not be active for a few more weeks is not the end of the world for us."Ramos said he can do everything behind the plate but still feels pain when he runs.When healthy, Ramos should upgrade an offense that has struggled during a four-game losing streak. He's also solid defensively."Wilson... [More]

The latest on Major League Baseball trades on the deadline day for deals without waivers (all times Eastern):5:15 p.m.The Arizona Diamondbacks have bolstered their bullpen for the second time at the trade deadline, acquiring left-hander Jake Diekman from the Texas Rangers for right-hander Wei-Chieh Huang and a player to be named.The deal comes after the Diamondbacks picked up right-hander Brad Ziegler in a trade with the Miami Marlins.The 31-year-old Diekman was 1-1 with two saves and a 3.69 ERA in 47 appearances with the Rangers this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.57 ERA in seven big league seasons with Philadelphia and Texas.The 24-year-old Huang was a combined 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 29 games with Class A Visalia and Double-A Jackson this season.Arizona also designed left-hander Jorge De La Rosa for assignment.___5 p.m.The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-hander John Axford from Toronto in exchange for minor league pitcher Corey Cropping.Axford is 4-1 with... [More]

The latest on Major League Baseball trades on the deadline day for deals without waivers (all times Eastern):5 p.m.The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-hander John Axford from Toronto in exchange for minor league pitcher Corey Cropping.Axford is 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA in 45 games for the Blue Jays this season. He's held hitters to a .234 average.Axford has been particularly strong against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .147 average.During Axford's 10-year big league career, he's also pitched with Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Oakland.Cropping is 4-0 with three saves and a 2.52 ERA in 35 combined games with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa this season.___4:40 p.m.The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired second baseman Jonathan Schoop in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.The playoff-hopeful Brewers sent second baseman Jonathan Villar, along with two prospects to Baltimore.Schoop is the second infielder to be acquired... [More]

The latest on Major League Baseball trades on the deadline day for deals without waivers (all times Eastern):4:25 p.m.The Atlanta Braves have acquired right-handers Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for four prospects.The 27-year-old Gausman is 5-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 games started for Baltimore. He is under team control through 2020.The Orioles acquired Triple-A Gwinnett right-hander Evan Phillips, Class A Rome infielder Jean Carlos Encarnacion and two Double-A Mississippi prospects — catcher Brett Cumberland and left-hander Bruce Zimmerman. Baltimore also received international signing bonus slot money.This is the second deal between the teams in three days. Atlanta boosted its bullpen by acquiring right-hander Brad Brach from Baltimore for an international signing slot on Sunday.Gausman will provide another veteran arm in a Braves rotation that has lost rookie Mike Soroka and right-hander Brandon McCarthy to injuries. O'Day is on the 60-day disabled... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-hander Aaron Loup from the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league right-hander Jacob Waguespack.Loup has a 4.54 ERA in 50 relief appearances this season with 42 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings, and the Phillies will assume the $594,422 remaining of his $1,812,500 salary.Waguespack was 4-6 with a 4.68 ERA in 21 games, including 15 starts, at Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.Infielder Trevor Plouffe was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.The NL East-leading Phillies also acquired catcher Wilson Ramos from Tampa Bay for a player to be named later or cash on Tuesday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Houston Astros won their 10th straight game, with Dallas Keuchel getting three-run homers from Max Stassi and Alex Bregman to rout the Kansas City Royals 10-2 on Saturday.Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the first inning to send the World Series champions on their way. The Astros had an 11-game win streak last season that ended in Kansas City.The Royals have lost five in a row and are just 2-12 in June.Keuchel (4-8) began to emerge from a monthlong funk, allowing two unearned runs and six hits in six innings. The 2015 Cy Young winner had surrendered a combined 17 runs over his last three outings, and had not won since tossing seven scoreless innings against Texas on May 13.Danny Duffy (3-7) had been pitching well of late, but the Royals left-hander allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings.YANKEES 4, RAYS 1NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Severino pitched eight sharp innings and also jumped to steal away a popup from catcher Gary Sanchez as New York... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Houston Astros won their 10th straight game, with Dallas Keuchel getting three-run homers from Max Stassi and Alex Bregman to rout the Kansas City Royals 10-2 on Saturday.Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the first inning to send the World Series champions on their way. The Astros had an 11-game win streak last season that ended in Kansas City.The Royals have lost five in a row and are just 2-12 in June.Keuchel (4-8) began to emerge from a monthlong funk, allowing two unearned runs and six hits in six innings. The 2015 Cy Young winner had surrendered a combined 17 runs over his last three outings, and had not won since tossing seven scoreless innings against Texas on May 13.Danny Duffy (3-7) had been pitching well of late, but the Royals left-hander allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings.YANKEES 4, RAYS 1NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Severino pitched eight sharp innings and also jumped to steal away a popup from catcher Gary Sanchez as New York... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Houston Astros won their 10th straight game, with Dallas Keuchel getting three-run homers from Max Stassi and Alex Bregman to rout the Kansas City Royals 10-2 on Saturday.Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the first inning to send the World Series champions on their way. The Astros had an 11-game win streak last season that ended in Kansas City.The Royals have lost five in a row and are just 2-12 in June.Keuchel (4-8) began to emerge from a monthlong funk, allowing two unearned runs and six hits in six innings. The 2015 Cy Young winner had surrendered a combined 17 runs over his last three outings, and had not won since tossing seven scoreless innings against Texas on May 13.Danny Duffy (3-7) had been pitching well of late, but the Royals left-hander allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings.YANKEES 4, RAYS 1NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Severino pitched eight sharp innings and also jumped to steal away a popup from catcher Gary Sanchez as New York... [More]

Capsules of American League East teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Boston Red Sox2017: 93-69, first place, lost to Houston in ALDS.Manager: Alex Cora (first season).He's Here: DH J.D. Martinez.He's Outta Here: Manager John Farrell, RHP Doug Fister, OF Chris Young, RHP Addison Reed, OF Rajai Davis, LHP Henry Owens, LHP Fernando Abad.Projected Lineup: RF Mookie Betts (.264, 24 HRs, 102 RBIs), LF Andrew Benintendi (.271, 20, 90), 1B Hanley Ramirez (.242, 23, 62) or Mitch Moreland (.246, 22, 79), DH J.D. Martinez (.303, 45, 104 with Tigers and Diamondbacks), 3B Rafael Devers (.284, 10, 30 in 58 games), SS Xander Bogaerts (.273, 10, 62), CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (.245, 17, 63), C Christian Vazquez (.290, 5, 32) or Sandy Leon (.225, 7, 39), 2B Eduardo Nunez (.313, 12, 58, 24 SBs with Giants and Red Sox) or Dustin Pedroia (.293, 7, 62, .369 OBP in 105 games, expected to be out until late May following knee surgery).Rotation: LH Chris Sale (17-8, 2.90 ERA, MLB-best 308 Ks, MLB-high 214... [More]