Arizona's ace pitcher, star center fielder, slugging right fielder and two-time Gold Glove shortstop already are injured. The team's high-priced veteran starting pitcher has been ineffective. The reconstructed bullpen is down three arms at the moment. Other than that, things are going just fine for the Diamondbacks seven games into the season. In the long slog that is Major League Baseball's 162-game schedule, panicking after a 2-5 start could be viewed as alarmist. But it's hard to imagine things going much worse for a team that has the unenviable task of chasing the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers and loaded San Diego Padres in the NL West. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the challenge. He also expressed optimism Arizona could overcome the substantial early adversity. “The hits keep coming," Lovullo said after an 8-0 loss to the Rockies on Wednesday. “We budgeted for this. We’ve talked about these things. Good baseball teams have the depth to have the group that... [More]

Arizona's ace pitcher, star center fielder, slugging right fielder and two-time Gold Glove shortstop already are injured. The team's high-priced veteran starting pitcher has been ineffective. The reconstructed bullpen is down three arms at the moment. Other than that, things are going just fine for the Diamondbacks six games into the season. In the long slog that is Major League Baseball's 162-game schedule, panicking after a 2-5 start could be viewed as alarmist. But it's hard to imagine things going much worse for a team that has the unenviable task of chasing the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers and loaded San Diego Padres in the NL West. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the challenge. He also expressed optimism Arizona could overcome the substantial early adversity. “The hits keep coming," Lovullo said after an 8-0 loss to the Rockies on Wednesday. “We budgeted for this. We’ve talked about these things. Good baseball teams have the depth to have the group that... [More]

Arizona's ace pitcher, star center fielder, slugging right fielder and two-time Gold Glove shortstop already are injured. The team's high-priced veteran starting pitcher has been ineffective. The reconstructed bullpen is down three arms at the moment. Other than that, things are going just fine for the Diamondbacks six games into the season. In the long slog that is Major League Baseball's 162-game schedule, panicking after a 2-4 start could be viewed as alarmist. But it's hard to imagine things going much worse for a team that has the unenviable task of chasing the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers and loaded San Diego Padres in the NL West. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the challenge. He also expressed optimism Arizona could overcome the substantial early adversity. “The hits keep coming," Lovullo said after an 8-0 loss to the Rockies on Wednesday. “We budgeted for this. We’ve talked about these things. Good baseball teams have the depth to have the group that... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Madison Bumgarner will make his second straight opening day start for the Arizona Diamondbacks when they travel to face the San Diego Padres on Thursday. Manager Torey Lovullo said on Sunday the four-time All-Star would lead the rotation despite a rough 2020 season, when he had a 1-4 record and 6.48 ERA. He'll be followed in the rotation by Merrill Kelly, Caleb Smith, Taylor Widener and Luke Weaver. Bumgarner signed an $85 million, five-year contract before last season but didn't look anything like the dominant pitcher he was for much of his 11 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, where the left-hander helped the franchise win three World Series titles. The 26-year-old Widener takes the rotation spot of right-hander Zac Gallen, who was in contention for the opening day start before a hairline fracture was discovered in his right forearm. He suffered the injury while getting jammed during batting practice. Gallen was one of the best pitchers in the National League... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds infielder Jonathan India might be forcing his way onto the big league roster and even a starting spot in the infield thanks to an impressive spring performance. The fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft out of Florida is showing why he was such a highly regarded prospect a few seasons ago. Through his first 17 spring games, he hit .333 with four doubles and two homers and is a candidate to start at second base. The 24-year-old India had a slow start to his professional career, producing good but not great numbers during his first two minor league seasons. He spent all of 2020 at the team's alternate training site during the shortened 60-game season and was never promoted to the big leagues. But now he looks like he belongs. “It says so much about the difference a year makes in a young player's career,” Reds manager David Bell said last week. “Not that he wasn't in a good place last year, but the development has been very significant over the past... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks first base coach Dave McKay suffered a broken rib and lacerated spleen after a fall in the dugout earlier this week. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said the 70-year-old McKay was wearing a new pair of shoes on Tuesday, tripped on the bottom step of the dugout and fell against the bench during a game against the San Francisco Giants. He quickly recovered and stayed at the park, but began to feel more pain on Wednesday morning and that's when the extent of the injury was discovered. “He's fine, everything's good,” Lovullo said on Friday. “He's just going to need to step away.” Lovullo said McKay was “resting comfortably” and had a “little procedure to cauterize the spleen and everything is thumbs up right now.” Lovullo said he expects McKay to be away from the team for about a week, but that he should be able to be with the team by opening day on April 1. McKay played in the big leagues from 1975 to 1982 with the Twins, Blue Jays and A's. He's... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West 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: ___ Los Angeles Dodgers Manager: Dave Roberts (sixth season). 2019: 43-17, first place, World Series champions. Training Town: Glendale, Arizona. Park: Camelback Ranch. First Workout: Feb. 18/23. He’s Here: RHP Trevor Bauer, RHP Tommy Kahnle, LHP Garrett Cleavinger. He’s Outta Here: 3B Justin Turner, RHP Pedro Báez, INF/OF Enrique Hernández, LF Joc Pederson, LHP Alex Wood, RHP Jimmy Nelson, OF Terrance Gore. Going campin’: After winning their first World Series title since 1988 during the pandemic-shortened season, the Dodgers are looking to repeat. They made a major splash just before spring training, signing Bauer a year after trading for Mookie Betts and David Price in February. The roster boasts an enviable three MVPs and three Cy Young Award winners, making the Dodgers the favorites... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Torey Lovullo's routine during baseball's postseason consisted of grabbing a big bowl of ice cream, plopping down in front of the TV and reflecting on a season that couldn't have gone much worse for the Diamondbacks. Arizona's fifth-year manager admits it wasn't a fun stretch of time. “To be totally honest with you, I was pretty bitter for the first several weeks of the offseason,” Lovullo said. “Watching the postseason, it was tough, it was a really tough pill for me to swallow, and I know our organization basically felt the same way.” Now the Diamondbacks are out to prove that 2020's 60-game flop was an aberration and not a signal that the franchise is falling further out of contention behind the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers and the up-and-coming San Diego Padres. If Arizona is going to improve on this year's 25-35 record and last place finish in the NL West, it's going to be done with a lot of the same faces. Lovullo brought back his entire coaching staff and... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the pandemic-shortened season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-5 Wednesday behind Dustin May’s gutty effort out of the bullpen and home runs from AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor. Will Smith drove in three runs for the seven-time defending NL West champion Dodgers, who opened a 3 1/2-game lead in the division by winning two of three in the matchup of the NL’s two best teams. Mookie Betts tied his career high with three stolen bases, had two hits and scored a run. At 35-15, the Dodgers breezed into the expanded 16-team postseason field. Los Angeles is seeking its first World Series title since 1988. San Diego has lost two straight for the first time since mid-August. Manny Machado hit a solo homer in the eighth, his 14th of the season. Starter Brusdar Gasterol allowed a hit and a run in 1 1/3 innings before Adam Kolarek (3-0) allowed a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Pedro Baez got the final... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the pandemic-shortened season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-5 Wednesday behind Dustin May’s gutty effort out of the bullpen and home runs from AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor.Will Smith drove in three runs for the seven-time defending NL West champion Dodgers, who opened a 3 1/2-game lead in the division by winning two of three in the matchup of the NL’s two best teams.Mookie Betts tied his career high with three stolen bases, had two hits and scored a run.At 35-15, the Dodgers breezed into the expanded 16-team postseason field. Los Angeles is seeking its first World Series title since 1988.San Diego has lost two straight for the first time since mid-August.Manny Machado hit a solo homer in the eighth, his 14th of the season.Starter Brusdar Gasterol allowed a hit and a run in 1 1/3 innings before Adam Kolarek (3-0) allowed a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Pedro Baez got the final two... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the pandemic-shortened season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-5 Wednesday behind Dustin May’s gutty effort out of the bullpen and home runs from AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor.Will Smith drove in three runs for the seven-time defending NL West champion Dodgers, who opened a 3 1/2-game lead in the division by winning two of three in the matchup of the NL’s two best teams.Mookie Betts tied his career high with three stolen bases, had two hits and scored a run.At 35-15, the Dodgers breezed into the expanded 16-team postseason field. Los Angeles is seeking its first World Series title since 1988.San Diego has lost two straight for the first time since mid-August.Manny Machado hit a solo homer in the eighth, his 14th of the season.Starter Brusdar Gasterol allowed a hit and a run in 1 1/3 innings before Adam Kolarek (3-0) allowed a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Pedro Baez got the final two... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the pandemic-shortened season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-5 Wednesday behind Dustin May’s gutty effort out of the bullpen and home runs from AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor.Will Smith drove in three runs for the seven-time defending NL West champion Dodgers, who opened a 3 1/2-game lead in the division by winning two of three in the matchup of the NL’s two best teams.Mookie Betts tied his career high with three stolen bases, had two hits and scored a run.At 35-15, the Dodgers breezed into the expanded 16-team postseason field. Los Angeles is seeking its first World Series title since 1988.San Diego has lost two straight for the first time since mid-August.Manny Machado hit a solo homer in the eighth, his 14th of the season.Starter Brusdar Gasterol allowed a hit and a run in 1 1/3 innings before Adam Kolarek (3-0) allowed a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Pedro Baez got the final two... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the pandemic-shortened season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-5 Wednesday behind Dustin May’s gutty effort out of the bullpen and home runs from AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor.Will Smith drove in three runs for the seven-time defending NL West champion Dodgers, who opened a 3 1/2-game lead in the division by winning two of three in the matchup of the NL’s two best teams.Mookie Betts tied his career high with three stolen bases, had two hits and scored a run.At 35-15, the Dodgers breezed into the expanded 16-team postseason field. Los Angeles is seeking its first World Series title since 1988.San Diego has lost two straight for the first time since mid-August.Manny Machado hit a solo homer in the eighth, his 14th of the season.Starter Brusdar Gasterol allowed a hit and a run in 1 1/3 innings before Adam Kolarek (3-0) allowed a hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Pedro Baez got the final two... [More]

Diamondbacks second. Kole Calhoun singles to deep right field. Eduardo Escobar walks. Kole Calhoun to second. David Peralta singles to shallow right field, advances to 2nd. Eduardo Escobar to third. Kole Calhoun scores. Nick Ahmed singles to left field. David Peralta scores. Eduardo Escobar scores. Stephen Vogt singles to right field. Nick Ahmed scores. Daulton Varsho walks. Stephen Vogt to second. Josh Rojas strikes out swinging. Josh VanMeter flies out to deep right field to Jo Adell. Stephen Vogt to third. Christian Walker grounds out to shortstop, Andrelton Simmons to Jared Walsh.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Diamondbacks 4, Angels 0.Angels second. Justin Upton walks. Max Stassi homers to left field. Justin Upton scores. Jo Adell strikes out swinging. Andrelton Simmons strikes out swinging. David Fletcher singles to center field. Jared Walsh strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Diamondbacks 4, Angels 2.Diamondbacks third. Kole Calhoun grounds out to shallow... [More]

Diamondbacks first. Josh Rojas pops out to shallow left field to Andrelton Simmons. Pavin Smith flies out to left field to Justin Upton. Christian Walker walks. Kole Calhoun homers to center field. Christian Walker scores. Eduardo Escobar lines out to center field to Mike Trout.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 2, Angels 0.Diamondbacks second. David Peralta flies out to deep center field to Taylor Ward. Nick Ahmed grounds out to third base, Anthony Rendon to Jared Walsh. Daulton Varsho homers. Carson Kelly homers. Josh Rojas grounds out to second base, David Fletcher to Jared Walsh.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 4, Angels 0.Diamondbacks third. Pavin Smith singles to left field. Christian Walker walks. Pavin Smith to second. Kole Calhoun homers to right field. Christian Walker scores. Pavin Smith scores. Eduardo Escobar strikes out swinging. David Peralta singles to left field. Nick Ahmed pops out to shallow right field to Jared Walsh. Daulton Varsho called... [More]

Mariners first. Dylan Moore grounds out to shortstop, Nick Ahmed to Pavin Smith. Ty France strikes out swinging. Kyle Seager walks. Jose Marmolejos doubles to right field. Kyle Seager scores. Evan White strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 1, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks first. Josh Rojas walks. Josh VanMeter doubles to deep center field. Josh Rojas scores. Christian Walker called out on strikes. Kole Calhoun walks. David Peralta strikes out swinging. Jon Jay flies out to shallow infield to Dylan Moore.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Mariners 1, Diamondbacks 1.Mariners second. Phillip Ervin walks. Dee Strange-Gordon singles to right field. Phillip Ervin to third. Donovan Walton grounds out to first base, Josh Rojas to Pavin Smith. Dee Strange-Gordon to second. Phillip Ervin scores. Joseph Odom flies out to right field to Kole Calhoun. Dylan Moore walks. Dee Strange-Gordon steals third.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 2, Diamondbacks 1.Mariners sixth.... [More]

Mariners first. Dylan Moore strikes out swinging. Ty France homers to left field. Kyle Lewis strikes out swinging. Kyle Seager walks. Jose Marmolejos doubles to deep left center field. Kyle Seager scores. Evan White walks. Luis Torrens doubles. Evan White scores. Jose Marmolejos scores. Donovan Walton strikes out swinging.4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 4, Diamondbacks 0.Mariners second. Phillip Ervin singles to shallow left field. Dylan Moore pops out to shallow infield to Christian Walker. Ty France singles to second base. Phillip Ervin to second. Kyle Lewis walks. Ty France to second. Phillip Ervin to third. Kyle Seager walks. Kyle Lewis to second. Ty France to third. Phillip Ervin scores. Jose Marmolejos pops out to left field to Nick Ahmed. Evan White strikes out on a foul tip.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Mariners 5, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks fourth. Nick Ahmed singles to deep center field. Christian Walker walks. Nick Ahmed to second. Eduardo Escobar singles... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit two homers and drove in four runs as Tampa Bay fielded a lineup of all lefties, Blake Snell worked 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the AL East-leading Rays routed the cellar-dwelling Boston Red Sox 11-1 on Friday night.Tampa Bay became the first major league team since at least 1900 to use a batting order with only left-handed batters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Snell (4-1) gave up five hits and two walks. He struck out five.Yoshi Tsutsugo also homered for the Rays, who stopped a three-game skid. Boston rookie Bobby Dalbec had his five-game home run streak end but had an RBI double in the ninth.Rays manager Kevin Cash stacked his lineup with lefties against right-hander Andrew Triggs, who made his second start with Boston.Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke quickly countered by removing Triggs after he allowed a hit and walk in a scoreless first. However, Tsutsugo started the second with a homer off lefty Matt Hall (0-3).Kevin Kiermaier had an RBI... [More]

Diamondbacks first. Tim Locastro singles to center field. Josh Rojas reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Tim Locastro out at second. Christian Walker triples to right field. Josh Rojas scores. Eduardo Escobar out on a sacrifice fly to deep left center field to Dylan Moore. Christian Walker scores. Kole Calhoun doubles. Nick Ahmed singles to right field. Kole Calhoun scores. Wyatt Mathisen strikes out swinging.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Diamondbacks 3, Mariners 0.Mariners third. Dee Strange-Gordon grounds out to first base to Christian Walker. Dylan Moore homers to left field. Ty France pops out to Wyatt Mathisen. Kyle Lewis grounds out to shallow left field, Nick Ahmed to Christian Walker.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 3, Mariners 1.Diamondbacks third. Josh Rojas singles to right field. Christian Walker grounds out to shallow infield, Ty France to Evan White. Josh Rojas to second. Eduardo Escobar doubles. Josh Rojas to third. Kole Calhoun out on... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Royals rookie Brady Singer allowed just one hit — a two-out single through an infield shift in the eighth inning — while pitching Kansas City to an 11-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.Making his ninth career start, the 24-year-old Singer (2-4) was four outs from becoming the 36th rookie to throw a no-hitter when Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges, who came in batting .148, bounced a single through a wide-open right side. The hit came on a full count and Singer’s 116th pitch.Maikel Franco and Adalberto Mondesi each hit a three-run homer for the Royals. Edward Olivares added a solo shot off Aaron Civale (3-5). Kansas City has won three straight since a seven-game losing streak.Franco also had a two-run single, giving him five RBIs.BRAVES 7, NATIONALS 6WASHINGTON (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered twice, Dansby Swanson hit a go-ahead shot in the eighth inning and Atlanta rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Washington. Freeman tied the game at 6 in the seventh... [More]