NEW YORK (AP) — Afternoon showers in the Bronx were just what Aaron Judge needed to get back into the New York Yankees' lineup.For Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts, it was just the opposite.Judge was set to play and Betts to sit out when the Yankees and Red Sox opened a three-game series Tuesday night. The game was pushed back six hours to 7:05 p.m. because of rain in the forecast.The delay allowed Judge to break into manager Aaron Boone's lineup for the first time since breaking his right wrist on July 26. Boone slotted Judge to bat second and play right field, but only because the late start gave him and the front office a few extra hours to evaluate Judge."We want to start that clock of getting in there and playing and getting him those ABs," Boone said. "So he can find that timing sooner rather than later. Physically he's good to go."Manager Alex Cora wrote Betts in as his center fielder as of 9 a.m., even after the AL MVP contender injured his left side Sunday. But then the conditions... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — White Sox slugger Jose Abreu will miss Chicago's three-game series against the Cleveland Indians because of an infection in his right thigh.Abreu was hospitalized in Cleveland on Tuesday, where he had the infection "cleaned up," manager Rick Renteria said. The team will provide an update on Abreu on Friday in Chicago, the manager said.Abreu is hitting .265 with 22 homers and 78 RBIs in 128 games. He spent three weeks on the disabled list (Aug. 22-Sept. 9) after undergoing surgery to repair a testicular torsion. He was activated on Sept. 10 and is hitless in his last 20 at-bats.The 31-year-old first baseman was named to his second All-Star team this year. He needs three home runs to become the ninth player in major league history to hit at least 25 homers in each of his first five seasons.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Trevor Bauer threw to hitters for the first time since breaking his right leg last month and hopes to be back on the mound for Cleveland in time for the postseason.The right-hander pitched three simulated innings of about 17-to-19 pitches per inning and jokingly told manager Terry Francona he was available against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night."I'm glad he feels that way," Francona said. "I don't think that's going to happen, but it's nice to hear him say that."Bauer is 12-6 with a 2.22 ERA in 25 starts. He has been sidelined since he was struck on the lower leg by a line drive off the bat of Chicago's Jose Abreu on Aug. 11.He pitched to Indians reserves Eric Haase, Adam Rosales and Brandon Barnes."The biggest takeaway is that I was able to completely focus on competing instead of being worried about or noticing if there's any discomfort," Bauer said. "I didn't really think about it at all, and that's the most important thing."Bauer hopes to pitch in a game before the regular season ends Sept. 30. Francona said a meeting will be held with Bauer and the team's medical staff."The quicker we can get him in a game without risk the better," Francona said.Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti says the team has discussed using Bauer as a reliever in the postseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Red Sox star Mookie Betts will sit out Boston's series opener against the New York Yankees on Tuesday night after injuring his left side Sunday.Boston manager Alex Cora says Betts was originally in his starting lineup before rain pushed Tuesday's game back six hours to a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. Cora scratched Betts out of caution because of the soggy conditions.Betts was hurt making two throws to home plate during a 4-3 win over the New York Mets.Boston leads the AL East by 11½ games and can clinch the division by beating the second-place Yankees.___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/jake_seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge is returning to the New York Yankees' starting lineup for the first time since breaking his right wrist on July 26.Judge was set to bat second and play right field in Tuesday night's rain-delayed game against Boston. The start was pushed back six hours to 7:05 p.m.Hurt when hit by a pitch, Judge was activated Friday and played two innings in right field that night without going to the plate. Judge says his wrist no longer bothers him while swinging a bat, but he has been experiencing discomfort on more routine movements. )He had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday and lofted an opposite-field homer to right during a series of simulated plate appearances against Yankees minor leaguer Adonis Rosa on Tuesday morning.Judge was also late on some fastballs and had a number of swings and misses against Rosa, who struck out 108 over 128 1/3 innings across three minor league levels this season. A large contingent of Yankees personnel watched the session, including manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman.___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/jake_seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge lofted an opposite-field homer during a series of simulated plate appearances against a Yankees minor leaguer Tuesday morning, another box checked as the All-Star slugger works his way back from a broken right wrist.Judge hit against right-hander Adonis Rosa at Yankee Stadium shortly after New York announced it had moved its scheduled 1:05 p.m. game against the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox to 7:05 p.m. due to a forecast of rain.Judge had been out since July 26 before playing two innings in right field Friday without going to the plate. He had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday, and manager Aaron Boone said over the weekend he was hopeful that Judge could return to the starting lineup during this three-game series against Boston.Judge has said his wrist no longer bothers him while swinging a bat, but he has been experiencing discomfort on more routine movements.___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/jake_seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Left-hander Justus Sheffield was put on the major league roster by the New York Yankees and could make his major league debut this week.The 22-year-old Sheffield was 6-4 with a 2.56 ERA in 15 starts and five relief appearances for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre this year after going 1-2 with a 2.25 ERA in five starts for Double-A Trenton. New York moved him to the bullpen in late August as preparation for a possible callup as a reliever.Sheffield was selected by Cleveland with the 31st overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft and was acquired by the Yankees in the July 2016 trade that sent left-hander Andrew Miller to the Indians.Outfielder Clint Frazier, also obtained by New York in that trade, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to open a spot for Sheffield, whose contract was selected to the 40-man roster. Frazier has been bothered by a concussion since spring training.New York also recalled right-hander Domingo German from Scranton before Tuesday's series opener against Boston.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich became the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle twice in one season against the same team, driving in four runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cincinnati Reds 8-0 on Monday night.Less than three weeks after his cycle in Cincinnati, the streaking slugger accomplished the feat against the last-place Reds once again to help the Brewers in their playoff pursuit. Milwaukee stayed 2½ games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and maintained a three-game lead in the wild-card race.Yelich singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, launched a two-run homer in the fifth and completed the cycle with a two-run triple in the sixth. With the Brewers nursing a large lead, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.Yelich's huge second half has turned him into a top contender for the NL MVP award. He also hit for the cycle when he went 6 for 6 in a 13-12 comeback victory on Aug. 29 at Cincinnati, making him the fifth player to... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BOSOX BUBBLY?The Red Sox can clinch the AL East at Yankee Stadium with a single win during their three-game series — in 2016, Boston locked up the division while playing on the home field of its archrival. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi pitches against J.A. Happ in a matchup of veterans traded this summer. Rain is in the forecast for the 1:05 p.m. start, with the teams scheduled to begin early ahead of Yom Kippur observances.The Bosox will see how star outfielder Mookie Betts is feeling. He exited their last game after hurting his side making a throw home. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge moved closer to returning from a broken wrist when had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday.DODGEBALLThe showdown for first place in the NL West continues when Kyle Freeland (15-7, 2.96 ERA) starts for Colorado against Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.51) at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw beat the Rockies at Coors Field on Sept. 7; the next day, Freeland downed... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BOSOX BUBBLY?The Red Sox can clinch the AL East at Yankee Stadium with a single win during their three-game series — in 2016, Boston locked up the division while playing on the home field of its archrival. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi pitches against J.A. Happ in a matchup of veterans traded this summer. Rain is in the forecast for the 1:05 p.m. start, with the teams scheduled to begin early ahead of Yom Kippur observances.The Bosox will see how star outfielder Mookie Betts is feeling. He exited their last game after hurting his side making a throw home. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge moved closer to returning from a broken wrist when had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday.DODGEBALLThe showdown for first place in the NL West continues when Kyle Freeland (15-7, 2.96 ERA) starts for Colorado against Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.51) at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw beat the Rockies at Coors Field on Sept. 7; the next day, Freeland downed... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BOSOX BUBBLY?The Red Sox can clinch the AL East at Yankee Stadium with a single win during their three-game series — in 2016, Boston locked up the division while playing on the home field of its archrival. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi pitches against J.A. Happ in a matchup of veterans traded this summer. Rain is in the forecast for the 1:05 p.m. start, with the teams scheduled to begin early ahead of Yom Kippur observances.The Bosox will see how star outfielder Mookie Betts is feeling. He exited their last game after hurting his side making a throw home. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge moved closer to returning from a broken wrist when had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday.DODGEBALLThe showdown for the NL West continues when Kyle Freeland (15-7, 2.96 ERA) starts for Colorado against Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.51) at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw beat the Rockies at Coors Field on Sept. 7; the next day, Freeland downed the Dodgers.THE... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich became the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle twice in one season against the same team, driving in four runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cincinnati Reds 8-0 on Monday night.Less than three weeks after his cycle in Cincinnati, the streaking slugger accomplished the feat against the last-place Reds once again to help the Brewers in their playoff pursuit. Milwaukee began the night 2½ games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central but with a three-game lead in the wild-card race.Yelich singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, launched a two-run homer in the fifth and completed the cycle with a two-run triple in the sixth. With the Brewers nursing a large lead, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.Yelich's huge second half has turned him into a top contender for the NL MVP award. He also hit for the cycle when he went 6 for 6 in a 13-12 comeback victory on Aug. 29 at Cincinnati, making him the fifth player... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story has been removed from a critical game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with an elbow injury.Story hurt his right elbow on a throw to first base in the first inning Monday night and aggravated it when he swung and missed at a pitch in the fourth. He walked a few steps up the third base line, got into a crouch and leaned on his bat as he was met by manager Bud Black and a trainer.The All-Star slugger exited after a short conversation. Pat Valaika finished the at-bat by flying out to left field.The severity of Story's injury was unclear, and more tests were scheduled for Tuesday.Colorado lost 8-2, dropping a half-game behind the Dodgers for first place in the NL West.Story this season became the first major league shortstop with at least 40 doubles, 30 home runs and 25 steals. His 33 homers are the most by a shortstop in club history.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich became the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle twice in one season against the same team, driving in four runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cincinnati Reds 8-0 on Monday night.Less than three weeks after his cycle in Cincinnati, the streaking slugger accomplished the feat against the last-place Reds once again to help the Brewers in their playoff pursuit. Milwaukee began the night 2½ games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central but with a three-game lead in the wild-card race.Yelich singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, launched a two-run homer in the fifth and completed the cycle with a two-run triple in the sixth. With the Brewers nursing a large lead, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.Yelich's huge second half has turned him into a top contender for the NL MVP award. He also hit for the cycle when he went 6 for 6 in a 13-12 comeback victory on Aug. 29 at Cincinnati, making him the fifth player... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich became the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle twice in one season against the same team, driving in four runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cincinnati Reds 8-0 on Monday night.Less than three weeks after his cycle in Cincinnati, the streaking slugger accomplished the feat against the last-place Reds once again to help the Brewers in their playoff pursuit. Milwaukee began the night 2½ games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central but with a three-game lead in the wild-card race.Yelich singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, launched a two-run homer in the fifth and completed the cycle with a two-run triple in the sixth. With the Brewers nursing a large lead, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.Yelich's huge second half has turned him into a top contender for the NL MVP award. He also hit for the cycle when he went 6 for 6 in a 13-12 comeback victory on Aug. 29 at Cincinnati, making him the fifth player... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich has hit for the cycle for the second time this season, setting a major league record by doing it twice against one team.The Milwaukee Brewers' slugger completed his cycle Monday night with a sixth-inning triple against the Reds. Yelich also hit for the cycle when he went 6 for 6 on Aug. 29 in Cincinnati, making him the fifth player to accomplish the feat twice in one season — and first in Brewers history.He became the first major leaguer to do it twice in one year against the same team.The previous player with two cycles in one season was Aaron Hill in 2012.Yelich singled in the first inning, doubled in the second, launched a two-run homer in the fifth and added a two-run triple in the sixth. With the Brewers nursing a large lead, he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.Yelich's huge second half has turned him into a top contender for the NL MVP award. Milwaukee began the night with a three-game lead in the NL wild-card race.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DETROIT (AP) — Minnesota left fielder Eddie Rosario left Monday night's game at Detroit after aggravating a right quad injury.Rosario fell while fielding Jim Adduci's single to left in the bottom of the fourth, and he stayed on the ground. He attempted to flip the ball to center fielder Jake Cave, but that effort was a bit off target, and it took a moment for Cave to retrieve the ball and throw it back toward the infield. A run scored on the play, and Adduci ended up on third.Rosario was charged with an error. He remained down for a bit but was eventually able to walk toward the dugout under his own power.Rosario hit his 24th home run of the season in the first inning.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:BOSOX BUBBLY?The Red Sox can clinch the AL East at Yankee Stadium with a single win during their three-game series — in 2016, Boston locked up the division while playing on the home field of its archrival. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi pitches against J.A. Happ in a matchup of veterans traded this summer. Rain is in the forecast for the 1:05 p.m. start, with the teams scheduled to begin early ahead of Yom Kippur observances.The Bosox will see how star outfielder Mookie Betts is feeling. He exited their last game after hurting his side making a throw home. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge moved closer to returning from a broken wrist when had 11 at-bats in a simulated game Monday.DODGEBALLThe showdown for the NL West continues when Kyle Freeland (15-7, 2.96 ERA) starts for Colorado against Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.51) at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw beat the Rockies at Coors Field on Sept. 7; the next day, Freeland downed the Dodgers.THE... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Michael Fulmer is seeking a second opinion after an MRI showed possible damage to the right-hander's meniscus.Manager Ron Gardenhire gave that update on Fulmer's status before Monday night's game against Minnesota. Fulmer was removed after five pitches Saturday at Cleveland . He tweaked his right knee trying to field a bunt attempt.Fulmer, the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year, is 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA this season. He's had health issues over the past couple years, spending time on the disabled list with elbow and oblique problems.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:FINAL COUNTDOWNWith the Rockies a half-game ahead of the Dodgers for the NL West lead, the teams begin their final series of the regular season. Jon Gray (11-7) pitches the opener of a three-game set at Dodger Stadium against Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-3). Gray is 4-0 in 11 starts since returning from the minors. After getting shut out on consecutive days, the Rockies ended their longest scoring drought of the year during a 3-2 win Sunday in San Francisco. Colorado is 41-34 on the road this season, and one more victory will break the franchise record for wins away from Coors Field.HUNT FOR OCTOBERIt's a potential playoff preview and a matchup of All-Star pitchers when Miles Mikolas (15-4) and the Cardinals visit first-place Atlanta. Mike Foltynewicz (11-9) starts for the Braves, who lead second-place Philadelphia by 6½ games in the NL East. Atlanta's magic number is eight to win its first NL East title in five years. But the Braves have been struggling... [More]