A look at what's happening around the majors today:TARGET TIMEA couple months ago, Cleveland trailed the Twins by 11 ½ games in the AL Central and was being written off as too old and too banged-up. But by going a baseball-best 38-16 since June 4, the Indians have closed within two games of Minnesota heading into this four-game series at Target Field.Mike Clevinger (6-2, 3.07 ERA) starts the opener for the Indians against Kyle Gibson (11-4, 4.02). Clevinger is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last three road starts."Guys are in a good mood, feeling good and excited to get to Minnesota," Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis said.HOT AS COLECubs lefty Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.84 ERA) looks to stay on track against Alex Wood (1-0, 3.18) at Cincinnati. Hamels pitched five shutout innings versus Milwaukee last Saturday in his return from a five-week stint on the injured list with a strained oblique, and is 2-2 with a 1.07 ERA in his last seven starts.Two-time All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy is expected... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:TARGET TIMEA couple months ago, Cleveland trailed the Twins by 11 1/2 games in the AL Central and was being written off as too old and too banged-up. But by going a baseball-best 38-16 since June 4, the Indians have closed within two games of Minnesota heading into this four-game series at Target Field.Mike Clevinger (6-2, 3.07 ERA) starts the opener for the Indians against Kyle Gibson (11-4, 4.02). Clevinger is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last three road starts."Guys are in a good mood, feeling good and excited to get to Minnesota," Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis said.HOT AS COLECubs lefty Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.84 ERA) looks to stay on track against Alex Wood (1-0, 3.18) at Cincinnati. Hamels pitched five shutout innings versus Milwaukee last Saturday in his return from a five-week stint on the injured list with a strained oblique, and is 2-2 with a 1.07 ERA in his last seven starts.Two-time All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy is expected... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Manager Joe Maddon says the Chicago Cubs have signed catcher Jonathan Lucroy.The 33-year-old Lucroy was designated for assignment by the Angels last Friday, then cleared waivers and was unconditionally released by Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 10-year-veteran and two-time All-Star is expected to join the NL Central-leading Cubs in Cincinnati on Thursday.Lucroy will pair with Victor Caratini behind the plate for Chicago to help plug a gap created when All-Star Willson Contreras suffered a right hamstring strain on Saturday. Contreras is expected to miss four weeks."Victor has done well and this doesn't put Victor on the shelf," Maddon said after Cubs beat Oakland Athletics 10-1 Wednesday. "They'll both play. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to do that."Lucroy batted .242 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 74 games with the Angels this season. Caratini, who was 2 for 4 with a solo shot against the Athletics on Wednesday, is batting .265 with six homers and 22 RBIs in... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:NOW PITCHINGTrevor Bauer (9-8, 3.79 ERA) makes his Cincinnati debut four days after arriving in a trade with Cleveland. Bauer went 3-2 with a 4.54 ERA in six starts last month. In his last outing, he threw the ball from just past the mound over the center field fence in Kansas City after getting pulled. Bauer starts for the Reds at Atlanta. ... Marcus Stroman makes his first start for the Mets after being acquired in a trade with Toronto. Stroman is 10-5 with a 2.93 ERA against National League teams in his career. He pitches at Pittsburgh.CHECK HIMThe Rockies will see how outfielder David Dahl is feeling, a day after he sprained his right ankle was carted off the field in obvious pain. A first-time All-Star, Dahl was injured making an awkward catch in center at Coors Field.The team said X-rays were negative and the severity of the injury was being assessed.STARTING OVERAaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.07 ERA) makes his debut for the Astros, three... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:STARTING OVERAaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.07 ERA) makes his debut for the Astros, three days after they got him in a trade with Toronto. The 27-year-righty leads the majors in losses — in 2016, he was an All-Star and topped the AL in ERA.Houston has a history of improving the performance of pitchers it acquires, and Sanchez is eager to get going."I'm sure there's things that are on their mind and things that are on my mind. It's an open line of communication here," he said. "I'm thrilled to see what they've got for me. I'm thrilled to kind of share my thoughts with them and bounce ideas off of each other and see where it goes."Sanchez will start for the AL West leaders at home against Seattle.LET'S SEECubs lefty Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.98 ERA) is expected to come off the injured list and pitch against the Brewers at Wrigley Field. The 35-year-old four-time-All Star has been sidelined since suffering a left oblique strain at Cincinnati on June... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who returned from a concussion and broken nose Wednesday following a home plate collision last month, has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.Lucroy was bowled over at home plate by Houston's Jake Marisnick on July 7. He was placed on the 10-day injured list and missed 18 games. Lucroy was 2 for 4 against Detroit in his final game with the Angels.The 33-year-old Lucroy batted .242 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 74 games. He signed with the Angels in December.Catcher Max Stassi, acquired from Houston on Wednesday, has been added to the 25-man roster. Left-hander Adam McCreery cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:STILL A MET (FOR NOW)Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (7-5, 4.33) is set to start against the White Sox, and it could be his final appearance with the club. The hard-throwing 26-year-old changed his bio on Twitter over the weekend to read "Pitcher for the New York Mets, for now," and he also tweeted a meme of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth with the text "I have no idea what's going on." First-year general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has been busy ahead of Wednesday's trade deadline, acquiring right-hander Marcus Stroman from Toronto and dealing left-hander Jason Vargas to Philadelphia. It's unclear if the club plans to send away more pieces or make a long-odds push for an NL wild card.EAST ENEMIESDavid Price (7-4, 3.66) gets the ball for Boston in the opener of a three-game series against Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.60) and Tampa Bay at Fenway Park. The Red Sox took two of three from the Rays last week and have pulled within a half-game of Tampa... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:STILL A MET (FOR NOW)Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (7-5, 4.33) is set to start against the White Sox, and it could be his final appearance with the club. The hard-throwing 26-year-old changed his bio on Twitter over the weekend to read "Pitcher for the New York Mets, for now," and he also tweeted a meme of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth with the text "I have no idea what's going on." First-year general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has been busy ahead of Wednesday's trade deadline, acquiring right-hander Marcus Stroman from Toronto and dealing left-hander Jason Vargas to Philadelphia. It's unclear if the club plans to send away more pieces or make a long-odds push for an NL wild card.EAST ENEMIESDavid Price (7-4, 3.66) gets the ball for Boston in the opener of a three-game series against Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.60) and Tampa Bay at Fenway Park. The Red Sox took two of three from the Rays last week and have pulled within a half-game of Tampa... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick's two-game suspension for his violent home plate collision with Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy on July 7 has been upheld by Major League Baseball.Marisnick was suspended on July 11 by Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre but appealed the decision to John McHale Jr., a special assistant to baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. The commissioner's office said Monday the hearing took place July 23 and the penalty was upheld.Lucroy suffered a concussion and a broken nose. Torre said he didn't believe Marisnick intended to injure Lucroy, but Marisnick's actions warranted discipline because they violated MLB rules designed to protect catchers.Marisnick will serve the suspension during games at Cleveland on Tuesday and Wednesday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:BACK AT ITThe Dodgers and Phillies are facing a tight turnaround after a lengthy rain delay pushed the end of Wednesday's game close to 2 a.m. early Thursday. First pitch of the series finale is set for 12:35 p.m., and then the Dodgers are set to make the cross-country flight back to Los Angeles to start a series Friday against Miami. It's been a long week for the Dodgers, who played for 5 hours, 40 minutes Sunday night in a 12-inning win over Boston.SPORT OF APPEALSAngels pitcher Noé Ramirez is appealing his three-game suspension from MLB for throwing a pitch near the head of Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick. Ramirez was punished Wednesday, a day after drilling Marisnick between the shoulder blades during a 7-2 Angels win. Marisnick was playing his first game against Los Angeles since his violent home plate collision injured catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Marisnick was suspended two games by MLB but is also appealing, and he said he hasn't... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Angels pitcher Noé Ramirez has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for throwing a pitch in the area of Houston outfielder Jake Marisnick's head, and Los Angeles manager Brad Ausmus has been suspended a game and fined.Joe Torre, Chief Baseball Officer for Major League Baseball, announced the penalties Wednesday, a day after Ramirez drilled Marisnick between the shoulder blades with a 1-1 pitch in the sixth inning of the Angels' 7-2 home victory .Ramirez said he will appeal the suspension. Bench coach Josh Paul will manage the Angels on Wednesday while Ausmus serves his suspension.Ausmus said he thought his suspension was unnecessary but that since MLB thought Ramirez committed an egregious offense that he should be penalized, too."I thought three games for Noe was a little bit steep, but he still has the appeals process to go through," Ausmus said.Marisnick was playing his first game against Los Angeles since his violent home plate collision... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles pitcher Noé Ramirez has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for throwing a pitch in the area of Houston outfielder Jake Marisnick's head, and Angels manager Brad Ausmus has been suspended a game and fined.Joe Torre, Chief Baseball Officer for Major League Baseball, announced the penalties Wednesday, a day after Ramirez drilled Marisnick between the shoulder blades with a 1-1 pitch in the sixth inning of the Angels' 7-2 home victory.Ramirez said he will appeal the suspension. Bench coach Josh Paul will manage the manage the Angels on Wednesday while Ausmus serves his suspension.Marisnick was playing his first game against Los Angeles since his violent home plate collision with catcher Jonathan Lucroy.Marisnick ran over Lucroy while trying to score in Houston nine days ago, leaving Lucroy with a concussion and a broken nose. He's out for at least three more weeks. Marisnick is currently appealing his two-game suspension for the collision.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles pitcher Noé Ramirez has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for throwing a pitch in the area of Houston outfielder Jake Marisnick's head, and Angels manager Brad Ausmus has been suspended a game and fined.Joe Torre, Chief Baseball Officer for Major League Baseball, announced the penalties Wednesday, a day after Ramirez drilled Marisnick between the shoulder blades with a 1-1 pitch in the sixth inning of the Angels' 7-2 home victory.Marisnick was playing his first game against Los Angeles since his violent home plate collision with catcher Jonathan Lucroy.Marisnick ran over Lucroy while trying to score in Houston nine days ago, leaving Lucroy with a concussion and a broken nose. He's out for at least three more weeks. Marisnick is currently appealing his two-game suspension for the collision.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jonathan Lucroy can't remember what happened after he reached out to catch the throw at the plate in Houston last week.The Los Angeles Angels catcher is recovering from the third diagnosed concussion of his baseball career after that nasty collision with the Astros' Jake Marisnick.Lucroy isn't sure when he'll be ready to return to action, but he is grateful his injuries weren't even more serious."The last thing I remember is inching up the line and waiting for the baseball," Lucroy said Friday. "The first thing I remember after that is they put me on the golf cart. He knocked me out."Lucroy also got a broken nose and a black eye in the collision, and he was placed on the seven-day concussion list Friday. Marisnick received a two-game suspension for the dangerous play.Despite his latest concussion and his more visible injuries, Lucroy was remarkably upbeat about his prospects before the Angels' first game back from the All-Star break. Lucroy, a 10-year major league... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick was suspended for two games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for his violent home plate collision with Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy before the All-Star break.Marisnick said he still felt terrible about the play and had a rough couple of days during the break to digest the situation. He also said he had spoken with Lucroy, who sustained a concussion and a broken nose."I've seen a lot of takes on it, and obviously everybody has their own opinion," Marisnick said before the AL West-leading Astros played their first game after the break. "But I know deep down in my heart that I had no intent to hurt, or make contact, with him."Joe Torre, MLB's chief baseball officer, said he thoroughly reviewed the play from all angles. While acknowledging he didn't believe Marisnick intended to injure Lucroy, Torre said the actions in last Sunday's game warranted discipline because they violated MLB rules designed to protect... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick has been suspended for two games by Major League Baseball after his violent home plate collision with Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy.The suspension was announced Thursday before the AL West-leading Astros played a series opener at Texas in their first game after the All-Star break. Marisnick, who also was fined, appealed the suspension and was available to play.Lucroy was carted off the field last Sunday after the collision at the end of the eighth inning of a game at Houston the Astros won 11-10 in 10 innings. The Angels catcher sustained a concussion and broken nose. Marisnick was called out for colliding with Lucroy and the call was upheld after a crew chief review.Marisnick said afterward that it was a "bad play" and that he hoped Lucroy was OK. He also posted on his Twitter later that he "made a split second decision at full speed" and he felt awful that another player got hurt.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick has been suspended for two games by Major League Baseball after his violent home plate collision with Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy.The suspension was announced Thursday before the AL West-leading Astros played a series opener at Texas in their first game after the All-Star break. Marisnick also was fined.Lucroy was carted off the field last Sunday after the collision at the end of the eighth inning of a game at Houston the Astros won 11-10 in 10 innings. The Angels catcher sustained a concussion and broken nose. Marisnick was called out for colliding with Lucroy and the call was upheld after a crew chief review.Marisnick said afterward that it was a "bad play" and that he hoped Lucroy was OK. He also posted on his Twitter later that he "made a split second decision at full speed" and he felt awful that another player got hurt.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick has been suspended for two games by Major League Baseball after his violent home plate collision with Los Angeles Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy.The suspension was announced Thursday before the AL West-leading Astros played a series opener at Texas in their first game after the All-Star break. Marisnick also was fined.Lucroy was carted off the field last Sunday after the collision at the end of the eighth inning of a game at Houston the Astros won 11-10 in 10 innings. The Angels catcher sustained a concussion and broken nose. Marisnick was called out for colliding with Lucroy and the call was upheld after a crew chief review.Marisnick said afterward that it was a "bad play" and that he hoped Lucroy was OK. He also posted on his Twitter later that he "made a split second decision at full speed" and he felt awful that another player got hurt.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:DERBY DAYThe All-Star Game might not count anymore, but the Home Run Derby is upping the stakes. This year's derby includes a $1 million top prize, and the participants are taking it seriously. Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several others have been practicing before games, trying to simulate derby conditions. Yelich, however, backed out of the field Sunday after tweaking his back and was replaced by Oakland's Matt Chapman. The rest of the field is Cleveland's Carlos Santana, New York's Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh's Josh Bell, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., Houston's Alex Bregman and the Dodgers' Joc Pederson.SCARY MOMENTThe Angels are awaiting test results for catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was bowled over by Houston's Jake Marisnick at home plate Sunday. The team said Lucroy was sent to a hospital for a CT scan and being evaluated for a possible concussion and broken nose. Marisnick crashed into Lucroy as he... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:DERBY DAYThe All-Star Game might not count anymore, but the Home Run Derby is upping the stakes. This year's derby includes a $1 million top prize, and the participants are taking it seriously. Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several others have been practicing before games, trying to simulate derby conditions. Yelich, however, backed out of the field Sunday after tweaking his back and was replaced by Oakland's Matt Chapman. The rest of the field is Cleveland's Carlos Santana, New York's Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh's Josh Bell, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., Houston's Alex Bregman and the Dodgers' Joc Pederson.SCARY MOMENTThe Angels are awaiting test results for catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was bowled over by Houston's Jake Marisnick at home plate Sunday. The team said Lucroy was sent to a hospital for a CT scan and being evaluated for a possible concussion and broken nose. Marisnick crashed into Lucroy as he... [More]