GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians executive Chris Antonetti says the franchise and representatives for star shortstop Francisco Lindor made a “sincere and earnest effort” to agree on a long-term contract before deciding this week to suspend talks.Antonetti, the president of baseball operations, said Wednesday the sides worked for months and tried “different and creative concepts” to strike a deal, but ultimately decided not to continue negotiations with opening day two weeks away. Lindor characterized the discussions in a similar manner to The Athletic on Monday. Lindor will make $17.5 million this year and can become a free agent after the 2021 season."I’m really appreciative of the effort Francisco and his representatives and our ownership put into the process of trying to find alignment," Antonetti said.Lindor, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .284 with 32 home runs, 22 stolen bases and an .854 OPS last season. The 26-year-old is among the game's top young... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Oscar Mercado's left wrist is only sprained, and the Cleveland Indians are crossing their fingers it will heal in time for the outfielder to be ready for opening day.An MRI taken Friday confirmed the sprain, which happened when Mercado made a diving catch in an exhibition game the previous day in Scottsdale.Indians manager Terry Francona said Mercado will take it easy the next few days and be re-evaluated before the team decides what's next for the 25-year-old.“The idea is to take the first 48 to 72 hours to let this thing settle down,” Francona said Saturday. “He'll go out with the team and stretch, get the blood flowing and all of that, and still throw. Then start to gradually introduce him to things and see how he reacts to it. The hope would be that he reacts well to the rest and stuff, and as we introduce him to things he feels great."If he doesn't, they'll have to slow it down.”Opening day is March 26.Mercado is penciled in as a starter for the Indians after... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado will undergo an MRI on his left wrist, which he injured while making a diving catch in an exhibition game.Manager Terry Francona said Mercado, who had a solid rookie season in 2019, will have the imaging tests on Friday. The team will provide an update on his status once the tests are completed and evaluated.Mercado got hurt when he caught a ball hit by San Francisco’s Alex Dickerson in the fourth inning of Thursday's game in Scottsdale. The 25-year-old did not return, and the Indians said the initial diagnosis was that Mercado sustained a sprain.Before getting hurt, Mercado hit a two-run homer in the top of the inning.Cleveland's outfield situation remains fluid, and Mercado's injury is the latest to hit the team at spring training.Mercado batted .269 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 118 games last season and was penciled in for a starting spot this year.His versatility will allow Francona to play him in any of the three outfield... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado will undergo an MRI on his left wrist, which he injured while making a diving catch in an exhibition game.Manager Terry Francona said Mercado, who had a solid rookie season in 2019, will have the imaging tests on Friday. The team will provide an update on his status once the tests are completed and evaluated.Mercado got hurt when he caught a ball hit by San Francisco’s Alex Dickerson in the fourth inning of Thursday's game in Scottsdale. The 25-year-old did not return, and the Indians said the initial diagnosis was that Mercado sustained a sprain.Before getting hurt, Mercado hit a two-run homer in the top of the inning.Cleveland's outfield situation remains fluid, and Mercado's injury is the latest to hit the team at spring training.Mercado batted .269 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 118 games last season and was penciled in for a starting spot this year.His versatility will allow Francona to play him in any of the three outfield... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado will undergo an MRI on his left wrist, which he injured while making a diving catch in an exhibition game.Manager Terry Francona said Mercado, who had a solid rookie season in 2019, will have the imaging tests on Friday. The team will provide an update on his status once the tests are completed and evaluated.Mercado got hurt when he caught a ball hit by San Francisco’s Alex Dickerson in the fourth inning of Thursday's game in Scottsdale. The 25-year-old did not return, and the Indians said the initial diagnosis was that Mercado sustained a sprain.Before getting hurt, Mercado hit a two-run homer in the top of the inning.Cleveland's outfield situation remains fluid, and Mercado's injury is the latest to hit the team at spring training.Mercado batted .269 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 118 games last season and was penciled in for a starting spot this year.His versatility will allow Francona to play him in any of the three outfield... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — In the midst of the spring training grind, the Angels-Indians game Tuesday provided an inspirational moment.Carlos Carrasco made his first start for Cleveland since last May — before he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. He missed three months while undergoing treatment, but made good on his promise to return before the end of last season and pitched 15 innings in relief in September."It was emotional, just getting to this point. I feel happy," Carrasco said after pitching two innings in Arizona. “I think everything's come out pretty good, I'm really excited to start again.”He wasn't the only one who was happy about it."Awesome. Special," said Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. "It's a blessing to have him on the field.""He's been pitching for a long time and he knows what he needs to do to get ready," said Sandy Leon, who caught him on Tuesday.Carrasco allowed three hits and two runs against a Los Angeles lineup highlighted by Mike Trout, but Carrasco... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Shane Bieber and all the young Indians starters have pretty much gotten used to being without stalwarts Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer in Cleveland's rotation. They got a head start last season on what it would be like without them.“We didn't have much of a choice last year,” said Bieber, the MVP of the All-Star Game in Cleveland last summer. '"I guess that kind of benefits us moving forward in this year because we're already kind of familiar with it, and the roles that we have to step into."Kluber suffered a broken right forearm when struck by a comeback liner in his seventh start last season. That was three months before the Indians traded Bauer in a deadline deal, and two-time Cy Young winner Kluber sustained an oblique injury when close to his return. The unquestioned ace then got traded to Texas the week before Christmas by Cleveland, which initially exercised a $17.5 million contract option for Kluber only days after the season ended. With those All-Star pitchers... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Shane Bieber and all the young Indians starters have pretty much gotten used to being without stalwarts Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer in Cleveland's rotation. They got a head start last season on what it would be like without them.“We didn't have much of a choice last year,” said Bieber, the MVP of the All-Star Game in Cleveland last summer. '"I guess that kind of benefits us moving forward in this year because we're already kind of familiar with it, and the roles that we have to step into."Kluber suffered a broken right forearm when struck by a comeback liner in his seventh start last season. That was three months before the Indians traded Bauer in a deadline deal, and two-time Cy Young winner Kluber sustained an oblique injury when close to his return. The unquestioned ace then got traded to Texas the week before Christmas by Cleveland, which initially exercised a $17.5 million contract option for Kluber only days after the season ended. With those All-Star pitchers... [More]

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — Indians reliever Emmanuel Clase could be sidelined three months with a strained back muscle, another blow to Cleveland's pitching staff.The hard-throwing Clase, the centerpiece of an offseason trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to Texas, experienced upper arm discomfort following a bullpen session last week. He continued to have issues this week and the Indians had him undergo imaging tests Wednesday.An MRI confirmed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in his upper back. The team said he will be re-evaluated weekly, but the 21-year-old is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks of game activity.Clase was expected to have a role in the back end of Cleveland's bullpen.It's been a tough start to camp for Indians pitchers as starters Mike Clevinger (knee surgery), Carlos Carrasco (hip flexor) and Aaron Civale (sore groin) are all sidelined. Clevinger is making progress but is not expected to be ready for major league games until at least mid-April.Clase's fastball has been clocked over 100 mph. He made 21 appearances for the Rangers last season and recorded 21 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.Before being hurt, he had been impressive this spring. Manager Terry Francona noted after a session earlier in camp that Clase was "throwing 100 mph bowling balls. It was heavy. It looked really heavy.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport s

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has been diagnosed with a mild strain of his right hip flexor after feeling discomfort while doing squats in the weight room during spring training.The team said Friday that Carrasco was considered day to day after an MRI revealed the strain.Manager Terry Francona said Carrasco felt something in his upper leg when squatting on Wednesday.The 32-year-old pitcher made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia. He revealed that in June, and returned as a reliever in September after treatment.Carrasco had said earlier in camp that his health was good and that he was excited about the upcoming season, when he is expected to move back into the rotation.The Indians, who traded two-time AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber this winter, were already down one starter this spring with right-hander Mike Clevinger recovering from knee surgery and out until mid-April. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — The Cleveland Indians could have another significant pitching problem.Right-hander Carlos Carrasco felt discomfort in his right leg during a spring training workout Wednesday and is undergoing imaging tests to find out the severity of the injury and how long he'll be sidelined.Carrasco, who made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia, got an MRI on Thursday. The Indians kept him from working out and the team plans to provide an update on his status Friday.“He was squatting and felt something in his upper leg area,” manager Terry Francona said. "I know it's a little vague but that's what we know. Instead of telling you something we don't know, we'll wait for more information and pass it on."If Carrasco is out for any period, it will put further strain on Cleveland's pitching depth. Right-hander Mike Clevinger recently underwent knee surgery and will be out until mid-April. On top of that, the team is counting on other pitchers to pick... [More]

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco felt discomfort in his right leg during a spring training workout this week and is undergoing imaging tests. Carrasco, who made an inspiring comeback last season after being diagnosed with leukemia, is getting an MRI. The Indians said he will not work out Thursday and the team plans to provide an update on his status Friday.If Carrasco is out for any period, it will put further strain on Cleveland's pitching depth. Right-hander Mike Clevinger recently underwent knee surgery and will be out until mid-April.The 32-year-old Carrasco revealed last June that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. He received treatments and battled back, making his return as a reliever on Sept. 1. He and the Indians are hoping he can again pitch in their starting rotation this season.Carrasco recently said his health was good and he was excited about the upcoming season.After he returned last season, Carrasco made 11 relief appearances in September, posting a 6.60 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 15 innings.Carrasco's comeback moved his players and fans across baseball. He received an emotional salute at the All-Star Game in Cleveland. Following the season he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player who demonstrates a deep commitment to community.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco and Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson have won the Comeback Player of the Year awards.Major League Baseball made the announcement on Wednesday.Carrasco won the American League award. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in early June, missed three months while undergoing treatment and returned to the Indian in a relief role in September.In October, the 32-year-old right-hander from Venezuela won the Roberto Clemente Award presented for the character he's shown on and off the field.Donaldson won the National League honor. He played only 52 games for Toronto and Cleveland in 2018 because of injuries, but bounced back for a big year with the Braves.The 2015 AL MVP hit 37 home runs and had 94 RBIs for the NL East champions. Donaldson became the second straight Braves player to win the NL comeback award after pitcher Jonny Venters last year.The awards were chosen by the 30 team beat writers for MLB.com.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco's courage while fighting cancer and community service earned him another postseason honor.Carrasco won the Frank Gibbons-Steve Olin Good Guy Award, given annually by the Cleveland chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, for being accommodating with media members as well as for his work in the Cleveland community.The right-hander was honored along with catcher Roberto Pérez, who was named the team's Man of the Year.Carrasco was diagnosed with leukemia in May. The 32-year-old was always available while battling the blood disorder and his inspirational battle became one of baseball's biggest stories this season. Carrasco was a unanimous selection by a panel of writers.Carrasco recently received the Roberto Clemente Award for his charitable efforts.Pérez emerged as one of the Indians' most consistent players in his first season as a full-time starter.After being a backup for the past five seasons, Pérez became a regular when the Indians traded Yan Gomes to Washington last winter. Pérez became the first catcher not to allow a passed ball in at least 118 games since Hall of Famer Johnny Bench in 1975.He also made just three errors in 1,137 total chances while playing on an ankle that required postseason surgery.Pérez batted .239 with a career-24 homers and 63 RBIs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians made one stirring comeback after another through a season scattered with adversity, misfortune, and unexpected challenges.Their last one fell short.They're stubbornly sitting out the postseason for the first time since 2015."We were on the run, and I just wanted to play in the playoffs," right-hander Mike Clevinger said after the Indians lost Sunday in Washington, concluding their taxing 2019 season with a five-game losing streak. "We didn't want that to come to an end. I wanted to pitch in October."Not this time.The Indians were officially eliminated from the playoffs on Friday, but only after they had exhausted themselves while overcoming injuries and fighting in a vain attempt to catch the homer-hammering Minnesota Twins, who clubbed Cleveland out of its three-year reign atop the AL Central.In truth, the Indians, who finished with 93 wins, played from behind since last winter when owner Paul Dolan's decision to chop payroll hollowed manager Terry Francona's... [More]

White sox fourth. Jose Abreu grounds out to third base, Jose Ramirez to Carlos Santana. Yoan Moncada singles to left center field. Zack Collins walks. Yoan Moncada to second. James McCann homers to left field. Zack Collins scores. Yoan Moncada scores. Daniel Palka homers to center field. Adam Engel walks. Ryan Cordell grounds out to shortstop, Francisco Lindor to Carlos Carrasco to Carlos Santana.4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 4, Indians 0.White sox fifth. Yolmer Sanchez called out on strikes. Tim Anderson singles to right center field. Jose Abreu triples to right field. Tim Anderson scores. Yoan Moncada grounds out to shallow infield, Mike Freeman to Carlos Santana. Zack Collins doubles to deep center field. Jose Abreu scores. James McCann strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 6, Indians 0.White sox sixth. Daniel Palka homers to center field. Adam Engel grounds out to third base, Jose Ramirez to Carlos Santana. Ryan Cordell grounds out to shortstop,... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer hit a career-high three homers, Justin Verlander posted his MLB-leading 20th win and the Houston Astros clinched their third straight AL West title in grand fashion, routing the Los Angeles Angels 13-5 on Sunday.A crowd at Minute Maid Park that was cheering from Verlander's first pitch got even louder as Springer homered three times in the first four innings. The Astros kept breaking away and improved to 102-54, a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees for the best record in the majors.After the final out, the Astros held a bouncing group hug in the middle of the diamond and posed for a team picture. It hasn't been determined who they will face in the playoffs as they try for their second World Series championship in three years.Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series, had two chances to tie the big league record for home runs in a game. He popped up with the bases loaded in the fifth and grounded out in the seventh.Verlander (20-6) yielded six hits and... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:TEXAS ONE-STEPThe Astros can clinch a third straight AL West title with a win over the Angels or a loss by Oakland. Houston has won six straight games and is already assured a postseason spot, and it's getting shortstop Carlos Correa in the swing of things at just the right time. Correa homered twice Friday in his second game after missing nearly a month with a sore back, and he finally looks healthy after missing 80 games total with various injuries."We can feel it," second baseman Jose Altuve said. "We're excited. We all are anxious about things right now which is normal because we want to make it happen."CENTRAL CONTROLThe NL Central-leading Cardinals are sending another red-hot pitcher to the Wrigley Field mound with a chance to ensure a series victory in their crucial four-game set against the Cubs. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) is 6-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts. That's bad news for slumping Chicago, which has... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:TEXAS ONE-STEPThe Astros can clinch a third straight AL West title with a win over the Angels or a loss by Oakland. Houston has won six straight games and is already assured a postseason spot, and it's getting shortstop Carlos Correa in the swing of things at just the right time. Correa homered twice Friday in his second game after missing nearly a month with a sore back, and he finally looks healthy after missing 80 games total with various injuries."We can feel it," second baseman Jose Altuve said. "We're excited. We all are anxious about things right now which is normal because we want to make it happen."CENTRAL CONTROLThe NL Central-leading Cardinals are sending another red-hot pitcher to the Wrigley Field mound with a chance to ensure a series victory in their crucial four-game set against the Cubs. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) is 6-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts. That's bad news for slumping Chicago, which... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have dealt with plenty of injuries and adversity this season. They will be dealing with more going into a key series.All-Star closer Brad Hand was sent back to Cleveland on Wednesday for an MRI on his left arm. Manager Terry Francona said after the Indians' 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels that the MRI on the left-hander was clean.However, Francona added that Hand — who is second in the AL with 34 saves — will likely not be available for this weekend's series against AL Central leader Minnesota.The Indians trailed the Twins by 6½ games a week ago, but have cut the margin to four after winning five of six on the road. They took two of three last weekend in Minnesota.Despite all the setbacks, the Indians are just a half-game out of a postseason spot. They trail Oakland for the second AL wild card and are one game behind Tampa Bay."He wasn't going to pitch (Wednesday) so rather than wait we sent him back on the red-eye last night," Francona... [More]