A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:OLD FRIENDSPete Alonso and the resurgent Mets face Cleveland in the opener of a pivotal nine-game homestand against a trio of playoff contenders: the Indians, Braves and Cubs. All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) starts for Cleveland against Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33). Mets manager Mickey Callaway was the Indians' pitching coach under skipper Terry Francona before getting the top job in New York. Cleveland begins the second leg of a weeklong visit to New York City after splitting a four-game series at Yankee Stadium last weekend.Back in Ohio, the Indians got encouraging news about Carlos Carrasco, who returned to the mound Monday two months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer. Carrasco, who hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation from fans.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:OLD FRIENDSPete Alonso and the resurgent Mets face Cleveland in the opener of a pivotal nine-game homestand against a trio of playoff contenders: the Indians, Braves and Cubs. All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) starts for Cleveland against Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33). Mets manager Mickey Callaway was the Indians' pitching coach under skipper Terry Francona before getting the top job in New York. Cleveland begins the second leg of a weeklong visit to New York City after splitting a four-game series at Yankee Stadium last weekend.Back in Ohio, the Indians got encouraging news about Carlos Carrasco, who returned to the mound Monday two months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer. Carrasco, who hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation from fans.... [More]

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Carlos Carrasco shook off some nerves and returned to the mound.Two months after being diagnosed with leukemia, everything felt mostly normal for the Indians right-hander."It was really special today," Carrasco said. "Just coming back today out of the bullpen, it feels great."Carrasco, who still hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. It was his first outing since being diagnosed in June with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer.When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. He got another one after striking out his final batter to end the inning.Carrasco admitted having some jitters beforehand. But once he threw his first pitch, the butterflies were gone."Right away I looked back to the scoreboard because I just wanted to find out what was that pitch, and it was 97 (mph)," Carrasco said. "It feels great."The 32-year-old... [More]

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has returned to the mound in the minor leagues as he tries to come back after being diagnosed with leukemia.Carrasco came on in relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. He received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. It was Carrasco's first appearance in a game since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in June.He finished his first inning with a strikeout.The 32-year-old is scheduled to pitch again for Akron on Thursday, and he and the Indians will then decide his next step. Carrasco wants to return and help the Indians this season.The Indians have rallied around Carrasco. During the All-Star Game in July, Carrasco appeared on the field during Major League Baseball's "Stand Up To Cancer" tribute, and "I Stand With Cookie" T-shirts have become popular around town.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has returned to the mound in the minor leagues as he tries to come back after being diagnosed with leukemia.Carrasco came on in relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. He received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. It was Carrasco's first appearance in a game since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in June.He finished his first inning with a strikeout.The 32-year-old is scheduled to pitch again for Akron on Thursday, and he and the Indians will then decide his next step. Carrasco wants to return and help the Indians this season.The Indians have rallied around Carrasco. During the All-Star Game in July, Carrasco appeared on the field during Major League Baseball's "Stand Up To Cancer" tribute, and "I Stand With Cookie" T-shirts have become popular around town.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BRYCE BLASTSQuiet for much of the season, Bryce Harper is making a lot of noise lately for the Phillies.Harper hollered as he ran around the bases after hitting a game-ending grand slam that rallied Philadelphia over the Cubs 7-5 Thursday night for a three-game sweep. Harper has seven homers and 15 RBIs in the last 12 games, keeping the Phils in the thick of the NL wild-card chase.Harper is batting .253 with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs. His slam was his biggest hit since signing a $330 million, 13-year contract to join the Phillies in spring training."Before I went to the plate, I touched my heart and I was thinking to myself: Why am I not jittery? Why am I not excited? But that's just how I am," Harper said. "I go up there and each at-bat is the same. I don't think about bases loaded. I try to get a pitch I can drive and hopefully good things happen. I love those moments. I love those opportunities. I think it helped me a lot from a young... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:BRYCE BLASTSQuiet for much of the season, Bryce Harper is making a lot of noise lately for the Phillies.Harper hollered as he ran around the bases after hitting a game-ending grand slam that rallied Philadelphia over the Cubs 7-5 Thursday night for a three-game sweep. Harper has seven homers and 15 RBIs in the last 12 games, keeping the Phils in the thick of the NL wild-card chase.Harper is batting .253 with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs. His slam was his biggest hit since signing a $330 million, 13-year contract to join the Phillies in spring training."Before I went to the plate, I touched my heart and I was thinking to myself: Why am I not jittery? Why am I not excited? But that's just how I am," Harper said. "I go up there and each at-bat is the same. I don't think about bases loaded. I try to get a pitch I can drive and hopefully good things happen. I love those moments. I love those opportunities. I think it helped me a lot from a young... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians' clubhouse is buzzing with activity about three hours before a three-game series opener against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, whose season could be over by October.For a stretch, Cleveland's postseason plans were in serious doubt.As players kill time before the first pitch, several relievers recline in black leather chairs at their cubicles, scanning phones while right-hander Tyler Clippard closes his eyes and grabs a quick nap on one of the large couches nearby.Looking for a fight, third baseman José Ramírez, who is finally swinging the bat like an All-Star again, barrels out of the shower area and shouts at rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, who rolls his eyes.It's business as usual. Nothing out of place.And, according to All-Star MVP Shane Bieber, that's the key behind the Indians' stunning turnaround this season — same routine, consistency, treat every day and every game just like the one before it."Except, today, I just put on gray pants,"... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians' clubhouse is buzzing with activity about three hours before a three-game series opener against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, whose season could be over by October.For a stretch, Cleveland's postseason plans were in serious doubt.As players kill time before the first pitch, several relievers recline in black leather chairs at their cubicles, scanning phones while right-hander Tyler Clippard closes his eyes and grabs a quick nap on one of the large couches nearby.Looking for a fight, third baseman José Ramírez, who is finally swinging the bat like an All-Star again, barrels out of the shower area and shouts at rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, who rolls his eyes.It's business as usual. Nothing out of place.And, according to All-Star MVP Shane Bieber, that's the key behind the Indians' stunning turnaround this season — same routine, consistency, treat every day and every game just like the one before it."Except, today, I just put on gray pants,"... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians pitcher Corey Kluber took another step in his comeback from a broken right forearm by throwing a simulated game Saturday.The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner could begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday as he continues to make progress in his recovery after being struck by a line drive hit by Miami's Brian Anderson on May 1.Kluber began playing catch about six weeks ago. He's been throwing in bullpen for a couple of weeks and will have another side session Tuesday."Now that I'm getting to face hitters, hopefully that comes with getting to pitch in a game sometime soon," he said. "It's not a finished product by any means right now, but I'm looking forward to it."Kluber threw 35 pitches to hitters from Akron, the Indians' Double-A team, in a session at Progressive Field. He hit 88-89 mph and threw several breaking pitches."I just thought he looked healthy, and that's good," manager Terry Francona said. "Now he has time to perfect his craft, which... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians added some power — and a little punch — for their playoff push.Still chasing the homer-happy Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, Cleveland traded temperamental starter Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in a three-team deal that landed the Indians two big bats to fill their power void — Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes.The Indians, who have cut first-place Minnesota's lead from 11½ games to three but haven't had a legitimate cleanup hitter all season, dealt Bauer to the Reds for Puig and left-hander Scott Moss. The Indians also acquired the hard-hitting Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infield prospect Victor Nova from San Diego. The Padres acquired outfielder Taylor Trammel from the Reds.The three teams agreed to the seven-player swap Tuesday, but medical reports didn't get approval until just hours before the trade deadline.When it was done, the Indians felt good about their present and future."We acquired a number of players that will not only impact... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians added some power — and a little punch — for their playoff push.Still chasing the homer-happy Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, Cleveland traded temperamental starter Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in a three-team deal that landed the Indians two big bats to fill their power void — Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes.The Indians, who have cut first-place Minnesota's lead from 11½ games to three but haven't had a legitimate cleanup hitter all season, dealt Bauer to the Reds for Puig and left-hander Scott Moss. The Indians also acquired the hard-hitting Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infield prospect Victor Nova from San Diego. The Padres acquired outfielder Taylor Trammel from the Reds.The three teams agreed to the seven-player swap Tuesday, but medical reports didn't get approval until just hours before the trade deadline.When it was done, the Indians felt good about their present and future."We acquired a number of players that will not only impact... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians added some power — and a little punch — for their playoff push.Still chasing the homer-happy Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, Cleveland traded temperamental starter Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in a three-team deal that landed the Indians two big bats to fill their power void, Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes,The Indians, who have cut first-place Minnesota's lead from 11½ games to three, dealt Bauer to the Reds for Puig and left-hander Scott Moss. The Indians also acquired Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infield prospect Victor Nova from San Diego. The Padres acquired outfielder Taylor Trammel from the Reds.Bauer's exit was nearly as stunning as his final start for Cleveland.His trade was completed three days after the quirky right-hander with undeniable talent along with a difficult side, angrily threw a ball from behind the mound over the center-field wall in Kansas City. Bauer called the act "childish" and was fined by Major League Baseball.... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians added some power — and a little punch — for their playoff push.Still chasing the homer-happy Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, Cleveland traded temperamental starter Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in a three-team deal that landed the Indians two big bats to fill their power void, Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes,The Indians, who have cut first-place Minnesota's lead from 11 ½ games to 3, dealt Bauer to the Reds for Puig and left-hander Scott Moss. The Indians also acquired Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infield prospect Victor Nova from San Diego. The Padres acquired outfielder Taylor Trammel from the Reds.Bauer's exit was nearly as stunning as his final start for Cleveland.His trade was completed three days after the quirky right-hander with undeniable talent along with a difficult side, angrily threw a ball from behind the mound over the center-field wall in Kansas City. Bauer called the act "childish" and was fined by Major League Baseball.... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians bulked up for the playoff race by trading temperamental starter Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team deal they hope helps them catch the Minnesota Twins.Cleveland, which trails the AL Central leaders by three games, sent Bauer to the Reds for slugger Yasiel Puig and left-hander Scott Moss. The Indians also acquired outfielder Franmil Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infield prospect Victor Nova from San Diego. The Padres acquired outfielder Taylor Trammel from the Reds.Bauer's exit comes three days after the quirky right-hander angrily threw a ball from the behind mound over the center-field wall in Kansas City. Bauer called the act "childish." It was a final straw for the Indians, who pulled off the stunning trade to help their playoff push and beyond.In landing Puig and Reyes, who have 49 combined homers this season, the Indians plugged a power gap in their lineup.The three teams agreed to the seven-player swap Tuesday night, but medical reports... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Trevor Bauer's final act for the Indians was throwing a ball over the center-field wall.Yasiel Puig ended his season with Cincinnati in another brawl.Cleveland agreed to trade Bauer, the talented but taxing right-hander, to the Reds on Tuesday night for Puig in a three-team deal that also involves the San Diego Padres, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The Indians, who are trying to catch the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, also would get left-hander Scott Moss from Cincinnati and slugging outfielder Franmil Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infielder Victor Nova from the Padres, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced.San Diego would receive minor league outfielder Taylor Trammell from the Reds, the person said.In his last start for the Indians on Sunday, Bauer, who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season, threw a ball in frustration from the mound in Kansas City over... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Trevor Bauer's final act for the Indians was throwing a ball over the center-field wall.Yasiel Puig ended his season with Cincinnati in another brawl.Cleveland agreed to trade Bauer, the talented but taxing right-hander, to the Reds on Tuesday night for Puig in a three-team deal that also involves the San Diego Padres, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The Indians, who are trying to catch the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, also get left-hander Scott Moss from Cincinnati and slugging outfielder Franmil Reyes, lefty Logan Allen and infielder Victor Nova from the Padres, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced.San Diego receives minor league outfielder Taylor Trammell from the Reds, the person said.In his last start for the Indians on Sunday, Bauer, who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season, threw a ball in frustration from the mound in Kansas City over the center-field... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Corey Kluber threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session as the Cleveland right-hander continues his comeback from a broken forearm.Kluber threw off the mound for the second time Sunday since being struck on the right arm by a line drive on May 1 against Miami.Manager Terry Francona said the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to throw off the mound again Wednesday.Kluber has thrown breaking pitches off flat ground, but has gone with only fastballs in the bullpen. Francona said Kluber will begin throwing breaking pitches off the mound in upcoming sessions.The Indians have climbed back in the AL Central race without Kluber and right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in June.Carrasco has been throwing in the bullpen, but told reporters earlier this month he doesn't know if he'll pitch again this season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians starter Corey Kluber's broken right arm is healing as hoped, and he could begin throwing bullpen sessions soon.Kluber was struck by a line drive on May 1 in Miami. Indians manager Terry Francona said Friday the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a "good checkup" and doctors are now determining when the right-hander can pitch off a mound.Asked if it could be within weeks, Francona said: "That's probably a decent guess, estimation."Kluber has been able to run and work on his conditioning, and he has been strengthening his arm by playing long toss. Francona said he stretched and threw from 150 feet this week.The Indians hope Kluber might be able to come back this season. Cleveland also is missing right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco's smile remains bright, his mood and outlook as positive as ever.Outwardly, the Indians' right-hander doesn't seem different. He's determined not to let cancer change him."I never put anything bad on my mind," Carrasco said. "Everything's good. So I don't feel different. I just push myself to work more and get stronger."Diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia last month, the 32-year-old Carrasco spoke to media members Thursday for the first time since his life took a dramatic, unexpected turn. As he dealt with so many unknowns, Carrasco said he's never once asked "why me" after learning of his condition."I'm not that kind of person," he said. "If it's happened, it's for a reason."Carrasco said he first knew something was wrong after he took his annual physical at the start of spring training in Arizona. But after more blood work was done, doctors at The Cleveland Clinic told him he had a treatable form of leukemia but that he could continue pitching as long... [More]