ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas Rangers reliever Shawn Kelley was ready to start pitching again while waiting for the results of a biopsy on two lumps that were surgically removed from his throat.Kelley said Saturday that doctors took out a couple of "decent-sized" lumps on Thursday after an initial biopsy before the surgery was inconclusive."I still don't know the results of what's in my throat, but it's out and I'm going to get back to pitching for now," he said. "We'll find out when we find out, but for now I just want to get back to playing, and physically I feel good, I feel healthy. Arm feels good, body feels good."The 35-year-old right-hander expected to get the results from the latest biopsy early next week.Kelley, who doesn't use any kind of tobacco, said he noticed the issue early this season. He had the lumps checked this month after they got bigger and bothersome while trying to sleep."The doctors, from their experience and just looking at it and feeling it and all of that stuff,... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas Rangers reliever Shawn Kelley had two lumps surgically removed from his throat this week.Kelley says an initial biopsy on the lumps was inconclusive, so doctors removed a couple of "decent-sized" lumps on Thursday. The 35-year-old was put on the injured list May 9, five days after he last pitched.Kelley says he noticed the issue early this season. He had the lumps checked this month after they got bigger and bothersome while trying to sleep.He's awaiting the results, but on Saturday says he feels great and is ready to return to pitching.Kelley is 3-0 with two saves and a 1.29 ERA in 14 appearances in his first season with the Rangers.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ryan Braun's career-high sixth hit, a two-run single with one out in the 18th inning, lifted the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 comeback victory over the New York Mets on Saturday night in the longest game in Miller Park history.Braun stood on first base with his hands raised above his head as Yasmani Grandal slid across home plate with the winning run, ending the game that lasted 5 hours and 22 minutes. A jubilant bunch of Brewers ran out to greet Braun, who was the only Milwaukee player to have multiple hits.The Mets took a 3-2 lead in the top of the 18th on Jeff McNeil's run-scoring single off Taylor Williams (1-1), who was Milwaukee's eighth and final pitcher.But the Brewers were far from done. Eric Thames drew a leadoff walk from Chris Flexen (0-2), who then got Mike Moustakas to fly out to center. Flexen, just recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day, walked Grandal and Travis Shaw to load the bases for Braun. The Brewers' longest-tenured hit a sharp grounder... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Boston Red Sox strung together 10 straight hits against White Sox left-hander Manny Bañuelos, ending one hit shy of the major league record during a nine-run third inning in a 15-2 rout of Chicago on Saturday night.Bañuelos (2-1) retired his first eight batters before Christian Vázquez opened Boston's two-out rally with a single. Xander Bogaerts, Michael Chavis and Eduardo Núñez each homered, Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez had RBI doubles, and Vázquez capped the streak with another single before White Sox manager Rick Renteria pulled Bañuelos with a 9-1 deficit. Carson Fulmer replaced Bañuelos and interrupted the hit parade by walking Andrew Benintendi. Betts flew out to right to end the inning after 14 batters.The Colorado Rockies had a major league-record 11 straight hits during a 17-2 win over the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field on July 30, 2010.Chavis added another solo shot in the fifth for his first multihomer game and finished with four hits and three RBIs. All of... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Christian Vazquez hit a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning, and the Boston Red Sox completed an uplifting three-game sweep of the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays with a 4-3 victory Sunday.Rafael Devers singled off Jose Alvarado (0-2) to start the 11th and went to second when Michael Chavis walked.Both runners moved up a base on Jackie Bradley's sacrifice bunt and Vazquez followed with his fly that Kevin Kiermaier ran down in center field.Marcus Walden (3-0) allowed an infield hit over two scoreless innings and Ryan Brasier worked the 11th to get his sixth save.After starting the season by losing eight of 10, the defending World Series champions are 7-5 over the last 12 games and went from eight to five games behind the Rays.DODGERS 6, BREWERS 5MILWAUKEE (AP) — Cody Bellinger reached over the right field wall to rob Christian Yelich in the eighth inning of yet another home run, then hit a solo drive off Josh Hader with two outs in the ninth to lift Los Angeles over... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Christian Vazquez hit a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning, and the Boston Red Sox completed an uplifting three-game sweep of the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays with a 4-3 victory Sunday.Rafael Devers singled off Jose Alvarado (0-2) to start the 11th and went to second when Michael Chavis walked.Both runners moved up a base on Jackie Bradley's sacrifice bunt and Vazquez followed with his fly that Kevin Kiermaier ran down in center field.Marcus Walden (3-0) allowed an infield hit over two scoreless innings and Ryan Brasier worked the 11th to get his sixth save.After starting the season by losing eight of 10, the defending World Series champions are 7-5 over the last 12 games and went from eight to five games behind the Rays.DODGERS 6, BREWERS 5MILWAUKEE (AP) — Cody Bellinger reached over the right field wall to rob Christian Yelich in the eighth inning of yet another home run, then hit a solo drive off Josh Hader with two outs in the ninth to lift Los Angeles over... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper homered deep into the second deck in right-center field for his first hit with Philadelphia and celebrated with an emphatic curtain call, highlighting the Phillies' 8-6 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.Hitless over five at-bats this season after signing a $330 million, 13-year deal, Harper crushed Jesse Biddle's fastball 465 feet with two outs in the seventh. Fans gave Harper a standing ovation and chanted "MVP! MVP!"After getting high fives in the dugout, Harper climbed out for a curtain call, throwing both fists in the air and shouting "Let's go!"Maikel Franco and J.T. Realmuto also went deep for Philadelphia. The game was tied at 4 in the fifth when Realmuto lined a two-run drive off Wes Parsons (0-1).Adam Morgan (1-0) faced one batter in the fifth inning.Dansby Swanson and Charlie Culberson homered, and Freddie Freeman had four hits and drove in two for the Braves.BREWERS 4, CARDINALS 2MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich became the first MVP to... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American 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:___Houston AstrosManager: AJ Hinch (fifth season).2018: 103-59, first place, lost to Boston in ALCS.Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.Park: Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: OF Michael Brantley, C Robinson Chirinos, LHP Wade Miley, INF Aledmys Diaz.He's Outta Here: INF-OF Marwin Gonzalez, LHP Dallas Keuchel, RHP Charlie Morton, DH Evan Gattis, LHP Tony Sipp, C Brian McCann, C Martin Maldonado.Going campin': The Astros won a franchise-record 103 games last season and reached the ALCS. But mounting injuries and inconsistent play led to their elimination by Boston in five games and kept them from repeating as champions after winning their first World Series title in 2017. Houston returns aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, who are both coming off great... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Reliever Shawn Kelley agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers that guarantees the right-hander $2.75 million and includes a club option for 2020.The deal was announced Tuesday night by the Rangers, who made room on the roster by designating outfielder John Andreoli for assignment.Kelley will have a $2.5 million base salary for 2019, along with a $2.5 million club option for 2020 that includes a $250,000 buyout. There are also $250,000 annually in performance bonuses for the 34-year-old reliever going into his 11th major league season: $62,500 each for 50, 55, 60 and 65 games as a pitcher.In 54 appearances for Washington and Oakland last season, Kelley had a 2.94 ERA.But the Nationals designated him for assignment on Aug. 1, a day after he threw his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while working the ninth inning of a 25-4 win over the New York Mets. He appeared agitated and was working quickly when he entered with Washington up 25-1. His... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Veteran reliever Shawn Kelley signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers that guarantees the right-hander $2.75 million and includes a club option for a second season.The signing was announced Tuesday night by the Rangers, who made room on the roster by designating outfielder John Andreoli for assignment.Kelley will have a $2.5 million base salary for 2019, along with a $2.5 million club option for 2020 that includes a $250,000 buyout. There are also potential performance bonuses each season for the 34-year-old reliever going into his 11th major league season.In 54 appearances for Washington and Oakland last season, Kelley had a 2.94 ERA.But the Nationals designated him for assignment on Aug. 1, a day after he threw his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while working the ninth inning of a 25-4 win over the New York Mets. He appeared agitated and was working quickly when he entered with Washington up 25-1. His outburst came after allowing a two-run... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Veteran reliever Shawn Kelley has signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers that guarantees the right-hander $2.75 million and includes a club option for a second season.The signing was announced Tuesday night by the Rangers, who made room on the roster by designating outfielder John Andreoli for assignment.Kelley will have a $2.5 million base salary for 2019, along with a $2.5 million club option for 2020 that includes a $250,000 buyout. There are also potential performance bonuses for each season.In 54 appearances for Washington and Oakland last season, the 34-year-old Kelley had a 2.94 ERA.But the Nationals designated him for assignment on Aug. 1, a day after he threw his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while working the ninth inning of a 25-4 win over the New York Mets.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Edwin Jackson is the only starting pitcher included on the Oakland Athletics' roster for their AL wild-card game against the New York Yankees.Right-hander Liam Hendriks will be on the mound for the start of Wednesday night's game, and A's manager Bob Melvin would not say who will follow.His bullpen includes just one left-hander, Ryan Buchter. The righties in addition to Jackson are closer Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, Jeurys Familia, Shawn Kelley, Emilio Pagan, Yusmeiro Petit, Fernando Rodney and J.B. Wendelken.Mike Fiers, among Oakland's few healthy starting pitchers, was left off and if the A's advance would be in position to start an AL Division Series opener at Boston on Friday. When the A's had him make his first relief appearance of the season, on Friday at the Los Angeles Angels, Fiers replaced Trivino in the second and allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings.Teams may change rosters after each round.First baseman Greg Bird was left off the Yankees' roster following a season-long slump, and right-hander Jonathan Holder was picked for the 10th and final pitching spot over left-hander Stephen Tarpley.Yankees manager Aaron Boone carried three backup catchers, including Kyle Higashioka in addition to starter Gary Sanchez and backup Austin Romine.Backup infielders include Neil Walker, Adeiny Hechavarria and Tyler Wade.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at the American League wild-card game between the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees:___Schedule: Wednesday, at New York, 8:08 p.m. EDT (TBS).___Season Series: Split 3-3.___Projected Lineups:Athletics: LF Nick Martini (.296, 1 HR, 19 RBIs), 3B Matt Chapman (.278, 24, 68, 42 2Bs, 100 runs), 2B Jed Lowrie (.267, 23, 99, 37 2Bs), DH Khris Davis (.247, 48, 123), RF Stephen Piscotty (.267, 27, 88, 41 2Bs), 1B Matt Olson (.247, 29, 84), SS Marcus Semien (.255, 15, 70), CF Ramon Laureano (.288, 5, 19 in 48 games), C Jonathan Lucroy (.241, 4, 51).Yankees: LF Andrew McCutchen (.255, 20, 65 for Pirates and Yankees) or Brett Gardner (.236, 12, 45, 16 SBs), RF Aaron Judge (.278, 27, 67, 152 Ks in 112 games), SS Didi Gregorius (.268, 27, 86 in 134 games), DH Giancarlo Stanton (.266, 38, 100, 211 Ks), CF Aaron Hicks (.248, 27, 79 in 137 games), 3B Miguel Andujar (.297, 27, 92, 47 2Bs), 1B Luke Voit (.322, 15, 36 in 47 games for Cardinals and Yankees; .333, 14, 33 in 39 games with Yankees),... [More]

A look at the American League wild-card game between the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees:___Schedule: Wednesday, at New York, 8:08 p.m. EDT (TBS).___Season Series: Split 3-3.___Projected Lineups:Athletics: LF Nick Martini (.296, 1 HR, 19 RBIs), 3B Matt Chapman (.278, 24, 68, 42 2Bs, 100 runs), 2B Jed Lowrie (.267, 23, 99, 37 2Bs), DH Khris Davis (.247, 48, 123), RF Stephen Piscotty (.267, 27, 88, 41 2Bs), 1B Matt Olson (.247, 29, 84), SS Marcus Semien (.255, 15, 70), CF Ramon Laureano (.288, 5, 19 in 48 games), C Jonathan Lucroy (.241, 4, 51).Yankees: LF Andrew McCutchen (.255, 20, 65 for Pirates and Yankees) or Brett Gardner (.236, 12, 45, 16 SBs), RF Aaron Judge (.278, 27, 67, 152 Ks in 112 games), SS Didi Gregorius (.268, 27, 86 in 134 games), DH Giancarlo Stanton (.266, 38, 100, 211 Ks), CF Aaron Hicks (.248, 27, 79 in 137 games), 3B Miguel Andujar (.297, 27, 92, 47 2Bs), 1B Luke Voit (.322, 15, 36 in 47 games for Cardinals and Yankees; .333, 14, 33 in 39 games with Yankees),... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Asked about his best role in the Oakland bullpen, Shawn Kelley barbed himself."25-1's fine, whatever," he quipped Tuesday as he joined his new Athletics teammates.The Washington Nationals cut Kelley last week, a day after he slammed his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while pitching the ninth inning of a blowout win over the New York Mets. The Nats were ahead 25-1 when Kelley surrendered a two-run homer and lost his cool.Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said of Kelley: "You're either in or you're in the way. I thought he was in the way. That's something you don't come back from."It was an embarrassing moment for Kelley. But, he says, that's not who he is."I got frustrated because I gave up a homer. I meant no disrespect," Kelley said. "I've always been a team guy."Now with his fifth big league team, the 34-year-old righty is ready to help Oakland chase a playoff berth."I hope I can help out in any way and help them keep rolling," Kelley said.Oakland... [More]

Mike Fiers may end up with another chance to pitch in the postseason.The Oakland Athletics acquired the right-hander from the Detroit Tigers on Monday for two players to be named or cash. The 33-year-old Fiers is 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA this season.Fiers was with the World Series champion Astros last year, but he was not included on any of Houston's postseason rosters. He did make one relief appearance for the Astros in the 2015 Division Series.The rebuilding Tigers picked Fiers up before the season on a $6 million, one-year contract , and he pitched well enough that he became a candidate to be traded to a contender.Detroit traded outfielder Leonys Martin to Cleveland, and general manager Al Avila said last week that Oakland and Milwaukee had shown interest in Fiers. But the Tigers weren't able to work out a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline.Now the Tigers have sent Fiers to an Oakland team that, if the season ended now, would be the American League's second wild card."There's always... [More]

Mike Fiers may end up with another chance to pitch in the postseason.The Oakland Athletics acquired the right-hander from the Detroit Tigers on Monday for two players to be named or cash. The 33-year-old Fiers is 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA this season.Fiers was with the World Series champion Astros last year, but he was not included on any of Houston's postseason rosters. He did make one relief appearance for the Astros in the 2015 Division Series.The rebuilding Tigers picked Fiers up before the season on a $6 million, one-year contract , and he pitched well enough that he became a candidate to be traded to a contender.Detroit traded outfielder Leonys Martin to Cleveland, and general manager Al Avila said last week that Oakland and Milwaukee had shown interest in Fiers. But the Tigers weren't able to work out a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline.Now the Tigers have sent Fiers to an Oakland team that, if the season ended now, would be the American League's second wild card."There's always... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Shawn Kelley was acquired by the Oakland Athletics for international slot money on Sunday from the Nationals, who no longer wanted the reliever after he slammed his glove to the ground and glared into Washington's dugout during a game.The Nationals also sent cash to the A's in the swap.He was designated for assignment by Washington on Wednesday, a day after his mound outburst while pitching in the ninth inning of a 25-4 victory over the New York Mets.Kelley entered the game with Washington ahead 25-1. He was working quickly, and the plate umpire warned him to slow down. After the warning, Kelley gave up a two-run homer, prompting his tantrum.Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo explained the decision to cut ties with Kelley this way: "You're either in or you're in the way. I thought he was in the way. That's something you don't come back from."Rizzo called it "a disrespectful act" and "selfish."Kelley, a 34-year-old righty, was 1-0 with a 3.34 ERA in 35 games for Washington this season.He signed as a free agent with the Nationals in December 2015 and appeared in 135 games with the team.To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Oakland recalled outfielder Jake Smolinski from Triple-A Nashville and placed him on the 60-day disabled list with a blood clot in his left calf.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shawn Kelley's outburst on the mound got him booted from the Washington Nationals.The Nationals designated Kelley for assignment on Wednesday, a day after he threw his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while working the ninth inning of a 25-4 blowout of the New York Mets.Kelley entered the game with Washington leading 25-1. He appeared agitated and was working quickly, and he had already allowed a run when the plate umpire warned him to slow down. After the warning, he gave up a two-run homer to Austin Jackson, prompting the outburst."I thought (the way) he acted, portrayed on the field last night, was disrespectful to the name on the front of the jersey, the organization, specifically (manager) Davey Martinez," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. "You're either in or you're in the way. I thought he was in the way. That's something you don't come back from. It was a disrespectful act. ... I thought it warranted him leaving the team. I couldn't see how... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shawn Kelley's outburst on the mound got him booted from the Washington Nationals.The Nationals designated Kelley for assignment on Wednesday, a day after he threw his glove to the ground and glared into the dugout while working the ninth inning of a 25-4 blowout of the New York Mets.Kelley entered the game with Washington leading 25-1. He appeared agitated and was working quickly, and he had already allowed a run when the plate umpire warned him to slow down. After the warning, he gave up a two-run homer to Jeff McNeil, prompting the outburst."I thought (the way) he acted, portrayed on the field last night, was disrespectful to the name on the front of the jersey, the organization, specifically (manager) Davey Martinez," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. "You're either in or you're in the way. I thought he was in the way. That's something you don't come back from. It was a disrespectful act. ... I thought it warranted him leaving the team. I couldn't see how... [More]