TORONTO (AP) — Tanner Roark has to keep the ball down in order to succeed, especially in the AL East."Popups, they go out for home runs. It is what it is," Roark said with a laugh Wednesday after finalizing a $24 million, two-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. ""Don't hang a pitch or else it's going to go far. That goes for any league, any division."A right-hander who turned 33 in October, Roark gets $12 million in each of the next two seasons.He was 10-10 with a 4.35 ERA in 31 starts last season for Cincinnati and Oakland, which acquired him at the trade deadline. Roark is 74-64 with a 3.71 ERA over seven seasons, the first six with Washington.Toronto, 67-95 last season, acquired right-hander Chase Anderson from Milwaukee last month."With the young core group of guys coming up and what we have at the big league level, maybe (I can) give some knowledge, teach them some things, answer any questions they want to know," he said. "I don't think I'm that old, but I'm one of the oldest... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Right-hander Tanner Roark and the Toronto Blue Jays completed their $24 million, two-year contract on Wednesday.Roark, who turned 33 in October, was 10-10 with a 4.35 ERA in 31 starts last season for Cincinnati and Oakland, which acquired him at the trade deadline. He is 74-64 with a 3.71 ERA over seven seasons, the first six with Washington.Toronto, 67-95 last season, acquired right-hander Chase Anderson from Milwaukee last month.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Anthony Rendon is joining the Los Angeles Angels, quickly following mega-deals for Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg in a trifecta of nine-figure contracts for agent Scott Boras at a wild winter meetings.With baseball still buzzing over Cole's $324 million, nine-year agreement with the New York Yankees, Rendon found his own free-agent riches, reaching a $245 million, seven-year deal Wednesday night to play third base in an Angels lineup that features three-time MVP Mike Trout.Strasburg opened the annual gathering on Monday when the Washington Nationals announced a nearly identical $245 million, seven-year contract to keep the World Series MVP.That set a record for the largest deal given a pitcher, topping David Price's $217 million, seven-year agreement with the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2016 season.Strasburg's standard lasted just a day, shattered Tuesday night when Cole agreed to pitch in pinstripes after two outstanding seasons with Houston.Then on the last full day... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Right-hander Tanner Roark and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.Roark, who turned 33 in October, was 10-10 with a 4.35 ERA in 31 starts this year for Cincinnati and Oakland, which acquired him at the trade deadline.He is 74-64 with a 3.71 ERA over seven seasons. He spent six seasons with Washington, then was dealt to Cincinnati last December. Toronto was 67-95 last season and last month acquired right-hander Chase Anderson from Milwaukee to join a rotation that includes right-hander Matt Shoemaker, whose 2019 season was cut short after five starts because of a torn left anterior cruciate ligament. Shoemaker was 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA when he got hurt.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — The bases were loaded and the 27,774 fans were on their feet begging for a hit that would allow retiring broadcaster Marty Brennaman to proclaim one final, glorious time: "This one belongs to the Reds!"It never happened. Jose Peraza flied out routinely to end the eighth-inning rally, leaving fans crestfallen over yet another wasted opportunity in a season full of them. The Reds lost their final home game 5-3 to the Brewers."And that has been the essence of this ballclub the entire season," Brennaman summed up.Marty nailed it.The Reds tried an unorthodox strategy to become relevant in 2019. Rather than keeping with their plan of rebuilding with young players, they became movers and shakers in the offseason, bringing in veterans who were in the final years of their deals.Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood, Tanner Roark and Sonny Gray came aboard, with Gray agreeing to a contract extension while the others were a season away from free agency. The Reds accomplished their overriding... [More]

Sept. 291913 — Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators finished the season with 36 victories by virtue of a 1-0 decision over the Philadelphia A's.1915 — The Philadelphia Phillies clinched their first NL pennant, beating the Boston Braves, 5-0, behind Grover Alexander's one-hitter.1954 — Willie Mays made his famous over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz's long drive to center field and pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes homered off Bob Lemon in the 10th inning to lead the New York Giants to a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the World Series.1963 — John Paciorek of the Houston Colt .45s, in his only major league appearance, went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and four runs scored against the New York Mets. A back injury ended his baseball career the next season.1976 — John Montefusco of the San Francisco Giants pitched a 9-0 no-hitter over the Braves in Atlanta.1983 — Mike Warren of the Oakland A's pitched a no-hitter to beat the Chicago White Sox, 3-0.1986 — Minnesota's Bert Blyleven... [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]

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:BIG TESTThe Cubs are sending star slugger Anthony Rizzo for an MRI after he sprained his right ankle Sunday, hoping the first baseman can still help with their postseason push. Rizzo was injured fielding a bunt at first base in the third inning during a 16-6 win over Pittsburgh. He had to be helped off the field and could not put pressure on the leg. X-rays taken at Wrigley Field showed no fractures, but Chicago will get a clearer prognosis from the MRI. Chicago's postseason pursuit has already been hindered by an injury to shortstop Javier Báez, who is out for the rest of the regular season with a hairline fracture of his left thumb.SEEING REDEugenio Suárez takes aim at the major league home run lead as the Reds open a series at Wrigley Field. Suárez connected twice Sunday and has 47 for the season, tying him with Mets slugger Pete Alonso for best in the majors. The 28-year-old Suárez has eight homers this month. The last Cincinnati hitter... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:BIG TESTThe Cubs are sending star slugger Anthony Rizzo for an MRI after he sprained his right ankle Sunday, hoping the first baseman can still help with their postseason push. Rizzo was injured fielding a bunt at first base in the third inning during a 16-6 win over Pittsburgh. He had to be helped off the field and could not put pressure on the leg. X-rays taken at Wrigley Field showed no fractures, but Chicago will get a clearer prognosis from the MRI. Chicago's postseason pursuit has already been hindered by an injury to shortstop Javier Báez, who is out for the rest of the regular season with a hairline fracture of his left thumb.SEEING REDEugenio Suárez takes aim at the major league home run lead as the Reds open a series at Wrigley Field. Suárez connected twice Sunday and has 47 for the season, tying him with Mets slugger Pete Alonso for best in the majors. The 28-year-old Suárez has eight homers this month. The last Cincinnati hitter... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:HOUSTON HAMMERSRookie Yordan Alvarez and the Houston Astros have set a franchise record by totaling 36 runs in their last two games, helped by exceptionally fast starts.On Sunday, the AL West leaders built a whopping 13-0 cushion in the first three innings on their way to a 21-1 rout of Seattle — Alvarez had three doubles and a single and drove in six runs.On Monday night, Alvarez homered in each of the first two innings as Houston rushed to an 11-0 lead. The Astros hit seven homers overall and pounded Oakland 15-0.The Astros have won five in a row and next take on A's righty Tanner Roark (9-8, 3.86 ERA). Wade Miley (13-4, 3.35) starts for host Houston.TROUT OUTAngels star Mike Trout has undergone a cryoablation procedure to alleviate pain in his right foot. Manager Brad Ausmus described the procedure as relatively minor and said the slugging outfielder could return later this series against Cleveland.Trout has been bothered by nerve pain... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:HOUSTON HAMMERSRookie Yordan Alvarez and the Houston Astros have set a franchise record by totaling 36 runs in their last two games, helped by exceptionally fast starts.On Sunday, the AL West leaders built a whopping 13-0 cushion in the first three innings on their way to a 21-1 rout of Seattle — Alvarez had three doubles and a single and drove in six runs.On Monday night, Alvarez homered in each of the first two innings as Houston rushed to an 11-0 lead. The Astros hit seven homers overall and pounded Oakland 15-0.The Astros have won five in a row and next take on A's righty Tanner Roark (9-8, 3.86 ERA). Wade Miley (13-4, 3.35) starts for host Houston.TROUT OUTAngels star Mike Trout has undergone a cryoablation procedure to alleviate pain in his right foot. Manager Brad Ausmus described the procedure as relatively minor and said the slugging outfielder could return later this series against Cleveland.Trout has been bothered by nerve... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to keep up his power resurgence, Gleyber Torres added his 34th home run and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 Wednesday night to move 43 games over .500 for the first time since 2009.Judge is hitting .317 with eight homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. He connected off Lance Lynn (14-10) in the third inning to become the fifth Yankees player with 20 homers this season.Torres homered in the fourth, tying Gary Sánchez for the team lead and joining Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to hit 34 homers at age 22 or younger. The home run was the 200th off the Rangers this season.New York improved to 92-49, including 11-2 when using Chad Green as an opener.Green pitched two innings and Luis Cessa (2-1) followed with three. Cory Gearrin allowed a ninth-inning homer to Rougned Odor.Lynn dropped to 0-4 in his last six starts. Texas matched its season worst of five games under .500 at 68-73.DODGERS 7, ROCKIES 3LOS ANGELES (AP)... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Liam Hendriks has put his trust in tarot cards and an energy healer named Rubi.Given how reliable this versatile reliever has been for the Oakland Athletics, nobody is about to question what's working.Manager Bob Melvin has gone with Hendriks as his ninth-inning option night after night, and is thrilled for the intense right-hander who has finally found his spot in the bullpen.Never one to stick with tradition and frustrated over his play last season in Triple-A, Hendriks searched for a way to transform his mental approach.Enter Rubi Rios."Talking to my wife's tarot card reader really helped. She's phenomenal," he said. "She does a great job. She's done a couple readings for me and it really helped me open my eyes a little bit."A year later, Hendriks emerged as an unlikely All-Star.The 30-year-old Aussie has adjusted to being an opener and a closer. He has worked plenty between the first and last innings, too.He even got designated for assignment on June 25 last year... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Liam Hendriks has put his trust in tarot cards and an energy healer named Rubi.Given how reliable this versatile reliever has been for the Oakland Athletics, nobody is about to question what's working.Manager Bob Melvin has gone with Hendriks as his ninth-inning option night after night, and is thrilled for the intense right-hander who has finally found his spot in the bullpen.Never one to stick with tradition and frustrated over his play last season in Triple-A, Hendriks searched for a way to transform his mental approach.Enter Rubi Rios."Talking to my wife's tarot card reader really helped. She's phenomenal," he said. "She does a great job. She's done a couple readings for me and it really helped me open my eyes a little bit."A year later, Hendriks emerged as an unlikely All-Star.The 30-year-old Aussie has adjusted to being an opener and a closer. He has worked plenty between the first and last innings, too.He even got designated for assignment on June 25 last year... [More]

Athletics first. Marcus Semien homers to left field. Robbie Grossman called out on strikes. Matt Chapman hit by pitch. Matt Olson singles to center field. Matt Chapman to second. Mark Canha walks. Matt Olson to second. Matt Chapman to third. Seth Brown reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Mark Canha out at second. Matt Olson to third. Matt Chapman scores. Jurickson Profar grounds out to first base to Ryan O'Hearn.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Athletics 2, Royals 0.Royals third. Nicky Lopez called out on strikes. Whit Merrifield hit by pitch. Jorge Soler reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Whit Merrifield out at second. Hunter Dozier homers to left field. Jorge Soler scores. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Ryan O'Hearn grounds out to first base, Jurickson Profar to Tanner Roark.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Athletics 2, Royals 2.Athletics fifth. Robbie Grossman singles to center field. Chad Pinder strikes out swinging. Matt Olson reaches on a fielder's choice to... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber became the first pitcher this season to throw three complete games, leading the Cleveland Indians over the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 Sunday for a three-game sweep.Bieber (11-4) allowed five hits, struck out eight and walked none. Bieber, the All-Star Game MVP, is 9-2 in his last 15 starts.Cleveland is 37-15 since June 4, the best record in the major leagues in that span. After trailing by as many as 11½ games in early June, the Indians started Sunday three games back of AL Central-leading Minnesota.Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and rookie Oscar Mercado homered off Jaime Barria (4-5), who gave up three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Barria is 2-4 with a 10.13 ERA on the road.Kole Calhoun homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for Los Angeles, which lost its fourth straight.YANKEES 7, RED SOX 4NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge homered early and a makeshift New York Yankees lineup pounded David Price in a victory that sent the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber became the first pitcher this season to throw three complete games, leading the Cleveland Indians over the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 Sunday for a three-game sweep.Bieber (11-4) allowed five hits, struck out eight and walked none. Bieber, the All-Star Game MVP, is 9-2 in his last 15 starts.Cleveland is 37-15 since June 4, the best record in the major leagues in that span. After trailing by as many as 11½ games in early June, the Indians started Sunday three games back of AL Central-leading Minnesota.Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and rookie Oscar Mercado homered off Jaime Barria (4-5), who gave up three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Barria is 2-4 with a 10.13 ERA on the road.Kole Calhoun homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for Los Angeles, which lost its fourth straight.ASTROS 3, MARINERS 1HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 10 in another dominant Houston pitching performance, and the Astros completed a three-game sweep.A day after Astros newcomer Aaron... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber became the first pitcher this season to throw three complete games, leading the Cleveland Indians over the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 Sunday for a three-game sweep.Bieber (11-4) allowed five hits, struck out eight and walked none. Bieber, the All-Star Game MVP, is 9-2 in his last 15 starts.Cleveland is 37-15 since June 4, the best record in the major leagues in that span. After trailing by as many as 11½ games in early June, the Indians started Sunday three games back of AL Central-leading Minnesota.Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and rookie Oscar Mercado homered off Jaime Barria (4-5), who gave up three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Barria is 2-4 with a 10.13 ERA on the road.Kole Calhoun homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for Los Angeles, which lost its fourth straight.ASTROS 3, MARINERS 1HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 10 in another dominant Houston pitching performance, and the Astros completed a three-game sweep.A day after Astros newcomer Aaron... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Tanner Roark was on the road headed to Atlanta for the Cincinnati Reds' next series when he stopped to get something to eat and learned that he'd be going in a much different direction.The playoff-contending Oakland Athletics acquired Roark on Wednesday, filling out a rotation that also could have left-hander Sean Manaea back soon."This is a gamer that gets after it," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He competes really hard, he throws strikes. He works quickly, which the fielders enjoy. Nice addition for us."Oakland sent outfield prospect Jameson Hannah to Cincinnati. The Reds are sending Oakland $2.1 million to offset much of the $3,225,806 remaining of Roark's $10 million salary.The trade was announced about an hour before the deadline for making deals. It was Oakland's third trade in 17 days. The A's previously acquired starter Homer Bailey and reliever Jake Diekman in a pair of deals with Kansas City."We needed starting pitching depth and a back-end arm in the bullpen,... [More]