PLAYERS TO PICK UPMIKE SOROKA (SP, Atlanta Braves, 38 percent owned in Yahoo) - Soroka returned from the disabled list Wednesday, and despite being on a pitch limit, he made the most of his return to the mound against the Mets. He allowed just one hit and one walk in 6.1 innings, while striking out four batters. He won't ever be a huge strikeout pitcher, but he should be owned in the majority of leagues as a fourth starter.WILLY ADAMES (SS, Tampa Bay Rays, 11 percent) - Adames will get every chance to earn the everyday shortstop role for the Rays. He has the upside to contribute across the board, and he should be owned in 12-team leagues with a middle infielder.MIGUEL SANO (3B, Minnesota Twins, 81 percent) - Sano is owned widely but might be at his low as a fantasy asset. The Twins shocked the baseball world by sending him to Triple-A on Thursday, as he's struggled to get it going after his 2017 All-Star season. If you have the patience and the room, now's the time to buy low on Sano, who... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer dashed home from second base on a wild pitch by Chris Sale, then homered off the Boston ace to send the Houston Astros over the Red Sox 7-3 Friday night in a matchup of AL division leaders.Carlos Correa and Evan Gattis homered late to boost the Astros.Mitch Moreland and J.D. Martinez hit back-to-back homers off Gerrit Cole (6-1) to start the fourth inning and get within 4-3. Martinez hit his major league-leading 19th homer.Springer's sprint put the Astros ahead in the first inning. With runners at first and second and one out, Sale (5-3) threw a hard slider that caught Correa swinging for strike three. But the ball bounced off catcher Sandy Leon's glove and caromed toward the first base dugout, and Springer hustled home on the wild pitch.Cole won his fourth straight decision, giving up three runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out seven, raising his AL-leading total to 116.ATHLETICS 16, ROYALS 0KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Olson hit two homers and... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer dashed home from second base on a wild pitch by Chris Sale, then homered off the Boston ace to send the Houston Astros over the Red Sox 7-3 Friday night in a matchup of AL division leaders.Carlos Correa and Evan Gattis homered late to boost the Astros.Mitch Moreland and J.D. Martinez hit back-to-back homers off Gerrit Cole (6-1) to start the fourth inning and get within 4-3. Martinez hit his major league-leading 19th homer.Springer's sprint put the Astros ahead in the first inning. With runners at first and second and one out, Sale (5-3) threw a hard slider that caught Correa swinging for strike three. But the ball bounced off catcher Sandy Leon's glove and caromed toward the first base dugout, and Springer hustled home on the wild pitch.Cole won his fourth straight decision, giving up three runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out seven, raising his AL-leading total to 116.ATHLETICS 16, ROYALS 0KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Olson hit two homers and... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings, Tony Kemp had a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh and the Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Indians 4-1 on Friday night for their third straight win.Morton (6-0) allowed one run and four hits with eight strikeouts in extending his career-high winning streak to nine straight dating to last September. Morton retired 19 of the first 21 batters.After Cleveland starter Mike Clevinger (3-1) walked Marwin Gonzalez and Derek Fisher to lead off the seventh, Brian McCann popped out before Kemp hit his RBI ground-rule double down the right-field line to give Houston a 2-1 lead. George Springer followed with a grounder to Kipnis, but Fisher beat the throw home.Ken Giles pitched the ninth for his seventh save.ROYALS 5, YANKEES 2KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Whit Merrifield had three hits, stole three bases and scored twice off CC Sabathia in the first four innings, Jakob Junis held down the Yankees' potent offense and Kansas City beat New York.Salvador... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings, Tony Kemp had a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh and the Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Indians 4-1 on Friday night for their third straight win.Morton (6-0) allowed one run and four hits with eight strikeouts in extending his career-high winning streak to nine straight dating back to last September. Morton retired 19 of the first 21 batters.After Cleveland starter Mike Clevinger (3-1) walked Marwin Gonzalez and Derek Fisher to lead off the seventh, Brian McCann popped out before Kemp hit his RBI ground-rule double down the right-field line to give Houston a 2-1 lead. George Springer followed with a grounder to Kipnis, but Fisher beat the throw home.Ken Giles pitched the ninth for his seventh save.ROYALS 5, YANKEES 2KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Whit Merrifield had three hits, stole three bases and scored twice off CC Sabathia in the first four innings, Jakob Junis held down the Yankees' potent offense and Kansas City beat New... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Luke Maile hit two home runs, including a two-run shot in the 12th inning that gave the Toronto Blue Jays a 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.Maile's drive off Boston's Brian Johnson (1-2) improved the Blue Jays to 5-0 in extra innings after they overcame an impressive outing by Red Sox starter Chris Sale.Curtis Granderson walked to begin the 12th before Maile went deep to right. Maile also hit a game-tying homer off Sale in the seventh. It was the first multihomer game of his career.Sale matched his career high by striking out 15 over a season-high nine innings.Sam Gaviglio (1-0), recalled from Triple-A Buffalo earlier Friday, pitched three innings for the win in his Blue Jays debut.METS 3, PHILLIES 1PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Philadelphia closer Hector Neris for New York's second win in 10 games.Phillies starter Jake Arrieta allowed five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and they led 1-0 until Neris... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Luke Maile hit two home runs, including a two-run shot in the 12th inning that gave the Toronto Blue Jays a 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.Maile's drive off Boston's Brian Johnson (1-2) improved the Blue Jays to 5-0 in extra innings after they overcame an impressive outing by Red Sox starter Chris Sale.Curtis Granderson walked to begin the 12th before Maile went deep to right. Maile also hit a game-tying homer off Sale in the seventh. It was the first multihomer game of his career.Sale matched his career high by striking out 15 over a season-high nine innings.Sam Gaviglio (1-0), recalled from Triple-A Buffalo earlier Friday, pitched three innings for the win in his Blue Jays debut.METS 3, PHILLIES 1PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Philadelphia closer Hector Neris for New York's second win in 10 games.Phillies starter Jake Arrieta allowed five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and they led 1-0 until Neris... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Oakland Athletics rookie Dustin Fowler once was a rising star in the Yankees' system, set to join a promising crop of Baby Bombers in the Bronx for years to come.He never got to don pinstripes in New York, though. Instead, in his big league debut last June, he suffered a major knee injury while trying to make a catch against the White Sox in Chicago.While it wasn't a career-ending setback, he was finished for the season. And then a month later, he was traded to Oakland as part of a package for Sonny Gray.Fowler finally got to suit up at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, albeit in a visitor's uniform. He started in center field and batted ninth as the A's, fittingly, faced Gray."I wouldn't have planned it this way, but it's perfect," Fowler said before the game. "Getting my first, hopefully full start against New York, my former team and the guy I got traded for so it's fun."It became a memorable evening, too, when Fowler lined a single in the fourth inning for his first hit... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Phillies closer Hector Neris and the New York Mets rallied to beat Philadelphia 3-1 on Friday night.Phillies starter Jake Arrieta allowed five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and they led 1-0 until Neris allowed a one-out single, Conforto's third homer and a homer to Devin Mesoraco on the next pitch. It was the second blown save in six days for Neris (1-3), both costing Arrieta a victory.Odubel Herrera extended his on-base streak to 40 games with a first-inning home run for the Phillies, who had won four straight.It was only the Mets' second win in 10 games and came in improbable fashion in their first game since an embarrassing gaffe in Wednesday's loss to Cincinnati in which they batted out of order, squashing a first-inning rally.Jeurys Familia (2-1) worked a perfect ninth for the Mets, who had scored two or fewer runs in seven of their previous nine games.CUBS 11, WHITE SOX 2CHICAGO (AP) — Willson Contreras... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Oakland Athletics rookie Dustin Fowler once was a rising star in the Yankees' system, set to join a promising crop of Baby Bombers in the Bronx for years to come.He never got to don pinstripes in New York, though. Instead, in his big league debut last June, he suffered a major knee injury while trying to make a catch against the White Sox in Chicago.While it wasn't a career-ending setback, he was finished for the season. And then a month later, he was traded to Oakland as part of a package for Sonny Gray.Fowler finally got to suit up at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, albeit in a visitor's uniform. He started in center field and batted ninth as the A's, fittingly, faced Gray."I wouldn't have planned it this way, but it's perfect," Fowler said before the game. "Getting my first, hopefully full start against New York, my former team and the guy I got traded for so it's fun."It became a memorable evening, too, when Fowler lined a single in the fourth inning for his first hit... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Oakland Athletics rookie Dustin Fowler once was a rising star in the Yankees' system, set to join a promising crop of Baby Bombers in the Bronx for years to come.He never got to don pinstripes in New York, though. Instead, in his big league debut last June, he suffered a major knee injury while trying to make a catch against the White Sox in Chicago.While it wasn't a career-ending setback, he was finished for the season. And then a month later, he was traded to Oakland as part of a package for Sonny Gray.Fowler finally got to suit up at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, albeit in a visitor's uniform. He started in center field and batted ninth as the A's, fittingly, faced Gray."I wouldn't have planned it this way, but it's perfect," Fowler said before the game. "Getting my first, hopefully full start against New York, my former team and the guy I got traded for so it's fun."It became a memorable evening, too, when Fowler lined a single in the fourth inning for his first hit... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Oakland Athletics rookie Dustin Fowler once was a rising star in the Yankees' system, set to join a promising crop of Baby Bombers in the Bronx for years to come.He never got to don pinstripes in New York, though. Instead, in his major league debut last June, he suffered a major knee injury while trying to make a catch against the White Sox in Chicago.While it wasn't a career-ending setback, he was finished for the season. And then a month later, he was traded to Oakland as part of a package for Sonny Gray.Fowler finally got to suit up at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, albeit in a visitor's uniform. He started in center fielder and batted ninth as the A's, fittingly, faced Gray."I wouldn't have planned it this way, but it's perfect," Fowler said before the game. "Getting my first, hopefully full start against New York, my former team and the guy I got traded for so it's fun."The 23-year-old Fowler got a nice hand from the crowd when be batted in the second inning, with... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland right-hander Trevor Cahill was put on the 10-day disabled list because on an impingement in his pitching elbow, a move retroactive to Sunday.Cahill signed with the A's in mid-March after injuries depleted Oakland's starting rotation. The 30-year-old started the season in the minors, was called up April 17 and went 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four starts. He struck out a career-best 12 in six innings against Baltimore on Saturday.Manager Bob Melvin said he was unsure who will Cahill's rotation spot.Kendall Graveman, the A's opening-day starter, could be called up. He went 0-5 with an 8.89 ERA in six starts for Oakland and is 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in two outings with Triple-A Nashville.Outfielder Dustin Fowler was recalled from Nashville on Wednesday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Projecting how top prospects will perform in their rookie campaign is difficult. In 2017, Matt Olson and Rhys Hoskins did a lot of producing with little opportunity, while Yuli Gurriel hit only 18 home runs in 139 games as a first baseman.Sometimes limited opportunities don't kill a player's value, while full-time opportunities won't necessarily guarantee that a rookie will be fantasy relevant, either. Trying to balance potential impact and possible opportunities is the key to projecting who will be the best rookies to own in fantasy.Ronald Acuna, OF, Atlanta BravesCurrent Player Comparison: Justin UptonAcuna hits for both power and batting average, he gets on base and he has enough speed to contribute a few stolen bases as well. With an ADP of 126, according to FantasyPros, he is a better selection with more upside than players like Adam Jones, Ian Desmond and Ender Inciarte.Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Los Angeles AngelsComp: Yu DarvishOhtani's 95-plus mph fastball, multiple breaking balls and... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kendall Graveman will take the ball on opening day for Oakland in a second straight season, eager to be the leader of a young rotation at age 27."It's fun. I feel healthy," Graveman said as he begins his fourth season with the A's. "It's special. It's the longest I've ever been somewhere. ... It just feels like home. This is a special place and I think we've got something really good going on."The right-hander spent a pair of stints on the disabled list last season with soreness in his pitching shoulder. Now, he is thankful for a new year.Slugger Khris Davis will try to keep the baseballs flying out of the ballpark after hitting 85 home runs over the past two seasons.Manager Bob Melvin is counting on the production of both Graveman and Davis.Melvin said of Graveman's spot atop the rotation, "He's ready for it.""It's an honor to be able to go out and kind of set the tone for the season and to be that guy," Graveman said.He will have a new catcher in Jonathan Lucroy... [More]

The outfield used to be a prime destination for the fantasy needs of every baseball shopper. Times have changed.Other positions are more fruitful and stolen bases are more valuable than ever because they're not as readily available.In 2017, outfielders accounted for 38 percent of all plate appearance in Major League Baseball, and accordingly represented 38.9 percent of home runs and 37.9 percent of all RBIs. Looking at other standard categories, outfielders accounted for 41 percent of runs scored and 54.9 percent of stolen bases. They hit an average of .260 versus the typical .255 batting average. They were even better with on-base percentage, earning a .332 mark compared to baseball's average OBP of .324.Combine those numbers with the reality that HRs overall are up 45.8 percent since 2014, and RBIs increased by just 15 percent - but stolen bases are down 29.8 percent from their peak this decade.The takeaway: You can get power anywhere, but steals are at a premium and the outfield is a... [More]

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Houston Astros2017: 101-61, first place, won World Series.Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Hector Rondon.He's Outta Here: DH Carlos Beltran, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Mike Fiers, RHP Michael Feliz, INF Colin Moran.Projected Lineup: CF George Springer (.283, 34 HRs, 85 RBIs), 3B Alex Bregman (.284, 19, 71, 39 2Bs), 2B Jose Altuve (MLB-best .346, 24, 81, 39 2Bs, 32 SBs, AL MVP), SS Carlos Correa (.315, 24, 84), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.299, 18, 75, 43 2Bs), LF Marwin Gonzalez (.303, 23, 90, 34 2Bs), DH Evan Gattis (.263, 12, 55), RF Josh Reddick (.314, 13, 82, 34 2Bs), C Brian McCann (.241, 18, 62).Rotation: LH Dallas Keuchel (14-5, 2.90 ERA, 251 Ks), RH Justin Verlander (15-8, 3.36, 219 Ks with Tigers and Astros), RH Gerrit Cole (12-12, 4.26, 196 Ks with Pirates), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (7-4, 4.25), RH Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62).Key Relievers: RH Ken... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — With Khris Davis slugging in the middle of a young lineup, the Oakland Athletics realize they still have much ground to overcome in a division featuring the World Series champion Houston Astros.And that's fine with this group, which is counting on using the momentum from a strong September finish going into spring and a new season.Last month, Davis received a $10.5 million, one-year contract, more than doubling his salary after he beat the team in arbitration last winter.He hit a career-best 43 home runs in 2017, connecting on the season's final day to surpass the season high he set the previous year for Oakland. The 30-year-old is the only A's player aside from Jimmie Foxx from 1932-34 with consecutive 40-homer seasons.The A's won 17 of their final 24 games after trading more stars in favor of the youth movement."I'm glad we had the success that we did at the end of the year because we talked about it the last day going into this next season, 'Remember what's happening... [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: A.J. Hinch (fourth season).2017: 101-61, first place, won World Series.Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.Park: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Hector Rondon.He's Outta Here: DH Carlos Beltran, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Mike Fiers, RHP Michael Feliz, INF Colin Moran.Going campin': This team is basically set after retaining almost every key player from last season's championship squad. The two strongest areas are the middle infield, where shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Jose Altuve, last year's AL MVP, return to anchor the middle of the order. Correa hit .315 with 24 homers — both career highs — and Altuve had his finest season, hitting a career-best and major... [More]

MILWAUKEE -- Kris Bryant's two-run homer in the 10th inning led Chicago past Milwaukee 5-3 on Thursday night at Miller Park, boosting the Cubs' lead over the Brewers to 4 1/2 games in the National League Central.Javier Baez tied the game for Chicago with a ninth-inning single, and the Brewers squandered a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity in the bottom of the ninth. The late collapse spoiled an outstanding effort from Zach Davies, who held the Cubs to two runs on seven hits and two walks (one intentional) in seven innings.Chicago's Jake Arrieta worked five innings in his first start since Sept. 4. He missed his previous two turns in the rotation because of a strained hamstring but was cleared earlier this week. He held Milwaukee to a run -- a solo homer by Domingo Santana -- on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts.Kyle Schwarber gave Chicago an early lead, taking Davies deep to left with one out in the second for his 29th home run of the season. The Cubs added another run in the third... [More]