CINCINNATI (AP) — Quoting the Cincinnati Reds' longtime play-by-play announcer, the Ohio Supreme Court declared Tuesday that "this one belongs to the Reds."The state's high court ruled 5-2 that the Major League Baseball franchise is exempt from paying tax on the purchase of bobbleheads and other promotional items the team offers to ticket buyers.The opinion written by Justice Patrick Fischer warned that the ruling was specific to the case and might not apply for other sports organizations. But the Department of Taxation's chief legal counsel, Matt Chafin, said the decision essentially shows professional teams how to avoid the "use tax" on promotional items.Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said the club is "happy with the outcome," but is still reviewing the opinion.The department argued the bobbleheads should be taxed because they're bought by the Reds as giveaways, not sold with tickets. The Reds argued they're exempt because they resell the items as part of the ticket package and Ohio law exempts... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds' worst start since the Great Depression led them to make the first managing change of the season, firing Bryan Price after a 3-15 beginning . They ended with their fourth straight 90-loss season, unsure who will be the next manager.Interim Jim Riggleman led the Reds to a 64-80 mark . He's one of several in-house candidates being interviewed by Dick Williams, the president of baseball operations, and his staff. They're also considering outside candidates and plan to hire someone by the end of October."I thought Jim has handled this as professionally as anyone," Williams said. "He has been extremely cooperative and done a very nice job of stepping into this role knowing that there would be a search at the end."Dusty Baker led the Reds to three 90-win seasons from 2010-13, their best showing since the days of the Big Red Machine, but he was fired for failing to get the Reds deep into the playoffs. They then launched a massive rebuild and have lost 98, 94, 94 and... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — The Houston Astros clinched another AL West title and reached 100 wins for the second straight season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 Tuesday night behind Alex Bregman's two-run homer.Houston improved to 100-57 and was assured of first place hours later when second-place Oakland (95-63) lost at Seattle. The Astros will open the Division Series at home against Cleveland on Oct. 5.The Astros need three wins in their final five games to break the franchise record for victories in a season, set in 1998.Houston is 18-4 in September and 54-22 on the road, both best in the major leagues.Roberto Osuna needed just six pitches in the ninth for his 20th save in 21 chances. Earlier Tuesday, assault charges against Osuna were dropped because the complainant, who lives in Mexico, made clear she would not travel to Toronto to testify.Josh James (2-0) allowed one run and four hits in five innings in his third big league start.Bregman went 2 for 5 and extended his club-record streak of... [More]

DENVER (AP) — David Dahl homered for a second straight night, a three-run shot in the third, and the Colorado Rockies vaulted into the final NL wild-card spot by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 on Tuesday night.The Rockies' fifth straight win moved them a half-game in front of St. Louis for the second wild-card after the Cardinals lost 12-4 to Milwaukee. Colorado trailed the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers by 1½ games entering the night and still has a chance to win its first division title. The Rockies have five games remaining.The game-changing hit was delivered by Dahl, who lined a fastball from Vince Velasquez (9-12) to left for his 12th homer — nearly to the same spot where Dahl hit a two-run homer the previous night. Dahl also added a run-scoring single as part of a 3-for-5, 4-RBI evening.The Rockies used seven relievers, with DJ Johnson (1-0) getting one out in the third to earn his first big league win.BREWERS 12, CARDINALS 4ST. LOUIS (AP) — Christian Yelich homered and... [More]

DENVER (AP) — David Dahl homered for a second straight night, a three-run shot in the third, and the Colorado Rockies vaulted into the final NL wild-card spot by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 on Tuesday night.The Rockies' fifth straight win moved them a half-game in front of St. Louis for the second wild-card after the Cardinals lost 12-4 to Milwaukee. Colorado trailed the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers by 1½ games entering the night and still has a chance to win its first division title. The Rockies have five games remaining.The game-changing hit was delivered by Dahl, who lined a fastball from Vince Velasquez (9-12) to left for his 12th homer — nearly to the same spot where Dahl hit a two-run homer the previous night. Dahl also added a run-scoring single as part of a 3-for-5, 4-RBI evening.The Rockies used seven relievers, with DJ Johnson (1-0) getting one out in the third to earn his first big league win.BREWERS 12, CARDINALS 4ST. LOUIS (AP) — Christian Yelich homered and... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BACK ON THE BUMPTrevor Bauer returns to the mound for AL Central champion Cleveland when the Indians host Boston in a potential playoff preview. Bauer has been sidelined with a broken right leg since he was struck by a line drive off the bat of White Sox slugger Jose Abreu on Aug. 11. The right-hander was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his fibula. Indians manager Terry Francona said Bauer will go a "couple of innings" and then throw in the bullpen to increase his pitch count. He will be relieved by rookie Shane Bieber. Francona wants Bauer to make two additional starts during the regular season and be in the playoff rotation. Selected to his first All-Star team this season, Bauer is 12-6 with a 2.22 ERA in 25 starts. Red Sox ace Chris Sale (12-4, 1.92 ERA), also rebuilding arm strength following an injury, is expected to throw about 65 pitches.CLOSE TO RETURNINGDetroit's Niko Goodrum (quad) and third baseman Jeimer Candelario (back)... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:BACK ON THE BUMPTrevor Bauer returns to the mound for AL Central champion Cleveland when the Indians host Boston in a potential playoff preview. Bauer has been sidelined with a broken right leg since he was struck by a line drive off the bat of White Sox slugger Jose Abreu on Aug. 11. The right-hander was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his fibula. Indians manager Terry Francona said Bauer will go a "couple of innings" and then throw in the bullpen to increase his pitch count. He will be relieved by rookie Shane Bieber. Francona wants Bauer to make two additional starts during the regular season and be in the playoff rotation. Selected to his first All-Star team this season, Bauer is 12-6 with a 2.22 ERA in 25 starts. Red Sox ace Chris Sale (12-4, 1.92 ERA), also rebuilding arm strength following an injury, is expected to throw about 65 pitches.CLOSE TO RETURNINGDetroit's Niko Goodrum (quad) and third baseman Jeimer Candelario (back)... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander drew several big cheers and pitched seven sharp innings in his return to Comerica Park while leading the Houston Astros over the Detroit Tigers 3-2 Monday night.Verlander struck out 10 in his first game in Detroit since being traded to Houston in August 2017. The World Series champion Astros opened a three-game lead over Oakland atop the AL West.Verlander (15-9) made his major league debut with Detroit in 2005 and ranks among the top 10 on several of the team's career pitching lists.The 35-year-old righty received a long standing ovation after a video tribute was played as he walked in from the bullpen, and another when he came out to warm up for the first inning. Both times, he tipped his cap and waved to the crowd.Verlander allowed two runs on six hits and one walk, improving to 98-50 at Comerica Park. Max Scherzer is second in career wins at the stadium with 46, while Jordan Zimmermann leads current Tigers with 14.The Tigers put two runners on in the seventh,... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander drew several big cheers and pitched seven sharp innings in his return to Comerica Park while leading the Houston Astros over the Detroit Tigers 3-2 Monday night.Verlander struck out 10 in his first game in Detroit since being traded to Houston in August 2017. The World Series champion Astros opened a three-game lead over Oakland atop the AL West.Verlander (15-9) made his major league debut with Detroit in 2005 and ranks among the top 10 on several of the team's career pitching lists.The 35-year-old righty received a long standing ovation after a video tribute was played as he walked in from the bullpen, and another when he came out to warm up for the first inning. Both times, he tipped his cap and waved to the crowd.Verlander allowed two runs on six hits and one walk, improving to 98-50 at Comerica Park. Max Scherzer is second in career wins at the stadium with 46, while Jordan Zimmermann leads current Tigers with 14.The Tigers put two runners on in the seventh,... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander drew several big cheers and pitched seven sharp innings in his return to Comerica Park while leading the Houston Astros over the Detroit Tigers 3-2 Monday night.Verlander struck out 10 in his first game in Detroit since being traded to Houston in August 2017. The World Series champion Astros opened a three-game lead over Oakland atop the AL West.Verlander (15-9) made his major league debut with Detroit in 2005 and ranks among the top 10 on several of the team's career pitching lists.The 35-year-old righty received a long standing ovation after a video tribute was played as he walked in from the bullpen, and another when he came out to warm up for the first inning. Both times, he tipped his cap and waved to the crowd.Verlander allowed two runs on six hits and one walk, improving to 98-50 at Comerica Park. Max Scherzer is second in career wins at the stadium with 46, while Jordan Zimmermann leads current Tigers with 14.The Tigers put two runners on in the seventh,... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — DETROIT (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals needed something to get them going on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.Out of nowhere — again — a squirrel appeared.In an episode sure to revive St. Louis fans' memories of the 2011 Rally Squirrel, this game at Comerica Park was scoreless going into the seventh inning. That's when a squirrel took up residence between second and third base.There was a delay and, with some prompting, the critter moved into foul territory and eventually made its escape in right field.The Cardinals wound up scoring five times in the inning and avoided a series sweep with a 5-2 victory. St. Louis has a one-game lead for the second NL wild card spot.During the 2011 NL Division Series, a squirrel cut across the diamond at Busch Stadium, running right past home plate during a game against Philadelphia. The Cards went on to win the playoff series and later the championship — their World Series rings even depicted a squirrel.The Cardinals John Gant (7-5) allowed... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City rookie Jorge Lopez came within three outs of a perfect game before Max Kepler walked leading off the ninth inning and Robbie Grossman followed with a single in the Royals' 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.The 25-year-old right-hander made just his seventh big league start, his fifth for Kansas City since he was acquired from Milwaukee in the late-July trade that sent Mike Moustakas to the Brewers.Lopez (2-4) retired his first 24 batters before walking Kepler on a 3-1 fastball. Grossman followed with a clean single to center field on a changeup with a 1-2 count.Lopez was removed from the game after 110 pitches, 11 more than his previous high.Ehire Adrianza hit a sacrifice fly off Wily Peralta, who retired Joe Mauer and Jorge Polanco on flyouts for his ninth save, completing the one-hitter.Jose Berrios (11-11) gave up one run and three hits in six innings.ASTROS 5, RED SOX 3BOSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit his 30th home run, Charlie Morton returned... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City rookie Jorge Lopez came within three outs of a perfect game before Max Kepler walked leading off the ninth inning and Robbie Grossman followed with a single in the Royals' 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.The 25-year-old right-hander made just his seventh big league start, his fifth for Kansas City since he was acquired from Milwaukee in the late-July trade that sent Mike Moustakas to the Brewers.Lopez (2-4) retired his first 24 batters before walking Kepler on a 3-1 fastball. Grossman followed with a clean single to center field on a changeup with a 1-2 count.Lopez was removed from the game after 110 pitches, 11 more than his previous high.Ehire Adrianza hit a sacrifice fly off Wily Peralta, who retired Joe Mauer and Jorge Polanco on flyouts for his ninth save, completing the one-hitter.Jose Berrios (11-11) gave up one run and three hits in six innings.ASTROS 5, RED SOX 3BOSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit his 30th home run, Charlie Morton returned... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kansas City rookie Jorge Lopez came within three outs of a perfect game before Max Kepler walked leading off the ninth inning and Robbie Grossman followed with a single in the Royals' 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.The 25-year-old right-hander made just his seventh big league start, his fifth for Kansas City since he was acquired from Milwaukee in the late-July trade that sent Mike Moustakas to the Brewers.Lopez (2-4) retired his first 24 batters before walking Kepler on a 3-1 fastball. Grossman followed with a clean single to center field on a changeup with a 1-2 count.Lopez was removed from the game after 110 pitches, 11 more than his previous high.Ehire Adrianza hit a sacrifice fly off Wily Peralta, who retired Joe Mauer and Jorge Polanco on flyouts for his ninth save, completing the one-hitter.Jose Berrios (11-11) gave up one run and three hits in six innings.ASTROS 5, RED SOX 3BOSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit his 30th home run, Charlie Morton returned... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds dropped Homer Bailey from the rotation Friday, leaving their highest-paid pitcher with no role for the rest of a disappointing season.Bailey is 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA and has lost nine straight decisions. The Reds are 1-19 in his starts this season, the fourth in a row that he's been injured.Interim manager Jim Riggleman said Friday that rookie Tyler Mahle will take Bailey's place in the rotation for the rest of the season. Bailey will continue throwing in the bullpen and stay ready in case he's needed for a start.The Reds considered moving Bailey to the bullpen, but the right-hander doesn't think he's capable of pitching in relief."It's not so much he's not willing to do it, but he just feels very strongly that the preparation he feels like he has to do means he will not be able to help the ballclub out of the bullpen," Riggleman said. "That kind of transition is something he'd have to prepare for in the off-season."The Reds gave Bailey a six-year, $105 million... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich drove in the winning run with the bases loaded in the ninth after beating a throw from third to avoid a double play, and the Milwaukee Brewers opened an important three-game series with the Chicago Cubs with a 4-3 win Monday.The .316 hitter hit a 1-2 fastball from Jesse Chavez right at third baseman Kris Bryant, who touched third for the second out of the ninth before firing to first. The speedy Yelich reached safely just before the throw landed in the glove of the outstretched Anthony Rizzo, allowing Keon Broxton to score the game-winner from third.Cubs reliever Steve Cishek (4-3) loaded the bases in the ninth with a walk, passed ball and two hit batters.The second-place Brewers pulled within four games of the NL Central-leading Cubs.Milwaukee tied the score 3-3 after pinch-hitter Mike Moustakas drew a four-pitch walk with two outs in the eighth from Carl Edwards Jr.Anthony Rizzo hit a two-out, two-run homer off tough left-hander Josh Hader in the eighth.Jeremy... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds have activated All-Star first baseman Joey Votto from the 10-day disabled list before Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.Votto had been out since Aug. 17 with a sore right knee, which was hit by a pitch on Aug. 4.He is hitting .284 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs over 118 games.The Reds also optioned outfielder Preston Tucker to Triple-A Louisville, recalled right-handed pitcher Austin Brice from Louisville and placed right-hander Robert Stephenson on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:JUST A MINUTERecently suspended players Jose Urena and Yasiel Puig are both appealing their punishments and should remain in action this weekend. Urena, the Marlins right-hander who plunked breakout Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. with the first pitch of a game Wednesday, was suspended six games by Major League Baseball but was in uniform Friday and could pitch this weekend while the appeal process is completed. Puig also figures to play this weekend for the Dodgers in Seattle as he appeals his two-game ban for fighting and inciting a benches-clearing scrap against San Francisco.CY PAST VS. CY POTENTIALMets ace Jacob deGrom tries to enhance his NL Cy Young credentials when he starts vs. Jake Arrieta and the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. DeGrom leads the majors with a 1.81 ERA — he's evened his record at 7-7 after New York recently gave him some long-overdue run support. Arrieta (9-7, 3.33) won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Cubs.BARTOLO'S... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:JUST A MINUTERecently suspended players Jose Urena and Yasiel Puig are both appealing their punishments and should remain in action this weekend. Urena, the Marlins right-hander who plunked breakout Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. with the first pitch of a game Wednesday, was suspended six games by Major League Baseball but was in uniform Friday and could pitch this weekend while the appeal process is completed. Puig also figures to play this weekend for the Dodgers in Seattle as he appeals his two-game ban for fighting and inciting a benches-clearing scrap against San Francisco.CY PAST VS. CY POTENTIALMets ace Jacob deGrom tries to enhance his NL Cy Young credentials when he starts vs. Jake Arrieta and the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. DeGrom leads the majors with a 1.81 ERA — he's evened his record at 7-7 after New York recently gave him some long-overdue run support. Arrieta (9-7, 3.33) won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Cubs.BARTOLO'S... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds placed first baseman Joey Votto on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a right lower leg injury.The All-Star was hit by a pitch from Ryan Madson in Washington on Aug. 4. In Cincinnati's 10 games since then, he missed four starts and two full games.Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart was in the Reds' lineup for his first career start at first base for their game against San Francisco. Barnhart has made three career appearances at first base, all this season.Outfielder Aristides Aquino was recalled from Double-A Pensacola to fill Votto's roster spot. Aquino will make his major league debut.