CINCINNATI (AP) — Javier Báez homered twice, doubled and scored on a deft dive to the plate, Alec Mills went six solid innings, and the Chicago Cubs extended their opening surge, beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-5 on Tuesday night.Chicago has won four of its first five games, scoring first in each one. Jason Kipnis’ triple — Shogo Akiyama lost it in the sun — got the Cubs going again.Mills (1-0) added to Chicago’s stretch of impressive starts, holding the Reds to two hits in six innings. Chicago’s starters have a 1.80 ERA and a .131 opponent batting average this season.The Reds got two-run homers by Nick Castellanos — his first since signing a $64 million deal — and Freddy Galvis but fell to 1-4, tied for the worst start in the majors.Cody Reed (0-1) allowed two runs in the fifth after relieving starter Tyler Mahle.DIAMONDBACKS 4, RANGERS 1ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Merrill Kelly took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a home run as Arizona beat Texas. Rougned Odor’s one-out... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Javier Báez homered twice, doubled and scored on a deft dive to the plate, Alec Mills went six solid innings, and the Chicago Cubs extended their opening surge, beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-5 on Tuesday night.Chicago has won four of its first five games, scoring first in each one. Jason Kipnis’ triple — Shogo Akiyama lost it in the sun — got the Cubs going again.Mills (1-0) added to Chicago’s stretch of impressive starts, holding the Reds to two hits in six innings. Chicago’s starters have a 1.80 ERA and a .131 opponent batting average this season.The Reds got two-run homers by Nick Castellanos — his first since signing a $64 million deal — and Freddy Galvis but fell to 1-4, tied for the worst start in the majors.Cody Reed (0-1) allowed two runs in the fifth after relieving starter Tyler Mahle.BLUE JAYS 5, NATIONALS 1WASHINGTON (AP) — The reigning World Series champions dropped to 1-4 in the pandemic-shortened season with a 5-1 loss to Toronto that included two outfielders... [More]

Indians first. Cesar Hernandez singles to right field. Jose Ramirez flies out to right field to Luis Robert. Francisco Lindor homers to center field. Cesar Hernandez scores. Carlos Santana singles to shortstop. Mike Freeman lines out to right field to Adam Engel. Daniel Johnson grounds out to second base, Leury Garcia to Jose Abreu.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 2, White sox 0.Indians second. Bradley Zimmer homers to right field. Roberto Perez strikes out swinging. Greg Allen flies out to center field to Luis Robert. Cesar Hernandez singles to left field. Jose Ramirez pops out to Yoan Moncada.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 3, White sox 0.White sox third. Leury Garcia grounds out to shortstop, Mike Freeman to Carlos Santana. Adam Engel called out on strikes. Tim Anderson homers to right field. Yoan Moncada strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Indians 3, White sox 1.Indians third. Francisco Lindor grounds out to first base to Jose Abreu. Carlos... [More]

Indians first. Cesar Hernandez grounds out to second base, Whit Merrifield to Maikel Franco. Jose Ramirez reaches on error. Throwing error by Erick Mejia. Francisco Lindor strikes out swinging. Carlos Santana walks. Jose Ramirez to second. Franmil Reyes singles to right field. Carlos Santana to third. Jose Ramirez scores. Domingo Santana singles to center field, tagged out at second, Brett Phillips to Adalberto Mondesi. Franmil Reyes to third. Carlos Santana scores.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Indians 2, Royals 0.Indians third. Cesar Hernandez singles to deep center field. Jose Ramirez singles to right field, advances to 3rd. Cesar Hernandez scores. Fielding error by Franchy Cordero. Francisco Lindor doubles to shallow left field. Jose Ramirez scores. Carlos Santana lines out to center field to Brett Phillips. Franmil Reyes reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Francisco Lindor out at third. Domingo Santana singles to left field. Franmil Reyes to second. Bradley Zimmer called... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland's order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians on Saturday in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule.With Greg Allen on second, Holland fanned César Hernández and José Ramírez before getting All-Star Francisco Lindor to chase strike three in the dirt for the final out and the most unique save of his career.“It’s kind of strange," Holland said of Major League Baseball’s new rule designed to keep games from dragging in this condensed, 60-game season.The Royals could be heard whooping it up as they poured out of the dugout, with Mike Matheny posting his first win as Kansas City's manager — a win he knows some will say deserves an asterisk.“I love it. I hope we do it tomorrow," he said, referring to the automatic-runner rule, which has been used in the minors. "Though actually... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland's order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians on Saturday in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule.With Greg Allen on second, Holland fanned César Hernández and José Ramírez before getting All-Star Francisco Lindor to chase strike three in the dirt for the final out and the most unique save of his career.The Royals could be heard whooping it up as they poured out of the dugout, with Mike Matheny posting his first win as Kansas City's manager.Holland's performance provided a fitting ending for the Royals, who got an excellent start from Brady Singer in his big league debut. Reliever Scott Barlow struck out two in the ninth to get the win.The Indians got just one hit after the third inning and finished with four.Jorge Soler and Salvador Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield strikes out swinging. Adalberto Mondesi lines out to shallow right field to Cesar Hernandez. Jorge Soler homers to left field. Salvador Perez homers to center field. Alex Gordon pops out to shallow left field to Jose Ramirez.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Royals 2, Indians 0.Indians third. Roberto Perez strikes out swinging. Bradley Zimmer singles to shallow right field. Cesar Hernandez singles to center field. Bradley Zimmer to second. Jose Ramirez singles to shallow right field. Cesar Hernandez to third. Bradley Zimmer scores. Francisco Lindor strikes out swinging. Carlos Santana grounds out to shallow right field to Ryan McBroom.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Indians 2.Royals tenth. Erick Mejia pinch-hitting for Ryan McBroom. Erick Mejia out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Jose Ramirez to Cesar Hernandez. Brett Phillips to third. Maikel Franco out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Oscar Mercado. Brett Phillips scores. Nicky Lopez walks.1 run, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Royals 3, Indians 2.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Seemingly lost, somewhat forgotten, Bradley Zimmer has found his way back to the Cleveland Indians.Sidelined by injuries for most of the past two seasons, Zimmer has put himself in position to not only make Cleveland's roster but also be a part of manager Terry Francona's regular lineup.The 27-year-old started in left field in Monday night's exhibition against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and it's not much of a reach to think he might be there again Friday when the Indians open this COVID-19-delayed 2020 season against the Kansas City Royals.It's an impressive turnaround for the physically gifted Zimmer, who probably would be at Triple-A Columbus if not for this shortened season and a few other scenarios that have gone his way.Zimmer is batting .556 (10 of 18) with four homers and seven RBIs in eight intrasquad games. On Monday, he went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI in the Indians' 11-7 win.Francona said seeing Zimmer thrive in his comeback has been beyond what he or the... [More]

Nationals first. Trea Turner singles to left field. Adam Eaton lines out to center field to Bradley Zimmer. Kurt Suzuki flies out to center field to Bradley Zimmer. Juan Soto doubles to deep right field. Trea Turner scores. Matt Adams pops out to Mike Freeman.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 1, Indians 0.Indians third. Francisco Lindor homers to right field. Bradley Zimmer strikes out swinging. Carlos Santana walks. Franmil Reyes grounds out to shallow infield, Joe Ross to Matt Adams. Carlos Santana to second. Mike Freeman strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 1, Nationals 1.Nationals third. Joe Ross grounds out to second base, Mike Freeman to Carlos Santana. Trea Turner strikes out swinging. Adam Eaton walks. Kurt Suzuki homers to left field. Adam Eaton scores. Juan Soto grounds out to first base, Carlos Santana to Mike Clevinger.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 3, Indians 1.Nationals sixth. Raudy Read flies out to left field to Greg... [More]

Nationals second. Ryan Zimmerman singles to left center field. Gerardo Parra singles to left center field. Ryan Zimmerman to second. Yan Gomes walks. Gerardo Parra to second. Ryan Zimmerman to third. Patrick Corbin singles to left field. Yan Gomes to second. Gerardo Parra to third. Ryan Zimmerman scores. Trea Turner strikes out swinging. Adam Eaton singles to left field. Patrick Corbin to second. Yan Gomes to third. Gerardo Parra scores. Anthony Rendon doubles to deep left field. Adam Eaton to third. Patrick Corbin scores. Yan Gomes scores. Juan Soto is intentionally walked. Asdrubal Cabrera singles to right field. Juan Soto to second. Anthony Rendon to third. Adam Eaton scores. Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right field to Franmil Reyes. Gerardo Parra homers to center field. Asdrubal Cabrera scores. Juan Soto scores. Anthony Rendon scores. Yan Gomes pops out to shallow infield to Jake Bauers.9 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Nationals 9, Indians 0.Indians fourth. Jordan Luplow homers to... [More]

Tigers third. Jake Rogers doubles to deep left field. Willi Castro out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Aaron Civale to Jake Bauers. Jake Rogers to third. Victor Reyes out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Yasiel Puig. Jake Rogers scores. Harold Castro grounds out to second base, Mike Freeman to Jake Bauers.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Tigers 1, Indians 0.Indians third. Ryan Flaherty singles to center field. Francisco Lindor strikes out swinging. Oscar Mercado strikes out swinging. Carlos Santana singles to center field. Ryan Flaherty scores. Yasiel Puig singles to left field. Carlos Santana to second. Mike Freeman strikes out swinging.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Tigers 1, Indians 1.Indians tenth. Roberto Perez reaches on error. Fielding error by Willi Castro. Ryan Flaherty out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Jose Cisnero to Jeimer Candelario. Bradley Zimmer to second. Francisco Lindor is intentionally walked. Oscar Mercado reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Francisco Lindor out at second. Bradley Zimmer to third. Carlos Santana is intentionally walked. Yasiel Puig singles to deep right field. Carlos Santana to second. Oscar Mercado to third. Bradley Zimmer scores.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 3 left on. Indians 2, Tigers 1.

CLEVELAND (AP) — While they wait for their current closer, the Indians brought up their likely next one.James Karinchak was added to the roster on Friday as Cleveland opened a critical three-game series with the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins, who lead the Indians by 3½ games.The 23-year-old Karinchak has zoomed through the club's minor-league system, recently pitching in the postseason for Triple-A Columbus.Indians manager Terry Francona said the decision to add Karinchak is not connected to All-Star closer Brad Hand being sidelined for at least the next few days with what the team has called a tired arm.Hand will not pitch against the Twins, and the left-hander said he won't throw again until Sunday at the earliest. He's been struggling for more than a month, with four of his five blown saves coming since July 12 along with a 5.68 ERA in the second half.The Indians sent him home from California on Thursday for an MRI that was clear.Hand said he's never dealt with anything similar... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have brought up highly touted reliever James Karinchak for their biggest series this season while waiting for All-Star closer Brad Hand.Cleveland added the 23-year-old Karinchak to the roster Friday before opening a three-game set against AL Central-leading Minnesota. The Twins lead the Indians by 3 ½ games.Karinchak gives manager Terry Francona another late-inning option. Hand was sent back to Cleveland for an MRI on Thursday.The left-hander has struggled for more than a month, with four of his five blown saves coming since July 12 along with a 5.68 ERA in the second half.Karnichak is viewed as Cleveland's future closer. The right-hander went 1-1 with eight saves and 2.67 ERA across the minors. He recently pitched 3 1/3 scoreless in three postseason appearances for Triple-A Columbus.The Indians also recalled outfielder Bradley Zimmer, who has been rehabbing his surgically repaired right shoulder and other injuries.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent outfielder Cameron Maybin and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a minor league contract.Maybin, who turns 32 next week, hit .163 with one RBI in 48 plate appearances during spring training with the San Francisco Giants, who released him on March 23. The Indians, who remain somewhat unsettled in their outfield, announced the deal Friday and assigned him to Triple-A Columbus.A first-round pick by Detroit in 2005, Maybin split last season between Miami and Seattle. He batted .249 with four home runs, 28 RBIs and 10 stolen bases over 129 games. He played on Houston's World Series championship team in 2017.Maybin gives Cleveland some depth and another potential option early in the season as manager Terry Francona tries different outfield combinations. In Thursday's season opener, Jake Bauers started in left, Leonys Martin in center and Tyler Naquin in right.The Indians are rebuilding their outfield after choosing not to re-sign All-Star Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisennall and others. The club is also waiting for Bradley Zimmer to return from shoulder surgery that limited him to 34 games last season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Cleveland Indians star shortstop Francisco Lindor's recovery from a strained right calf muscle has been set back by another injury: a sprained left ankle.Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday in Minnesota, where the Indians will start the season, that Lindor was hurt running the bases in a minor league intrasquad game at the team's spring training home in Arizona.According to the team, an MRI test on Lindor's ankle found a mild to moderate acute sprain. The three-time All-Star was previously ruled out for the opener because of the calf strain he suffered in early February. Because the timetable for that injury had not yet been finalized by the team's medical staff, Lindor's return from the ankle sprain was still being determined."I watched it on tape. He walked off the field," Francona said. "But they're trying to put their heads together to get some more information."In the meantime, Leonys Martin will likely bat leadoff in Lindor's place. Rookie Eric Stamets will take... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and double-play partner Jason Kipnis have been ruled out for opening day by the Cleveland Indians.The team said Friday night that neither player will be ready for Thursday's opener at Minnesota. Lindor will start the year on the 10-day injured list. He has been recovering from a right calf strain that's limited him during spring training. He has yet to appear in a Cactus League game but has participated in intrasquad minor league games. Potentially frigid weather in Minneapolis is an extra concern for Cleveland.Kipnis had an MRI on Thursday which confirmed a mild right calf strain. He won't do any baseball activities for 7 to 10 days before being re-evaluated.Eric Stamets is likely to replace Lindor at short, and either Jose Ramirez or Max Moroff will likely slot in at second.Outfielder Bradley Zimmer will also open the season on the 10-day IL. Zimmer had surgery on his right shoulder last July and is still recovering.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — After their best player discussed his injury and an uncertain future, the Indians got to work on the present.Cleveland held its first full-squad workout of spring training on Monday, the first step for a talented team that looks very different than the one which captured its third straight AL Central title in 2018.Following an eventful offseason culminated with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor's calf injury, the Indians took the field after manager Terry Francona delivered his annual address. His message this year focused on moving forward."The way we feel about the game doesn't change," Francona said. "I told them that you can break spring training into three groups: You have the young guys trying to create a good first impression. You have the guys competing for a job. You have the veterans trying to get ready for a long season."Earlier, Lindor said now is not the time for him to worry about a long-term contract.The 25-year-old shortstop spoke for the first time... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]