NEW YORK (AP) — Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman likes pitching in the Bronx, and he'd love it even more if he wasn't facing the Bombers.Asked Monday at Yankee Stadium about trade speculation connecting him and New York, Stroman stopped short of saying he was hopeful for a deal but insisted he could handle the city's notoriously tough stage."I love it, New York's like the Mecca of the world," Stroman said. "I love excitement. I love bright lights. I love competition. I love pressure."I've always loved pitching here, even though I haven't always pitched fairly well here, I've always enjoyed it. Yankee lineups are brutal. They're hard to kind of navigate. But yeah, I love the spotlight. The bigger the moment, that's where I've always wanted to be," he said.The 28-year-old Stroman is from Long Island and still has family in the area. He was expecting about 40 family and friends for Monday night's series opener between Toronto and New York, including his brother's youth baseball team,... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mickey Callaway needed two news conferences to issue one apology.After the New York Mets fined their manager and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter following a weekend loss, Callaway stopped short of saying he was sorry for the incident during his first meeting with the media on Monday.Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the cramped Wrigley Field clubhouse after a 5-3 loss on Sunday. There was no physical contact.Two hours after Callaway initially met with a large group of media members and 70 minutes before first pitch in Philadelphia, Callaway clarified his remarks."In my meeting with Tim, I apologized for my reaction," Callaway said. "I regret it. I regret the distraction that it's caused to the team.... It's something I'm not proud of. I'm not proud of the distraction. I'm not proud of what I did to Tim. For that, I'm definitely sorry."General manager Brodie... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Chris Woodward loves that the expectations are higher for the Texas Rangers.They are certainly higher than they were when the first-time manager took over a team coming off consecutive losing seasons."Whether that lasts and we sustain that, it's totally on us," Woodward said. "Do we have a team that we feel like can win every game? We do, and they truly believe that."After 21 games in 20 days, the Rangers got to their first day off in three weeks Monday. The are 42-36 and have lost only one of their last 12 series since a five-game losing streak that dropped them five games under .500 in mid-May.While three games shy of the midpoint of Woodward's first season, and still a bit early to talk about playoffs, the Rangers were only a half-game behind the American League's second wildcard."There's no question there's a lot of room for growth in every player in that locker room, but the overall belief is that we're going to win a game every time we step on the field," he... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman likes pitching in the Bronx, and he'd love it even more if he wasn't facing the Bombers.Asked Monday at Yankee Stadium about trade speculation connecting him and New York, Stroman stopped short of saying he was hopeful for a deal but insisted he could handle the city's notoriously tough stage."I love it, New York's like the Mecca of the world," Stroman said. "I love excitement. I love bright lights. I love competition. I love pressure."I've always loved pitching here, even though I haven't always pitched fairly well here, I've always enjoyed it. Yankee lineups are brutal. They're hard to kind of navigate. But yeah, I love the spotlight. The bigger the moment, that's where I've always wanted to be," he said.The 28-year-old Stroman is from Long Island and still has family in the area. He was expecting about 40 family and friends for Monday night's series opener between Toronto and New York, including his brother's youth baseball team,... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks has a torn elbow ligament and the team says it's determining what to do with the hardest-throwing pitcher in the majors.The Cardinals said Monday the right-hander has a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that usually leads to Tommy John surgery.The rocket-armed Hicks has hit 105 mph with fastballs this season and routinely reaches triple digits with his heater.Hicks left Saturday's game against the Angels in the ninth inning after he had pitched 1 1/3 innings.The 22-year-old Hicks is 2-2 with 14 saves and a 3.14 ERA in 29 games. He has struck out 31 in 28 2/3 innings.Hicks made his big league debut last year, pitching in 73 games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The New York Mets have fined manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter after a weekend loss at Wrigley Field.General manager Brodie Van Wagenen made the announcement before the Mets played Monday night in Philadelphia. He did not disclose the amount of the fines.Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the clubhouse after a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. There was no physical contact.Callaway called it a "misunderstanding," Vargas said it was "an unfortunate distraction" and Van Wagenen said it was "regrettable on many levels."Van Wagnenen said Callaway's status as manager remains unchanged. The Mets are 37-41.In a story published by Newsday on Sunday night, Healey said Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon called him "to apologize on behalf of the organization."___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers needed a one-game playoff to win the NL West last year.That appears to have been an aberration.After six straight victories, the Dodgers now lead the division by 13 games, and that's a little more in line with their norm of late. Los Angeles has won the last six NL West titles, and twice the final margin was in double digits. Now the Dodgers own the best record in baseball and are in the middle of another midseason surge.The Dodgers are 15-6 this June, after going 17-9 in that month last year and 21-7 in 2017. Their last three games have been particularly pulsating, each of them won on a walk-off home run by a rookie. Will Smith, Matt Beaty and Alex Verdugo delivered those dramatic swings against Colorado, the team that took the division race with Los Angeles down to the 163rd game last season.The Dodgers seem eager to make sure it doesn't come to that in 2019. Their 3.16 team ERA is the best in the major leagues, and they lead the National League in on-base percentage... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johan Camargo had a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday to win their fifth straight series.Overcoming an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka, the Braves used the long ball and their bullpen to win the deciding matchup of a three-game set between NL East rivals.Camargo connected off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, and Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for the first-place Braves.Juan Soto homered for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row following a five-game win streak.A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.ASTROS 9, YANKEES 4NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a leadoff homer, rookie Yordan Alvarez connected again and Houston ended its first seven-game skid in four years.New York had... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter, and pitcher Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging him during a confrontation in the team's clubhouse after a loss Sunday.The dustup with beat writer Tim Healey of Newsday occurred after the Mets blew a late lead in a 5-3 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. There was no physical contact.In a story published by Newsday on Sunday night, Healey said Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon called him "to apologize on behalf of the organization."The incident followed a tense postgame news conference, when reporters asked Callaway repeatedly about his decision to stick with reliever Seth Lugo during the eighth inning instead of going to closer Edwin Diaz. Lugo allowed a go-ahead, three-run homer to Javier Baez.After the news conference, Callaway walked past Healey and other reporters in the clubhouse. Healey told Callaway he would "see you tomorrow," and Callaway responded by calling Healey an obscenity.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:NEW YORK MESSThe Mets open a series in Philadelphia a day after manager Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter in the clubhouse, and pitcher Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging him.Callaway snapped at Newsday's Tim Healey following a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Shortly after a tense postgame news conference, Healey told Callaway "see you tomorrow" — the skipper called him an obscenity and later told him to leave the clubhouse. Vargas then stared down Healey and eventually tried to charge him. Players stepped in to restrain the veteran left-hander."The Mets sincerely regret the incident that took place with one of our beat writers following today's game in the clubhouse," the team said in a statement. "We do not condone this type of behavior from any employee. The organization has reached out and apologized to this reporter and will have further discussions internally with all involved parties."WHO'S NEXT?Dodgers... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman at Dodger Stadium was taken to a hospital Sunday for precautionary tests after being struck in the head by a foul ball from Los Angeles star Cody Bellinger during the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies.The young woman was sitting four rows from the field along the first base line, just beyond protective netting that extends to the end of the visiting dugout. She was hit by a sharp line drive by Bellinger, who checked on her between innings. She at first stayed in her seat and was given an ice pack, but she left about 15 minutes later for further attention.A first-aid person who treated the woman says she was taken to the hospital for precautionary tests but that she was alert and answering questions. The name of the woman was not released."It was weird. I saw it literally hit her face," Bellinger said. "I'm sure it was tough for everyone. I went over the next half inning to make sure. She said she was all right and gave me a thumb's up."Manager... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter, and pitcher Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging him during a confrontation in the team's clubhouse after a loss Sunday.The dustup with Tim Healey of Newsday occurred after the Mets blew a late lead in a 5-3 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. There was no physical contact.The Mets apologized to Healey, the team said in a statement hours later. Healey declined comment.Reporters asked repeatedly after the game about Callaway's decision to stick with reliever Seth Lugo during the eighth inning instead of going to closer Edwin Diaz. Lugo allowed a go-ahead, three-run homer to Javier Baez.After his standard postgame news conference, Callaway walked past Healey in the clubhouse. Healey told Callaway he would "see you tomorrow," and Callaway responded by calling Healey an obscenity. Callaway walked away and then returned, cursing at Healey again and telling him to leave the clubhouse.Vargas then stared... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johan Camargo had a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday to win their fifth straight series.Overcoming an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka, the Braves used the long ball and their bullpen to win the deciding matchup of a three-game set between NL East rivals.Camargo connected off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, and Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for the first-place Braves.Juan Soto homered for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row following a five-game win streak.A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.ASTROS 9, YANKEES 4NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a leadoff homer, rookie Yordan Alvarez connected again and Houston ended its first seven-game skid in four years.New York had... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter, and pitcher Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging him during a confrontation in the team's clubhouse after a loss Sunday.The dustup with Tim Healey of Newsday occurred after the Mets blew a late lead in a 5-3 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Reporters asked repeatedly after the game about Callaway's decision to stick with reliever Seth Lugo during the eighth inning instead of going to closer Edwin Diaz. Lugo allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Javier Baez.After the press conference, Callaway walked past Healey in the clubhouse. Healey told Callaway he would "see you tomorrow," and Callaway responded by calling Healey an obscenity. Callaway walked away and then returned, cursing at Healey again and telling him to leave the clubhouse.Vargas then stared down Healey and eventually tried to charge him. Players stepped in to restrain the veteran left-hander.No punches were thrown, and Healey left the clubhouse moments later.It's been a trying season for the Mets following an aggressive offseason. The club is 37-41.New York is set to open a four-game series at Philadelphia on Monday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have sent 2018 All-Star pitcher Mike Foltynewicz to the minor leagues following another ineffective start.Foltynewicz (2-5, 6.37 ERA) was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday after giving up eight runs in four innings to Washington less than 24 hours earlier.After the Braves rallied for a 13-9 win on Saturday night, Foltynewicz said, "It's just frustrating. I have a 7.00 ERA on a first-place team."By late Sunday morning, he was no longer part of the NL East-leading Braves' roster.Atlanta pitching coach Rick Kranitz said of the right-hander: "He's an All-Star, and he has great stuff. He just needs to go down, clear his head and relax and start making pitches."The Braves filled the roster spot by recalling right-hander Chad Sobotka from Gwinnett.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman at Dodger Stadium has been taken to a hospital for precautionary tests after being struck in the head by a foul ball from Los Angeles star Cody Bellinger during the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies.The young woman was sitting four rows from the field down the first base line Sunday, just beyond protective netting that extends to the end of the visiting dugout. She was hit by a sharp line drive by Bellinger, who checked on her between innings. She at first stayed in her seat and was given an ice pack, but she left about 15 minutes later for further attention.A first-aid person who treated the woman says she was taken to the hospital for precautionary tests but that she was alert and answering questions. The name of the woman was not released.A woman died last August after being struck in the head by a foul ball at Dodger Stadium.All 30 major league stadiums expanded protective netting to at least the far ends of the dugouts at the start of the 2018 season after several fans were injured by foul balls two years ago.Fan safety has received further scrutiny after a young girl was struck by a foul ball in Houston during a game on May 29. The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals recently announced that they will extend their netting to the foul poles.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Pete Alonso has hit his 27th home run, passing Darryl Strawberry for the New York Mets rookie record in just his 77th game.Alonso hit a solo drive against Chicago Cubs starter Cole Hamels in the fourth inning at Wrigley Field on Sunday. The 24-year-old slugger entered the day second in the majors in home runs, trailing NL MVP Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers with 29.Strawberry won NL Rookie of the Year by hitting 26 homers in 122 games in 1983. He issued a statement via the Mets congratulating Alonso, saying "what he's done in a short period of time is most impressive. No goal seems out of reach."___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have sent 2018 All-Star pitcher Mike Foltynewicz to the minor leagues following another ineffective start.Foltynewicz (2-5, 6.37 ERA) was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnet on Sunday after giving up eight runs in four innings to Washington less than 24 hours earlier.After the Braves rallied for a 13-9 win on Saturday night, Foltynewicz said, "It's just frustrating. I have a 7.00 ERA on a first-place team."By late Sunday morning, he was no longer part of the NL East-leading Braves' roster.Atlanta pitching coach Rick Kranitz said of the right-hander: "He's an All-Star, and he has great stuff. He just needs to go down, clear his head and relax and start making pitches."The Braves filled the roster spot by recalling right-hander Chad Sobotka from Gwinnet.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox infielder Brock Holt has left Sunday's game against Toronto in the fourth inning with left hamstring tightness.Holt singled with one out in the second, advanced on Christian Vázquez's single and was cut down at the plate by left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s throw trying to score on Jackie Bradley Jr.'s single.Holt was replaced by Eduardo Núñez in the top of the fourth.Holt has been Boston's hottest hitter since returning from the injured list on May 27, leading the team with a .357 average coming into Sunday.He went on the IL on April 7 with a scratched right cornea and also on injured his right shoulder while on a rehab assignment.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals finally ran out of patience waiting for Trevor Rosenthal to throw strikes following his return from Tommy John surgery.Rosenthal was released by the Nationals on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the 29-year-old reliever walked all three batters he faced in a 13-9 loss to Atlanta.After undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2017, Rosenthal sat out last season before signing as a free agent with Washington in November. The Nationals were hopeful he would pitch as he did in 2014 and 2015 with St. Louis, when he totaled 93 saves.Instead, Rosenthal went 0-1 with an unsightly 22.74 ERA. He issued 15 walks and allowed 16 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings."He's got great stuff," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "He just couldn't find the strike zone."Rosenthal retired the only batter he faced Friday night before bottoming out Saturday night."I was very hopeful he had turned a corner," Martinez said. "We're up four runs (on Saturday), we're down... [More]