CLEVELAND (AP) — For a day, Will Smith was in for quite a treat — teammates with Clayton Kershaw, Freddie Freeman and Christian Yelich.Soon, the San Francisco reliever could be playing with one of them for real.Smith went into the All-Star Game on Tuesday night well aware his days with the last-place Giants might be dwindling."If I get traded, it'll be the fourth time," the left-hander said. "After the first one, you're kind of numb to it."Fellow All-Star pitchers Marcus Stroman, Shane Greene and Brad Hand also are possible trade targets as the July 31 deadline approaches.Hand is an old hand at this. The San Diego Padres sent the left-hander to Cleveland just two days after the 2018 All-Star Game, during the break."I didn't really think I was going to get traded last year," Hand said Monday. "It's part of what we signed up for. ... There's really nothing you can do about it unless you have a no-trade clause.""I mean obviously there's a select handful of guys whose names are always thrown... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Pete Alonso took one final swing and flipped his bat high in the air. Another walk-off.Money ball.As the crowd roared, the New York Mets rookie headed toward the mound and tightly squeezed his cousin and pitcher Derek Morgan, who had helped him win the All-Star Home Run Derby and $1 million.Alonso outlasted a worn-down fellow rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round Monday night to take home a prize that nearly doubled his 2019 salary.With just seconds to spare, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center to edge Guerrero 23-22 after the Blue Jays' powerhouse put on a historic display by hitting 91 homers before he ran out of gas following an epic semifinal matchup against Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson."There's so many guys that just put on a show, like Joc, he was amazing, Vladdy, they did such a good job," Alonso said. "Everybody put on a show. To me it didn't really seem like the jitters were there, because everyone was awesome. I mean everyone was showing their... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Pete Alonso took one final swing and flipped his bat high in the air. Another walk-off.Money ball.As the crowd roared, the New York Mets rookie headed toward the mound and tightly squeezed his cousin and pitcher Derek Morgan, who had helped him win the All-Star Home Run Derby and $1 million.Alonso outlasted a worn-down fellow rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round Monday night to take home a prize that nearly doubled his 2019 salary.With just seconds to spare, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center to edge Guerrero 23-22 after the Blue Jays' powerhouse put on a historic display by hitting 91 homers before he ran out of gas following an epic semifinal matchup against Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson."There's so many guys that just put on a show, like Joc, he was amazing, Vladdy, they did such a good job," Alonso said. "Everybody put on a show. To me it didn't really seem like the jitters were there, because everyone was awesome. I mean everyone was showing their... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mets rookie Pete Alonso has a million-dollar swing.New York's newest slugger outlasted a worn-down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round of the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night to win $1 million — nearly double his 2019 salary.Alonso somehow had enough to edge Guerrero, who hit 91 homers but ran out of gas in the last round following an epic semifinal matchup against Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson.Needing 23 homers to beat Guerrero, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center before flipping his bat high into the air and hugging his pitcher, cousin Derek Morgan. Alonso was then swarmed by the NL All-Stars who were treated to a power display unlike any in the event's history."This was surreal," Alonso said.Alonso is the second rookie to win outright, following Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2017. He's also the first Mets player to win the derby since Darryl Strawberry shared the title with Wally Joyner in 1986.Alonso, making the major league minimum of $555,000 this... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mets rookie Pete Alonso has a million-dollar swing.New York's newest slugger outlasted a worn-down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round of the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night to win $1 million — nearly double his 2019 salary.Alonso somehow had enough to edge Guerrero, who hit 91 homers but ran out of gas in the last round following an epic semifinal matchup against Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson.Needing 23 homers to beat Guerrero, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center before flipping his bat high into the air and hugging his pitcher, cousin Derek Morgan. Alonso was then swarmed by the NL All-Stars who were treated to a power display unlike any in the event's history.Alonso is the second rookie to win, following Aaron Judge in 2017. He's also the first Mets player to win the derby outright. Darryl Strawberry shared the title with Wally Joyner in 1986.Alonso has hit 30 home runs this year and will play in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game (all times local):10:25 p.m.Toronto rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will face New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso for the All-Star Home Run Derby title.Guerrero beat the Los Angeles Dodgers' Joc Pederson 40-39 in the semifinals after they extended to a third tiebreaker. They tied 29-29 in the initial 4-minute round and 8-8 during 60 extra seconds. They each hit one during a three-swing tiebreaker, and Guerrero hit two in a second three-swing tiebreaker, finally winning when Pederson grounded out on his third swing. Guerrero also hit the longest of the night at 488 feet.Alonso, batting second, overcame Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. 20-19, his last dropping over the center-field fence after the horn.___9:28 p.m.Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Houston's Alex Bregman 21-16 in the first round of the Home Run Derby, and Toronto rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defeated Oakland's Matt Chapman 29-13 — a first-round record, one more than Josh Hamilton's... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game (all times local):9:28 p.m.Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Houston's Alex Bregman 21-16 in the first round of the Home Run Derby, and Toronto rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defeated Oakland's Matt Chapman 29-13 — a first-round record, one more than Josh Hamilton's total in 2008.Chapman hit one 477 feet, the longest of the night thus far, by 1 foot over Guerrero.Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. defeated Pittsburgh's Josh Bell 25-18, and New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso sparked boos when he beat Cleveland's Carlos Santana 14-13, hitting his last with 1 second left on the 4-minute clock.___6:25 p.m.Even though he's not on the roster, CC Sabathia was looming large around Progressive Field.The 38-year-old Yankees pitcher is playing his final season. He was invited by Major League Baseball to take part in this week's festivities, and was set to be honored for his contributions on and off the field."I'm just having a good time, being a fake... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Looking Cleveland summer chic, Carlos Santana strutted into the convention center's massive ballroom fashionably late.The first baseman's delayed entrance came long after Mike Trout, Francisco Lindor, J.D. Martinez and all the other American League players went to their assigned media interview platforms.Wearing stylish, dark sunglasses indoors, the Indians slugger had the relaxed appearance of a seasoned, multi-time All-Star.Don't be fooled.He's one of 36 All-Star rookies in this year's event.Santana's selection as a starter is the latest chapter in his storybook homecoming to Cleveland, where he played eight seasons before signing as a free agent in 2017 with Philadelphia. But a trade in December returned him to the Indians, who can't imagine where they'd be this season without him."He has carried us since Day One," said Lindor, the Indians' flashy, four-time All-Star shortstop. "We are playing the game the right way and he's a big part of our success."The 33-year-old... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — His free agency delayed a year because the Chicago Cubs kept him in the minor leagues for one extra day, Kris Bryant is the shining example of why players are agitating for change in their labor contract.Baseball has had labor peace following eight work stoppages from 1972-95, but the relationship between Major League Baseball and the union is strained as the current deal approaches its expiration in December 2021."I think people are prepared. I think we've very well educated," Bryant said Monday as NL All-Stars gathered in a room. "The problems are out on the board and I think the sides are kind of working towards not getting to that point. But I think everyone here in this room knows what's going on. There has to be change, and I think there will be."Bryant debuted on April 17, 2015, leaving him one day shy of the service time needed to become a free agent after the 2020 season, The players' association filed a grievance in 2015, but the case has not been argued.Houston... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game (all times local):6:25 p.m.Even though he's not on the roster, CC Sabathia was looming large around Progressive Field.The 38-year-old Yankees pitcher is playing his final season. He was invited by Major League Baseball to take part in this week's festivities, and was set to be honored for his contributions on and off the field."I'm just having a good time, being a fake All-Star here," he said, laughing. "When the Yankees asked me to announce my retirement, I was like, 'Announce what? I'm not Derek Jeter. No one will care.' But this whole deal has been pretty cool."Sabathia began his big league career in Cleveland and stayed in town until being traded to Milwaukee during the 2008 season. He still maintains close connections to the city.The lefty is 5-4 with a 4.03 ERA this season. Overall, the six-time All-Star has 251 wins and 3,057 strikeouts."I'm on my way out, I only have three more months, but as a fan, I love offense. There is definitely... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Looking Cleveland summer chic, Carlos Santana strutted into the convention center's massive ballroom fashionably late.The first baseman's delayed entrance came long after Mike Trout, Francisco Lindor, J.D. Martinez and all the other American League players went to their assigned media interview platforms.Wearing stylish, dark sunglasses indoors, the Indians slugger had the relaxed appearance of a seasoned, multi-time All-Star.Don't be fooled.He's one of 36 All-Star rookies in this year's event.Santana's selection as a starter is the latest chapter in his storybook homecoming to Cleveland, where he played eight seasons before signing as a free agent in 2017 with Philadelphia. But a trade in December returned him to the Indians, who can't imagine where they'd be this season without him."He has carried us since Day One," said Lindor, the Indians' flashy, four-time All-Star shortstop. "We are playing the game the right way and he's a big part of our success."The 33-year-old... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — We've seen Reggie hit the light tower, Pete Rose crush a catcher to score the winning run and a tribute to Ted Williams that sent shivers through Fenway Park.But come the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, baseball fans might witness something they've never seen before.Automatic runners.Already employed in the minors, the World Baseball Classic and Olympic softball, a new rule will take effect in front of a major league audience: Every extra inning in All-Star play — top half and bottom — begins with a free runner at second base."They're doing that? Really?" Houston reliever Ryan Pressly asked Monday. "I did not know that."The crowd at Progressive Field got a glimpse of the future, maybe, on Sunday night when the Futures Game tried the rule for an inning. No one scored, and the showcase for young talent wound up in a tie.Jeff McNeil, the top hitter in the majors this year, saw the scenario a lot last season in Triple-A. There, the goal is to shorten games and save wear and... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Sitting next to Justin Verlander, American League manager Alex Cora cheekily declared "we've got the opener" as he described his pitching plans.Touché!Houston's ace has been among the players most critical of some teams' practice of using relief pitchers as ersatz starters for an inning or two.Verlander will be making his second All-Star start on Tuesday night. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts selected Hyun-Jin Ryu from his own staff to make his first start for the National League.A 36-year-old right-hander, Verlander is 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA this year for the Houston Astros, striking out 153 in 126 2/3 innings.He allowed five runs in the first inning during the 2012 All-Star Game at Kansas City, including the first bases-loaded triple in All-Star history, to Pablo Sandoval."I kind of halfway blame it on Prince Fielder," Verlander said. "He was at first base, and he kept whispering at me, 'Ver, Ver, Ver, throw 100.' OK, Prince, here we go. So that was back then."Verlander,... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — There is hardly a team that deserves or desires this All-Star week more than the Minnesota Twins, whose powerful performance over the first half of the season was one of the biggest surprises in baseball.The Twins could take the break as a symbolic reward for consecutive residence in first place in the American League Central since April 20. They can sure use the extra rest, too, an antidote to all of the physical ailments that piled up over the last several weeks."There's really only one time over the course of nine months that you get to wake up two days in a row and do whatever you want," rookie manager Rocco Baldelli said Sunday. "And there's something to that. So I'm sure it'll be a good feeling for everyone to take a little break, choose what you're going to do and who you're going to hang out with and what coffee you're going to drink, and that's it."Fueled by the highest-scoring offense in the major leagues , the Twins (56-33) are on pace for more than 100 wins.... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have claimed first baseman A.J. Reed off waivers from the Houston Astros and have assigned him to Triple-A Charlotte.Reed has a .153 career average over 48 games for Houston from 2016-18. He had spent this season at Triple-A Round Rock and was designated for assignment by the Astros on July 2.The White Sox also transferred right-hander Ryan Burr to the 60-day injured list. He has been sidelined since late May and had Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow on June 25.Burr was 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA in 16 games — one start — this season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game (all times local):4:05 p.m.Justin Verlander's start in the 2012 All-Star Game at Kansas City was memorable — unfortunately for him.Ryan Braun hit an RBI double, Pablo Sandoval had the first bases-loaded triple and Dan Uggla followed with a run-scoring infield single as the NL started rolling to an 8-0 win."I kind of halfway blame it on Prince Fielder," Verlander said a day ahead of his start for the American League on Tuesday night. "He was at first base, and he kept whispering at me, 'Ver, Ver, Ver, throw 100.' OK, Prince, here we go. So that was back then."Verlander threw five pitches clocked at 100 mph and another at 101 during a 35-pitch inning."I don't quite throw 100 anymore. Maybe I'll try tomorrow," he said. "The goal is to get guys out. That's it. Thanks for bringing that up, by the way."___12:45 p.m.Justin Verlander will start the All-Star Game for the American League for the second time, and Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his first start... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Justin Verlander will start the All-Star Game for the American League for the second time, and Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his first start for the National League.Verlander, a 36-year-old right-hander, is 10-4 with a 2.98 ERA this year for the Houston Astros, striking out 153 in 126 2/3 innings.He allowed five runs in the first inning during the 2012 All-Star Game at Kansas City, including the first-bases loaded triple in All-Star history, to Pablo Sandoval. Verlander, who played for the Detroit Tigers, threw five pitches clocked at 100 mph and another at 101 during a 35-pitch inning.Ryu, a 32-year-old left-hander from South Korea, is 10-2 with a major league-leading 1.73 ERA for the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He is the second Asian All-Star starter after Dodgers rookie Hideo Nomo of Japan in 1995.Houston's George Springer leads off and plays right field for the AL and is followed in the batting order by New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu, Los Angeles Angels center... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Picture this, baseball fans.All-Star Game tied 4-all Tuesday night at Progressive Field, flamethrower Aroldis Chapman set to face rookie sensation Pete Alonso to start the top of the 10th inning.But, wait! Before the first pitch, Kris Bryant casually trots from the National League dugout to take a lead off second base."Kind of weird," offered Jeff McNeil, the majors' top hitter this year.Already employed in the minors, the World Baseball Classic and Olympic softball, a new rule takes effect this week in front of a major league audience: Every extra inning in All-Star play — top half and bottom — begins with an automatic runner at second."Oh, they are doing it?" asked Atlanta manager Brian Snitker, an NL coach.Yes, they are.The crowd in Cleveland got a glimpse of the future, maybe, on Sunday night when the Futures Game used the rule for an inning. No one scored, and the showcase for young talent wound up in a tie.Could be timely in the bigs, too. The last two All-Star Games... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:DERBY DAYThe All-Star Game might not count anymore, but the Home Run Derby is upping the stakes. This year's derby includes a $1 million top prize, and the participants are taking it seriously. Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several others have been practicing before games, trying to simulate derby conditions. Yelich, however, backed out of the field Sunday after tweaking his back and was replaced by Oakland's Matt Chapman. The rest of the field is Cleveland's Carlos Santana, New York's Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh's Josh Bell, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., Houston's Alex Bregman and the Dodgers' Joc Pederson.SCARY MOMENTThe Angels are awaiting test results for catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was bowled over by Houston's Jake Marisnick at home plate Sunday. The team said Lucroy was sent to a hospital for a CT scan and being evaluated for a possible concussion and broken nose. Marisnick crashed into Lucroy as he... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:DERBY DAYThe All-Star Game might not count anymore, but the Home Run Derby is upping the stakes. This year's derby includes a $1 million top prize, and the participants are taking it seriously. Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several others have been practicing before games, trying to simulate derby conditions. Yelich, however, backed out of the field Sunday after tweaking his back and was replaced by Oakland's Matt Chapman. The rest of the field is Cleveland's Carlos Santana, New York's Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh's Josh Bell, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., Houston's Alex Bregman and the Dodgers' Joc Pederson.SCARY MOMENTThe Angels are awaiting test results for catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was bowled over by Houston's Jake Marisnick at home plate Sunday. The team said Lucroy was sent to a hospital for a CT scan and being evaluated for a possible concussion and broken nose. Marisnick crashed into Lucroy as he... [More]