ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matt Thaiss scored on Michael Hermosillo’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Los Angeles Angels snapped their three-game skid with a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.Jason Castro delivered a tying RBI double in the ninth for the Angels, who improved the majors’ worst record to 3-6 despite blowing a two-run lead in the ninth.David Fletcher hit a leadoff single in the 10th off Nivaldo Rodriguez (0-1), sending Thaiss to third. After the Astros walked Anthony Rendon to load the bases, Thaiss scored on Josh Reddick’s inaccurate throw from medium right field.Angels reliever Noé Ramirez got two outs in the 10th, and Ryan Buchter (2-0) struck out Abraham Toro with the bases loaded in a rare bright moment for the Halos’ struggling relievers.ORIOLES 5, RAYS 4, 11 inningsBALTIMORE (AP) — Pinch-hitter Pat Valaika singled in the winning run in the 11th inning, and Baltimore handed Tampa Bay its fourth straight loss.Newcomer Brian Holaday... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matt Thaiss scored on Michael Hermosillo’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, and the Los Angeles Angels snapped their three-game skid with a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.Jason Castro delivered a tying RBI double in the ninth for the Angels, who improved the majors’ worst record to 3-6 despite blowing a two-run lead in the ninth.David Fletcher hit a leadoff single in the 10th off Nivaldo Rodriguez (0-1), sending Thaiss to third. After the Astros walked Anthony Rendon to load the bases, Thaiss scored on Josh Reddick’s inaccurate throw from medium right field.Angels reliever Noé Ramirez got two outs in the 10th, and Ryan Buchter (2-0) struck out Abraham Toro with the bases loaded in a rare bright moment for the Halos’ struggling relievers.ORIOLES 5, RAYS 4, 11 inningsBALTIMORE (AP) — Pinch-hitter Pat Valaika singled in the winning run in the 11th inning, and Baltimore handed Tampa Bay its fourth straight loss.Newcomer Brian Holaday... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — With just 60 games this season, the Chicago Cubs need Craig Kimbrel to be better than he was last year.Much, much better.The 32-year-old Kimbrel is looking to bounce back from one of the worst stretches of his stellar career. The seven-time All-Star closer never looked right after he got a late start last year, going 0-4 with a career-high 6.53 ERA and three blown saves in 16 chances.In his last appearance of the season, he was taken deep by Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong on his first two pitches in the ninth inning of a 9-8 loss to St. Louis that helped push Chicago out of the playoff picture.If Kimbrel flops again, it won't take much to sink the Cubs' chances in a shortened season amid the coronavirus pandemic.“You know, in my role, I think turning the page is a big saying, but I think in 60 games it's going to have to be big time,” Kimbrel said Wednesday on a video conference call. “I think each game is going to be a huge game, so I don’t think guys can carry things from... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — With just 60 games this season, the Chicago Cubs need Craig Kimbrel to be better than he was last year.Much, much better.The 32-year-old Kimbrel is looking to bounce back from one of the worst stretches of his stellar career. The seven-time All-Star closer never looked right after he got a late start last year, going 0-4 with a career-high 6.53 ERA and three blown saves in 16 chances.In his last appearance of the season, he was taken deep by Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong on his first two pitches in the ninth inning of a 9-8 loss to St. Louis that helped push Chicago out of the playoff picture.If Kimbrel flops again, it won't take much to sink the Cubs' chances in a shortened season amid the coronavirus pandemic.“You know, in my role, I think turning the page is a big saying, but I think in 60 games it's going to have to be big time,” Kimbrel said Wednesday on a video conference call. “I think each game is going to be a huge game, so I don’t think guys can carry things from... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Third baseman Kris Bryant avoided arbitration with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing Friday to an $18.6 million, one-year contract.The Cubs also avoided arbitration with their other five eligible players, agreeing to one-year deals with star shortstop Javier Báez ($10 million), All-Star catcher Willson Contreras ($4.5 million), slugger Kyle Schwarber ($7.01 million), outfielder Albert Almora Jr. ($1,575,000) and reliever Kyle Ryan ($975,000).Bryant got a significant boost from the $12.9 million he earned last year. The 2016 NL MVP rebounded from an injury-filled season to bat .282 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs. It is unclear whether he will remain with the team he led to the 2016 World Series championship, the Cubs' first title since 1908. Chicago's thin minor league system, the young players Bryant could bring back in a trade and the large contract the three-time All-Star would figure to command as a free agent have all thrown his future into question. He also has a pending grievance... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Third baseman Kris Bryant avoided arbitration with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing Friday to an $18.6 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The Cubs also avoided arbitration with their other five eligible players, agreeing to one-year deals with star shortstop Javier Báez ($10 million), All-Star catcher Willson Contreras ($4.5 million), slugger Kyle Schwarber ($7.01 million), outfielder Albert Almora Jr. ($1,575,000) and reliever Kyle Ryan ($975,000).Bryant got a significant boost from the $12.9 million he earned last year. The 2016 NL MVP rebounded from an injury-filled season to bat .282 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs. It is unclear whether he will remain with the team he led to the 2016 World Series championship, the Cubs' first title since 1908. Chicago's thin minor league system, the young players Bryant could bring back in a trade and the... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Third baseman Kris Bryant avoided arbitration with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing Friday to an $18.6 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Bryant got a significant boost from the $12.9 million he earned last year.Chicago also agreed to a $1,575,000, one-year contract with outfielder Albert Almora Jr.The 2016 NL MVP, Bryant rebounded from an injury-filled season to bat .282 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs. It remains unclear whether he will remain with the team he led to the 2016 World Series championship, the Cubs' first title since 1908. Chicago's thin minor league system, the prospects Bryant could bring back in a trade and the large contract the three-time All-Star would figure to command as a free agent have all thrown his future into question. He also has a pending grievance he filed in the hope of becoming a free agent one year earlier... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Third baseman Kris Bryant avoided arbitration with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing Friday to an $18.6 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Bryant got a significant boost from the $12.9 million he earned last year.Chicago also agreed to a $1,575,000, one-year contract with outfielder Albert Almora Jr.The 2016 NL MVP, Bryant rebounded from an injury-filled season to bat .282 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs. It remains unclear whether he will remain with the team he led to the 2016 World Series championship, the Cubs' first title since 1908. Chicago's thin minor league system, the prospects Bryant could bring back in a trade, the large contract the three-time All-Star would figure to command as a free agent have all thrown his future into question. He also has a pending grievance he filed in the hope of becoming a free agent one year earlier than... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs and star third baseman Kris Bryant avoided arbitration, agreeing to an $18.6 million, one-year contract on Friday, a person familiar with the situation said.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced. The Cubs also agreed to a $1.575 million contract with outfielder Albert Almora Jr.The 2016 NL MVP, Bryant rebounded from an injury-riddled season to bat .282 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs. But the big question is whether he will remain with the team he led to a drought-busting World Series championship three years ago. The Cubs' thin minor league system, the prospects Bryant could bring back in a trade, the massive contract the three-time All-Star would figure to command as a free agent and his pending service-time grievance against the team have all thrown his future into question. The third baseman debuted on April 17, 2015, leaving him one day shy of the service time needed to become a free agent after the 2020 season.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Milwaukee closer Josh Hader just made the cutoff for salary arbitration eligibility with 2 years, 115 days of major league service.Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías also is on the list of 23 so-called Super 2s with 2 years, 117 days. The cutoff was down significantly from 2 years, 134 days last offseason.Miami left-hander Jarlin García just missed with 2 years, 114 days, and Arizona right-hander Luke Weaver had 2 years, 112 days.The top 22% of players by service time with at least two years but less than three are eligible for arbitration as long as they had at least 86 days of service this year. They join the older group of 3- to 6-year players.Players and teams are scheduled to exchange proposed salaries on Jan. 10, and hearings for those lacking agreements will be scheduled for Feb. 3 to 21 in Phoenix.The New York Yankees have four Super 2s: right-handers Luis Cessa and Jonathan Holder, left-hander Jordan Montgomery and third baseman Gio Urshela.Urías is joined... [More]

Cardinals fourth. Yadier Molina flies out to deep center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Matt Carpenter homers to center field. Paul DeJong walks. Harrison Bader strikes out swinging. Dakota Hudson called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Cubs 0.Cubs sixth. Ian Happ homers to right field. Victor Caratini lines out to center field to Harrison Bader. Nico Hoerner singles to center field. Albert Almora Jr. reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Nico Hoerner out at second. Robel Garcia pinch-hitting for Alec Mills. Robel Garcia walks. Albert Almora Jr. to second. Tony Kemp grounds out to shallow infield, Giovanny Gallegos to Paul Goldschmidt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Cardinals 1.Cubs seventh. Ben Zobrist walks. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Willson Contreras singles to right field. Ben Zobrist to third. Ian Happ doubles to right field. Willson Contreras to third. Ben Zobrist scores. Victor Caratini hit by pitch. Nico Hoerner singles to... [More]

Cardinals first. Dexter Fowler called out on strikes. Tommy Edman triples to deep right center field. Paul Goldschmidt grounds out to shallow infield, Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo. Tommy Edman scores. Marcell Ozuna walks. Yadier Molina strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Cubs 0.Cubs first. Anthony Rizzo called out on strikes. Nicholas Castellanos doubles to deep right center field. Kris Bryant walks. Kyle Schwarber walks. Kris Bryant to second. Nicholas Castellanos to third. Ben Zobrist walks. Kyle Schwarber to second. Kris Bryant to third. Nicholas Castellanos scores. Victor Caratini walks. Ben Zobrist to second. Kyle Schwarber to third. Kris Bryant scores. Jason Heyward out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Marcell Ozuna. Kyle Schwarber scores. Nico Hoerner flies out to deep right center field to Dexter Fowler.3 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 3, Cardinals 1.Cardinals third. Dakota Hudson singles to center field. Dexter Fowler singles to... [More]

Sept. 221911 — Cy Young, 44, beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for his 511th and final major league victory.1936 — The Detroit Tigers swept the St. Louis Browns 12-0 and 14-0 to record the biggest double shutout in major league history.1954 — Karl Spooner of Brooklyn became the first pitcher in the majors to strike out 15 in his first game as the Dodgers beat the New York Giants 3-0.1966 — The Baltimore Orioles clinched their first AL pennant in 22 years with a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City A's. Their last pennant came in 1944 when they were the St. Louis Browns.1968 — Cesar Tovar played one inning at each position for the Minnesota Twins, becoming the second major leaguer in history to do it. Bert Campaneris of the Oakland A's was the other.1969 — Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants became the second player to hit 600 career home runs — joining Babe Ruth. The two-run shot off San Diego's Mike Corkins in the seventh inning, gave the Giants a 4-2 win.1973 — Baltimore's Al Bumbry tied... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Marcell Ozuna drove in four runs and threw out a runner at home plate from left field, leading the St. Louis Cardinals over the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Monday night.St. Louis retained its two-game lead over the second-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Washington is one-half game ahead of the Cubs for the top NL wild card.Nationals manager Dave Martinez missed the game following a heart procedure in Washington, and bench coach Chip Hale was in charge of the dugout.Dexter Fowler walked against Sean Doolittle (6-5) with one out in the seventh, Hunter Strickland walked Paul Goldschmidt with two outs and Ozuna doubled just inside the left-field line, just the second hit in 11 at-bats for the Cardinals with runners in scoring position.Dakota Hudson (16-7) won for the sixth time in seven starts. Carlos Martínez got his 20th save in 23 chances.ROCKIES 9, METS 4DENVER (AP) — Pitcher Antonio Senzatela hit a tying, two-run single that ended a year-long 0-for-44 slide at the... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Marcell Ozuna drove in four runs and threw out a runner at home plate from left field, leading the St. Louis Cardinals over the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Monday night.St. Louis retained its two-game lead over the second-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Washington is one-half game ahead of the Cubs for the top NL wild card.Nationals manager Dave Martinez missed the game following a heart procedure in Washington, and bench coach Chip Hale was in charge of the dugout.Dexter Fowler walked against Sean Doolittle (6-5) with one out in the seventh, Hunter Strickland walked Paul Goldschmidt with two outs and Ozuna doubled just inside the left-field line, just the second hit in 11 at-bats for the Cardinals with runners in scoring position.Dakota Hudson (16-7) won for the sixth time in seven starts. Carlos Martínez got his 20th save in 23 chances.ROCKIES 9, METS 4DENVER (AP) — Pitcher Antonio Senzatela hit a tying, two-run single that ended a year-long 0-for-44 slide at the... [More]

Cubs first. Ben Zobrist walks. Nicholas Castellanos called out on strikes. Kris Bryant strikes out swinging. Anthony Rizzo walks. Ben Zobrist to second. Willson Contreras doubles to left field. Anthony Rizzo to third. Ben Zobrist scores. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to shallow infield, Chase Anderson to Yasmani Grandal.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Brewers 0.Brewers second. Ryan Braun singles to center field. Manny Pina grounds out to third base, Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo. Ryan Braun to second. Hernan Perez homers to right field. Ryan Braun scores. Orlando Arcia flies out to left center field to Kyle Schwarber. Cory Spangenberg grounds out to second base, Ben Zobrist to Anthony Rizzo.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cubs 1.Cubs fourth. Willson Contreras homers to center field. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep center field. Addison Russell lines out to third base to Hernan Perez. Jason Heyward flies out to deep left field to Ryan Braun. Jose Quintana grounds out... [More]

Cubs first. Jason Heyward lines out to right field to Austin Slater. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Kris Bryant called out on strikes. Anthony Rizzo homers to center field. Javier Baez singles to left field. Kyle Schwarber walks. Javier Baez to second. Jonathan Lucroy reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Javier Baez out at third.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 2, Giants 0.Giants second. Evan Longoria walks. Kevin Pillar pops out to shallow center field to Javier Baez. Austin Slater homers to center field. Evan Longoria scores. Brandon Belt flies out to Kyle Schwarber. Abiatal Avelino singles to right field. Tyler Beede pops out to shallow infield to Javier Baez.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Giants 2, Cubs 2.Cubs third. Anthony Rizzo homers to center field. Javier Baez strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Jonathan Lucroy grounds out to shallow infield, Tyler Beede to Brandon Belt.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 3, Giants... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:ZEROED INZack Greinke makes his Houston debut, joining an Astros rotation that is on quite a roll. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, newcomer Aaron Sanchez and the starters for the AL West leaders are 14-1 in their last 17 games — the Astros held Seattle to a total of seven hits in a three-game sweep over the weekend, including a combined no-hitter.Greinke (10-4, 2.90 ERA) was acquired from Arizona on Wednesday. He'll see a lot of familiar faces when he starts against Colorado at Minute Maid Park.Trevor Story has hit five home runs off Greinke, tied with Carlos Gonzalez and Jason Giambi for the most against the right-hander. Rockies star Nolan Arenado, however, hasn't homered in 75 at-bats vs. Greinke.CAMDEN CRUSHThe Yankees have hit 32 home runs at Camden Yards this year, the most by a visiting team at any stadium in a single season. New York hit five, including two by Mike Tauchman, in a 9-6 win Monday night.That broke the mark of 29 set... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs placed closer Craig Kimbrel on the 10-day injured list Monday and announced All-Star catcher Willson Contreras will be sidelined for four weeks with a right hamstring strain.The pair of injuries will test Chicago's depth and the ingenuity of its front office as it tries to win the roller-coaster NL Central for the third time in four years. While manager Joe Maddon has some veteran bullpen options, the catching situation is more perilous and the team can't trade for help under a new set of rules that began this year.Kimbrel, who got a late start this year after he finalized a $43 million, three-year deal with the Cubs in June, is dealing with inflammation in his right knee. He said it started bothering him while he was closing out Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Brewers."We assessed it yesterday morning and it looked like there was a strain and some swelling in there and we're just going to let it calm down," Kimbrel said before Chicago's 6-5 victory over... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:ZEROED INZack Greinke makes his Houston debut, joining an Astros rotation that is on quite a roll. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, newcomer Aaron Sanchez and the starters for the AL West leaders are 14-1 in their last 17 games — the Astros held Seattle to a total of seven hits in a three-game sweep over the weekend, including a combined no-hitter.Greinke (10-4, 2.90 ERA) was acquired from Arizona on Wednesday. He'll see a lot of familiar faces when he starts against Colorado at Minute Maid Park.Trevor Story has hit five home runs off Greinke, tied with Carlos Gonzalez and Jason Giambi for the most against the right-hander. Rockies star Nolan Arenado, however, hasn't homered in 75 at-bats vs. Greinke.HE'S BACKMike Foltynewicz returns to the Atlanta rotation after getting demoted to the minors. He'll start against the AL Central-leading Twins at Target Field.A 13-game winner and an All-Star for the Braves in 2018, he struggled to regain... [More]