SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Brothers Scott and Tyler Heineman walked out to home plate from opposite dugouts and represented the Rangers and Giants to confirm the lineup cards, then posed for a photo with the umpires.Their two managers chatted ahead of time about sending the Heinemans to meet before first pitch Saturday night. What made the moment even sweeter for the close-knit siblings is Scott and Tyler each earned a start — something that might not necessarily have happened in other circumstances but worked out beautifully in this condensed 60-game season.Scott filled in at center field for Texas in place of the ailing Danny Santana, while Giants catcher Heineman has a greater opportunity to play after Buster Posey opted out of the season."It’s just sheer coincidence," Rangers manager Chris Woodward said of the good fortune for both sides.It took a bit of thoughtful planning to pull this off. Managers no longer trade lineup cards before the game as has long been tradition but rather make sure... [More]

Diamondbacks first. Ketel Marte lines out to right field to Joey Gallo. Kole Calhoun strikes out swinging. Starling Marte walks. Eduardo Escobar singles to shallow center field, advances to 2nd. Starling Marte to third. Christian Walker reaches on error to third base, advances to 2nd. Eduardo Escobar scores. Starling Marte scores. Throwing error by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. David Peralta singles to center field. Christian Walker scores. Jake Lamb walks. David Peralta to second. Stephen Vogt grounds out to second base, Rougned Odor to Todd Frazier.3 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Diamondbacks 3, Rangers 0.Diamondbacks sixth. Christian Walker doubles to deep right field. David Peralta grounds out to second base, Rougned Odor to Todd Frazier. Jake Lamb strikes out swinging. Stephen Vogt doubles to right field. Christian Walker scores. Nick Ahmed walks. Ketel Marte flies out to center field to Danny Santana.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Diamondbacks 4, Rangers 0.Rangers seventh. Danny Santana strikes out swinging. Rougned Odor homers to right field. Joey Gallo flies out to deep right field to Kole Calhoun. Todd Frazier strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 4, Rangers 1.

Rangers second. Joey Gallo homers. Rougned Odor lines out to shallow right field to Ryan McMahon. Todd Frazier strikes out on a foul tip. Robinson Chirinos walks. Willie Calhoun called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 1, Rockies 0.Rangers third. Rob Refsnyder doubles to center field. Elvis Andrus singles to shallow infield. Rob Refsnyder to third. Nick Solak singles to shallow right field. Elvis Andrus to second. Rob Refsnyder scores. Danny Santana grounds out to shortstop. Nick Solak out at second. Elvis Andrus to third. Joey Gallo walks. Rougned Odor pops out to shallow center field to Trevor Story.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Rangers 2, Rockies 0.Rockies fourth. David Dahl walks. Trevor Story homers to right field. David Dahl scores. Charlie Blackmon singles to right field. Nolan Arenado singles to deep center field. Charlie Blackmon to second. Daniel Murphy reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Nolan Arenado to second. Charlie Blackmon to... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — In the first major league game with the new, unpopular extra-inning rule, automatic runner Marcus Semien began the bottom of the 10th on second base and scored on Matt Olson’s grand slam, sending the Oakland Athletics over the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 Friday night.Olson, whose alert throw from first base nailed Angels free runner Shohei Ohtani in the top of the 10th, connected with one out. Major League Baseball instituted the controversial extra-inning runner rule for this season to keep games from dragging on amid a compressed, 60-game schedule that started late because of the virus outbreak.After Semien took second, the A’s loaded the bases against Hansel Robles (0-1) on a hit by pitch, wild pitch and a walk.New Angels manager Joe Maddon brought in reliever Hoby Milner and, with a five-man infield in place, Olson hit the first pitch far over the right-field wall.According to STATS, Olson became the third player to hit a walkoff grand slam on opening day. He joined... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Rangers now get to play inside deep in the heart — and heat — of Texas. They're 1-0 under their new roof. Lance Lynn struck out nine over six solid innings and the Texas Rangers inaugurated their retractable-roof stadium with a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. “Feels pretty good right now, haven’t lost a game in our new ballpark,” second-year manager Chris Woodward said. After 48 seasons of playing home games outside, it was a pleasant 72 degrees at first pitch in the air-conditioned $1.2 billion Globe Life Field — and 94 outside. The Rangers didn't get their first hit off Rockies starter German Marquez until after Lynn (1-0) had thrown the last of his 108 pitches in his first opening day start.“The first three innings of the game was probably the most uncomfortable I’ve ever felt on a mound,” Lynn said, later adding that he was just jacked up wanting to win the opener of a shortened season starting four months later. "I told everybody when... [More]

Rangers sixth. Elvis Andrus grounds out to shortstop, Trevor Story to Daniel Murphy. Danny Santana doubles to deep left field. Joey Gallo strikes out swinging. Rougned Odor doubles to deep right center field. Danny Santana scores. Todd Frazier lines out to deep left field to Sam Hilliard.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 1, Rockies 0.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Lance Lynn struck out nine in six sharp innings and the Texas Rangers inaugurated their new retractable-roof stadium with a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. After 48 seasons of playing home games outside in the Texas heat, the Rangers had the roof closed for their first game at $1.2 billion Globe Life Field. It was a pleasant 72 degrees at first pitch inside the air-conditioned building — and 94 outside. The Rangers didn't get their first hit off Rockies starter German Marquez until after Lynn (1-0) had thrown the last of his 108 pitches in his first opening day start.Danny Santana had a one-out double in the sixth, and scored on a two-out double by Rougned Odor that chased Marquez (0-1). The Rockies right-hander, who retired the first 12 batters, struck out six and walked three. Even with no fans allowed in the sparkling new 40,000-seat park, longtime PA guy Chuck Morgan gave his emphatic “It’s Baseball Time in Texas!” that echoed through the stadium... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League West 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:___Houston Astros Manager: Dusty Baker (first season). 2019: 107-55, first place, lost to Nationals in World Series. Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida. Park: Ballpark of Palm Beaches. First Workout: Feb. 13/17. He's Here: Manager Dusty Baker, RHP Austin Pruitt, C Dustin Garneau.He's Outta Here: Manager AJ Hinch, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Will Harris, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Tony Kemp. Going campin': The Astros enter the spring reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. They brought in Baker to steady the team, and it gives the 70-year-old another chance to chase his first World Series title as a manager. He’ll get a crash course learning his new team this spring after being hired less than three weeks before pitchers and catchers... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have agreed on one-year contracts with All-Star slugger Joey Gallo and likely starting center fielder Danny Santana, and will avoid a salary arbitration hearing for the 20th year in a row. Gallo, an All-Star for the first time last year in an injury-shortened season, agreed Friday to a $4.4 million deal. The outfielder has hit 103 homers with 221 RBIs in 363 games the past three seasons. Santana got a $3.6 million agreement. Right-handed reliever Rafael Montero, the team's only other player eligible for arbitration, agreed on a $785,000 contract.Gallo made $605,500 last year when he had 22 homers and 49 RBIs in 70 games before surgery in late July to remove part of a bone from his right wrist. He homered for the American League in its 4-3 win in the All-Star Game. Santana went to spring training with Texas on a minor league contract last year. He started the season at Triple-A Nashville, but then played seven different positions for the Rangers... [More]

Yankees first. DJ LeMahieu flies out to center field to Danny Santana. Aaron Judge triples to deep center field. Brett Gardner out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Scott Heineman. Aaron Judge scores. Giancarlo Stanton grounds out to shortstop, Elvis Andrus to Ronald Guzman.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Yankees 1, Rangers 0.Rangers first. Shin-Soo Choo walks. Elvis Andrus strikes out swinging. Willie Calhoun pops out to shallow infield to Didi Gregorius. Danny Santana walks. Rougned Odor doubles to deep right center field. Danny Santana scores. Shin-Soo Choo scores. Scott Heineman walks. Ronald Guzman grounds out to second base, DJ LeMahieu to Mike Ford.2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Rangers 2, Yankees 1.Rangers fourth. Scott Heineman doubles to deep left field. Ronald Guzman walks. Jose Trevino doubles to deep left field. Ronald Guzman to third. Scott Heineman scores. Isiah Kiner-Falefa strikes out swinging. Shin-Soo Choo strikes out swinging. Elvis Andrus is intentionally... [More]

Yankees first. DJ LeMahieu grounds out to shortstop, Elvis Andrus to Danny Santana. Giancarlo Stanton homers to center field. Gleyber Torres singles to left field. Luke Voit called out on strikes. Gary Sanchez strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Yankees 1, Rangers 0.Rangers first. Shin-Soo Choo flies out to deep center field to Brett Gardner. Elvis Andrus singles to center field. Willie Calhoun reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Elvis Andrus out at second. Danny Santana homers to center field. Willie Calhoun scores. Nick Solak doubles to deep center field. Rougned Odor strikes out on a foul tip.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 2, Yankees 1.Yankees second. Brett Gardner called out on strikes. Gio Urshela called out on strikes. Cameron Maybin homers to center field. Mike Ford called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Yankees 2, Rangers 2.Yankees fourth. Brett Gardner homers to center field. Gio Urshela singles to right center field.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:PLAYOFF POSITIONThe 10-team field for the postseason is now set — AL division champions Houston, Minnesota and the Yankees, with Oakland taking on Tampa Bay in the AL wild-card game Wednesday night.In the NL, division champs Atlanta and the Dodgers are in, along with Washington, St. Louis and Milwaukee. The Cardinals and Brewers are still competing for the Central title, with the loser facing the Nationals in the wild-card game Tuesday night.CHECK HIMThe Yankees will see how lefty James Paxton is feeling, a day after he was pulled from a start after one inning because of a tight muscle in his buttocks.Paxton's departure at Texas ended his career-best streak of victories in 10 consecutive starts. The AL East champs say he was taken out as a precaution with a tight left glute muscle.The 15-game winner gave up a two-run homer to Danny Santana before finishing his only inning with a strikeout of Rougned Odor. It was Paxton's final start... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New York Yankees left-lander James Paxton was removed from Friday night's start against the Texas Rangers after one inning because of a tight muscle in his buttocks.Injuries have been an issue for the Yankees all season. Right-hander Luis Severino just returned after missing all but the final two weeks of the season with right rotator cuff inflammation. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton is also among the 30 players who have spent time on the injured list.Paxton's departure ended his career-best streak of victories in 10 consecutive starts. The club said he was taken out as a precaution with a tight left glute muscle.The 15-game winner gave up a two-run homer to Danny Santana before finishing his only inning with a strikeout of Rougned Odor. It was Paxton's final start before the playoffs for the AL East champions.Manager Aaron Boone said before the game he anticipated Paxton's start being shorter than usual, but thought Paxton would make it to the middle innings.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Red sox fourth. Marco Hernandez singles to second base. Andrew Benintendi strikes out swinging. J.D. Martinez singles to left field. Marco Hernandez to third. Sam Travis singles to left field. J.D. Martinez to second. Marco Hernandez scores. Brock Holt reaches on a fielder's choice to first base. Sam Travis out at second. J.D. Martinez to third. Gorkys Hernandez doubles to deep left field. Brock Holt to third. J.D. Martinez scores. Jackie Bradley Jr. singles to second base. Gorkys Hernandez to third. Brock Holt scores. Sandy Leon grounds out to shallow infield, Mike Minor to Ronald Guzman.3 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Red sox 3, Rangers 0.Rangers fourth. Willie Calhoun walks. Danny Santana reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Willie Calhoun out at second. Rougned Odor strikes out swinging. Nick Solak doubles to deep left field. Danny Santana scores. Ronald Guzman walks. Jose Trevino called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Red sox 3, Rangers 1.Rangers fifth.... [More]

Rangers first. Shin-Soo Choo doubles to deep right field. Elvis Andrus singles to shallow right field. Shin-Soo Choo to third. Willie Calhoun hit by pitch. Elvis Andrus to second. Rougned Odor doubles to deep right field, advances to 3rd. Willie Calhoun out at home. Elvis Andrus scores. Shin-Soo Choo scores. Danny Santana grounds out to second base, Chris Owings to Mitch Moreland. Ronald Guzman singles to shallow left field. Rougned Odor scores. Scott Heineman reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Ronald Guzman out at second.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 3, Red sox 0.Red sox second. J.D. Martinez singles to left field. Christian Vazquez reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. J.D. Martinez out at second. Mitch Moreland singles to right center field. Christian Vazquez to third. Gorkys Hernandez walks. Mitch Moreland to second. Jackie Bradley Jr. grounds out to second base, Elvis Andrus to Ronald Guzman. Gorkys Hernandez to second. Mitch Moreland to third. Christian... [More]

Red sox first. Mookie Betts grounds out to shortstop, Elvis Andrus to Danny Santana. Rafael Devers singles to shallow left field. Xander Bogaerts singles to second base. Rafael Devers scores. J.D. Martinez singles to second base. Xander Bogaerts scores. Mitch Moreland grounds out to shallow right field, Rougned Odor to Edinson Volquez. J.D. Martinez to second. Andrew Benintendi singles to shallow center field. J.D. Martinez to third. Christian Vazquez walks. Andrew Benintendi to second. Jackie Bradley Jr. doubles to deep right center field. Christian Vazquez to third. Andrew Benintendi scores. J.D. Martinez scores. Marco Hernandez flies out to deep right field to Scott Heineman.4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Red sox 4, Rangers 0.Rangers first. Delino DeShields strikes out swinging. Elvis Andrus doubles to deep left center field. Willie Calhoun singles to shallow infield. Elvis Andrus to third. Nick Solak strikes out swinging. Danny Santana walks. Willie Calhoun to second. Rougned... [More]

Athletics first. Marcus Semien singles to left field. Matt Chapman singles to right center field. Marcus Semien to third. Matt Olson singles to right field. Matt Chapman to second. Marcus Semien scores. Mark Canha reaches on a fielder's choice to third base, advances to 2nd. Matt Olson scores. Matt Chapman out at third. Throwing error by Nick Solak. Ramon Laureano doubles to deep right field. Mark Canha scores. Khris Davis walks. Chad Pinder walks. Khris Davis to second. Ramon Laureano to third. Sheldon Neuse out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Shin-Soo Choo. Khris Davis to third. Ramon Laureano scores. Josh Phegley singles to left field. Chad Pinder to second. Khris Davis scores. Marcus Semien walks. Josh Phegley to second. Chad Pinder to third. Matt Chapman singles to center field. Marcus Semien to third. Josh Phegley scores. Chad Pinder scores. Matt Olson strikes out swinging.7 runs, 6 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Athletics 7, Rangers 0.Athletics second. Mark Canha singles to shallow... [More]