New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Royals. Voit put the Yankees on the board in the first inning, hitting a two-run single. The slugger now has one homer and four RBI since returning from the injured list, and has started each of the four games at first, with Anthony Rizzo on the COVID-19 injured list. Voit figures to lose some playing time when Rizzo returns, though he could also see some time at designated hitter with Giancarlo Stanton beginning to play more in the outfield. If Voit uses these games to get going on a hot streak, the Yankees may have no choice but to find ways to keep his bat in the lineup.

New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit homered and hit an RBI single in Monday's win over the Royals. Voit hit the ball hard Monday night, with all but one of his batted balls exceeding 97 MPH of exit velocity. His home run was a 379-foot, opposite-field blast that gave New York a 3-2 lead late in the game. Voit seemed to be on the outside looking in after the trade deadline- though Anthony Rizzo's positive COVID-19 test left a gap at first base that the former has filled in each of the two games since. Rizzo will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the Royals series as well as the upcoming one against the White Sox, meaning Voit could really get a chance to find his rhythm in these next several games.

New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit (knee) is back in the lineup for the first time since July 11 for Sunday's contest against the Mariners. Voit was originally slated to play for the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate but was scratched Saturday night and called up to take Anthony Rizzo's place in the lineup, as the latter tested positive for COVID-19. Voit was unlikely to see regular playing time with Rizzo in the fold, though the former will now likely see the bulk of the starts at first base for New York over the next several games. The slugger has been limited to 29 games, with only a .698 OPS in those contests, though he's still just a year removed from producing a whopping .610 slugging percentage and 22 homers in 56 games.

New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit (knee) was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, according to MLB.com's transaction tracker. Voit has been sidelined most recently with a bone bruise on his left knee, as injuries have limited him to only 29 games this season. When he's been on the field, he's slashing .241/.328/.370 with three homers, 11 RBI and 13 runs scored. The problem for his value going forward now though is the Yankees' acquisitions of Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, as Voit will likely see significantly reduced playing time. Still, managers will hope that he can put up better numbers upon his return.

The New York Yankees acquired Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo for two minor leaguers Thursday in their second major trade this week for desperately needed left-handed bats. Chicago will pay the Yankees $5,652,403 as part of the trade, covering all but $202,435 of the remainder of Rizzo's $16.5 million salary, which comes to a prorated share of the $570,500 minimum. The swap came ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline Friday at 4 p.m. Earlier in the day, the Yankees announced they had gotten All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from Texas. Rizzo is batting .248 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs. The 31-year-old had been a fixture at Wrigley Field for a decade, and helped the Cubs break their long World Series drought with a championship in 2016. Popular in the clubhouse and with Cubs fans, Rizzo didn't play in a 7-4 loss at home to Cincinnati on Thursday. The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner can become a free agent after the season. New York is fourth in the AL... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Desperate for a powerful, left-handed bat to park balls in the short porch at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees got two of them. Hours after announcing their trade to acquire All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from Texas, the playoff-chasing Yankees worked out a deal for longtime Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo on Thursday. The swaps came on a day the Yankees lost at Tampa Bay 14-0, leaving them far behind Boston in the AL East and fourth in the chase for two wild-card spots. Team officials, including owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman, have been holding meetings in nearby Tampa, Florida. “Part of the reason I’m here is because Hal always goes for it, and so does Brian,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said after the lopsided loss. “Continue to push chips in. I trust that they’re going to do what’s best for the organization, what’s best to win. I trust they’re going to try and make us better one way or another, and they did.” The Yankees made the moves... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Desperate for a powerful, left-handed bat to park balls in the short porch at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees got two of them. Hours after announcing their trade to acquire All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from Texas, the playoff-chasing Yankees worked out a deal for longtime Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo on Thursday. The swaps came on a day the Yankees lost at Tampa Bay 14-0, leaving them far behind Boston in the AL East and fourth in the chase for two wild-card spots. Team officials, including owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman, have been holding meetings in nearby Tampa, Florida. “Part of the reason I’m here is because Hal always goes for it, and so does Brian,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said after the lopsided loss. “Continue to push chips in. I trust that they’re going to do what’s best for the organization, what’s best to win. I trust they’re going to try and make us better one way or another, and they did.” The Yankees made the moves... [More]

The New York Yankees acquired Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and cash for two minor leaguers Thursday in their second major trade this week for desperately needed left-handed bats. The swap came ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline Friday at 4 p.m. Earlier in the day, the Yankees announced they had gotten All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from Texas. Rizzo is batting .248 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs. The 31-year-old had been a fixture at Wrigley Field for a decade, and helped the Cubs break their long World Series drought with a championship in 2016. Popular in the clubhouse and with Cubs fans, Rizzo didn't play in a 7-4 loss at home to Cincinnati on Thursday. The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner is making $16.5 million this year and can become a free agent after the season. New York is fourth in the AL wild-card chase for two spots. The Yankees lost 14-0 at Tampa Bay on Thursday. The Cubs have been in a prolonged slide that dropped them below .500,... [More]

After acquiring first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs earlier in the day Thursday, the New York Yankees are now looking to trade away first baseman Luke Voit, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Voit is currently on the injured list with a bone bruise in his knee, but is believed to be able to return to action sometime this weekend. Voit has been limited to 29 games this year due to injuries, and when he's on the field he's managed to slash .241/.328/.370 with three home runs, 11 RBI and 13 runs scored. Managers will hope that Voit can put up better numbers in the second half, and if he is traded it will hopefully be into a situation that would boost his fantasy value.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge and backup catcher Kyle Higashioka have been reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list. Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced the moves before Tuesday night's game at Tampa Bay. Judge started in right field and batted second against the Rays. “It's huge, obviously,” Boone said of Judge's return. “Really excited to have him back. Has been feeling really strong the last few days." Both went on the IL on July 16. The Yankees started Tuesday 9½ games behind AL East-leading Boston and eight back of the second-place Rays. Judge and Higashioka took batting practice on Monday's off day at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training complex, in Tampa, Florida. First baseman Luke Voit, on the IL with left knee inflammation, took batting practice and defensive drills. He is expected back in the next couple days. “I would say he's very close,” Boone said. “We'll have a decision here in the next day or two.” Outfielder Clint... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: ___ HERE WE GO AGAIN The Dodgers and Giants are back at it, renewing their long-standing rivalry in San Francisco with left-hander Julio Urias (12-3, 3.63 ERA) on the mound for Los Angeles against Logan Webb (4-3, 3.54) in the opener of a three-game series. San Francisco took three of four at Dodger Stadium last week and leads the NL West by two games over the defending World Series champions. TAMPA HEAT After losing three of four in Boston last weekend, the New York Yankees play another AL East rival on the road when they begin a critical three-game series at Tampa Bay. New York (51-47) is facing some important decisions with Friday’s trade deadline looming, and owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lives in the area, likely will be in attendance at Tropicana Field. Yankees All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Kyle Higashioka took another step toward returning from the COVID-19 injured list by taking batting practice Monday at Steinbrenner... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors Tuesday: ___ HERE WE GO AGAIN The Dodgers and Giants are back at it, renewing their long rivalry in San Francisco with left-hander Julio Urias (12-3, 3.63 ERA) on the mound for Los Angeles against Logan Webb (4-3, 3.54) in the opener of a three-game series. San Francisco took three of four at Dodger Stadium last week and leads the NL West by two games over the defending World Series champions. TAMPA HEAT After losing three of four in Boston last weekend, the New York Yankees play another AL East rival on the road when they begin a critical three-game series at Tampa Bay. New York (51-47) is facing some important decisions with Friday’s trade deadline looming, and owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lives in the area, likely will be in attendance at Tropicana Field. Yankees All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Kyle Higashioka took another step toward returning from the COVID-19 injured list by taking batting practice Monday at Steinbrenner Field... [More]

TAMPA. Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Kyle Higashioka took another step in returning from the COVID-19 injured list by taking batting practice Monday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. First baseman Luke Voit, on the IL with left knee inflammation, also took part in the workout at the Yankees’ spring training complex. With manager Aaron Boone present, Judge also did defensive drills in right field. New York was off Monday before opening a key series Tuesday night in nearby St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge and Higashioka, placed on the IL July 16, are expected back during the three-game set. The Yankees (51-47) started Monday nine games behind AL East-leading Boston and eight back of the second-place Rays. New York is facing some important decisions with Friday’s trade deadline looming and owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lives in the Tampa area, likely will be in attendance at Tropicana Field. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt, out since... [More]

TAMPA. Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Kyle Higashioka took another step in returning from the COVID-19 injured list by taking batting practice Monday at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. First baseman Luke Voit, on the IL with left knee inflammation, also took part in the workout at the Yankees’ spring training complex. With manager Aaron Boone present, Judge also did defensive drills in right field. New York was off Monday before opening a key series Tuesday night in nearby St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge and Higashioka, placed on the IL July 16, are expected back during the three-game set. The Yankees (51-47) started Monday nine games behind AL East-leading Boston and eight back of the second-place Rays. New York is facing some important decisions with Friday’s trade deadline looming and owner Hal Steinbrenner, who lives in the Tampa area, likely will be in attendance at Tropicana Field. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt, out since spring training with an elbow strain, allowed one hit and struck out five over three innings for the rookie-level Florida Complex League Yankees against the FCL Tigers West. He threw 24 of 30 pitches for strikes during his first rehab start. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today: SHORT STORY The first-place Mets are waiting for news on Francisco Lindor, who left Friday night's heated 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh with soreness on his right side. New York manager Luis Rojas had no further update after the game other than to say the star shortstop would be examined in the morning. Lindor winced after grounding out to second base in the fifth inning. The four-time All-Star took a few steps out of the batter’s box but then peeled off toward the Mets’ dugout on the first base side. In his first season with the Mets after being acquired from Cleveland in a January trade, Lindor is hitting .228 with 11 home runs in 88 games. He agreed to a $341 million, 10-year contract just before opening day. PITCHING A SHUTOUT Nathan Eovaldi (9-5, 3.66 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox try to improve to 8-0 against the rival New York Yankees this season when they face Gerrit Cole (9-4, 2.68) in a prime-time matchup of AL All-Stars in the Bronx.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez shut down the short-handed Yankees into the sixth inning, Christian Arroyo and J.D. Martinez homered and the Boston Red Sox beat their rivals 4-0 on Friday night with New York missing slugger Aaron Judge and five others due to a coronavirus outbreak. A day after the series opener was postponed for testing and contact tracing, Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka were added to the COVID-19 injured list. They joined Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta, who have also tested positive over the past week. New York was also without first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee. Rodriguez (7-5) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 10 straight during one stretch and finishing with eight strikeouts. Hirokazu Sawamura got the final out of the sixth, and Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, closing out Boston’s three-hitter for his first... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez shut down the short-handed Yankees into the sixth inning, Christian Arroyo and J.D. Martinez homered and the Boston Red Sox beat their rivals 4-0 on Friday night with New York missing slugger Aaron Judge and five others due to a coronavirus outbreak. A day after the series opener was postponed for testing and contact tracing, Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka were added to the COVID-19 injured list. They joined Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta, who have also tested positive over the past week. New York was also without first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee. Rodriguez (7-5) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 10 straight during one stretch and finishing with eight strikeouts. Hirokazu Sawamura got the final out of the sixth, and Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, closing out Boston’s three-hitter for his first... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez shut down the short-handed Yankees into the sixth inning, Christian Arroyo and J.D. Martinez homered and the Boston Red Sox beat their rivals 4-0 on Friday night with New York missing slugger Aaron Judge and five others due to a coronavirus outbreak. A day after the series opener was postponed for testing and contact tracing, Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka were added to the COVID-19 injured list. They joined Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta, who have also tested positive over the past week. New York was also without first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee. Rodriguez (7-5) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 10 straight during one stretch and finishing with eight strikeouts. Hirokazu Sawamura got the final out of the sixth, and Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, closing out Boston’s three-hitter for his first... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez shut down the short-handed Yankees into the sixth inning, Christian Arroyo and J.D. Martinez homered and the Boston Red Sox beat their rivals 4-0 on Friday night with New York missing slugger Aaron Judge and five others due to a coronavirus outbreak. A day after the series opener was postponed for testing and contact tracing, Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka were added to the COVID-19 injured list. They joined Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta, who have also tested positive over the past week. New York was also without first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee. Rodriguez (7-5) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 10 straight during one stretch and finishing with eight strikeouts. Hirokazu Sawamura got the final out of the sixth, and Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, closing out Boston’s three-hitter for his first... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez shut down the short-handed Yankees into the sixth inning, Christian Arroyo and J.D. Martinez homered and the Boston Red Sox beat their rivals 4-0 on Friday night with New York missing slugger Aaron Judge and five others due to a coronavirus outbreak. A day after the series opener was postponed for testing and contact tracing, Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka were added to the COVID-19 injured list. They joined Yankees pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta, who have also tested positive over the past week. New York was also without first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee. Rodriguez (7-5) allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 10 straight during one stretch and finishing with eight strikeouts. Hirokazu Sawamura got the final out of the sixth, and Tanner Houck pitched the final three innings, closing out Boston’s three-hitter for his first... [More]