A team-by-team look at the National League Central 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: ___ Chicago Cubs Manager: David Ross (second season). 2020: 34-26, first place, lost to Marlins in first round of playoffs. Training Town: Mesa, Arizona. Park: Sloan Park. First Workout: Feb. 17/22. He’s Here: OF Joc Pederson, RHP Zach Davies, RHP Trevor Williams, RHP Kohl Stewart, C Austin Romine, OF Jake Marisnick (deal pending), OF Phillip Ervin, RHP Jonathan Holder, RHP Robert Stock, INF Sergio Alcántara. He’s Outta Here: RHP Yu Darvish, OF Kyle Schwarber, LHP Jon Lester, LHP José Quintana, OF Albert Almora, Jr., C Victor Caratini, 2B Jason Kipnis, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Jeremy Jeffress, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Billy Hamilton, OF José Martínez. Going campin’: Ross was impressive in his first year as manager, guiding Chicago to the NL Central title during the pandemic-shortened season.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central 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: ___ Chicago Cubs Manager: David Ross (second season). 2020: 34-26, first place, lost to Marlins in first round of playoffs. Training Town: Mesa, Arizona. Park: Sloan Park. First Workout: Feb. 17/22. He’s Here: OF Joc Pederson, RHP Zach Davies, RHP Trevor Williams, RHP Kohl Stewart, C Austin Romine, OF Jake Marisnick (deal pending), OF Phillip Ervin, RHP Jonathan Holder, RHP Robert Stock, INF Sergio Alcántara. He’s Outta Here: RHP Yu Darvish, OF Kyle Schwarber, LHP Jon Lester, LHP José Quintana, OF Albert Almora, Jr., C Victor Caratini, 2B Jason Kipnis, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Jeremy Jeffress, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Billy Hamilton, OF José Martínez. Going campin’: Ross was impressive in his first year as manager, guiding Chicago to the NL Central title during the pandemic-shortened season.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central 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: ___ Chicago Cubs Manager: David Ross (second season). 2020: 34-26, first place, lost to Marlins in first round of playoffs. Training Town: Mesa, Arizona. Park: Sloan Park. First Workout: Feb. 17/22. He’s Here: OF Joc Pederson, RHP Zach Davies, RHP Trevor Williams, RHP Kohl Stewart, C Austin Romine, OF Phillip Ervin, RHP Jonathan Holder, RHP Robert Stock, INF Sergio Alcántara. He’s Outta Here: RHP Yu Darvish, OF Kyle Schwarber, LHP Jon Lester, LHP José Quintana, OF Albert Almora, Jr., C Victor Caratini, 2B Jason Kipnis, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Jeremy Jeffress, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Billy Hamilton, OF José Martínez. Going campin’: Ross was impressive in his first year as manager, guiding Chicago to the NL Central title during the pandemic-shortened season. But it doesn’t get any easier... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Tim Anderson hit two of Chicago’s five solo homers, and the White Sox — already guaranteed a playoff spot — took another step toward the AL Central title by overpowering the Cincinnati Reds 5-0 on Saturday night. Chicago has won eight of its last 10 games, securing at least a wild card and its first postseason appearance since 2008. José Abreu hit his fifth homer in eight games as the White Sox piled them up, including three in a row in the eighth off Robert Stephenson. Abreu has 18 homers overall. The Reds managed six hits as they had their season-high winning streak snapped at six games. Cincinnati (26-27) wasted a chance to move above .500 for the first time since its season-opening win over the Tigers. Nomar Mazara was in a 3-for-25 slump with 11 strikeouts when he connected off Trevor Bauer (4-4) in the fifth inning for his first homer. One out later, Anderson’s ninth homer made it 2-0. Bauer went seven innings and gave up five hits while throwing 107 pitches. Matt... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Mitch Keller has a no-hitter through six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night. Keller is making his second start since missing six weeks with a strained left oblique. He walked Tommy Edman and hit Brad Miller with a pitch in the first inning, and Tyler O’Neill drew a walk in the second. Keller set down the next 14 batters. He’s thrown 84 pitches and struck out six. The 24-year-old entered the game with a 1-1 record and 5.06 ERA in three games. He was activated from the injured list Monday after being sidelined since Aug. 2. The Pirates led 2-0 as Ke’Bryan Hayes and Jose Osuna hit solo home runs off Kwang Hyun Kim. White Sox ace Lucas Giolito and Cubs journeyman Alec Mills have thrown no-hitters during this pandemic-shortened season. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Cubs first. Ian Happ homers to right field. Kris Bryant lines out to deep right center field to Cole Tucker. Anthony Rizzo flies out to left field to Adam Frazier. Javier Baez lines out to deep right field to Jose Osuna.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 1, Pirates 0.Cubs second. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to shallow right field, Josh Bell to Chad Kuhl. Willson Contreras singles to left field. Jason Heyward singles to left field. Willson Contreras to second. Jose Martinez reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jason Heyward to second. Willson Contreras to third. Fielding error by Erik Gonzalez. Jason Kipnis walks. Jose Martinez to second. Jason Heyward to third. Willson Contreras scores. Ian Happ strikes out swinging. Kris Bryant grounds out to third base, Ke'Bryan Hayes to Josh Bell.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 3 left on. Cubs 2, Pirates 0.Pirates second. Colin Moran doubles to deep right field. Ke'Bryan Hayes grounds out to second base, Jason Kipnis to Anthony Rizzo. Colin Moran... [More]

Brewers second. Justin Smoak walks. Ben Gamel singles to right field. Justin Smoak to second. Jedd Gyorko singles to left field. Ben Gamel to second. Justin Smoak to third. Omar Narvaez strikes out swinging. Jace Peterson reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Jedd Gyorko to second. Ben Gamel to third. Justin Smoak out at home. Eric Sogard singles to shallow right field. Jace Peterson to third. Jedd Gyorko scores. Ben Gamel scores. Throwing error by Kevin Newman. Luis Urias strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Brewers 2, Pirates 0.Pirates third. Gregory Polanco grounds out to shallow right field, Luis Urias to Justin Smoak. Jose Osuna strikes out swinging. Cole Tucker walks. Erik Gonzalez homers to left field. Cole Tucker scores. Adam Frazier grounds out to shallow infield, Luis Urias to Justin Smoak.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Pirates 2, Brewers 2.Brewers third. Christian Yelich singles to shortstop. Keston Hiura hit by pitch. Christian Yelich to... [More]

Pirates first. Erik Gonzalez singles to right field. Cole Tucker singles to shallow right field. Erik Gonzalez to third. Kevin Newman reaches on a fielder's choice to third base, advances to 2nd. Cole Tucker to third. Erik Gonzalez out at home. Josh Bell out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Jace Peterson. Kevin Newman to third. Cole Tucker scores. Jacob Stallings strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 0.Brewers first. Luis Urias called out on strikes. Christian Yelich homers to right field. Keston Hiura grounds out to shallow infield, Adam Frazier to Josh Bell. Justin Smoak flies out to deep center field to Cole Tucker.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 1.Brewers second. Omar Narvaez strikes out swinging. Ben Gamel doubles to left center field. Orlando Arcia singles to right field. Ben Gamel to third. Jace Peterson walks. Orlando Arcia to second. Eric Sogard reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Jace Peterson to... [More]

Pirates third. Jose Osuna flies out to right center field to Harrison Bader. JT Riddle walks. John Ryan Murphy singles to left field. JT Riddle to second. Erik Gonzalez singles to shallow left field. John Ryan Murphy to third. JT Riddle scores. Adam Frazier singles to center field. Erik Gonzalez to second. John Ryan Murphy scores. Bryan Reynolds reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow right field. Adam Frazier out at second. Erik Gonzalez to third. Josh Bell flies out to center field to Harrison Bader.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 2, Cardinals 0.

White sox second. Jose Abreu flies out to deep right field to Gregory Polanco. Eloy Jimenez walks. Edwin Encarnacion doubles to left field. Eloy Jimenez to third. Luis Robert out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Cole Tucker. Eloy Jimenez scores. Nomar Mazara singles to center field. Edwin Encarnacion scores. Danny Mendick homers to right field. Nomar Mazara scores. Tim Anderson strikes out swinging.4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 4, Pirates 0.White sox fourth. Edwin Encarnacion homers to left field. Luis Robert grounds out to shallow center field, Adam Frazier to Jose Osuna. Nomar Mazara grounds out to second base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Danny Mendick strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 5, Pirates 0.White sox fifth. Tim Anderson singles to shallow infield. Yoan Moncada lines out to deep right field to Gregory Polanco. Yasmani Grandal singles to center field. Tim Anderson to third. Jose Abreu pops out to shallow center field to... [More]

Pirates first. Erik Gonzalez doubles to deep right field. Adam Frazier singles to right field. Erik Gonzalez scores. Kevin Newman flies out to right field to Ben Gamel. Colin Moran strikes out swinging. Bryan Reynolds lines out to deep center field to Avisail Garcia.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 0.Pirates second. Gregory Polanco singles to right center field. Jose Osuna grounds out to shallow infield, Corbin Burnes to Justin Smoak. Gregory Polanco to third. Jarrod Dyson singles to shallow left field. Gregory Polanco scores. Jacob Stallings strikes out swinging. Erik Gonzalez grounds out to shortstop, Orlando Arcia to Justin Smoak.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Pirates 2, Brewers 0.Brewers fourth. Christian Yelich grounds out to second base, Adam Frazier to Jose Osuna. Keston Hiura singles to right field. Justin Smoak doubles to deep center field. Keston Hiura scores. Ryan Braun grounds out to shortstop, JT Riddle to Jose Osuna. Ben Gamel strikes out swinging.1... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates utility infielder Phil Evans will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a concussion and fracturing his jaw in a collision with teammate Gregory Polanco in foul territory.Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Sunday that Evans was in good spirits but is still dealing with some swelling in his face. Evans, who was placed on the 45-day injured list, is expected to make a full recovery, Tomczyk said, but the shortness of the 2020 season means he will not return this year.Evans was playing first base when he darted into foul territory to chase down a fly ball by Detroit's Miguel Cabrera. Polanco raced to the same spot from his position in right field. Evans pulled up when he saw Polanco coming, but it was too late. Polanco's elbow slammed into Evans' face just as Polanco made the catch. Evans briefly lost consciousness after falling to the ground but was alert before being taken off the field on a stretcher.Evans, who made the team out... [More]

Pirates first. Cole Tucker homers to left field. Kevin Newman flies out to deep center field to Byron Buxton. Josh Bell grounds out to shallow left field, Ehire Adrianza to Miguel Sano. Jose Osuna flies out to deep right field to Max Kepler.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Pirates 1, Twins 0.Pirates second. Bryan Reynolds strikes out on a foul tip. Phillip Evans singles to left center field. Guillermo Heredia singles to left center field. Phillip Evans to second. Jacob Stallings singles to left field. Guillermo Heredia to second. Phillip Evans scores. Erik Gonzalez lines out to right field to Max Kepler. Cole Tucker reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Guillermo Heredia out at third.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 2, Twins 0.Pirates fourth. Bryan Reynolds walks. Phillip Evans grounds out to shallow infield. Bryan Reynolds out at second. Guillermo Heredia walks. Jacob Stallings walks. Guillermo Heredia to second. Erik Gonzalez doubles to deep right center field. Jacob... [More]

Pirates first. Adam Frazier grounds out to shallow infield, David Bote to Anthony Rizzo. Kevin Newman homers to left field. Jose Osuna walks. Colin Moran called out on strikes. Phillip Evans singles to center field. Cole Tucker reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Phillip Evans out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Pirates 1, Cubs 0.Cubs fifth. Willson Contreras doubles to deep left field. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep center field. Willson Contreras scores. Steven Souza Jr. grounds out to shallow left field, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Ian Happ pinch-hitting for Josh Phegley. Ian Happ walks. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Ian Happ out at second. Kyle Schwarber to third. Albert Almora Jr. grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 1, Cubs 1.Cubs eleventh. Anthony Rizzo flies out to deep right field to Cole Tucker. David Bote to third. Javier Baez singles to shallow center field. David Bote scores.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Pirates 1.

Cubs third. Victor Caratini grounds out to first base, Josh Bell to Mitch Keller. Ian Happ homers to center field. Anthony Rizzo flies out to center field to Jarrod Dyson. Javier Baez homers to center field. Kyle Schwarber singles to right field. Willson Contreras strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Pirates 0.Cubs eighth. Javier Baez walks. Kyle Schwarber homers to left field. Javier Baez scores. Willson Contreras singles to right field. Jason Heyward lines out to deep center field to Jarrod Dyson. Nico Hoerner walks. David Bote lines out to deep center field to Bryan Reynolds.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 4, Pirates 0.Pirates ninth. Kevin Newman singles to center field. Josh Bell strikes out swinging. Colin Moran homers to right field. Kevin Newman scores. Bryan Reynolds doubles to right field. Gregory Polanco grounds out to shallow infield, Javier Baez to Anthony Rizzo. Bryan Reynolds scores. Phillip Evans walks. Jose Osuna pinch-hitting for Jarrod Dyson. Jose Osuna reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Guillermo Heredia out at second.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 4, Pirates 3.

Pirates second. Colin Moran homers. Bryan Reynolds walks. Jose Osuna pops out to shallow center field to Keston Hiura. Bryan Reynolds doubled off first. Gregory Polanco flies out to Christian Yelich.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 0.Brewers seventh. Avisail Garcia doubles to deep right field. Justin Smoak lines out to third base to Colin Moran. Manny Pina grounds out to shortstop, Adam Frazier to Josh Bell. Avisail Garcia to third. Eric Sogard walks. Lorenzo Cain singles to left field. Eric Sogard to second. Avisail Garcia scores. Keston Hiura reaches on error. Lorenzo Cain to second. Eric Sogard to third. Fielding error by Kevin Newman. Christian Yelich flies out to deep center field to Jarrod Dyson.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 3 left on. Brewers 1, Pirates 1.Pirates seventh. Josh Bell strikes out swinging. Colin Moran homers to right field. Bryan Reynolds walks. Jose Osuna reaches on error to shallow infield, advances to 2nd. Bryan Reynolds to third. Throwing error by... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros surrendered a tiebreaking two-run single to rookie Kyle Lewis in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, and then announced ace Justin Verlander will be shut down for at least two weeks with a strained right forearm.Astros manager Dusty Baker denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.Lewis and Shed Long Jr. each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who had dropped their last 15 games against Houston.Dan Altavilla (1-0) got the win. Taylor Williams yielded an RBI double to Michael Brantley before striking out Alex Bregman for his first career save.Martín Maldonado drove in two runs for Houston. Chris Devenski (0-1) got the loss.MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Miami scratched right-hander José Ureña from its victory at Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros surrendered a tiebreaking two-run single to rookie Kyle Lewis in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, and then announced ace Justin Verlander will be shut down for at least two weeks with a strained right forearm.Astros manager Dusty Baker denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.Lewis and Shed Long Jr. each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who had dropped their last 15 games against Houston.Dan Altavilla (1-0) got the win. Taylor Williams yielded an RBI double to Michael Brantley before striking out Alex Bregman for his first career save.Martín Maldonado drove in two runs for Houston. Chris Devenski (0-1) got the loss.MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Miami scratched right-hander José Ureña from its victory at Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros surrendered a tiebreaking two-run single to rookie Kyle Lewis in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, and then announced ace Justin Verlander will be shut down for at least two weeks with a strained right forearm.Astros manager Dusty Baker denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.Lewis and Shed Long Jr. each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who had dropped their last 15 games against Houston.Dan Altavilla (1-0) got the win. Taylor Williams yielded an RBI double to Michael Brantley before striking out Alex Bregman for his first career save.Martín Maldonado drove in two runs for Houston. Chris Devenski (0-1) got the loss.MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Miami scratched right-hander José Ureña from its victory at Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros surrendered a tiebreaking two-run single to rookie Kyle Lewis in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, and then announced ace Justin Verlander will be shut down for at least two weeks with a strained right forearm.Astros manager Dusty Baker denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.Lewis and Shed Long Jr. each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who had dropped their last 15 games against Houston.Dan Altavilla (1-0) got the win. Taylor Williams yielded an RBI double to Michael Brantley before striking out Alex Bregman for his first career save.Martín Maldonado drove in two runs for Houston. Chris Devenski (0-1) got the loss.MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Miami scratched right-hander José Ureña from its victory at Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No... [More]