The Oakland Athletics signed free-agent first baseman Kevin Cron to a minor league deal on Tuesday. The son of assistant hitting coach Chris Cron, the 29-year-old is being assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Since a big year at Triple-A Reno in 2019, Cron has struggled at the plate and went 0-for-17 with seven strikeouts in eight games with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020. He hit .239 with 15 home runs, a .296 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging percentage in 95 games with the Hiroshima Carp in Japan later in 2020. Cron hit just .222 with a .255 OBP in 67 games in Korea in 2022. He managed 38 home runs in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League in 2019, but Cron has also always been a high-strikeout guy.

Athletics first. Marcus Semien lines out to deep left field to David Peralta. Ramon Laureano strikes out swinging. Matt Chapman homers. Mark Canha strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Athletics 1, Diamondbacks 0.Athletics fourth. Matt Chapman grounds out to third base, Eduardo Escobar to Christian Walker. Mark Canha walks. Matt Olson homers to right field. Mark Canha scores. Stephen Piscotty grounds out to shallow left field, Eduardo Escobar to Christian Walker. Khris Davis doubles to deep center field. Chad Pinder flies out to deep center field to Starling Marte.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Athletics 3, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks fifth. Eduardo Escobar homers. Nick Ahmed grounds out to second base, Chad Pinder to Matt Olson. Kevin Cron strikes out swinging. Carson Kelly called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Athletics 3, Diamondbacks 1.Athletics eighth. Ramon Laureano singles to left field. Matt Chapman homers to left field. Ramon Laureano scores. Mark Canha walks. Matt Olson pops out to Stephen Vogt. Stephen Piscotty singles to shallow infield. Mark Canha to second. Khris Davis strikes out swinging. Franklin Barreto pinch-hitting for Tony Kemp. Franklin Barreto strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Athletics 5, Diamondbacks 1.

Diamondbacks third. Ketel Marte pops out to shortstop to Marcus Semien. Starling Marte grounds out to second base, Tony Kemp to Matt Olson. David Peralta homers to right field. Christian Walker grounds out to shallow infield, Marcus Semien to Matt Olson.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 1, Athletics 0.Diamondbacks sixth. David Peralta doubles to deep center field. Christian Walker flies out to deep right center field to Mark Canha. David Peralta to third. Eduardo Escobar reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. David Peralta scores. Carson Kelly singles to shallow center field. Eduardo Escobar scores. Kevin Cron strikes out swinging. Nick Ahmed singles to shallow left field. Carson Kelly to second. Kole Calhoun flies out to deep center field to Mark Canha.2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Diamondbacks 3, Athletics 0.Athletics seventh. Matt Olson strikes out swinging. Mark Canha lines out to deep left field to David Peralta. Robbie Grossman homers to center field.... [More]

Padres third. Manny Machado pops out to shallow left field to Nick Ahmed. Tommy Pham lines out to deep right field to Kole Calhoun. Eric Hosmer homers to center field. Wil Myers strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Padres 1, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks eighth. Ketel Marte walks. David Peralta singles to deep right field. Ketel Marte to second. Starling Marte singles to shallow right field. David Peralta to third. Ketel Marte scores. Eduardo Escobar grounds out to shallow infield. Starling Marte out at second. David Peralta scores. Kole Calhoun grounds out to shallow right field, Eric Hosmer to Emilio Pagan.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 2, Padres 1.Padres eighth. Eric Hosmer walks. Wil Myers walks. Eric Hosmer to second. Jurickson Profar flies out to deep center field to Starling Marte. Jake Cronenworth to third. Greg Garcia singles to shallow center field. Wil Myers to second. Jake Cronenworth scores. Josh Naylor pops out to shallow center field to... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A masked Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks became the first manager to be ejected in the COVID-19 era when he was tossed Sunday while arguing with unmasked plate umpire Mark Ripperger in the fifth inning at San Diego.Kevin Cron was hit on the left elbow by a pitch from Garrett Richards, but Ripperger didn't award him first base, apparently believing he either leaned into it or didn't try to get out of the way. Lovullo came out to argue, and at first seemed to keep a safe distance from Ripperger. The umpire took off his protective facemask but was not wearing a cloth facemask. He ejected Lovullo and then turned his back on him. Lovullo followed for a few steps but then headed to the dugout.Cron ended up striking out with his team trailing 1-0.Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton also got into an argument Sunday, but was not ejected. Shelton had a spirited discussion with plate umpire Jordan Baker in the third inning after pitcher Derek Holland was ejected from the dugout for arguing balls and strikes.Shelton pulled a gaiter over his face as he left the dugout, and Baker pulled a face mask out of his pocket and held it to his face as Shelton argued from about six feet away.

The minute word leaked that the designated hitter was coming to the National League this season, fans and front offices alike began pinpointing the perfect candidates.Kyle Schwarber ... Ryan Braun ... Jay Bruce. And several others.Whether it be an aging slugger returning from injury or a younger hitter who’s not so good with the glove, nearly every NL team has a player who fits the profile: dangerous stick, suspect defense. A natural choice to bat for the pitcher and not play the field. Suddenly there’s an ideal spot in the starting lineup available to those guys, now that the DH has spread beyond the American League under new rules adopted for a postponed season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus.It all starts without fans on hand Thursday night in Washington, where the World Series champion Nationals host the New York Yankees. Probably with Eric Thames or Howie Kendrick becoming the first designated hitter for an NL squad playing a regular-season game in its home ballpark.“I... [More]

Before all the self-proclaimed purists forecasting the destruction of baseball strategy and the very sanctity of the sport as we know it go berserk bemoaning the inclusion of a designated hitter in the National League this season, remember this:In a most remarkable October full of huge momentum swings, the pivotal blow that decided last year’s World Series was delivered by, yep, the NL DH.OK, that clang resonating off the right field foul screen at Minute Maid Park — courtesy of Howie Kendrick’s home run in Game 7 for the visiting Washington Nationals — probably won’t drown out the wailing of longtime National League fans over the plan to play this virus-delayed season with a (gasp!) DH in both circuits.And it certainly won’t quell the debate that’s raged since April 6, 1973, when Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees stepped to the plate at Fenway Park as Major League Baseball’s first DH (and drew a bases-loaded walk from Luis Tiant).To many NL fans, the simple scribble of “DH” on the lineup... [More]

Before all the self-proclaimed purists forecasting the destruction of baseball strategy and the very sanctity of the sport as we know it go berserk bemoaning the inclusion of a designated hitter in the National League this season, remember this:In a most remarkable October full of huge momentum swings, the pivotal blow that decided last year’s World Series was delivered by, yep, the NL DH.OK, that clang resonating off the right field foul screen at Minute Maid Park — courtesy of Howie Kendrick’s home run in Game 7 for the visiting Washington Nationals — probably won’t drown out the wailing of longtime National League fans over the plan to play this virus-delayed season with a (gasp!) DH in both circuits.And it certainly won’t quell the debate that’s raged since April 6, 1973, when Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees stepped to the plate at Fenway Park as Major League Baseball’s first DH (and drew a bases-loaded walk from Luis Tiant).To many NL fans, the scribble of “DH” on the lineup card... [More]

Before all the self-proclaimed purists forecasting the destruction of baseball strategy and the very sanctity of the sport as we know it go berserk bemoaning the inclusion of a designated hitter in the National League this season, remember this:In a most remarkable October full of huge momentum swings, the pivotal blow that decided last year’s World Series was delivered by, yep, the NL DH.OK, that clang resonating off the right field foul screen at Minute Maid Park — courtesy of Howie Kendrick’s home run in Game 7 for the visiting Washington Nationals — probably won’t drown out the wailing of longtime National League fans over the plan to play this virus-delayed season with a (gasp!) DH in both circuits.And it certainly won’t quell the debate that’s raged since April 6, 1973, when Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees stepped to the plate at Fenway Park as Major League Baseball’s first DH (and drew a bases-loaded walk from Luis Tiant).To many NL fans, the scribble of “DH” on the lineup card... [More]

Before all the self-proclaimed purists forecasting the destruction of baseball strategy and the very sanctity of the sport as we know it go berserk bemoaning the inclusion of a designated hitter in the National League this season, remember this:In a most remarkable October full of huge momentum swings, the pivotal blow that decided last year’s World Series was delivered by, yep, the NL DH.OK, that clang resonating off the right field foul screen at Minute Maid Park — courtesy of Howie Kendrick’s home run in Game 7 for the visiting Washington Nationals — probably won’t drown out the wailing of longtime National League fans over the plan to play this virus-delayed season (gasp!) with a DH in both circuits.And it certainly won’t quell the debate that’s raged since April 6, 1973, when Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees stepped to the plate at Fenway Park as Major League Baseball’s first DH (and drew a bases-loaded walk from Luis Tiant).To many NL fans, the scribble of “DH” on the lineup card... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have declined the 2020 options for second baseman Wilmer Flores and left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland.The 28-year-old Flores hit a career-high .317 with nine homers in 89 games during his only season with the D-backs, when he made $3.75 million. Flores's option was for $6 million with a $500,000 buyout. He is eligible for free agency.The 30-year-old McFarland pitched the past three seasons for the D-backs and had a 4.82 ERA in 51 games this year, when he had a $1.4 million salary. His option was for $1.85 million with a $50,000 buyout. He is eligible for salary arbitration.Additionally, the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Abraham Almonte and left-handed pitcher Robby Scott outright to Triple-A Reno. They also announced infielder Kevin Cron had right knee surgery this month and is expected to be ready for spring training.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have declined the 2020 options for second baseman Wilmer Flores and left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland.The 28-year-old Flores hit a career-high .317 with nine homers in 89 games during his only season with the D-backs, when he made $3.75 million. Flores's option was for $6 million with a $500,000 buyout.The 30-year-old McFarland pitched the past three seasons for the D-backs and had a 4.82 ERA in 51 games this year, when he had a $1.4 million salary. His option was for $1.85 million with a $50,000 buyout.Additionally, the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Abraham Almonte and left-handed pitcher Robby Scott outright to Triple-A Reno. They also announced infielder Kevin Cron had right knee surgery this month and is expected to be ready for spring training.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have declined the 2020 options for second baseman Wilmer Flores and left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland.The 28-year-old Flores hit a career-high .317 with nine homers in 89 games during his only season with the D-backs. Flores was due to make $6 million in 2020 but instead will get a $500,000 buyout.The 30-year-old McFarland pitched the past three seasons for the D-backs and threw in 51 games with a 4.82 ERA in 2019. He was due $1.85 million in 2020.Additionally, the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Abraham Almonte and left-handed pitcher Robby Scott to Triple-A Reno. They also announced infielder Kevin Cron had right knee surgery this month and is expected to be ready for spring training.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Marlins third. Austin Dean singles to left field. Caleb Smith out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Christian Walker to Wilmer Flores. Austin Dean to second. Jon Berti strikes out swinging. Miguel Rojas doubles to left center field. Austin Dean scores. Starlin Castro flies out to deep right field to Adam Jones.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Marlins 1, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks third. Ildemaro Vargas flies out to right field to Lewis Brinson. Ketel Marte singles to shallow left field. Eduardo Escobar strikes out on a foul tip. Christian Walker doubles to shallow left field, tagged out at third, Austin Dean to Miguel Rojas to Starlin Castro to Isan Diaz. Ketel Marte scores.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Marlins 1, Diamondbacks 1.Marlins fifth. Caleb Smith strikes out swinging. Jon Berti singles to shortstop. Miguel Rojas grounds out to first base to Christian Walker. Jon Berti to third. Throwing error by Christian Walker. Starlin Castro is intentionally walked. Bryan Holaday... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gary Sánchez hit a three-run homer to help chase Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell in the first inning, CC Sabathia got his 250th career win and the New York Yankees thumped the Tampa Bay Rays 12-1 Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.Gleyber Torres added a grand slam during a six-run seventh inning, and New York three-hit Tampa Bay to win its fifth in a row and extend its lead the AL East over the second-place Rays to 3½ games. Tampa Bay was swept for the second time this season — the other came against Boston in April.Snell (4-6) walked four, gave up two hits and was charged with six runs while getting one out on 39 pitches in the shortest start of his career.Sabathia (4-4) pitched one-run ball over six innings. He struck out seven and allowed three hits and three walks.ANGELS 11, BLUE JAYS 6TORONTO (AP) — Mike Trout hit two home runs, including his sixth career grand slam, and had a career-best seven RBIs as Los Angeles beat Toronto.Justin Upton also homered for the... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Romine and Cameron Maybin each drove in two runs during New York's five-run second inning, and the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep and run their win streak to seven in a row.Maybin also had an RBI single in the third as New York won both games after severe thunderstorms postponed Friday night's contest.Luke Voit hit a go-ahead home in the seventh inning to power the Yankees to a 7-3 victory in the opener. J.A. Happ (4-3) struck out 10 in six innings.Chance Adams (1-0) threw four innings to earn his first major league victory in the second game after Chad Green threw one inning as the Yankees' opener. Aroldis Chapman earned his 250th career save.Kansas City's Hunter Dozier doubled twice after going hitless in the opener, driving in Adalberto Mondesi in the first inning and coming around to score on Jorge Soler's double in the fourth inning.Scott Barlow (1-1) and Jorge Lopez (0-6) got the losses for... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Romine and Cameron Maybin each drove in two runs during New York's five-run second inning, and the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep and run their win streak to seven in a row.Maybin also had an RBI single in the third as New York won both games after severe thunderstorms postponed Friday night's contest.Luke Voit hit a go-ahead home in the seventh inning to power the Yankees to a 7-3 victory in the opener. J.A. Happ (4-3) struck out 10 in six innings.Chance Adams (1-0) threw four innings to earn his first major league victory in the second game after Chad Green threw one inning as the Yankees' opener. Aroldis Chapman earned his 250th career save.Kansas City's Hunter Dozier doubled twice after going hitless in the opener, driving in Adalberto Mondesi in the first inning and coming around to score on Jorge Soler's double in the fourth inning.Scott Barlow (1-1) and Jorge Lopez (0-6) got the losses for... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Romine and Cameron Maybin each drove in two runs during New York's five-run second inning, and the Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep and run their win streak to seven in a row.Maybin also had an RBI single in the third as New York won both games after severe thunderstorms postponed Friday night's contest.Luke Voit hit a go-ahead home in the seventh inning to power the Yankees to a 7-3 victory in the opener. J.A. Happ (4-3) struck out 10 in six innings.Chance Adams (1-0) threw four innings to earn his first major league victory in the second game after Chad Green threw one inning as the Yankees' opener. Aroldis Chapman earned his 250th career save.Kansas City's Hunter Dozier doubled twice after going hitless in the opener, driving in Adalberto Mondesi in the first inning and coming around to score on Jorge Soler's double in the fourth inning.Scott Barlow (1-1) and Jorge Lopez (0-6) got the losses for... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Austin Hedges connected for a grand slam, and the San Diego Padres hit a franchise-record seven home runs to romp past the Toronto Blue Jays 19-4 Saturday for their fifth straight win.Wil Myers and Hunter Renfroe each hit two home runs and Ian Kinsler and Eric Hosmer also homered. The previous team record was six, set in Cincinnati on July 17, 1998.Hedges hit his first career slam and drove in five runs. Myers went 2 for 2, drove in four and scored four times, and Renfroe had four hits, scored four and drove in three.Cal Quantrill (1-2), from nearby Port Hope, Ontario, and the son of former major league pitcher Paul Quantrill, earned his first win in his fourth career start.Edwin Jackson (0-2) got the loss, allowing seven runs in four innings.PHILLIES 7, BREWERS 2MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched eight effective innings and Andrew McCutchen homered, leading Philadelphia to its third consecutive win.César Hernández, Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto also connected for the... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Austin Hedges connected for a grand slam, and the San Diego Padres hit a franchise-record seven home runs to romp past the Toronto Blue Jays 19-4 Saturday for their fifth straight win.Wil Myers and Hunter Renfroe each hit two home runs and Ian Kinsler and Eric Hosmer also homered. The previous team record was six, set in Cincinnati on July 17, 1998.Hedges hit his first career slam and drove in five runs. Myers went 2 for 2, drove in four and scored four times, and Renfroe had four hits, scored four and drove in three.Cal Quantrill (1-2), from nearby Port Hope, Ontario, and the son of former major league pitcher Paul Quantrill, earned his first win in his fourth career start.Edwin Jackson (0-2) got the loss, allowing seven runs in four innings.PHILLIES 7, BREWERS 2MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched eight effective innings and Andrew McCutchen homered, leading Philadelphia to its third consecutive win.César Hernández, Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto also connected for the... [More]