It should be obvious by now: You doubt the Tampa Bay Rays at your own risk. Tampa Bay has won 15 of its last 16 games and leads the AL East heading into Monday's game against the New York Yankees. The Rays are second in the American League in runs and third in ERA. They're 19-7 on the road. Tampa Bay is doing all of this after trading former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to San Diego in the offseason. Snell is struggling out west — he's 1-2 with a 5.55 ERA — and a couple of the players the Rays received in return have contributed for them. Luis Patiño is 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA in five appearances, and catcher Francisco Mejía has started 21 games behind the plate. Of course, it's another Tampa Bay catcher who has really turned heads. Mike Zunino already has a dozen homers. The Rays also have the game's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline: Shortstop Wander Franco seems to have adjusted fine to Triple-A this year. Tampa Bay traded shortstop Willy Adames to Milwaukee on May 21, and J.P. Feyereisen... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ BELLY UP Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a broken leg that’s sidelined him for nearly two months. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the 2019 NL MVP will start in center field on Saturday and Sunday against San Francisco. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. The World Series champion Dodgers went through a rough patch without him but have since won 13 of 15 and sit a half-game behind the NL West-leading San Diego Padres. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías (7-1, 3.03) is set to face the Giants' Logan Webb (3-3, 4.09). LAUGH IT OFF Inclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain. The... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday: ___ BELLY UP Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a broken leg that’s sidelined him for nearly two months. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the 2019 NL MVP will start in center field on Saturday and Sunday against San Francisco. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. The World Series champion Dodgers went through a rough patch without him but have since won 13 of 15 and sit a half-game behind the NL West-leading San Diego Padres. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías (7-1, 3.03) is set to face the Giants' Logan Webb (3-3, 4.09). LAUGH IT OFF Inclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain.... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Jarred Kelenic hit a two-run homer for his first major league hit and tacked on two doubles, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. After going hitless in his big league debut Thursday, Kelenic brought the crowd to its feet with a drive to right-center against Aaron Civale in the third inning. The ball was clocked at 109.3 mph off the bat and Kelenic’s sprint around the bases seemed just as fast. Kyle Seager and Mitch Haniger also connected for Seattle. Chris Flexen (4-1) allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings, and Rafael Montero recorded the final out for his fifth save. Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer in the ninth for Cleveland. Civale (5-1) allowed a season-high five earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. PADRES 5, CARDINALS 4 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Joe Musgrove got through five innings for his first victory since throwing a no-hitter on April 9, and San Diego beat St. Louis in their first meeting since the Padres eliminated the Cardinals from... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Jarred Kelenic hit a two-run homer for his first major league hit and tacked on two doubles, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. After going hitless in his big league debut Thursday, Kelenic brought the crowd to its feet with a drive to right-center against Aaron Civale in the third inning. The ball was clocked at 109.3 mph off the bat and Kelenic’s sprint around the bases seemed just as fast. Kyle Seager and Mitch Haniger also connected for Seattle. Chris Flexen (4-1) allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings, and Rafael Montero recorded the final out for his fifth save. Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer in the ninth for Cleveland. Civale (5-1) allowed a season-high five earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. NATIONALS 17, DIAMONDBACKS 2 PHOENIX (AP) — Trea Turner hit his 14th career leadoff homer and Yan Gomes had five hits, powering Washington to the runaway win. Turner’s ninth homer of the season on Riley Smith’s second pitch was a no-doubter... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Jarred Kelenic hit a two-run homer for his first major league hit and tacked on two doubles, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. After going hitless in his big league debut Thursday, Kelenic brought the crowd to its feet with a drive to right-center against Aaron Civale in the third inning. The ball was clocked at 109.3 mph off the bat and Kelenic’s sprint around the bases seemed just as fast. Kyle Seager and Mitch Haniger also connected for Seattle. Chris Flexen (4-1) allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings, and Rafael Montero recorded the final out for his fifth save. Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer in the ninth for Cleveland. Civale (5-1) allowed a season-high five earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. NATIONALS 17, DIAMONDBACKS 2 PHOENIX (AP) — Trea Turner hit his 14th career leadoff homer and Yan Gomes had five hits, powering Washington to the runaway win. Turner’s ninth homer of the season on Riley Smith’s second pitch was a no-doubter... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Aaron Judge went deep twice and Gio Urshela delivered a key pinch-hit shot, leading the banged-up New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Judge is now 10 for 19 with five homers against the Orioles this season. He has 13 career multihomer games, five of them against Baltimore. Urshela is still hampered by a left knee injury but was available off the bench in the seventh. After Miguel Andújar singled and Kyle Higashioka walked, Urshela hit the second pinch-hit homer of his career off Travis Lakins (1-4) to erase a 4-2 deficit. The Yankees were missing several key players, including shortstop Gleyber Torres (COVID-19), center fielder Aaron Hicks (left wrist) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was a late scratch with left quad tightness. Yankees starter Corey Kluber (3-2) allowed four runs over six innings. Jonathan Loáisiga picked up his second save. RAYS 3, METS 2 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Brett Phillips hit an RBI single with two... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Aaron Judge went deep twice and Gio Urshela delivered a key pinch-hit shot, leading the banged-up New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Judge is now 10 for 19 with five homers against the Orioles this season. He has 13 career multihomer games, five of them against Baltimore. Urshela is still hampered by a left knee injury but was available off the bench in the seventh. After Miguel Andújar singled and Kyle Higashioka walked, Urshela hit the second pinch-hit homer of his career off Travis Lakins (1-4) to erase a 4-2 deficit. The Yankees were missing several key players, including shortstop Gleyber Torres (COVID-19), center fielder Aaron Hicks (left wrist) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was a late scratch with left quad tightness. Yankees starter Corey Kluber (3-2) allowed four runs over six innings. Jonathan Loáisiga picked up his second save. RAYS 3, METS 2 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Brett Phillips hit an RBI single with two... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Aaron Judge went deep twice and Gio Urshela delivered a key pinch-hit shot, leading the banged-up New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Judge is now 10 for 19 with five homers against the Orioles this season. He has 13 career multihomer games, five of them against Baltimore. Urshela is still hampered by a left knee injury but was available off the bench in the seventh. After Miguel Andújar singled and Kyle Higashioka walked, Urshela hit the second pinch-hit homer of his career off Travis Lakins (1-4) to erase a 4-2 deficit. The Yankees were missing several key players, including shortstop Gleyber Torres (COVID-19), center fielder Aaron Hicks (left wrist) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was a late scratch with left quad tightness. Yankees starter Corey Kluber (3-2) allowed four runs over six innings. Jonathan Loáisiga picked up his second save. RAYS 3, METS 2 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Brett Phillips hit an RBI single with two... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Aaron Judge went deep twice and Gio Urshela delivered a key pinch-hit shot, leading the banged-up New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Judge is now 10 for 19 with five homers against the Orioles this season. He has 13 career multihomer games, five of them against Baltimore. Urshela is still hampered by a left knee injury but was available off the bench in the seventh. After Miguel Andújar singled and Kyle Higashioka walked, Urshela hit the second pinch-hit homer of his career off Travis Lakins (1-4) to erase a 4-2 deficit. The Yankees were missing several key players, including shortstop Gleyber Torres (COVID-19), center fielder Aaron Hicks (left wrist) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was a late scratch with left quad tightness. Yankees starter Corey Kluber (3-2) allowed four runs over six innings. Jonathan Loáisiga picked up his second save. RAYS 3, METS 2 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Brett Phillips hit an RBI single with two... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates are shutting down left-handed starter Steven Brault for at least a month to address discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said it's likely Brault will be out for a minimum of 10 weeks. The team had expected Brault to be a part of a totally revamped starting rotation in 2021. Brault complained of tightness in his left arm after two innings of work last Friday in an exhibition game against Baltimore. Tomczyk says at the moment the team does not believe the 28-year-old Brault requires surgery, just rest. Brault went 1-1 with a 5.43 ERA in eight innings of work this spring. Brault won the Steve Blass Award given annually to the team's best pitcher last fall after going 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts). Who replaces Brault is unclear, though J.T. Brubaker is scheduled to start in Brault's spot this week. The Pirates also announced that hard-throwing right-handed reliever Blake Cederlind is out 14-16 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Pittsburgh also made a series of roster moves on Wednesday with opening day approaching. Shortstop Cole Tucker and pitchers Sean Poppen and Miguel Yajure were optioned while infielder Will Craig, catchers Joe Hudson and Andrew Susac and outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. were reassigned. ___ More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with pitchers Jameson Taillon and Michael Feliz as well as shortstop Erik Gonzalez on Wednesday, signing each for the 2021 season. Taillion gets $2.25 million, Feliz $1 million and Gonzalez $1,225,000. The Pirates also declined to offer a contract to reliever Clay Holmes and assigned catcher Will Craig outright to Triple-A Indianapolis. Taillon, a former first-round draft pick, is expected to return in 2021 after missing most of the last two years following Tommy John surgery. The Pirates are relying on Taillon to anchor a starting rotation that will have a new look next year after the team cut ties with Trevor Williams. Feliz pitched in just three games during the abbreviated 2020 season due to a forearm injury. He could be in the mix to find a role at the back end of the bullpen. Gonzalez faded after a hot start but drove in a career-high 20 runs last season while hitting .227 in 50 games for Pittsburgh, which finished with the worst record in the majors at 19-41. Holmes appeared in just one game for the Pirates last season before being shut down with a forearm issue. He went 2-5 with a 5.91 ERA in 47 games for Pittsburgh from 2018-20. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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:___St. Louis CardinalsManager: Mike Shildt (third season). 2019: 91-71, first place, lost to Nationals in NLCS.Training Town: Jupiter, Florida.Park: Roger Dean Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 12/17. He's Here: LHP Matthew Liberatore, C Matt Wieters, LHP Kwang-Hyun Kim.He's Outta Here: OF Marcell Ozuna, RF Jose Martinez, LF Randy Arozarena, RHP Dominic Leone.Going campin': The Cardinals return largely intact after getting swept in the NLCS by World Series champion Washington. The biggest competition throughout the spring will be in the outfield, where only Dexter Fowler has a position locked up — mostly because of his contract. Center fielder Harrison Bader probably has another spot under control, and that leaves Tyler O'Neill, Lane Thomas and top prospect Dylan Carlson competing for the last... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Jung Ho Kang and Erik Gonzalez have won starting jobs in the infield with the Pittsburgh Pirates.General manager Neal Huntington said Monday that Kang has beaten out Colin Moran at third base and Erik Gonzalez has won the shortstop competition over Kevin Newman."It was not an easy decision because all four guys, in their own way, had legitimate claims to be the regular," Huntington said.Kang is just 5 for 28 (.185) with 13 strikeouts this spring but all five hits have been solo home runs. Moran was 6 for 28 (.214) with a double and a homer through the weekend.Moran, however, had committed four errors while Kang had two."The power has been real," manager Clint Hurdle said of Kang. "It's spring training, but it's five homers. We don't have anybody else that's hit five homers."Kang missed the entire 2017 season and the beginning of 2018 because he was unable to secure a work visa to travel from his native South Korea following a third DUI arrest. He then underwent wrist... [More]