CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has opted to becoming a free agent after spending most of the season at Chicago's alternate training site. The 35-year-old Strop became a fan favorite in Chicago after he was acquired with Jake Arrieta in a trade with Baltimore in 2013. He was a key member of the bullpen, helping the Cubs win the World Series in 2016, before signing with Cincinnati prior to the 2020 season. He was released by the Reds in August and agreed to minor league deal with the Cubs a few days later, though he did not pitch in the majors again last season. He returned to the Cubs on a minor league deal in February and made two appearances before being returned to the team’s alternate site in South Bend, Indiana, on April 17. Chicago announced his opt-out decision Wednesday. Strop has a 2.88 ERA in 413 appearances over eight years with the Cubs. And he has a 3.20 ERA in 561 appearances over 13 major league seasons. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rafael Devers homered for the fourth straight game and the streaking Boston Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on a snowy Tuesday in a series opener moved back following the fatal police shooting of a Black man in a nearby suburb. Hunter Renfroe hit a solo homer and Bobby Dalbec added a pair of RBI doubles as Boston won its seventh in a row after losing its first three games of the season. Monday’s game was postponed due to safety and sensitivity concerns in the Twin Cities after the police shooting a day earlier of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. The Twins held a moment of silence for Wright prior to Tuesday’s game. Snow flurries fell for most of the game and it was 33 degrees for the first pitch. That made for the third-coldest start at Target Field, the record being 27 degrees on April 7, 2018. Adam Ottavino (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Matt Barnes pitched a perfect ninth for his first save of the season. Randy Dobnak (0-2) took the... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — David Bote has won the second-base job with the Chicago Cubs, and Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay will round out the team's pitching rotation at the beginning of the season. The Cubs cleared the way for Bote when they optioned infielder Nico Hoerner to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. Bote, Hoerner and Eric Sogard had been in the mix at second, and manager David Ross said Bote was the choice. Bote, who turns 28 on April 7, batted .200 with seven homers and 29 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened season last year. He was selected by Chicago in the 18th round of the 2012 amateur draft. The 34-year-old Sogard is in camp on a minor league deal, but the team has told Major League Baseball he will be added to the big league roster. The Cubs also optioned reliever Brad Wieck to Iowa and released veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin. Right-handers Shelby Miller, Pedro Strop and Trevor Megill were assigned to minor league camp, along with outfielder Rafael Ortega. Miller, Strop, Megill... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has returned to training camp after he was kept away for a couple days for violating baseball’s COVID-19 protocols. The team said Sunday that Strop was being kept away from his teammates, and that Major League Baseball was going to decide when he was allowed to rejoin the team. The team confirmed Strop's return on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Strop is in camp on a minor league deal. He is trying to make it back to the majors after a tough season last year. The veteran right-hander signed a $1,825,000, one-year deal with Cincinnati after the 2019 season. He was let go by the Reds last August and then signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. But he didn’t appear in a big league game for the rest of the year. Strop was a fan favorite during his first stint with Chicago. He was acquired along with Jake Arrieta in a 2013 trade with Baltimore for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Strop had 2.90 ERA in 411 appearances with the Cubs over seven years, mostly in a setup role. He was a key member of the 2016 team that won the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop is away from the team after he violated baseball's COVID-19 protocols. The 35-year-old Strop is in camp on a minor league deal. The Cubs said Major League Baseball will decide when Strop is allowed to rejoin the team. Strop is trying to make it back to the majors after a tough season last year. The veteran right-hander signed a $1,825,000, one-year deal with Cincinnati after the 2019 season. He was let go by the Reds last August and then signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. But he didn’t appear in a big league game for the rest of the year. Strop was a fan favorite during his first stint with Chicago. He was acquired along with Jake Arrieta in a 2013 trade with Baltimore for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Strop had 2.90 ERA in 411 appearances with the Cubs over seven years, mostly in a setup role. He was a key member of the 2016 team that won the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs bolstered their pitching depth Wednesday, agreeing to contracts with veteran relievers Brandon Workman and Pedro Strop. Workman received a $1 million, one-year deal, according to a person familiar with the contract who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. The 32-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $2 million in bonuses. The 35-year-old Strop returned to the Cubs on a minor league deal that includes an invite to big league spring training, according to a second person familiar with the contract who spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. The deal includes a March 30 opt-out date. The Cubs had been looking for pitching depth in the runup to spring training, concerned about covering a full campaign after last season was shortened because of the pandemic. They announced contracts with right-hander Trevor Williams and lefty reliever Andrew Chafin on Feb. 8, and right-hander... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs bolstered their pitching depth Wednesday, agreeing to contracts with veteran relievers Brandon Workman and Pedro Strop. Workman received a $1 million, one-year deal, according to a person familiar with the contract who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. The 32-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $2 million in bonuses. The 35-year-old Strop returned to the Cubs on a minor league deal that includes an invite to big league spring training, according to a second person familiar with the contract who spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. The deal includes a March 30 opt-out date. The Cubs had been looking for pitching depth in the runup to spring training, concerned about covering a full campaign after last season was shortened because of the pandemic. They announced contracts with right-hander Trevor Williams and lefty reliever Andrew Chafin on Feb. 8, and right-hander... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on today:HERE COMES MADBUMFormer Giants ace Madison Bumgarner will face his former club at last when he takes the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco. He might face a few ex-teammates who are still around.“I feel like I’m pretty good at pushing all that stuff aside,” the 2014 World Series MVP said. “I’m pretty good at staying even keel when it comes to all that stuff.”When Arizona visited Oracle Park last month, Bumgarner remained in Phoenix rehabbing a mid-back strain. He will come off the injured list to make his first appearance since Aug. 9.The star lefty is 0-3 with a 9.35 ERA after he signed an $85 million, five-year contract with the Diamondbacks during the offseason.“Madison was a tremendous pitcher for a long time for the Giants and arguably one of the top two pitchers over the course of the last 10 years or so,” San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler said. “Certainly deserving of all of the accolades.”GLEYBER DAY WEEKENDThe... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:HERE COMES MADBUMFormer Giants ace Madison Bumgarner will face his former club at last when he takes the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks in San Francisco. He might face a few ex-teammates who are still around.“I feel like I’m pretty good at pushing all that stuff aside,” the 2014 World Series MVP said. “I’m pretty good at staying even keel when it comes to all that stuff.”When Arizona visited Oracle Park last month, Bumgarner remained in Phoenix rehabbing a mid-back strain. He will come off the injured list to make his first appearance since Aug. 9.The star lefty is 0-3 with a 9.35 ERA after he signed an $85 million, five-year contract with the Diamondbacks during the offseason.“Madison was a tremendous pitcher for a long time for the Giants and arguably one of the top two pitchers over the course of the last 10 years or so,” San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler said. “Certainly deserving of all of the accolades.”SMALL BALLBraves... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs agreed to a minor league deal with Pedro Strop on Friday, bringing back the popular reliever after he was released by Cincinnati.A person with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed the deal on condition of anonymity because it was pending a physical.Strop will report to the team's alternate training site in South Bend, Indiana. The Cubs are leading the NL Central, but their bullpen has struggled at times.Wearing his hat off to the left, Strop became a fan favorite in Chicago after he was acquired along with Jake Arrieta in a 2013 trade with Baltimore for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger.The 35-year-old Strop had 2.90 ERA in 411 appearances with the Cubs over seven years, mostly in a setup role. He was a key member of the 2016 team that won the franchise's first World Series title since 1908.But Strop struggled last season, going 2-5 with 10 saves and a 4.97 ERA. The Cubs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and Strop signed a $1,825,000, one-year deal with the Reds in February.Strop had no record and a 3.86 ERA in four appearances with Cincinnati. He was sidelined by a right groin injury last month, but he was reinstated from the IL on Aug. 26 and then designated for assignment.___Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Cubs third. Jason Kipnis triples to deep center field. Nico Hoerner singles to right field. Jason Kipnis scores. Anthony Rizzo strikes out swinging. Victor Caratini singles to center field. Nico Hoerner to second. Javier Baez strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber flies out to shallow center field to Aristides Aquino.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Reds 0.Cubs fourth. Ian Happ flies out to deep center field to Shogo Akiyama. Jason Heyward singles to center field. David Bote singles to center field. Jason Heyward to third. Jason Kipnis singles to shallow center field. David Bote to second. Jason Heyward scores. Nico Hoerner grounds out to shallow infield. Jason Kipnis out at second.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Reds 0.Reds fourth. Joey Votto grounds out to first base, Anthony Rizzo to Alec Mills. Eugenio Suarez pops out to Anthony Rizzo. Jesse Winker walks. Nick Castellanos homers to right field. Jesse Winker scores. Josh VanMeter grounds out to shallow infield, Alec... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds hope their long-running search for a consistent leadoff hitter comes to an end with Shogo Akiyama.The first Japanese-born player in franchise history signed a three-year, $21 million deal during the offseason and is part of the team's extensive overhaul. Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos, Wade Miley and Pedro Strop were also added to end a streak of six straight losing seasons.But it's the 32-year-old Akiyama who might be the most intriguing. He was a consistent star in Nippon Professional Baseball over the past five seasons, hitting over .300 four times while flashing consistent power and providing stellar defense.If he can do something similar in Cincinnati, the Reds will be thrilled.“There's only 60 games and obviously the goal is to make the playoffs,” Akiyama said through an interpreter. “My personal goal is to play in every game so I just want to compete in every single game I play. That's what I want to bring.”Here's a look at 10 players to watch... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Reds went in a slightly different direction when they signed left-hander Wade Miley in the offseason, departing from their preference for developing or trading to acquire starting pitching.Instead, they chose to spend a considerable amount of money on a free agent.Miley got a $15 million, two-year deal from the Reds, who lacked a left-hander in the rotation. Miley, 33, will get $6 million this year and $8 million in 2021. There's a $10 million club option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout.Miley can earn? ?an additional $500,000? ?annually in performance bonuses based on innings:? ?$50,000? ?each for? ?140,? ?150,? ?160? ?and? ?170,? ?and? ?$100,000? ?apiece for? ?180,? ?190? ?and? ?200.Alex Wood was the only left-handed starter last season, and injuries limited him to seven starts. He left Cincinnati as a free agent after the season.Getting a left-hander for an already solid rotation was a priority this offseason.“We face lineups that left-handers can be more... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Shogo Akiyama got into the batter's box and took his first swing with the Cincinnati Reds at spring training. He barely made contact.“I was very embarrassed,” Akiyama said through translator Luke Shinoda. “I'm looking forward to tomorrow now."He'll get plenty more chances.Cincinnati signed Akiyama to a $21 million, three-year deal as part of its expensive offseason makeover. Akiyama, 31, became a free agent after his ninth season with the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League, where he was a five-time All-Star.The center fielder could move to one of the corner spots in the Reds' unsettled outfield. Manager David Bell envisions him playing often and hitting near the top of the order.Cincinnati has lacked a dependable leadoff hitter. Akiyama is known for making contact and getting on base. He had 56 triples and 251 doubles with the Lions.Cincinnati had been the only team in the majors that had not signed a player from Japan. Akiyama feels a responsibility to do well... [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:___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]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds completed a one-year, $1,825,000 deal with right-hander Pedro Strop on Wednesday, their first move to upgrade the bullpen in an offseason focused on offense.Strop, 34, can earn an additional $1,675,000 in performance bonuses that could raise his pay to $3.5 million.He was part of the Cubs' bullpen the last six years. A hamstring injury limited him to 50 appearances last season, when he went 2-5 with a 4.97 ERA, 10 saves and six blown saves.Strop had a rough middle of the season after returning from the injury. He went 1-1 with four blown saves in July and 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and one save in August. He finished strong, putting up a 2.00 ERA in 11 appearances in September.He can earn $475,000 in for games pitched: $25,000 for 45, $50,000 each for 50, 55 and 60, and $100,000 apiece for 65, 70 and 75. Strop also can earn $1.2 million for games finished: $25,000 for 20, $75,000 for 30, $100,000 for 40, and $250,000 each for 45, 50, 55 and 60.Cincinnati has committed... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds completed a one-year, $1,825,000 deal with right-hander Pedro Strop on Wednesday, their first move to upgrade the bullpen in an offseason focused on offense.Strop, 34, was part of the Cubs' bullpen the last six years. A hamstring injury limited him to 50 appearances last season, when he went 2-5 with a 4.97 ERA, 10 saves and six blown saves.Strop had a rough middle of the season after returning from the injury. He went 1-1 with four blown saves in July and 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and one save in August. He finished strong, putting up a 2.00 ERA in 11 appearances in September.Cincinnati has committed more than $165 million on acquiring players this offseason, including the two biggest free agent contracts in club history.Cincinnati signed second baseman Mike Moustakas to a $64 million, four-year contract and added left-handed starter Wade Miley on a $15 million, two-year deal. Outfielder Shogo Akiyama, an All-Star in his native Japan, got a $21 million, three-year... [More]

Brewers first. Lorenzo Cain singles to center field. Yasmani Grandal walks. Lorenzo Cain to second. Christian Yelich walks. Yasmani Grandal to second. Lorenzo Cain to third. Ryan Braun grounds out to shortstop. Christian Yelich out at second. Yasmani Grandal to third. Lorenzo Cain scores. Eric Thames lines out to center field to Jason Heyward.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 1, Cubs 0.Cubs third. Addison Russell hit by pitch. David Bote singles to shallow right field, advances to 2nd. Addison Russell scores. Throwing error by Christian Yelich. Jon Lester doubles to right field. David Bote scores. Ben Zobrist doubles to right field. Jon Lester scores. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Nicholas Castellanos strikes out swinging. Anthony Rizzo lines out to left center field to Lorenzo Cain.3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Cubs 3, Brewers 1.Brewers fourth. Christian Yelich singles to right field. Ryan Braun doubles to right field. Christian Yelich scores. Eric Thames strikes... [More]

Cubs first. Ian Happ doubles to deep right field. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Ian Happ scores. Victor Caratini singles to left field, tagged out at second, Ryan Braun to Orlando Arcia. Javier Baez strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep right field. Addison Russell flies out to deep center field to Lorenzo Cain.2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Brewers 0.Cubs second. Jonathan Lucroy grounds out to shortstop, Hernan Perez to Yasmani Grandal. David Bote doubles to left center field. Jose Quintana doubles to deep left center field. David Bote scores. Ian Happ reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Jose Quintana out at third. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Ian Happ scores. Victor Caratini flies out to left center field to Lorenzo Cain.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 5, Brewers 0.Cubs seventh. David Bote walks. Tony Kemp pinch-hitting for David Phelps. Tony Kemp pops out to shallow left field to Orlando Arcia. Ian Happ reaches... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carlos Santana hit a grand slam in the 10th inning, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Sunday to win the four-game series and forge another tie for the AL Central lead.The Twins tied the game with four hits in a two-run ninth against Brad Hand (5-3), using a single by Luis Arraez and a double by Marwin Gonzalez to extend the game.As pinch-runner Ehire Adrianza tried to score the winning run from first base, left fielder Tyler Naquin grabbed the ball off the bounce from the wall and zipped a throw to shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose relay home was in perfect position for catcher Kevin Plawecki to tag Adrianza with ease.Twins closer Taylor Rogers (2-3) allowed a single, a walk and another single on a bunt by Greg Allen to load the bases with none out for Santana, who quickly erased the late-inning drama with one big swing.The Twins and Indians play six more times, all in September.ORIOLES 8, ASTROS 7BALTIMORE (AP) — Rio Ruiz hit a two-run homer with... [More]