Marcus Stroman pitched one-hit ball for eight innings, Dominic Smith launched a grand slam and the New York Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Stroman (7-8) gave up a leadoff single to Aristides Aquino in the third inning and little else. He struck out seven and walked one while giving New York’s beleaguered bullpen precious rest going into Thursday’s day off. Jeurys Familia struck out three in a hitless ninth. Luis Guillorme hit his first homer of the season and Jonathan Villar also connected for the NL East leaders. Mets manager Luis Rojas returned to the dugout after serving a two-game suspension for excessive arguing on Sunday. Jeff Hoffman (3-5) came off the 10-day injured list to make his first start since May 26 and lasted four innings, allowing seven hits — including Smith's slam — and five runs with three walks. GIANTS 4, DODGERS 2 LOS ANGELS (AP) — Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning and San Francisco... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hastily missed first base and was called out after hitting a first-inning homer, sending Walker Buehler on his way to seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 Tuesday night. The Pirates star rookie stung an opposite-field line drive in the first inning against Buehler that narrowly cleared the right-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Running hard and with his eyes on the ball, Hayes missed touching first base with his left foot by two or three inches and kept on going. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts challenged, and umpires overturned the call after a short video review. Buehler (5-0) retired his last 13 batters and had two hits to raise his career batting average to .124. He allowed two hits, struck out two and walked one while throwing 93 pitches. Pirates rookie JT Brubaker (4-5) shut out the Dodgers through four innings but did not make it out of the fifth, when Los Angeles scored three times. Kenley Jansen... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hastily missed first base and was called out after hitting a first-inning homer, sending Walker Buehler on his way to seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 Tuesday night. The Pirates star rookie stung an opposite-field line drive in the first inning against Buehler that narrowly cleared the right-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Running hard and with his eyes on the ball, Hayes missed touching first base with his left foot by two or three inches and kept on going. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts challenged, and umpires overturned the call after a short video review. Buehler (5-0) retired his last 13 batters and had two hits to raise his career batting average to .124. He allowed two hits, struck out two and walked one while throwing 93 pitches. Pirates rookie JT Brubaker (4-5) shut out the Dodgers through four innings but did not make it out of the fifth, when Los Angeles scored three times. Kenley Jansen... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hastily missed first base and was called out after hitting a first-inning homer, sending Walker Buehler on his way to seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 Tuesday night. The Pirates star rookie stung an opposite-field line drive in the first inning against Buehler that narrowly cleared the right-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Running hard and with his eyes on the ball, Hayes missed touching first base with his left foot by two or three inches and kept on going. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts challenged, and umpires overturned the call after a short video review. Buehler (5-0) retired his last 13 batters and had two hits to raise his career batting average to .124. He allowed two hits, struck out two and walked one while throwing 93 pitches. Pirates rookie JT Brubaker (4-5) shut out the Dodgers through four innings but did not make it out of the fifth, when Los Angeles scored three times. Kenley Jansen... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hastily missed first base and was called out after hitting a first-inning homer, sending Walker Buehler on his way to seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 Tuesday night. The Pirates star rookie stung an opposite-field line drive in the first inning against Buehler that narrowly cleared the right-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Running hard and with his eyes on the ball, Hayes missed touching first base with his left foot by two or three inches and kept on going. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts challenged, and umpires overturned the call after a short video review. Buehler (5-0) retired his last 13 batters and had two hits to raise his career batting average to .124. He allowed two hits, struck out two and walked one while throwing 93 pitches. Pirates rookie JT Brubaker (4-5) shut out the Dodgers through four innings but did not make it out of the fifth, when Los Angeles scored three times. Kenley Jansen... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jean Segura hit an RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies over the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in their season opener Thursday. After Nate Jones (0-1) intentionally walked Did Gregorius, Segura hit a bouncer down the third-base line to score Bryce Harper, who began the inning as the automatic runner at second base and advanced to third on a grounder. In the top of the 10th, center fielder Roman Quinn made a perfect throw to the plate to retire Ozzie Albies, who was trying to score on Marcell Ozuna’s fly ball. Catcher J.T. Realmuto caught the ball and slid in front of the plate in one slick motion, successfully blocking Albies’ path. Phillies ace Aaron Nola was one strike away from tossing seven scoreless innings before pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval ripped an 0-2 pitch into the second deck in right field to tie it at 2. The Phillies got 3 1/3 scoreless innings from four relievers, with Connor Brogdon (1-0) working the 10th. They had the worst... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-handed reliever Jose Alvarez signed a $1.15 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. The 31-year-old will look to build off momentum he had with the Phillies last season when he posted a 1.42 ERA over eight outings. He was struck by a 105 mph line drive in the groin area Aug. 20 against Toronto and didn't pitch for the rest of the year. Alvarez allowed just one earned run over 6 1/3 innings before the injury, holding right-handed hitters to 3 for 15 with one extra-base hit. He pitched for second-year Giants manager Gabe Kapler for Philadelphia in 2019. The deal that includes a club option for 2022 worth $1.5 million for the veteran reliever. Alvarez would receive a $100,000 buyout if the Giants decline the option. Also, the Giants announced right-hander Jordan Humphreys was claimed off waivers by San Diego. ___ More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The free agent market received a small boost this week, although it remains to be seen whether teams will be eager to take advantage. A record 59 players became free agents when their teams declined to offer them contracts by Wednesday night's tender deadline. That group included a few well-known names like Kyle Schwarber of the Chicago Cubs and Eddie Rosario of the Minnesota Twins — but these additions to the free agent class did little to change the sense the market could be slow this offseason. Teams may be looking to cut costs amid the coronavirus pandemic, and so far there have been only a few short deals, such as Charlie Morton going to Atlanta on a one-year, $15 million contract and Mike Minor signing with Kansas City for two years and $18 million. As we enter the heart of the offseason calendar, here’s a look at the top free agents still available, broken down by position. The biggest names on the market are players who were already free agents well before the new group of non-tenders... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies got an early jump on the trade deadline, moving to fortify their ineffective bullpen by acquiring relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Boston Red Sox.Philadelphia also will receive $815,166 and will get either more cash or a player to be named from the Red Sox, who obtained right-handers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. That amount means the Phillies will be in effect be responsible for a 37/67th a prorated share of the shortened season's minimum to Workman and Hembree — $115,254 each. Workman had $715,865 remaining from a salary that was originally $3.5 million and Hembree had $329,809 left from a salary that was originally $1,612,500.Earlier Friday, the Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale from the New York Yankees, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.Phillies relievers came into Friday with a combined 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.“We like Pivetta and Seabold but you... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies got an early jump on the trade deadline, moving to fortify their ineffective bullpen by acquiring relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Boston Red Sox.Philadelphia also will receive $815,166 and will either receive more cash or a player to be named from the Red Sox, who obtained right-handers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. Earlier Friday, the Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale from the New York Yankees, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.Phillies relievers came into Friday with a combined 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.“We like Pivetta and Seabold but you have to give something to get something," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "The bullpen was the area for us to address. Those guys (we acquired) have pitched in big games, big markets, pennant races before. I still believe a lot of the guys in our bullpen are better than what they’ve shown.”The trade with... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies got an early jump on the trade deadline, moving to fortify their ineffective bullpen by acquiring relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Boston Red Sox.Philadelphia also got cash and will either receive more cash or a player to be named from the Red Sox, who obtained right-handers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. Earlier Friday, the Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale from the New York Yankees, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.Phillies relievers came into Friday with a combined 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.“We like Pivetta and Seabold but you have to give something to get something," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "The bullpen was the area for us to address. Those guys (we acquired) have pitched in big games, big markets, pennant races before. I still believe a lot of the guys in our bullpen are better than what they’ve shown.”The trade with Boston occurred... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies got an early jump on the trade deadline, moving to fortify their ineffective bullpen by acquiring relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Boston Red Sox.Philadelphia also got cash considerations from Red Sox, who obtained right-handers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. The trade occurred Friday night while Boston was playing in Baltimore and the Phillies were in Atlanta. The trade deadline in this pandemic-shortened season is set for Aug. 31.Earlier Friday, the Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale from the New York Yankees, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.Phillies relievers came into Friday with a combined 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.Workman came into Friday night’s game with four saves in four tries and a 2.25 ERA in save situations, while Hembree is 2-0 with a 5.59 ERA in 11 games. Both pitched out of Boston's bullpen for the 2018 World Series champion Red Sox.Hale... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Hale on Friday from the New York Yankees to help their league-worst bullpen, sending back righty relief prospect Addison Russ.Hale has appeared in 95 games over six seasons with the Braves, Rockies and Yankees. He has allowed two earned runs and made one save in six innings this season. He was designated for assignment Monday when All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman returned from the COVID-19 injured list.Phillies relievers have combined for an 8.07 ERA this season, the worst in the majors by nearly two runs.Hale was not expected to join Philadelphia for its game Friday night at Atlanta but should be available in the bullpen Saturday.Philadelphia also placed left-hander Jose Alvarez on the 10-day injured list Friday with a testicular contusion and recalled lefty JoJo Romero from the team’s alternate site. The 25-year-old Russ has been working out at Philadelphia's alternate site and hasn't pitched above Double-A. He has a 2.48 ERA and 50 saves over three minor league seasons, including a 2.54 ERA and 22 saves with Double-A Reading last season.Russ was added to New York's 60-man roster and assigned to the alternate site. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryan Price observes, listens, suggests and tries to lead pitchers to their own conclusions.The new pitching coach could end up being the most valuable addition the Philadelphia Phillies made in the offseason if he can get some talented members of the staff to reach their potential. Price already has made a positive impression in camp. "He's all about pitchers being confident in what they're doing and having the ability to pitch and not just throw," All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto said. "That's where finding their strengths comes in. If a guy is pitching to his strengths, he's going to be able to maneuver the baseball and have confidence in what he's doing. If you are asking someone to pitch to a scouting report and not something he's confident in doing, it's not going to work out very well. That's something Price has honed in on is pitching to your strengths." Pitching is Philadelphia's biggest question mark. An offense that features Realmuto, Bryce Harper, Didi... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pitchers Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez, Jose Alvarez and Adam Morgan reached one-year contracts with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday while All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto and reliever Héctor Neris exchanged salary arbitration figures with the team.Realmuto asked for $12.4 million and the club offered $10 million. In his first season with the Phillies, he set career-highs with 25 homers and 83 RBIs, batted .275, was an All-Star for the second straight season and won his first Gold Glove Award. He made $6.05 million last year.Neris sought $5.2 million and was offered $4.25 million. The right-hander made $1.8 million last year when he was Philadelphia's most reliable reliever, leading the team with a career-high 28 saves in 34 chances. He posted a 2.93 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings. Neris is 67 for 83 in save opportunities in his career.Eflin got a raise from $590,000 to $2,625,000. The righty was 10-13 with a career-best 4.13 ERA in his fourth season in Philadelphia.... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Gabe Kapler wants the opportunity to lead the Philadelphia Phillies back to the postseason after consecutive collapses in September.It's still uncertain whether he'll get another chance.A season that began with high expectations following the arrival of Bryce Harper and other high-profile players ended the same as the previous seven years: without October baseball.The Phillies finished 81-81, a one game improvement from Kapler's rookie season as manager. Frustrated fans want to see change but management hasn't announced a decision either way."I love managing that group of players," Kapler said after the season ended Sunday. "I love working with that staff. I love working with this front office. They give me all sorts of autonomy. I have felt supported by our ownership group. Our ownership group has done everything in their power to put a winning product on the field. I'm proud to be a Philadelphia Phillie and will do it as long as I'm able."The Phillies were only two... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to keep up his power resurgence, Gleyber Torres added his 34th home run and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 Wednesday night to move 43 games over .500 for the first time since 2009.Judge is hitting .317 with eight homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. He connected off Lance Lynn (14-10) in the third inning to become the fifth Yankees player with 20 homers this season.Torres homered in the fourth, tying Gary Sánchez for the team lead and joining Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to hit 34 homers at age 22 or younger. The home run was the 200th off the Rangers this season.New York improved to 92-49, including 11-2 when using Chad Green as an opener.Green pitched two innings and Luis Cessa (2-1) followed with three. Cory Gearrin allowed a ninth-inning homer to Rougned Odor.Lynn dropped to 0-4 in his last six starts. Texas matched its season worst of five games under .500 at 68-73.DODGERS 7, ROCKIES 3LOS ANGELES (AP)... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to keep up his power resurgence, Gleyber Torres added his 34th home run and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 Wednesday night to move 43 games over .500 for the first time since 2009.Judge is hitting .317 with eight homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. He connected off Lance Lynn (14-10) in the third inning to become the fifth Yankees player with 20 homers this season.Torres homered in the fourth, tying Gary Sánchez for the team lead and joining Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to hit 34 homers at age 22 or younger. The home run was the 200th off the Rangers this season.New York improved to 92-49, including 11-2 when using Chad Green as an opener.Green pitched two innings and Luis Cessa (2-1) followed with three. Cory Gearrin allowed a ninth-inning homer to Rougned Odor.Lynn dropped to 0-4 in his last six starts. Texas matched its season worst of five games under .500 at 68-73.RED SOX 6, TWINS 2BOSTON (AP) — Mookie... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies manager Gable Kapler could have draped a stethoscope around his neck in his office that seemed more fit for an urgent care."I have notes on injury stuff," Kapler said Wednesday, not long before Philadelphia's scheduled game against St. Louis went into a rain delay. "There's some stuff to report."Just a few notes.One reliever had surgery. Another went on the injured list. Three more relievers may not return until some time in June.The next call to the bullpen could come on the trade market. Who has a number for Craig Kimbrel?General manager Matt Klentak knows the Phillies will have to strengthen their bullpen for a serious shot at their first playoff berth since 2011."I know that Matt is always looking for help," Kapler said. "Matt is diligent about improving our roster all the time. My job is to always stay focused on the roster. The guys that we have in our organization, my job is to know them well, not just the guys at the major league level but the guys at... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — German Marquez pitched a one-hitter, nicked only by Evan Longoria's single with one out in the eighth inning, and the Colorado Rockies ended an eight-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 4-0 Sunday.Marquez (2-1) struck out nine and walked none while throwing 105 pitches in the first complete game in the majors this season. It was the first-ever complete game for Marquez in 156 pro starts, including 69 in the big leagues.Marquez had allowed just one runner, hitting Kevin Pillar with a pitch to begin the sixth inning, and was in complete control heading into the eighth. Brandon Crawford opened the eighth with a hard, one-hopper that deflected off third baseman Nolan Arenado's glove. Arenado quickly grabbed the ball out of the air and zipped a throw to retire Crawford.Longoria followed with a grounder in the hole, just beyond Arenado's dive. The Gold Glover took off his mitt and slammed it to the ground, shouting in frustration that the no-hit bid had... [More]