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]

NEW YORK (AP) — Jon Lester, Corey Kluber and Brad Hand were among 15 more major leaguers who became free agents Friday when teams declined their 2021 options, many the victims of budget cuts following a regular season without fans due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also cut loose were Milwaukee infielders Jedd Gyorko and Eric Sogard, Chicago White Sox designated hitter Edwin Encarnación and left-hander Gio González, and Philadelphia relievers David Robertson, Héctor Neris and David Phelps. AL champion Tampa Bay declined 2021 options on right-hander Charlie Morton and catcher Mike Zunino but say it remains hopeful of re-signing them. There are 175 players who became free agents following the World Series and about 15 more can go free this weekend. Among the remaining decisions are on player options by Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Boston designated hitter JD Martinez, Cincinnati outfielder Nick Castellanos and Mets reliever Dellin Betances. Teams must decide by 5 p.m. Sunday whether... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Jon Lester, Corey Kluber and Brad Hand were among 15 more major leaguers who became free agents Friday when teams declined their 2021 options, many the victims of budget cuts following a regular season without fans due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also cut loose were Milwaukee infielders Jedd Gyorko and Eric Sogard, Chicago White Sox designated hitter Edwin Encarnación and left-hander Gio González, and Philadelphia relievers David Robertson, Héctor Neris and David Phelps. AL champion Tampa Bay declined 2021 options on right-hander Charlie Morton and catcher Mike Zunino but say it remains hopeful of re-signing them. There are 175 players who became free agents following the World Series and about 15 more can go free this weekend. Among the remaining decisions are on player options by Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Boston designated hitter JD Martinez, Cincinnati outfielder Nick Castellanos and Mets reliever Dellin Betances. Teams must decide by 5 p.m. Sunday whether... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have declined 2021 options on infielders Jedd Gyorko and Eric Sogard as well as outfielder Ben Gamel. Gyorko and Sogard each had $4.5 million options and now instead become eligible for free agency. Gyorko gets a $1 million buyout and Sogard $500,000. “Both of them were complete professionals and contributed a great deal to our culture this year,” Brewers general manager David Stearns said Friday. “Eric probably didn’t have the year he was hoping for. Jedd performed very well for us. And we all agreed to keep the lines of communication open and see how the offseason goes. I do think depending on how the offseason plays out, there could be interest in either or both returning.” Gamel becomes eligible for salary arbitration after the Brewers declined a $2.55 million option. The moves came one day after the Brewers declined a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun, whose 352 homers make him the franchise’s leader in that category. Braun, who is... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have declined 2021 options on infielders Jedd Gyorko and Eric Sogard as well as outfielder Ben Gamel. Gyorko and Sogard each had $4.5 million options and now instead become eligible for free agency. Gyorko gets a $1 million buyout and Sogard $500,000. Gamel becomes eligible for salary arbitration after the Brewers declined a $2.55 million option. The moves came one day after the Brewers declined a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun, whose 352 homers make him the franchise’s leader in that category. Braun, who is due a $4 million buyout, said during the season he was contemplating retirement. Gyorko, 32, batted .248 with nine homers and 17 RBIs in 42 games and 135 at bats this season. His .838 OPS was the highest of any Brewer with at least 60 at-bats. He played mostly against left-handers but became the Brewers’ primary first baseman by the end of the season. Sogard, who turns 35 on May 22, hit .209 with one homer, 10 RBIs and a .560 OPS in 43 games. He had a .281 on-base percentage and .278 slugging percentage. Gamel, who turns 29 on May 17, batted .237 with three homers, 10 RBIs and a .718 OPS in 40 games. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have declined 2021 options on infielders Jedd Gyorko and Eric Sogard as well as outfielder Ben Gamel. Gyorko and Sogard each had $4.5 million options and now instead become eligible for free agency. Gamel remains under team control after the Brewers declined a $2.55 million option on him. The moves come one day after the Brewers declined a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun, whose 352 career homers make him the franchise’s all-time leader in that category. Braun, who is due a $4 million buyout, said during the season he was contemplating retirement. Gyorko, 32, batted .248 with nine homers and 17 RBIs in 42 games and 135 at bats this season. His .838 OPS was the highest of any Brewer with at least 60 at bats. He played mostly against left-handers but became the Brewers’ primary first baseman by the end of the season. Sogard, who turns 35 on May 22, hit .209 with one homer, 10 RBIs and a .560 OPS in 43 games. He had a .281 on-base percentage and .278 slugging percentage. Gamel, who turns 29 on May 17, batted .237 with three homers, 10 RBIs and a .718 OPS in 40 games. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A capsule look at the best-of-three playoff series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers beginning Wednesday. All games in Los Angeles: ___ MILWAUKEE BREWERS Record: 29-31. Playoff Entry: NL wild card. Playoff Seed: No. 8. Manager: Craig Counsell (sixth season). Projected Rotation: LHP Brent Suter (2-0, 3.13 ERA), RHP Brandon Woodruff (3-5, 3.05), LHP Brett Anderson (4-4, 4.21) Top Hitters: LF Christian Yelich (.205, 12 HRs, 22 RBIs, .356 OBP), 2B Keston Hiura (.212, 13, 32), OF/DH Ryan Braun (.233, 8, 26), 1B Jedd Gyorko (.248, 9, 17, .838 OPS). Top Relievers: RHP Devin Williams (4-1, 0.33 ERA, 53 Ks in 27 IP), LHP Josh Hader (1-2, 3.79, 13 saves, 31 Ks in 19 IP), RHP Eric Yardley (2-0, 1.54). Series Summary: The Brewers are making their third straight playoff appearance, something they’d never accomplished before since the franchise launched as the Seattle Pilots in 1969. … This series is a rematch of the 2018 NLCS won by the Dodgers in seven games, the only other time... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez pushed the Cleveland Indians into the playoffs with one swing and strengthened his case for the AL MVP award. Ramírez hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, giving Cleveland a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox that clinched a postseason berth Tuesday night. Ramírez’s drive to right off José Ruiz scored César Hernández and Francisco Lindor, setting off a wild celebration at home plate as the Indians reached the postseason for the fourth time in five years. Lindor had pulled Cleveland within one on a two-out double that plated Roberto Perez, who began the inning on second base. After Matt Foster (5-1) walked Hernández, Ruiz entered and gave up the game-ending drive. BRAVES 11, MARLINS 1 ATLANTA (AP) — Bryse Wilson pitched five scoreless innings, Marcell Ozuna drove in five runs with four hits that included two homers and Atlanta clinched its third straight NL East title. Atlanta hit five homers, including drives by Dansby Swanson and Freddie... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Santana’s two-run homer snapped a tie and José Ramírez homered again as the Cleveland Indians moved closer to clinching a playoff berth — and delayed Chicago’s likely AL Central title — with a 7-4 win over the White Sox on Monday night. The Indians cut their magic number to one and would lock up one of the eight postseason spots if Seattle loses to Houston later Monday. After the White Sox scored four times in the fifth inning against Aaron Civale (4-5), Santana came to the plate in the bottom half. With Ramirez on first after a one-out walk, Santana pulled a 2-1 sinker from Jace Fry (0-1) over the left-field wall and into the empty bleachers to make it 6-4. Nick Wittgren struck out the side in the seventh and James Karinchak worked the eighth before Brad Hand pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 14 tries. Eloy Jiménez hit his 14th homer of the season for the White Sox.. ANGELS 8, RANGERS 5 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jared Walsh hit his first career grand slam during... [More]

Brewers first. Avisail Garcia hit by pitch. Christian Yelich walks. Avisail Garcia to second. Ryan Braun homers to left field. Christian Yelich scores. Avisail Garcia scores. Keston Hiura walks. Daniel Vogelbach grounds out to first base, Tommy Edman to Paul Goldschmidt. Keston Hiura to third. Jedd Gyorko out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Tyler O'Neill. Keston Hiura scores. Orlando Arcia strikes out swinging.4 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 0 left on. Brewers 4, Cardinals 0.Brewers sixth. Orlando Arcia singles to shallow infield. Luis Urias strikes out swinging. Jacob Nottingham homers to left field. Orlando Arcia scores. Avisail Garcia grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt. Christian Yelich walks. Ryan Braun grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 6, Cardinals 0.

Brewers first. Avisail Garcia grounds out to shallow infield, Adam Wainwright to Tommy Edman to Paul Goldschmidt. Christian Yelich singles to shallow center field. Keston Hiura homers to left field. Christian Yelich scores. Daniel Vogelbach called out on strikes. Jedd Gyorko strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 0.Cardinals second. Brad Miller strikes out swinging. Matt Carpenter grounds out to shallow infield, Keston Hiura to Jedd Gyorko. Tyler O'Neill homers to center field. Justin Williams singles to right field. Harrison Bader grounds out to shallow infield, Brandon Woodruff to Jedd Gyorko.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 1.Cardinals fourth. Paul Goldschmidt singles to left field. Brad Miller doubles to left field. Paul Goldschmidt to third. Matt Carpenter flies out to shallow center field to Ben Gamel. Tyler O'Neill out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Ben Gamel. Brad Miller to third. Paul Goldschmidt scores.... [More]

Cardinals first. Tommy Edman singles to right field. Paul DeJong flies out to Ryan Braun. Paul Goldschmidt doubles to deep right center field. Tommy Edman scores. Rangel Ravelo grounds out to third base, Jace Peterson to Jedd Gyorko. Brad Miller grounds out to shallow infield, Brett Anderson to Jedd Gyorko.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Brewers 0.Brewers first. Avisail Garcia strikes out swinging. Christian Yelich homers to center field. Ryan Braun homers to center field. Daniel Vogelbach strikes out swinging. Keston Hiura strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 1.Brewers third. Omar Narvaez strikes out swinging. Avisail Garcia flies out to right field to Rangel Ravelo. Christian Yelich singles to shallow center field. Ryan Braun walks. Christian Yelich to second. Daniel Vogelbach doubles to deep left center field. Ryan Braun scores. Christian Yelich scores. Keston Hiura lines out to deep left field to Tyler O'Neill.2 runs, 2 hits,... [More]

Brewers fourth. Christian Yelich strikes out swinging. Ryan Braun strikes out swinging. Daniel Vogelbach singles to left field. Jedd Gyorko homers to left field. Daniel Vogelbach scores. Luis Urias strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 0.Cardinals fifth. Tommy Edman walks. Paul Goldschmidt strikes out swinging. Brad Miller strikes out swinging. Paul DeJong singles to shallow center field. Tommy Edman to second. Rangel Ravelo pinch-hitting for Matt Carpenter. Rangel Ravelo walks. Paul DeJong to second. Tommy Edman to third. Tyler O'Neill singles to shallow infield. Rangel Ravelo to second. Paul DeJong to third. Tommy Edman scores. Matt Wieters flies out to deep left center field to Christian Yelich.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 1.Cardinals seventh. Paul Goldschmidt doubles. Brad Miller singles to left center field, advances to 2nd. Paul Goldschmidt scores. Paul DeJong singles to left field. Harrison Bader to third. Rangel... [More]

Cubs fourth. Willson Contreras grounds out to second base, Keston Hiura to Jedd Gyorko. Kyle Schwarber walks. Javier Baez reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow left field. Kyle Schwarber to second. Fielding error by Eric Sogard. Jason Heyward doubles to shallow left field. Javier Baez to third. Kyle Schwarber scores. Jason Kipnis reaches on error. Jason Heyward to third. Javier Baez scores. Fielding error by Keston Hiura. Victor Caratini singles to shallow center field. Jason Kipnis to second. Jason Heyward scores. David Bote hit by pitch. Victor Caratini to second. Jason Kipnis to third. Ian Happ singles to left field. David Bote to third. Victor Caratini scores. Jason Kipnis scores. Anthony Rizzo strikes out swinging. Willson Contreras flies out to center field to Avisail Garcia.5 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 5, Brewers 0.Cubs fifth. Kyle Schwarber walks. Javier Baez doubles to left field. Kyle Schwarber to third. Jason Heyward pops out to shortstop to Orlando Arcia. Jason... [More]

Brewers fourth. Keston Hiura grounds out to second base, Ildemaro Vargas to Kris Bryant. Jedd Gyorko called out on strikes. Daniel Vogelbach singles to left field. Ryan Braun homers to center field. Daniel Vogelbach scores. Orlando Arcia grounds out to shortstop, Javier Baez to Kris Bryant.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cubs 0.Cubs ninth. Kyle Schwarber strikes out on a foul bunt. Javier Baez singles to right field. Anthony Rizzo pinch-hitting for Victor Caratini. Anthony Rizzo singles to right field. Javier Baez to third. Jason Heyward homers to center field. Billy Hamilton scores. Javier Baez scores. Ildemaro Vargas homers to left field. Jason Kipnis pops out to shallow right field to Orlando Arcia. Ian Happ flies out to right center field to Tyrone Taylor.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 4, Brewers 2.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit two homers and drove in four runs as Tampa Bay fielded a lineup of all lefties, Blake Snell worked 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the AL East-leading Rays routed the cellar-dwelling Boston Red Sox 11-1 on Friday night.Tampa Bay became the first major league team since at least 1900 to use a batting order with only left-handed batters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Snell (4-1) gave up five hits and two walks. He struck out five.Yoshi Tsutsugo also homered for the Rays, who stopped a three-game skid. Boston rookie Bobby Dalbec had his five-game home run streak end but had an RBI double in the ninth.Rays manager Kevin Cash stacked his lineup with lefties against right-hander Andrew Triggs, who made his second start with Boston.Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke quickly countered by removing Triggs after he allowed a hit and walk in a scoreless first. However, Tsutsugo started the second with a homer off lefty Matt Hall (0-3).Kevin Kiermaier had an RBI... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit two homers and drove in four runs as Tampa Bay fielded a lineup of all lefties, Blake Snell worked 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the AL East-leading Rays routed the cellar-dwelling Boston Red Sox 11-1 on Friday night.Tampa Bay became the first major league team since at least 1900 to use a batting order with only left-handed batters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Snell (4-1) gave up five hits and two walks. He struck out five.Yoshi Tsutsugo also homered for the Rays, who stopped a three-game skid. Boston rookie Bobby Dalbec had his five-game home run streak end but had an RBI double in the ninth.Rays manager Kevin Cash stacked his lineup with lefties against right-hander Andrew Triggs, who made his second start with Boston.Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke quickly countered by removing Triggs after he allowed a hit and walk in a scoreless first. However, Tsutsugo started the second with a homer off lefty Matt Hall (0-3).Kevin Kiermaier had an RBI... [More]

Brewers ninth. Christian Yelich walks. Jedd Gyorko singles to right field. Christian Yelich to third. Ryan Braun out on a sacrifice fly to deep right center field to Jason Heyward. Christian Yelich scores.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 1, Cubs 0.