Catcher Josh Phegley is retiring from baseball after eight major league seasons, a week shy of his 33rd birthday. His agent, Pro Star Management, said Wednesday on Twitter that “family considerations and business opportunities factored into his decision.” Phegley played in 11 games for the Chicago Cubs last season and went 1 for 16 (.063) at the plate with one homer and two RBIs. He became a free agent after the season. Selected by the White Sox with the 38th overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft, Phegley has a .225 batting average with 35 homers and 162 RBIs for the White Sox (2013-14), Oakland (2015-19) and the Cubs. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs put catcher Josh Phegley and infielder Ildemaro Vargas on their roster for their NL wild-card series against the Miami Marlins. First-year manager David Ross had Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini in his starting lineup for Game 1 on Wednesday, so the addition of Phegley gives him a third catcher in case of injury. Left-hander Josh Osich was designated for assignment to make room for Phegley on the 40-man roster. Vargas, who was claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Sept. 5, was activated from the 10-day injured list after missing the last part of the season with a right hamstring strain. The Marlins had infielder Lewin Díaz, left-hander Braxton Garrett and right-hander Nick Neidert on their roster for their first playoff appearance since they won the World Series in 2003. Pitchers José Ureña, Nick Vincent and Dan Castrano were transferred to the team's taxi squad. Ureña broke his right forearm when he was hit by a line drive Sunday against the New York Yankees. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Chicago Cubs acquired José Martínez in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, giving manager David Ross another option at designated hitter.The 32-year-old Martínez is a .294 hitter with 43 homers and 182 RBIs in 422 major league games. He debuted with St. Louis in 2016 and spent four years with the Cardinals before he was traded to the Rays in January.“It’s a nice boost to get an offensive piece that makes you deeper than you already are," Ross said after Chicago's 10-1 win at Cincinnati. "It’s nice to be able to mix-and-match some bench pieces as well. It’s always nice to get a good player at the trade deadline.”It's a rare deal between division leaders ahead of Monday's trade deadline for the pandemic-shortened season. Tampa Bay is on top of the AL East, and Chicago is trying to hold on in the NL Central.The Rays acquired two players to be named or cash considerations in the trade. The team also promoted outfielder Randy Arozarena from its alternate training... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Chicago Cubs acquired José Martínez in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, giving manager David Ross another option at designated hitter.The 32-year-old Martínez is a .294 hitter with 43 homers and 182 RBIs in 422 major league games. He debuted with St. Louis in 2016 and spent four years with the Cardinals before he was traded to the Rays in January.It's a rare deal between division leaders ahead of Monday's trade deadline for the pandemic-shortened season. Tampa Bay is on top of the AL East, and Chicago is trying to hold on in the NL Central.The Rays acquired two players to be named or cash considerations in the trade. The team also promoted outfielder Randy Arozarena from its alternate training site.Martínez, who can play first base or in the outfield, batted .239 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 24 games with Tampa Bay. He had his best season with St. Louis in 2018, hitting .305 with 17 homers and 83 RBIs in 152 games.The Cubs designated catcher Josh Phegley for assignment to make room for Martínez on their roster. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Tigers first. Victor Reyes doubles to deep left field. Jonathan Schoop strikes out swinging. Miguel Cabrera singles to deep center field. Victor Reyes scores. Jeimer Candelario doubles to shallow center field. Miguel Cabrera to third. Niko Goodrum walks. JaCoby Jones out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Jason Heyward. Jeimer Candelario to third. Miguel Cabrera scores. Cameron Maybin walks. Austin Romine grounds out to shallow infield, Javier Baez to Anthony Rizzo.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Tigers 2, Cubs 0.Tigers sixth. JaCoby Jones singles to shallow center field. Cameron Maybin doubles to deep left field, advances to 3rd. JaCoby Jones scores. Throwing error by Javier Baez. Austin Romine walks. Isaac Paredes walks. Austin Romine to second. Victor Reyes flies out to right field to Jason Heyward. Jonathan Schoop homers to center field. Isaac Paredes scores. Austin Romine scores. Cameron Maybin scores. Miguel Cabrera singles to left field. Jeimer Candelario flies out to deep center field to Ian Happ. Niko Goodrum flies out to deep left field to Kyle Schwarber.5 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Tigers 7, Cubs 0.Cubs ninth. Willson Contreras homers to center field. Albert Almora Jr. strikes out swinging. Josh Phegley pinch-hitting for Victor Caratini. Josh Phegley grounds out to shortstop, Niko Goodrum to Jeimer Candelario. David Bote strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Tigers 7, Cubs 1.

White sox second. Edwin Encarnacion doubles to left field. Luis Robert homers to center field. Edwin Encarnacion scores. Nomar Mazara called out on strikes. Danny Mendick flies out to center field to Ian Happ. Tim Anderson singles to shallow infield. Yoan Moncada lines out to shortstop to Javier Baez.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 2, Cubs 0.Cubs second. Willson Contreras hit by pitch. Jason Heyward walks. Willson Contreras to second. Victor Caratini doubles to deep left field. Jason Heyward scores. Willson Contreras scores. Jason Kipnis strikes out on a foul tip. David Bote strikes out swinging. Ian Happ flies out to center field to Luis Robert.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 2, Cubs 2.White sox sixth. Jose Abreu homers to right field. Eloy Jimenez grounds out to shortstop, Javier Baez to Anthony Rizzo. Edwin Encarnacion strikes out swinging. Luis Robert flies out to deep left field to Kyle Schwarber.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 3, Cubs 2.White... [More]

White sox second. Eloy Jimenez singles to second base. Edwin Encarnacion strikes out swinging. Luis Robert homers to left field. Eloy Jimenez scores. Danny Mendick grounds out to shallow left field, Javier Baez to Anthony Rizzo. Adam Engel singles to shallow center field. Ryan Goins flies out to left field to Ian Happ.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 2, Cubs 0.White sox third. Tim Anderson doubles to deep center field. Yasmani Grandal singles to left field. Tim Anderson to third. Jose Abreu homers to center field. Yasmani Grandal scores. Tim Anderson scores. Eloy Jimenez grounds out to shallow center field, Hernan Perez to Anthony Rizzo. Edwin Encarnacion grounds out to shallow left field, David Bote to Anthony Rizzo. Luis Robert called out on strikes.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 5, Cubs 0.White sox fourth. Danny Mendick homers to left field. Adam Engel singles to shallow left field, advances to 2nd. Fielding error by Javier Baez. Ryan Goins flies out to... [More]

Cardinals first. Kolten Wong hit by pitch. Tommy Edman singles to center field. Kolten Wong to third. Paul Goldschmidt walks. Tommy Edman to second. Matt Carpenter homers to center field. Paul Goldschmidt scores. Tommy Edman scores. Kolten Wong scores. Brad Miller walks. Tyler O'Neill flies out to deep center field to Ian Happ. Dexter Fowler lines out to deep center field to Ian Happ. Brad Miller to third. Dylan Carlson lines out to deep left field to Kyle Schwarber.4 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 4, Cubs 0.Cubs first. Ian Happ homers to right field. Anthony Rizzo lines out to deep center field to Dylan Carlson. Javier Baez strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 4, Cubs 1.Cardinals second. Matt Wieters lines out to deep left field to Kyle Schwarber. Kolten Wong doubles to deep left center field. Tommy Edman singles to right field. Kolten Wong scores. Paul Goldschmidt grounds out to third base, Nico Hoerner to... [More]

Cardinals third. Brad Miller lines out to center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Dexter Fowler homers to right field. Matt Wieters strikes out swinging. Kolten Wong flies out to deep center field to Albert Almora Jr..1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 1, Cubs 0.Cubs fourth. Ian Happ homers to left field. David Bote grounds out to shallow left field, Brad Miller to Paul Goldschmidt. Josh Phegley grounds out to shallow infield, Tommy Edman to Paul Goldschmidt. Albert Almora Jr. called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 1, Cubs 1.Cardinals seventh. Paul Goldschmidt doubles to left center field. Tyler O'Neill walks. Matt Carpenter singles to deep right field. Tyler O'Neill to second. Paul Goldschmidt to third. Dylan Carlson reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Matt Carpenter to second. Tyler O'Neill to third. Paul Goldschmidt out at home. Brad Miller doubles to deep left center field, advances to 3rd. Dylan Carlson out at home. Matt Carpenter scores. Tyler O'Neill scores. Dexter Fowler flies out to center field to Albert Almora Jr..2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 3, Cubs 1.

Royals first. Whit Merrifield called out on strikes. Jorge Soler singles to center field. Salvador Perez singles to right center field. Jorge Soler to third. Ryan O'Hearn singles to second base. Salvador Perez to second. Jorge Soler scores. Adalberto Mondesi strikes out swinging. Alex Gordon flies out to shallow center field to Javier Baez.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Royals 1, Cubs 0.Royals second. Maikel Franco doubles to deep left center field. Nicky Lopez called out on strikes. Nick Heath called out on strikes. Whit Merrifield homers. Maikel Franco scores. Jorge Soler singles to shallow infield. Salvador Perez grounds out to shallow infield, Nico Hoerner to Anthony Rizzo.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 3, Cubs 0.Royals third. Ryan O'Hearn flies out to deep center field to Ian Happ. Adalberto Mondesi doubles to shallow center field. Alex Gordon doubles to deep center field. Adalberto Mondesi scores. Maikel Franco homers to left field. Alex Gordon scores. Nicky Lopez... [More]

Pirates first. Adam Frazier grounds out to shallow infield, David Bote to Anthony Rizzo. Kevin Newman homers to left field. Jose Osuna walks. Colin Moran called out on strikes. Phillip Evans singles to center field. Cole Tucker reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Phillip Evans out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Pirates 1, Cubs 0.Cubs fifth. Willson Contreras doubles to deep left field. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep center field. Willson Contreras scores. Steven Souza Jr. grounds out to shallow left field, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna. Ian Happ pinch-hitting for Josh Phegley. Ian Happ walks. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Ian Happ out at second. Kyle Schwarber to third. Albert Almora Jr. grounds out to third base, Erik Gonzalez to Jose Osuna.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 1, Cubs 1.Cubs eleventh. Anthony Rizzo flies out to deep right field to Cole Tucker. David Bote to third. Javier Baez singles to shallow center field. David Bote scores.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Pirates 1.

Reds fourth. Eugenio Suarez walks. Mike Moustakas homers to right field. Eugenio Suarez scores. Nick Castellanos lines out to shallow left field to Kris Bryant. Jesse Winker lines out to deep left field to Kyle Schwarber. Nick Senzel grounds out to third base, Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 2, Cubs 0.Reds fifth. Freddy Galvis singles to deep right field. Tucker Barnhart called out on strikes. Shogo Akiyama doubles to deep center field. Freddy Galvis to third. Joey Votto is intentionally walked. Eugenio Suarez singles to center field. Joey Votto to second. Shogo Akiyama scores. Freddy Galvis scores. Mike Moustakas walks. Eugenio Suarez to second. Joey Votto to third. Nick Castellanos homers to left field. Mike Moustakas scores. Eugenio Suarez scores. Joey Votto scores. Jesse Winker strikes out swinging. Nick Senzel homers to left field. Freddy Galvis strikes out swinging.7 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 9, Cubs 0.Cubs seventh. Steven Souza... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics did not tender a contract to former closer Blake Treinen on Monday, letting the 2018 All-Star become a free agent.The right-handed Treinen posted a 0.78 ERA in 2018, but that number ballooned to 4.91 in 2019. He was replaced by Liam Hendriks in the closer role as the low-budget A’s earned the AL’s top wild card.Treinen was expected to command roughly $7.5 million in arbitration.Left-hander Ryan Buchter and catcher Josh Phegley also didn’t receive contracts. Lefty T.J. McFarland reached agreement on a $1.8 million, one-year deal to avoid salary arbitration. He was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Nov. 4.The A’s announced the moves after completing a trade that sent switch-hitting second baseman Jurickson Profar to the San Diego Padres for catcher Austin Allen and a player to be named.Treinen started the 2019 season as A’s closer but wasn’t nearly as consistent. He had a 6.14 ERA during a 19-game span from April 28 to June 20 before... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics did not tender a contract to former closer Blake Treinen on Monday, letting the 2018 All-Star become a free agent.The right-handed Treinen posted a 0.78 ERA in 2018, but that number ballooned to 4.91 in 2019. He was replaced by Liam Hendriks in the closer role as the low-budget A’s earned the AL’s top wild card.Treinen was expected to command roughly $7.5 million in arbitration.Left-hander Ryan Buchter and catcher Josh Phegley also didn’t receive contracts. Lefty T.J. McFarland reached agreement on a one-year deal to avoid salary arbitration. He was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Nov. 4.The A’s announced the moves after completing a trade that sent switch-hitting second baseman Jurickson Profar to the San Diego Padres for catcher Austin Allen and a player to be named.Treinen started the 2019 season as A’s closer but wasn’t nearly as consistent. He had a 6.14 ERA during a 19-game span from April 28 to June 20 before a strained pitching... [More]

A look at the American League wild-card game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics:___Schedule: Wednesday, at Oakland, California, 8:09 p.m. EDT (ESPN).___Season Series: Athletics won 4-3.___Projected Lineups:Rays: 2B Joey Wendle (.231, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs in 75 games), LF Tommy Pham (.273, 21, 68, 33 2Bs), RF Austin Meadows (.291, 33, 89 in 138 games), C Travis d'Arnaud (.263, 16, 67 in 92 games with Rays; .087, 0, 2 in 10 games with Mets, and 1 at-bat in only game with Dodgers), 1B Ji-Man Choi (.261, 19, 63), DH Brandon Lowe (.270, 17, 51 in 82 games) or Avisail Garcia (.282, 20, 72, 25 2Bs in 125 games), 3B Matt Duffy (.252, 1, 12 in 46 games), CF Kevin Kiermaier (.228, 14, 55, 19 SBs in 129 games), SS Willy Adames (.254, 20, 52).Athletics: SS Marcus Semien (.285, 33, 92, 123 runs, 43 2Bs), RF Ramon Laureano (.288, 24, 67, 10 assists), 3B Matt Chapman (.249, 36, 91, 102 runs, 36 2Bs), 1B Matt Olson (.267, 36, 91), CF Mark Canha (.273, 26, 58), DH Khris Davis (.220, 23, 73), LF... [More]

A look at the American League wild-card game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics:___Schedule: Wednesday, at Oakland, California, 8:09 p.m. EDT (ESPN).___Season Series: Athletics won 4-3.___Projected Lineups:Rays: 2B Joey Wendle (.231, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs in 75 games), LF Tommy Pham (.273, 21, 68, 33 2Bs), RF Austin Meadows (.291, 33, 89 in 138 games), C Travis d'Arnaud (.263, 16, 67 in 92 games with Rays; .087, 0, 2 in 10 games with Mets, and 1 at-bat in only game with Dodgers), 1B Ji-Man Choi (.261, 19, 63), DH Brandon Lowe (.270, 17, 51 in 82 games) or Avisail Garcia (.282, 20, 72, 25 2Bs in 125 games), 3B Matt Duffy (.252, 1, 12 in 46 games), CF Kevin Kiermaier (.228, 14, 55, 19 SBs in 129 games), SS Willy Adames (.254, 20, 52).Athletics: SS Marcus Semien (.285, 33, 92, 123 runs, 43 2Bs), RF Ramon Laureano (.288, 24, 67, 10 assists), 3B Matt Chapman (.249, 36, 91, 102 runs, 36 2Bs), 1B Matt Olson (.267, 36, 91), CF Mark Canha (.273, 26, 58), DH Khris Davis (.220, 23, 73), LF... [More]

Mariners first. Shed Long flies out to center field to Skye Bolt. J.P. Crawford strikes out swinging. Austin Nola walks. Kyle Seager homers to right field. Austin Nola scores. Kyle Lewis doubles to deep right center field. Omar Narvaez flies out to center field to Skye Bolt.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 2, Athletics 0.Mariners fifth. J.P. Crawford called out on strikes. Austin Nola doubles to center field. Kyle Seager strikes out swinging. Kyle Lewis singles to center field. Austin Nola scores. Omar Narvaez flies out to left center field to Skye Bolt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mariners 3, Athletics 0.Athletics ninth. Sean Murphy walks. Seth Brown flies out to deep right center field to Braden Bishop. Sean Murphy to third. Josh Phegley grounds out to second base, Donnie Walton to Austin Nola. Sean Murphy scores. Sheldon Neuse lines out to deep right center field to Braden Bishop.1 run, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mariners 3, Athletics 1.

Athletics first. Marcus Semien singles to left field. Matt Chapman singles to right center field. Marcus Semien to third. Matt Olson singles to right field. Matt Chapman to second. Marcus Semien scores. Mark Canha reaches on a fielder's choice to third base, advances to 2nd. Matt Olson scores. Matt Chapman out at third. Throwing error by Nick Solak. Ramon Laureano doubles to deep right field. Mark Canha scores. Khris Davis walks. Chad Pinder walks. Khris Davis to second. Ramon Laureano to third. Sheldon Neuse out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Shin-Soo Choo. Khris Davis to third. Ramon Laureano scores. Josh Phegley singles to left field. Chad Pinder to second. Khris Davis scores. Marcus Semien walks. Josh Phegley to second. Chad Pinder to third. Matt Chapman singles to center field. Marcus Semien to third. Josh Phegley scores. Chad Pinder scores. Matt Olson strikes out swinging.7 runs, 6 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Athletics 7, Rangers 0.Athletics second. Mark Canha singles to shallow... [More]

Royals fifth. Ryan McBroom doubles to deep right field. Cheslor Cuthbert singles to center field. Ryan McBroom to third. Bubba Starling strikes out swinging. Nick Dini out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Robbie Grossman. Ryan McBroom scores. Whit Merrifield flies out to right center field to Robbie Grossman.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 1, Athletics 0.Athletics seventh. Matt Olson homers to center field. Mark Canha hit by pitch. Seth Brown doubles to deep right center field. Mark Canha scores. Khris Davis strikes out swinging. Jurickson Profar reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Seth Brown to third. Robbie Grossman walks. Jurickson Profar to second. Ramon Laureano pinch-hitting for Josh Phegley. Ramon Laureano strikes out swinging. Marcus Semien lines out to right field to Ryan McBroom.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Athletics 2, Royals 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited a four-run rally with the go-ahead, two-run double, and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.Acuña's double down the left-field line off reliever Fernando Rodney added fuel to a dramatic seventh inning for the Braves (93-57), who reduced their magic number to four to clinch their 19th division title.Earlier in the seventh, Charlie Culberson was struck directly on the right cheekbone by a 91-mph fastball on Rodney's first pitch of the game.Culberson remained on his back for several minutes as trainers pressed a towel to his face. He was eventually helped to his feet and onto the back of a cart.The Braves have won the last 11 games started by Mike Foltynewicz (7-5), who pitched six solid innings.Wander Suero (5-8) was charged with the loss as the Washington bullpen gave up nine runs over the final four innings. The Nationals saw their lead in the NL wild card race... [More]