OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Marcus Semien homered in the first after hitting a walkoff single to end a 13-inning win a night earlier and the Oakland Athletics beat the Houston Astros 3-1 on Saturday for their eighth straight victory.Frankie Montas (2-1) pitched seven shutout innings, allowing two hits without walking a batter and striking out five for the AL West-leading A’s.The three-time reigning division champion Astros lost their fourth in a row. The last three defeats had been by a total of four runs.Semien became the first player in A’s franchise history with a game-ending hit and a leadoff homer on back-to-back days. Matt Chapman homered in the eighth and added an RBI groundout in the sixth as Oakland (11-4) matched the 2014 club for the best record through 15 games over the last 30 years. Houston starter Framber Valdéz (0-2) gave up two runs and seven hits, striking out nine with one walk over seven innings.GIANTS 5, DODGERS 4LOS ANGELES (AP) — Austin Slater had his first multi-homer... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sonny Gray knows what it's like to start a season opener in front of a crowd, having done it twice with Oakland. His third time will be the most different and memorable of all.Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell chose Gray to start the 60-game season and lead a rotation that he joined only last year. Bell announced Wednesday that Luis Castillo — last year's opening day starter — would be second in the rotation, followed by Trevor Bauer, left-hander Wade Miley and Anthony DeSclafani.Gray started openers for the Athletics in 2014 and 2015, throwing a combined 14 shutout innings while getting a win and a no-decision. He's in line to face the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on July 24 as Major League Baseball starts a season shortened because of the pandemic.“It's going to be an important day,” Gray said Wednesday before practice. "Baseball will be back, and it will be back in some of the weirdest and craziest circumstances.“When you look back on this in 20 or 30... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Sonny Gray had an All-Star season despite soreness in his throwing elbow. Surgery has left him pain-free heading into his second season with the Cincinnati Reds.The right-hander pitched with bone chips all season but managed to make 31 starts. He had the bone chips removed after the season.“It was hard to think that he wasn't completely healthy last year, based on the kind of year he had,” manager David Bell said. “He's definitely confident coming off of last season. It's just a mindset knowing that he's healthy and you had something taken out of his elbow. It has freed him up even more not only with mechanics but his mentality.”Cincinnati aquired him from the New York Yankees and Gray agreed to a contract that added $30.5 million from 2020-22 and includes a 2023 club option.He went 11-8 with a 2.87 ERA, making the NL All-Star team along with teammate Luis Castillo. Gray (205) and Castillo (226) became the first Reds with at least 200 strikeouts in the same season.Gray... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Luis Castillo accomplished two of his goals last year: He was the Reds' opening day starter and made the All-Star team. He's aiming higher in 2020.With an upgraded offense behind him, Cincinnati's best starter thinks he's capable of winning the Cy Young Award.“I try to set goals every year,” Castillo said. “Even though I got those two goals, I want to get three goals. I want to get three goals and add the Cy Young and make the playoff." “I think with this team filled with veterans, it is something we can do together," he said.Castillo, 27, had a breakout season in every way last year. He was 11-4 with a 2.63 ERA in early August before fading down the stretch of his most challenging season. He finished 15-8 with a 3.40 and 226 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings.The first-time All-Star had career highs in wins, innings and strikeouts, relying on a changeup that former Cubs manager Joe Maddon likened to a “Bugs Bunny change-up” because of the way it complements his fastball.“He... [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]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Trevor Bauer agreed to a $17.5 million, one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, bypassing salary arbitration after the All-Star pitcher had a contentious hearing with Cleveland last offseason.Bauer, acquired from the Indians in July, relished beating Cleveland in arbitration the past two offseasons but complained after last winter's hearing that Major League Baseball labor relations staff attempted “character assassination” against him.The right-hander was awarded $13 million over the Indians' $11 million offer in 2019, a year after winning a raise to $6,525,000 against Cleveland's $5.3 million offer. Bauer donated his extra winnings in 2018 to charity in what he called “69 days of giving” — an online campaign that leaned on sexual innuendo and a reference to marijuana to raise awareness. Bauer said MLB labor relations department representatives attempted to use the operation to “demean my character” in the 2019 hearing."That kind of put a black mark on what... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Trevor Bauer agreed to a $17.5 million, one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, avoiding salary arbitration after the All-Star pitcher had a contentious hearing with Cleveland last offseason.Bauer, acquired from the Indians in July, relished beating Cleveland in arbitration the past two offseasons but complained after last winter's hearing that Major League Baseball labor relations staff attempted “character assassination” against him.The right-hander was awarded $13 million over the Indians' $11 million offer in 2019, a year after winning a raise to $6,525,000 against Cleveland's $5.3 million offer. Bauer donated his extra winnings in 2018 to charity in what he called “69 days of giving” — an online campaign that leaned on sexual innuendo and a reference to marijuana to raise awareness. Bauer said MLB labor relations department representatives attempted to use the operation to “demean my character” in the 2019 hearing."That kind of put a black mark on what I... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Outfielder Shogo Akiyama agreed to a $21 million, three-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds, the only major league team that hasn't had a player born in Japan.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 Cincinnati's unsettled outfield.Akiyama gets $6 million this year, $7 million in 2021 and $8 million in 2022.Center fielder Nick Senzel is returning from surgery on his right shoulder, and the addition of Akiyama gives the Reds another option at that spot. They also have outfielders Aristides Aquino, Jesse Winker and Phillip Ervin."We scouted Shogo for several years in anticipation of his free agency," said Dick Williams, Cincinnati's president of baseball operations. “We like his approach at the plate as well as his outfield defense, and we think he will complement our team very well.”It's the second significant offseason... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Reds added to their already deep starting pitching Wednesday by finalizing a $15 million, two-year contract with Wade Miley that adds a left-hander to their rotation.The 33-year-old will get $6 million in 2020 and $8 million the following year. Cincinnati has a $10 million club option for 2022 with a $1 million, and Miley can earn $500,000 annually in performance bonuses based on innings. He joins a rotation that includes All-Stars Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray, along with Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani. Bauer came from Cleveland last July as part of the deal for outfielder Yasiel Puig and head into the final year of his contract.“We felt it was important to add more innings and depth to the pitching staff, and as a left-hander he will be a great complement to our existing group,” president of baseball operations Dick Williams said.It's the Reds' second notable offseason deal. Former Brewers second baseman Mike Moustakas got a $64 million, four-year deal to fill... [More]

All-Star pitcher Wade Miley and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a $15 million, two-year contact, a person familiar with deal told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday night because the agreement had not been announced.Miley, a 33-year-old left-hander, was 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA in 33 starts for the AL champion Houston Astros.He had a $4.5 million base salary and earned $500,000 in performance bonuses. He made just one postseason appearance, allowing three runs and four hits over 2 2/3 innings in the Game 3 Division Series loss to Tampa Bay.Miley is 85-82 with a 4.23 ERA in nine seasons for Arizona (2011-14), Boston (2015), Seattle (2016), Baltimore (2016-17), Milwaukee (2018) and Houston.He was an All-Star in 2012, when he went 16-11.Miley would join a rotation that includes Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Sonny Gray and Anthony DeSclafani.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:TEXAS ONE-STEPThe Astros can clinch a third straight AL West title with a win over the Angels or a loss by Oakland. Houston has won six straight games and is already assured a postseason spot, and it's getting shortstop Carlos Correa in the swing of things at just the right time. Correa homered twice Friday in his second game after missing nearly a month with a sore back, and he finally looks healthy after missing 80 games total with various injuries."We can feel it," second baseman Jose Altuve said. "We're excited. We all are anxious about things right now which is normal because we want to make it happen."CENTRAL CONTROLThe NL Central-leading Cardinals are sending another red-hot pitcher to the Wrigley Field mound with a chance to ensure a series victory in their crucial four-game set against the Cubs. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) is 6-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts. That's bad news for slumping Chicago, which has... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:TEXAS ONE-STEPThe Astros can clinch a third straight AL West title with a win over the Angels or a loss by Oakland. Houston has won six straight games and is already assured a postseason spot, and it's getting shortstop Carlos Correa in the swing of things at just the right time. Correa homered twice Friday in his second game after missing nearly a month with a sore back, and he finally looks healthy after missing 80 games total with various injuries."We can feel it," second baseman Jose Altuve said. "We're excited. We all are anxious about things right now which is normal because we want to make it happen."CENTRAL CONTROLThe NL Central-leading Cardinals are sending another red-hot pitcher to the Wrigley Field mound with a chance to ensure a series victory in their crucial four-game set against the Cubs. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) is 6-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts. That's bad news for slumping Chicago, which... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:CENTRAL CONTROLThe NL Central-leading Cardinals are sending another red-hot pitcher to the Wrigley Field mound with a chance to ensure a series victory in their crucial four-game set against the Cubs. Right-hander Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) is 6-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts. That's bad news for slumping Chicago, which has totaled nine runs while losing four straight games. St. Louis won the first two games of the series, and its starters have given up two runs in 12 innings — including eight one-run innings from emerging ace Jack Flaherty on Thursday.The Cubs are two games behind Milwaukee for the second NL wild card and five back of St. Louis for the NL Central lead. They will start left-hander Jose Quintana (13-8, 3.35), pitching on an extra day of rest after Chicago shuffled its rotation to let veteran Cole Hamels rest his fatigued left shoulder.The Brewers again face Pittsburgh, with right-hander Zach Davies (10-7,... [More]

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]

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]

Reds second. Aristides Aquino homers to center field. Tucker Barnhart walks. Jose Iglesias grounds out to shortstop. Tucker Barnhart out at second. Derek Dietrich flies out to deep left field to Bryan Reynolds.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 1, Pirates 0.Pirates sixth. Bryan Reynolds walks. Starling Marte singles to shallow infield. Bryan Reynolds to second. Josh Bell flies out to deep center field to Nick Senzel. Starling Marte to second. Bryan Reynolds to third. Colin Moran grounds out to first base, Derek Dietrich to Anthony DeSclafani. Starling Marte to third. Bryan Reynolds scores. Jose Osuna grounds out to second base, Freddy Galvis to Derek Dietrich.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Reds 1, Pirates 1.Reds eighth. Josh VanMeter flies out to deep right field to Jose Osuna. Freddy Galvis doubles to right field. Eugenio Suarez strikes out swinging. Aristides Aquino doubles to deep left field. Freddy Galvis scores. Tucker Barnhart walks. Jose Iglesias strikes out swinging.1 run,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Manager Aaron Boone, Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees again hammered away at the umpires, this time in prolonged rants that brought several members of the team spilling onto the field, while beating the Cleveland Indians 6-5 Saturday.Gleyber Torres hit two home runs and Didi Gregorius and DJ LeMahieu also connected for the AL East-leading Yankees.But what really fired up the crowd of 47,347 at Yankee Stadium occurred in the sixth inning after Cameron Maybin was called out on strikes by Triple-A ump Ben May.For the third time in a month — each time with a minor league call-up umpire behind the plate — the team with the best record in American League lost its temper in a big way. This episode led to Boone, Gardner and pitcher CC Sabathia being ejected.James Paxton (9-6) went five innings for the win. Zach Plesac (6-4) was chased in the fifth.Aroldis Chapman closed for his 35th save in 40 chances.BREWERS 15, NATIONALS 14, 14 INNINGSWASHINGTON (AP) — Eric Thames hit a... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Manager Aaron Boone, Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees again hammered away at the umpires, this time in prolonged rants that brought several members of the team spilling onto the field, while beating the Cleveland Indians 6-5 Saturday.Gleyber Torres hit two home runs and Didi Gregorius and DJ LeMahieu also connected for the AL East-leading Yankees.But what really fired up the crowd of 47,347 at Yankee Stadium occurred in the sixth inning after Cameron Maybin was called out on strikes by Triple-A ump Ben May.For the third time in a month — each time with a minor league call-up umpire behind the plate — the team with the best record in American League lost its temper in a big way. This episode led to Boone, Gardner and pitcher CC Sabathia being ejected.James Paxton (9-6) went five innings for the win. Zach Plesac (6-4) was chased in the fifth.Aroldis Chapman closed for his 35th save in 40 chances.CUBS 2, PIRATES 0PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kris Bryant homered in the seventh inning,... [More]

Reds first. Nick Senzel homers to center field. Josh VanMeter walks. Freddy Galvis strikes out on a foul tip. Aristides Aquino lines out to shortstop to Yairo Munoz. Phillip Ervin flies out to deep right field to Tommy Edman.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Reds 1, Cardinals 0.Cardinals second. Kolten Wong pops out to Tucker Barnhart. Matt Carpenter homers to right field. Yairo Munoz grounds out to third base, Jose Peraza to Josh VanMeter. Miles Mikolas strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 1, Reds 1.Reds fourth. Phillip Ervin singles to right field. Tucker Barnhart singles to right field. Phillip Ervin to third. Jose Iglesias out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Tommy Edman. Phillip Ervin scores. Jose Peraza grounds out to shortstop. Tucker Barnhart out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 2, Cardinals 1.Reds fifth. Anthony DeSclafani strikes out swinging. Nick Senzel grounds out to shortstop, Yairo Munoz to Paul Goldschmidt. Josh VanMeter... [More]

LONDON (AP) — Gary Sánchez hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a nine-run seventh inning, and the New York Yankees overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox 12-8 Sunday for a two-game sweep of the groundbreaking, high-scoring trip across the pond.DJ LeMahieu doubled off Marcus Walden (6-1) leading off the seventh and hit a two-run double against Josh Taylor later in the inning as the Yankees opened an 11-4 lead, sending 14 batters to the plate in their highest-scoring inning in four years.Didi Gregorius went deep against Ryan Brasier in the eighth, extending New York's record streak of games with home runs to 31. Combined with the Yankees' 17-13 win Saturday, the teams scored 50 runs on the weekend, four more than their previous scoring mark in consecutive games against each other.Adam Ottavino (3-2), the second of six New York relievers, got the win.Before a sellout crowd of 59,059 at Olympic Stadium, Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez and Christian Vázquez became the first... [More]