TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — All rise — again. Aaron Judge is back.Judge hit his first two homers of spring training, helping the New York Yankees to a 7-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in a split-squad game on Sunday.Brett Gardner also connected twice and Gary Sanchez had a solo drive as New York went deep six times. The Yankees set a major league record with 267 homers last season.Gardner and Judge hit consecutive homers off Daniel Norris in the first. Judge went deep again in the fifth, belting a two-run drive to right that went off the glove of a leaping Victor Reyes and just over the wall.Norris allowed three runs and four hits in 1 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old left-hander is trying to win a spot in Detroit's rotation."Just trying to throw strikes and stay out of the middle of the zone, which I didn't do very good today," Norris said.Masahiro Tanaka tossed three scoreless innings for the Yankees in his first spring start. Traditionally one of baseball's most deliberate workers, the right-hander... [More]

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Brian McCann left Atlanta five years ago as a full-time catcher.After three years with the New York Yankees and two with the Houston Astros, the 35-year-old McCann was back behind the plate for the Braves on Tuesday as a platoon player."Nothing's changed," McCann said. "The clocks on the wall are the exact same. It's funny. But it's good to be back."McCann, who missed two months in the middle of last season after surgery on his right knee, is one of several Braves veterans whose spring training debuts have been delayed slightly by injury considerations.Shortstop Dansby Swanson and third baseman Josh Donaldson will probably play for the first time Friday.Veteran reliever Darren O'Day, who missed the second half of last season after having surgery on his right hamstring, threw a bullpen session on Monday."We've got more time than we need to get him ready," manager Brian Snitker said.Mike Soroka, a 21-year-old right-hander whose bid for a spot in the starting rotation... [More]

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Brian McCann left Atlanta five years ago as a full-time catcher.After three years with the New York Yankees and two with the Houston Astros, the 35-year-old McCann was back behind the plate for the Braves on Tuesday as a platoon player."Nothing's changed," McCann said. "The clocks on the wall are the exact same. It's funny. But it's good to be back."McCann, who missed two months in the middle of last season after surgery on his right knee, is one of several Braves veterans whose spring training debuts have been delayed slightly by injury considerations.Shortstop Dansby Swanson and third baseman Josh Donaldson will probably play for the first time Friday.Veteran reliever Darren O'Day, who missed the second half of last season after having surgery on his right hamstring, threw a bullpen session on Monday."We've got more time than we need to get him ready," manager Brian Snitker said.Mike Soroka, a 21-yer-old right-hander whose bid for a spot in the starting rotation... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino has help for anyone confused by the team's long list of young starting pitchers, including several who had Atlanta auditions in 2018.As Atlanta's pitchers and catchers prepare to report to spring training this week, there are many highly regarded candidates for at least one open spot in the rotation. The list includes Mike Soroka, Touki Toussaint, Kyle Wright, Kolby Allard, Max Fried, Bryse Wilson and Luiz Gohara.Vizcaino sees one starter emerging from the crowd."Touki. Touki," Vizcaino said last month. "He's very good. He impressed me a lot."Vizcaino wouldn't be swayed. Nor would he seek a diplomatic way out when asked about Soroka."I like Touki more," Vizcaino said.And that was that.Vizcaino isn't the only Braves player with high expectations for Toussaint, 22, who was acquired from Arizona in 2015. The Braves agreed to take on Bronson Arroyo's $10 million contract with Toussaint for third baseman Phil Gosselin.Toussaint could make that $10... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis took a significant pay cut to remain with the Atlanta Braves, even coming off one of the best seasons of his career.Markakis and the Braves agreed Tuesday to a deal that is worth a guaranteed $6 million and includes a club option for 2020.The 35-year-old Markakis became a free agent after completing a $44 million, four-year deal that he signed with the Braves for the 2015 season when he left the Baltimore Orioles.In another sign of the dwindling demand for veteran free agents, Markakis generated only minor interest on the open market. His deal includes a $4 million salary this season, and Atlanta has a $6 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.Markakis said remaining with the Braves was his primary objective. He brushed off the big cut in salary."I'm not mad at all," he said. "I play a kids' game and get paid a lot of money. How can I be disappointed in that?"The Braves won the NL East title for their first playoff appearance since... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis took a significant pay cut to remain with the Atlanta Braves, even coming off one of the best seasons of his career.Markakis and the Braves agreed Tuesday to a deal that is worth a guaranteed $6 million and includes a club option for 2020.Markakis became a free agent after completing a $44 million, four-year deal that he signed with the Braves for the 2015 season when he left the Baltimore Orioles.In another sign of the dwindling demand for veteran free agents, Markakis generated only minor interest on the open market. His deal includes a $4 million salary this season, and Atlanta has a $6 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Markakis did have better offers but was intent on remaining with the Braves, who won the NL East title for their first playoff appearance since 2013 and have one of baseball's most exciting young rosters."He was clear that we were his first choice," Anthopoulos said.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Brian McCann slipped on the No. 16 jersey he wore for so many years."It feels right," he said, over and over again.Looking to improve on their first division title in five years, the Atlanta Braves agreed to one-year contracts with McCann and former AL MVP Josh Donaldson — a pair of low-risk moves that give the team a chance to make another postseason run while not hindering the long-term development of all those talented young players.Donaldson agreed to a $23 million deal, the Braves confirmed Monday night. The salary matches what the third baseman made during a forgettable 2018 season.McCann's $2 million contract reunites the team with a catcher who was a seven-time All-Star from 2005-13. A native of suburban Atlanta, he was eager for a chance to return home with his wife and two children."This is as special a day for me as any I've had in my career," McCann said during a hastily called news conference at SunTrust Park. "To put this uniform back on, with the love I have... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Brian McCann slipped on the No. 16 jersey he wore for so many years."It feels right," he said, over and over again.Looking to improve on their first division title in five years, the Atlanta Braves agreed Monday to one-year contracts with McCann and former AL MVP Josh Donaldson — a pair of low-risk moves that give the team a chance to make another postseason run while not hindering the long-term development of all those talented young players.Donaldson agreed to a $23 million deal, the Braves confirmed Monday night. The salary matches what the third baseman made during a forgettable 2018 season.McCann's $2 million contract reunites the team with a catcher who was a seven-time All-Star from 2005-13. A native of suburban Atlanta, he was eager for a chance to return home with his wife and two children."This is as special a day for me as any I've had in my career," McCann said during a hastily called news conference at SunTrust Park. "To put this uniform back on, with the love... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have acquired catcher Raffy Lopez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations.The 31-year-old Lopez hit .176 and hit three home runs in 37 games with the Padres in 2018. He also spent time with Triple-A El Paso.Lopez provides depth at catcher with Kurt Suzuki, who has split time with Tyler Flowers the past two seasons, headed toward free agency. Flowers signed a contract extension in August.Lopez has hit .184 over parts of four seasons with the Cubs, Cincinnati, Toronto and San Diego.The move made Wednesday night and announced by the Braves on Thursday, leaves 36 players on Atlanta's 40-man roster.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — Brian Snitker has a two-year contract for only the second time in his 43 years with the Braves.It's little wonder that Snitker, who turns 63 on Wednesday, said Monday he never assumed he'd be asked to return as manager even after leading Atlanta to a surprise NL East division title and its first playoff berth since 2013."I've been around long enough to know you're never guaranteed tomorrow in this business," Snitker said after his two-year deal was announced by general manager Alex Anthopoulos. The deal includes a club option for 2021.Snitker began his long run with the Braves as a minor league player in 1977 and spent 20 years as a minor league manager in addition to stints as Atlanta's bullpen coach and third base coach. He said his only previous two-year contract came when Bobby Cox became general manager in 1985.Now, as a leading candidate to be NL manager of the year, he again has more than a one-year contract."It does give you a sense of accomplishment, I guess," Snitker... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right fielder Yasiel Puig will be hitting fifth in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.The Cuban slugger moved up two spots on Friday night after hitting seventh in a 6-0 victory in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium. Puig was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk on Thursday night. He also scored a run.Manager Dave Roberts moved catcher Yasmani Grandal to eighth after he went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts hitting in the fifth spot in Game 1.The Dodgers kept their lineup intact in facing their second straight right-hander. Anibal Sanchez started for the Braves on Friday after righty Mike Foltynewicz made his postseason debut in Game 1.Left fielder Joc Pederson leads off for Los Angeles, followed by third baseman Justin Turner, first baseman Max Muncy — who hit a three-run homer in Game 1 — and shortstop Manny Machado. After Puig, center fielder Cody Bellinger, second baseman Enrique Hernandez, Grandal and... [More]

A look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Thursday, at Los Angeles, 8:37 p.m. (MLB); Game 2, Friday, at Los Angeles, 9:37 p.m. (FS1); Game 3, Sunday, at Atlanta, 8:07 p.m. (FS1); x-Game 4, Monday, Oct. 8, at Atlanta, TBA; x-Game 5, Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Los Angeles, TBA.x-if necessary.___Season Series: Dodgers won 5-2.___Projected Lineups:Braves: LF Ronald Acuna Jr. (.293, 26 HRs, 64 RBIs, 16 SBs), CF Ender Inciarte (.265, 10, 61, 28 SBs), 1B Freddie Freeman (.309, 23, 98, 10 SBs), RF Nick Markakis (.297, 14, 93), 3B Johan Camargo (.272, 19, 76), C Tyler Flowers (.227, 8, 30), 2B Ozzie Albies (.261, 24, 72, 14 SBs), SS Charlie Culberson (.270, 12, 45).Dodgers: LF Joc Pederson (.248, 25, 56) or Matt Kemp (.290, 21, 85, 115 Ks in 146 games), 3B Justin Turner (.312, 14, 52), 1B Max Muncy (.263, 35, 79, .958 OPS), SS Manny Machado (.315, 24, 65, .963 OPS with Orioles; .273, 13, 42, .825... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Injured shortstop Dansby Swanson didn't make the Atlanta Braves' roster for the National League Division Series. His replacement is Charlie Culberson, someone familiar to the Los Angeles Dodgers.The Braves announced their roster Thursday, hours before the start of Game 1.Swanson tore a ligament in his left hand against the New York Mets in the next-to-last series of the regular season. He is one of Atlanta's top defensive players. At the plate, he was hitting .238, with 14 home runs and 59 RBIs in 136 games.Culberson is making his third straight playoff appearance. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series last year.The Braves' 25-man roster features 12 pitchers, including right-hander Julio Teheran, one of just two players who were with Atlanta for its last postseason appearance in 2013. The other is first baseman Freddie Freeman.The other pitchers are: Brad Brach, Game 1 starter Mike Foltynewicz, rookie Max Fried, Kevin Gausman, rookie A.J. Minter, Sean Newcomb, Game... [More]

A look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Thursday, at Los Angeles, 8:37 p.m. (MLB); Game 2, Friday, at Los Angeles, 9:37 p.m. (FS1); Game 3, Sunday, at Atlanta, 8:07 p.m. (FS1); x-Game 4, Monday, Oct. 8, at Atlanta, TBA; x-Game 5, Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Los Angeles, TBA.x-if necessary.___Season Series: Dodgers won 5-2.___Projected Lineups:Braves: LF Ronald Acuna Jr. (.293, 26 HRs, 64 RBIs, 16 SBs), CF Ender Inciarte (.265, 10, 61, 28 SBs), 1B Freddie Freeman (.309, 23, 98, 10 SBs), RF Nick Markakis (.297, 14, 93), 3B Johan Camargo (.272, 19, 76), C Tyler Flowers (.227, 8, 30), 2B Ozzie Albies (.261, 24, 72, 14 SBs), SS Dansby Swanson (.238, 14, 59, injured left hand) or Charlie Culberson (.270, 12, 45).Dodgers: LF Joc Pederson (.248, 25, 56) or Matt Kemp (.290, 21, 85, 115 Ks in 146 games), 3B Justin Turner (.312, 14, 52), 1B Max Muncy (.263, 35, 79, .958 OPS), SS Manny Machado (.315,... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox reached 100 wins for the first time since Ted Williams returned from World War II in the 1946 season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Wednesday night.David Price (15-6) won his sixth straight decision, allowing three hits and striking out seven. Unbeaten in 11 starts since July 1, Price left after 92 pitches with a lead earned when Rafael Devers scampered home on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez (4-6) in the fifth inning.Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 39th save in 44 chances.A night after becoming the first major league team this year to clinch a playoff spot, Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and moved a season-high 54 games above .500.Jonathan Davis had his first major league hit for Toronto.TWINS 3, YANKEES 1MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jake Odorizzi's no-hit bid was broken up when Greg Bird hit a run-scoring double with one out in the eighth inning, and Minnesota beat the Yankees to take two of three from New York.The Yankees' lead over Oakland... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox reached 100 wins for the first time since Ted Williams returned from World War II in the 1946 season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Wednesday night.David Price (15-6) won his sixth straight decision, allowing three hits and striking out seven. Unbeaten in 11 starts since July 1, Price left after 92 pitches with a lead earned when Rafael Devers scampered home on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez (4-6) in the fifth inning.Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 39th save in 44 chances.A night after becoming the first major league team this year to clinch a playoff spot, Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and moved a season-high 54 games above .500.Jonathan Davis had his first major league hit for Toronto.TWINS 3, YANKEES 1MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jake Odorizzi's no-hit bid was broken up when Greg Bird hit a run-scoring double with one out in the eighth inning, and Minnesota beat the Yankees to take two of three from New York.The Yankees' lead over Oakland... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox reached 100 wins for the first time since Ted Williams returned from World War II in the 1946 season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Wednesday night.David Price (15-6) won his sixth straight decision, allowing three hits and striking out seven. Unbeaten in 11 starts since July 1, Price left after 92 pitches with a lead earned when Rafael Devers scampered home on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez (4-6) in the fifth inning.Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 39th save in 44 chances.A night after becoming the first major league team this year to clinch a playoff spot, Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and moved a season-high 54 games above .500.Jonathan Davis had his first major league hit for Toronto.TWINS 3, YANKEES 1MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jake Odorizzi's no-hit bid was broken up when Greg Bird hit a run-scoring double with one out in the eighth inning, and Minnesota beat the Yankees to take two of three from New York.The Yankees' lead over Oakland... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox reached 100 wins for the first time since Ted Williams returned from World War II in the 1946 season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Wednesday night.David Price (15-6) won his sixth straight decision, allowing three hits and striking out seven. Unbeaten in 11 starts since July 1, Price left after 92 pitches with a lead earned when Rafael Devers scampered home on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez (4-6) in the fifth inning.Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 39th save in 44 chances.A night after becoming the first major league team this year to clinch a playoff spot, Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and moved a season-high 54 games above .500.Jonathan Davis had his first major league hit for Toronto.TWINS 3, YANKEES 1MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jake Odorizzi's no-hit bid was broken up when Greg Bird hit a run-scoring double with one out in the eighth inning, and Minnesota beat the Yankees to take two of three from New York.The Yankees' lead over Oakland... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox reached 100 wins for the first time since Ted Williams returned from World War II in the 1946 season, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Wednesday night.David Price (15-6) won his sixth straight decision, allowing three hits and striking out seven. Unbeaten in 11 starts since July 1, Price left after 92 pitches with a lead earned when Rafael Devers scampered home on a wild pitch by Aaron Sanchez (4-6) in the fifth inning.Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 39th save in 44 chances.A night after becoming the first major league team this year to clinch a playoff spot, Boston won for the 10th time in 14 games and moved a season-high 54 games above .500.Jonathan Davis had his first major league hit for Toronto.DODGERS 8, REDS 1CINCINNATI (AP) — Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner drove in three runs each, and Los Angeles beat Cincinnati to avoid a season sweep by the last-place Reds.Joc Pederson homered for the Dodgers, and Grandal had three hits.Los Angeles... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner drove in three runs each, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Cincinnati 8-1 on Wednesday to avoid a season sweep by the last-place Reds.Joc Pederson homered for the Dodgers, and Grandal had three hits.Los Angeles began the day 1 1/2 games behind NL West-leading Colorado and three games back of St. Louis for the second NL wild card. The Dodgers had been 0-6 against the Reds and were on the verge of being swept by Cincinnati in a season for the first time.Cincinnati's Scooter Gennett went 1 for 4, keeping his NL-leading batting average at .321.Left-hander Caleb Ferguson (6-2), the third of seven Dodgers pitchers, struck out three in the fifth.Anthony DeSclafani (7-5) allowed six runs — five earned — five hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings. Jose Peraza put Cincinnati ahead with his first inning homer, but Pederson tied it 1-1 with a leadoff drive in the fourth, his second two games and 21st this season.Grandal hit a go-ahead double later... [More]