ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Third baseman Anthony Rendon has been placed on the Los Angeles Angels' injured list for the third time before the All-Star break. Rendon went on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left hamstring strain that occurred Sunday. The Angels recalled infielder Jack Mayfield from Triple-A Salt Lake to replace him. Rendon has struggled with injuries and inconsistent production at the plate throughout the second season of a $245 million, seven-year contract he signed as a free agent to join Los Angeles after winning the World Series in a career year with Washington in 2019. The slugger has played in just 58 of the Angels' 84 games, and he is batting a career-low .240 with six homers — just three since May 3 — and 34 RBIs. He was 11 for 47 with two homers in his final 13 games before his latest injury. Rendon missed 11 games in April with a groin strain. He then missed nine games in May with a bruise after fouling a ball off his left knee. The Angels (42-42) entered Tuesday's... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and a pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and a pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, Denverp-voted by players; m-selected by MLBAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Mike Trout, L.A. Angels Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesCatchersp-Mike Zunino, Tampa Bay Infieldersp-Matt Olson, Oakland p-Jose Altuve, Houston m-Bo Bichette, Toronto p-Jose Ramirez, Cleveland p-Carlos Correa, Houston m-Jared Walsh Outfieldersp-Michael Brantley, Houston m-Joey Gallo, Texas p-Adolis Garcia, Texas p-Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Designated Hittersm-Nelson Cruz, Minnesota p-J.D. Martinez, Boston PitchersStartersp-Shane Bieber, Cleveland p-Gerrit Cole, N.Y. Yankees m-Nathan Eovaldi, Boston m-Kyle Gibson, Texas m-Yusei Kikuchi, Seattle p-Lance Lynn,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a position player and a pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the starting pitchers picked Sunday for the American League staff for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start for the AL at designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has hit his major league-leading 31st homer of the season for the Los Angeles Angels, tying Hideki Matsui's record for the most homers in a Major League Baseball season by a Japanese-born player. Ohtani crushed a 459-foot solo shot off Baltimore's Thomas Eshelman in the third inning Sunday, clearing the ficus trees behind the center field fence. With his 14th homer in the last 17 games, the Halos' two-way sensation tied the MLB homer record for Japanese-born players set by Matsui in 2004. Matsui needed 159 games to hit his 31 homers for the Yankees, while Ohtani has done it in just 81 games for the Angels while also making 12 starts on the mound. Ohtani also extended his own major league record for the most homers in a season with at least 10 games pitched. With his 29th and 30th homer on Friday, Ohtani tied and passed Babe Ruth's previous record of 29, set in 1919. Ohtani passed Mike Trout on Friday for the most homers in Angels history before the All-Star break. He is also the first player in American League history to record 30 homers and 10 stolen bases in his team's first 81 games of a season. Ohtani was voted to his first major league All-Star team last week. The Angels led Baltimore 4-0 after three innings. Ohtani's next mound start is Tuesday night against Boston. It will be his final pitching performance before the All-Star Game in Denver. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Slugger Mike Trout is optimistic that he can be back in the Los Angeles Angels' lineup shortly after the All-Star break. Trout said before Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles that he started swinging a bat a couple days ago along with playing catch and jogging. The time-time AL MVP has missed 40 games. He went on the injured list May 18 after straining his right calf the night before against the Cleveland Indians. The Angels said at the time that Trout would miss six to eight weeks. “Mentally, just being able to do stuff and not having to worry about it has been big,” Trout said. “It's still just getting that strength back. Once the tissue grows back it is about getting the mobility back too.” Trout, who is on the 60-day IL, is eligible to return July 17, when the Angels host Seattle in their second game after the break. Trout isn't feeling any discomfort while swinging but hasn't progressed to running at full speed. He also isn't taking fly balls in the outfield... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Fans hoping Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani will pitch and hit in the All-Star Game might just get their wish. Angels manager Joe Maddon wants Ohtani to do both in the July 13 midsummer classic in Denver and has discussed it with Tampa Bay skipper Kevin Cash, who will manage the American League squad. Maddon said seeing Ohtani do both as well as participating in the Home Run Derby on July 12 at Coors Field would draw in even non-baseball fans. That is why he is advocating showcasing Ohtani as much as possible. “The maximum participation of Shohei within limits to me is the right thing to do,” Maddon said before Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. “What else could you possibly want? We have to do it in a manner that is not going to be destructive in some way. “In order to have him both pitch and hit, you have to relax a bit, the DH rule. I think they’re prepared to do those kinds of things.” Ohtani was elected to his first All-Star Game by fans... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Slugger Mike Trout is optimistic that he can be back in the Los Angeles Angels' lineup shortly after the All-Star break. Trout said before Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles that he started swinging a bat a couple days ago along with playing catch and jogging. The time-time AL MVP has missed 40 games. He went on the injured list May 18 after straining his right calf the night before against the Cleveland Indians. The Angels said at the time that Trout would miss six to eight weeks. “Mentally, just being able to do stuff and not having to worry about it has been big,” Trout said. “It's still just getting that strength back. Once the tissue grows back it is about getting the mobility back too.” Trout, who is on the 60-day IL, is eligible to return July 17, when the Angels host Seattle in their second game after the break. Trout isn't feeling any discomfort while swinging but hasn't progressed to running at full speed. He also isn't taking fly balls in the outfield... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The sons are coming out for the All-Star Game in Denver. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved. Toronto's first baseman and San Diego's shortstop were among nine first-time All-Stars elected Thursday to start the July 13 game at Colorado's Coors Field. Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien and outfielder Teoscar Hernández also were first-time All-Stars chosen in fan voting, joined by Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, picked as the American League’s designated hitter; Boston third baseman Rafael Devers, Cincinnati outfielders Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker, and Pittsburgh second baseman Adam Frazier. Injured Angels outfielder Mike Trout was elected to start for the eighth straight time, his ninth overall selection, and Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez was voted in for the fourth time and seventh appearance. St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado was voted to his fourth... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The sons are coming out for this year's All-Star Game in Denver. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved. Toronto's first baseman and San Diego's shortstop were among nine first-time All-Stars elected Thursday to start the July 13 game at Colorado's Coors Field. Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien and outfielder Teoscar Hernández also were first-time All-Stars chosen in fan voting, joined by Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, picked as the American League’s designated hitter; Boston third baseman Rafael Devers, Cincinnati outfielders Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker, and Pittsburgh second baseman Adam Frazier. Injured Angels outfielder Mike Trout was elected to start for the eighth straight time, his ninth overall selection, and Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez was voted in for the fourth time and seventh appearance. St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado was voted to his... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, DenverAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Mike Trout, L.A. Angels Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesTo be announced, Sunday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. EDT National LeagueManager — Dave Roberts, L.A. Dodgers StartersCatcher — Buster Posey, San Francisco First Baseman — Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Second Baseman — Adam Frazier, Pittsburgh Shortstop — Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Third Baseman — Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Outfield — Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Outfield — Nick Castellanos, Cincinnati Outfield — Jesse Winker, Cincinnati ReservesTo be announced, Sunday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. EDT

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, DenverAmerican LeagueCatcher — Salvador Pérez, Kansas City Royals First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Blue Jays Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels Outfield — Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Outfield — Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Outfield — Teoscar Hernández, Toronto Blue Jays National LeagueCatcher — Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants First Baseman — Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves Second Baseman — Adam Frazier, Pittsburgh Pirates Shortstop — Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres Third Baseman — Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals Outfield — Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves Outfield — Nick Castellanos, Cincinnati Reds Outfield — Jesse Winker, Cincinnati Reds ___ Final percentagesAmerican LeagueCatchers: Salvador Pérez 62%, Martín Maldonado 20%, Yasmani Grandal 18% First basemen: Vladimir Guerrero... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today: HOMER HAPPY Kyle Schwarber keeps putting on a remarkable power show, clearing the fences at a record rate for the Nationals. The Washington leadoff hitter launched two more home runs Monday night against the Mets. That gave him 15 homers in 17 days -- the shortest span for a player to hit 15 in major league history, STATS said. Schwarber next takes aim against Rich Hill and the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. PADRE POWER Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and their San Diego teammates hit the road after a 9-1 homestand. The Padres’ success at Petco Park included a four-game sweep of Cincinnati and a three-game sweep over the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Lefty Blake Snell (3-3, 5.29 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener of a three-game series at Cincinnati. Righty Tony Santillan (1-1, 3.29 ERA) starts for the Reds. HOPE TO SEE YA SOON Pirates pitcher Max Kranick is back in the minors, along with his unblemished record. The 23-year-old... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Tuesday: HOMER HAPPY Kyle Schwarber keeps putting on a remarkable power show, clearing the fences at a record rate for the Nationals. The Washington leadoff hitter launched two more home runs Monday night against the Mets. That gave him 15 homers in 17 days -- the shortest span for a player to hit 15 in major league history, STATS said. Schwarber next takes aim against Rich Hill and the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. PADRE POWER Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and their San Diego teammates hit the road after a 9-1 homestand. The Padres’ success at Petco Park included a four-game sweep of Cincinnati and a three-game sweep over the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Lefty Blake Snell (3-3, 5.29 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener of a three-game series at Cincinnati. Righty Tony Santillan (1-1, 3.29 ERA) starts for the Reds. HOPE TO SEE YA SOON Pirates pitcher Max Kranick is back in the minors, along with his unblemished record. The 23-year-old... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, ruling out his return until after the All-Star break. Trout swung a bat Monday in a batting cage for the first time since he strained his right calf on May 17. “He’s doing really well, actually,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said before a series opener against the New York Yankees. “He’s on pace. He’s on target.” Trout's injury is more than 50% healed, Maddon said. Trout will go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment, probably after the All-Star break. He is eligible to return July 17, when the Angels host Seattle in their second game after the break. An eight-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP, Trout was batting .333 with eight homers and 18 RBIs when he was hurt while running the bases against Cleveland. The outfielder remains on the longer end of the initial timetable of the team, which projected his return in six-to-eight weeks. Los Angeles optioned infielder infielder Kean... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout says his right calf is starting to feel better, but the Los Angeles Angels superstar still doesn't know when he will be able to return. The time-time AL MVP went on the injured list on May 18 after straining his calf the night before against the Cleveland Indians. The Angels said at the time that Trout would miss six to eight weeks, which would sideline him through the All-Star break. “Today was probably my best day yet, just tolerance-wise. As far as activities, I’m doing as much as I can to strengthen around the calf muscle,” Trout said before Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Trout said he would like to start jogging soon but doesn't have a timetable on when he would be able to do that, much less resume baseball activities. He said he is walking on a treadmill but not with any intensity. “I’m happy with my progress so far. It has been good the last couple of days,” he said. “I should have a better idea on a return date once I start moving... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gavin Lux hit a grand slam, Julio Urías drove in three runs to help back his gem on the mound, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pounded the San Francisco Giants 11-5 on Sunday for their eighth straight win. Urías (7-1) struck out 10 over six stellar innings to beat San Francisco for the first time in 10 career starts and 16 appearances after three no-decisions in 2020. He hit a two-run double in the second and an RBI single in the Dodgers’ seven-run third that chased Anthony DeSclafani (4-2) after 54 pitches. Lux hit his second career slam after his first came Tuesday against Arizona. Max Muncy hit a full-count homer in the fourth, going deep for a second straight day. Austin Slater hit a two-run homer for San Francisco, which lost its third straight game following a five-game winning streak. PADRES 9, MARINERS 2 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. homered twice, including a 447-foot grand slam, and San Diego beat Seattle to sweep a nine-game homestand. The 22-year-old Tatis... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gavin Lux hit a grand slam, Julio Urías drove in three runs to help back his gem on the mound, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pounded the San Francisco Giants 11-5 on Sunday for their eighth straight win. Urías (7-1) struck out 10 over six stellar innings to beat San Francisco for the first time in 10 career starts and 16 appearances after three no-decisions in 2020. He hit a two-run double in the second and an RBI single in the Dodgers’ seven-run third that chased Anthony DeSclafani (4-2) after 54 pitches. Lux hit his second career slam after his first came Tuesday against Arizona. Max Muncy hit a full-count homer in the fourth, going deep for a second straight day. Austin Slater hit a two-run homer for San Francisco, which lost its third straight game following a five-game winning streak. PADRES 9, MARINERS 2 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. homered twice, including a 447-foot grand slam, and San Diego beat Seattle to sweep a nine-game homestand. The 22-year-old Tatis... [More]