NEW YORK (AP) — Tyler Glasnow flummoxed the Yankees for six innings, Ji-Man Choi and Kevin Kiermaier homered off Gerrit Cole, and the Tampa Bay Rays extended their mastery of New York with a 5-3 victory Monday night.The AL East leaders improved to 7-1 against the Yankees this season and stretched their division cushion to 4 1/2 games.New York had won three straight since snapping a seven-game skid, but crumbled early with Cole on the mound.Glasnow (2-1) had a no-hitter through five and completed six innings of scoreless, two-hit ball. He struck out nine and walked one.Gio Urshela hit a solo homer, and Luke Voit added his eighth homer in 12 games for the Yankees.Diego Castillo stranded a runner in the ninth for his third save.Cole (4-2) labored through five innings, allowing four runs, eight hits and four walks. He struck out seven.PHILLIES 8, NATIONALS 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Spencer Howard threw five effective innings, Rhys Hoskins homered and drove in three runs and Philadelphia beat Washington.Juan... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Spencer Howard threw five effective innings, Rhys Hoskins homered and drove in three runs and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 8-6 Monday night.Juan Soto hit a pair of two-run homers and Michael Taylor and Trea Turner also went deep for the defending World Series champions, who fell to 12-20.Howard (1-1) allowed two runs and five hits, striking out four to earn his first major league win in his fourth start.The Phillies are 15-15 at the midpoint of the pandemic-shortened season after winning six of seven.Nationals starter Erick Fedde (1-3) gave up six runs and four hits in six innings. Jay Bruce homered, and Jean Segura lined a three-run double for the Phillies.CARDINALS 7, REDS 5CINCINNATI (AP) — Paul DeJong slugged his first career grand slam, helping Dakota Hudson to his first win of the season as St. Louis held on to beat Cincinnati.The Cardinals loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth inning on Kolten Wong’s single and walks by Paul Goldschmidt... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout drove in three early runs, then made a key catch late as the Los Angeles Angels beat Oakland 4-3 Saturday to snap the Athletics’ nine-game home winning streak.The three-time MVP made a diving catch on Matt Olson’s sinking liner to center field to start the eighth inning, which had Angels reliever Ty Buttrey clapping his glove in gratitude. Buttrey got six outs for his second save.Anthony Rendon extended his hitting streak to 12 games for the Angels, who snapped a four-game losing streak. Matt Andriese (1-1) relieved Griffin Canning in the fifth and pitched 2 1/3 innings for his first win with Los Angeles.Matt Chapman homered for AL West-leading Oakland. Chris Bassitt (2-1) permitted four runs, two earned, and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.DODGERS 4, ROCKIES 3LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Bellinger’s home run leading off the ninth inning gave Los Angeles a win over slumping Colorado.Bellinger drove a slider from Daniel Bard (1-2) just over the glove of Rockies right... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout drove in three early runs, then made a key catch late as the Los Angeles Angels beat Oakland 4-3 Saturday to snap the Athletics’ nine-game home winning streak.The three-time MVP made a diving catch on Matt Olson’s sinking liner to center field to start the eighth inning, which had Angels reliever Ty Buttrey clapping his glove in gratitude. Buttrey got six outs for his second save.Anthony Rendon extended his hitting streak to 12 games for the Angels, who snapped a four-game losing streak. Matt Andriese (1-1) relieved Griffin Canning in the fifth and pitched 2 1/3 innings for his first win with Los Angeles.Matt Chapman homered for AL West-leading Oakland. Chris Bassitt (2-1) permitted four runs, two earned, and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.RAYS 2, BLUE JAYS 1, 10 INNINGSST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pinch hitter Kevin Kiermaier singled in the 10th inning, and Tampa Bay ended Toronto’s six-game winning streak.Both teams scored a run in the fifth and it stayed 1-all... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout drove in three early runs, then made a key catch late as the Los Angeles Angels beat Oakland 4-3 Saturday to snap the Athletics’ nine-game home winning streak.The three-time MVP made a diving catch on Matt Olson’s sinking liner to center field to start the eighth inning, which had Angels reliever Ty Buttrey clapping his glove in gratitude. Buttrey got six outs for his second save.Anthony Rendon extended his hitting streak to 12 games for the Angels, who snapped a four-game losing streak. Matt Andriese (1-1) relieved Griffin Canning in the fifth and pitched 2 1/3 innings for his first win with Los Angeles.Matt Chapman homered for AL West-leading Oakland. Chris Bassitt (2-1) permitted four runs, two earned, and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.RAYS 2, BLUE JAYS 1, 10 INNINGSST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pinch hitter Kevin Kiermaier singled in the 10th inning, and Tampa Bay ended Toronto’s six-game winning streak.Both teams scored a run in the fifth and it stayed 1-all... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas will have season-ending surgery to repair a tendon in his strained right forearm, creating an opening in the rotation. The Cardinals placed Mikolas on the 10-day injured list before their game Tuesday at Minnesota. Mikolas was supposed to start on Wednesday. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon will take the mound against the Twins instead. The 31-year-old Mikolas pitched four innings for the Cardinals in an exhibition game last week. He missed spring training with the injury, but after nearly four more months to rest during the virus shutdown, he ramped up his activity when camp reconvened. Mikolas wasn't feeling right after his most recent bullpen, Mozeliak said, and an MRI on Monday prompted the need for a procedure. The estimated rehabilitation time is four months. The elbow ligament was deemed fully intact, but pitching through the injury this summer would have put him... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Cardinals recalled outfielder Austin Dean, right-hander Junior Fernandez, catcher Andrew Knizner and infielder Edmundo Sosa on Thursday as they finalized their roster for opening day against the Pirates at Busch Stadium.St. Louis also announced that right-hander Kodi Whitley made the initial 30-man roster for the start of the season.The moves came one day after the Cardinals released reliever Brett Cecil, who pitched just 100 innings across 113 games since signing a four-year contract with the club. Cecil missed all of last season after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Cardinals owe him $2,592,593 — the prorated portion of his $7 million salary in the final season of his $30.5 million contract.The Cardinals will start the season with four players on the injured list. John Brebbia and Jordan Hicks are out with right elbow issues while fellow right-hander Giovanny Gallegos was late to arrive to camp for unspecified reasons. Infielder Brad Miller went on the injured list late Wednesday with bursitis in his right ankle.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns.The 23-year-old Hicks was diagnosed in high school as having Type 1 diabetes.Hicks, who routinely tops 100 mph, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on June 26, 2019. The right-hander's availability for this season was uncertain.Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh.“We respect and understand Jordan’s decision to opt out this season,” Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said. “We wish him well as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery, and we look forward to seeing Jordan back on the mound for the 2021 season.”Dodgers pitcher David Price, Giants catcher Buster Posey and Washington infielder Ryan Zimmerman are among about a dozen players who have opted out this year.Hicks was 2-2 with 14 saves and a 3.14 ERA last season before... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — The health of Carlos Martinez's shoulder is even more important for the St. Louis Cardinals now that Miles Mikolas will miss the first few weeks of the season because of an inflamed flexor tendon.Shoulder weakness last spring training following off-season surgery prompted the Cardinals to shift Martinez to the bullpen. He eventually replaced injured Jordan Hicks as closer, saving 24 games in 27 chances. “We're looking for consistency in how he's doing, how he's recovering,” St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said. “That a big thing for Carlos, making sure the strength is there.”An All-Star in 2015 and 2017, Martinez considers himself a starting pitcher.“I feel stronger,” said Martinez, who lost 15 pounds during the off-season. “The day after I throw I don't feel tired.”St. Louis has an opening for a starter in a rotation projected to include Jack Flaherty, Dakota Hudson and Adam Wainwright.“This time last year he wasn't in as good a spot from a throwing standpoint and being... [More]

Nationals second. Howie Kendrick doubles to deep right center field. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to third base, Matt Carpenter to Paul Goldschmidt. Michael A. Taylor strikes out swinging. Yan Gomes doubles to deep center field. Howie Kendrick scores. Anibal Sanchez grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 1, Cardinals 0.Nationals seventh. Trea Turner lines out to shallow infield to Giovanny Gallegos. Adam Eaton triples to deep left center field. Anthony Rendon is intentionally walked. Juan Soto strikes out swinging. Howie Kendrick singles to shallow center field. Anthony Rendon to second. Adam Eaton scores. Ryan Zimmerman walks. Howie Kendrick to second. Anthony Rendon to third. Michael A. Taylor flies out to deep center field to Dexter Fowler.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Nationals 2, Cardinals 0.

A look at the best-of-seven National League Championship Series between the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at St. Louis, 8:08 p.m.; Game 2, Saturday, at St. Louis, 4:08 p.m.; Game 3, Monday, at Washington, TBA; Game 4, Tuesday, at Washington, TBA; x-Game 5, Wednesday, at Washington, TBA; x-Game 6, Friday, Oct. 18, at St. Louis, TBA; x-Game 7, Saturday, Oct. 19, at St. Louis, TBA. (All games on TBS).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Cardinals won 5-2.___Projected Lineups:Nationals: SS Trea Turner (.298, 19 HRs, 57 RBIs, 37 2Bs, 35 SBs, 96 runs), RF Adam Eaton (.279, 15, 49, 15 SBs, 103 runs), 3B Anthony Rendon (.319, 34, 126, 44 2Bs, 117 runs, 1.010 OPS), LF Juan Soto (.282, 34, 110, 110 runs, .949 OPS), 2B Howie Kendrick (.344, 17, 62), 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.257, 6, 27 in 52 games), C Kurt Suzuki (.264, 17, 63) or Yan Gomes (.223, 12, 43 in 97 games), CF Victor Robles (.255, 17, 65, 28 SBs) or Michael A. Taylor (.250, 1, 3 in 53 games).Cardinals:... [More]

A look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Thursday, at Atlanta, 5:02 p.m. (TBS); Game 2, Friday, at Atlanta, 4:37 p.m. (TBS); Game 3, Sunday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 4, Monday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 5, Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Atlanta, TBA (TBS).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Braves won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Cardinals: RF Dexter Fowler (.236, 18 HRs, 65 RBIs), 2B Tommy Edman (.307, 11, 36) or Kolten Wong (.285, 11, 59), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.256, 33, 95), LF Marcell Ozuna (.242, 29, 88), C Yadier Molina (.271, 10, 57), 3B Matt Carpenter (.226, 14, 43), SS Paul DeJong (.234, 30, 78), CF Harrison Bader (.207, 12, 39).Braves: CF Ronald Acu�a Jr (.280, 41, 101, 37/46 SBs), 2B Ozzie Albies (.295, 24, 86, 15/19 SBs), 1B Freddie Freeman (.295, 38, 121, .389 OBP), 3B Josh Donaldson (.259, 37, 94, .379 OBP), LF Nick Markakis (.285, 9, 62), RF Matt Joyce (.295, 7, 23) or Adam... [More]

It's been three years since Andrew Miller led the Cleveland Indians to the brink of a World Series championship by coming out of the bullpen early and often, and bulk work from relievers has been an October staple since. Whether it's Brewers All-Star Josh Hader stretching out for three innings or Astros ace Justin Verlander moonlighting in middle relief, aggressive bullpen management has become standard postseason practice.As the calendar flips, a look at the best relief options — for the biggest outs, and for a bunch of them — for each of the 10 playoff clubs.NEW YORK YANKEESFor The Big Out: In baseball's deepest bullpen, the difference maker is Aroldis Chapman. The 31-year-old left-hander has lost some steam — he averaged about 98 mph on his fastball this year, down from 101 at his peak in 2016 — but he's made up for it with an improved slider that he's throwing more than ever. Although he famously blew a lead for the Cubs in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Chapman has been fantastic... [More]

Cardinals fourth. Yadier Molina flies out to deep center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Matt Carpenter homers to center field. Paul DeJong walks. Harrison Bader strikes out swinging. Dakota Hudson called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Cubs 0.Cubs sixth. Ian Happ homers to right field. Victor Caratini lines out to center field to Harrison Bader. Nico Hoerner singles to center field. Albert Almora Jr. reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Nico Hoerner out at second. Robel Garcia pinch-hitting for Alec Mills. Robel Garcia walks. Albert Almora Jr. to second. Tony Kemp grounds out to shallow infield, Giovanny Gallegos to Paul Goldschmidt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Cardinals 1.Cubs seventh. Ben Zobrist walks. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Willson Contreras singles to right field. Ben Zobrist to third. Ian Happ doubles to right field. Willson Contreras to third. Ben Zobrist scores. Victor Caratini hit by pitch. Nico Hoerner singles to... [More]

Cardinals first. Dexter Fowler strikes out swinging. Tommy Edman homers to center field. Paul Goldschmidt walks. Marcell Ozuna doubles to deep left field. Paul Goldschmidt to third. Yadier Molina grounds out to shortstop, Nick Ahmed to Christian Walker. Paul Goldschmidt scores. Paul DeJong lines out to third base to Jake Lamb.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 2, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks second. Christian Walker singles to right field. Jake Lamb singles to right field. Christian Walker to third. Adam Jones singles to left field. Jake Lamb to second. Christian Walker scores. Nick Ahmed grounds out to shortstop. Adam Jones out at second. Jake Lamb to third. Carson Kelly called out on strikes.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 2, Diamondbacks 1.Cardinals third. Tommy Edman hit by pitch. Paul Goldschmidt homers to center field. Tommy Edman scores. Marcell Ozuna grounds out to third base, Jake Lamb to Christian Walker. Yadier Molina singles to left center field. Paul... [More]

Cardinals third. Harrison Bader homers to center field. Michael Wacha strikes out swinging. Dexter Fowler strikes out swinging. Kolten Wong lines out to shallow infield, Mike Moustakas to Eric Thames.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 1, Brewers 0.Brewers seventh. Eric Thames singles to right field. Lorenzo Cain pops out to shallow left field to Paul DeJong. Cory Spangenberg homers to center field. Eric Thames scores. Hernan Perez singles to center field. Keston Hiura pinch-hitting for Brent Suter. Keston Hiura singles to center field. Hernan Perez to second. Trent Grisham pops out to Paul Goldschmidt. Yasmani Grandal called out on strikes.2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 1.Cardinals seventh. Marcell Ozuna walks. Paul DeJong homers to left field. Marcell Ozuna scores. Yadier Molina flies out to deep center field to Lorenzo Cain. Tommy Edman flies out to left field to Ryan Braun. Harrison Bader homers to center field. Jose Martinez pinch-hitting for Giovanny... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to keep up his power resurgence, Gleyber Torres added his 34th home run and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 Wednesday night to move 43 games over .500 for the first time since 2009.Judge is hitting .317 with eight homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. He connected off Lance Lynn (14-10) in the third inning to become the fifth Yankees player with 20 homers this season.Torres homered in the fourth, tying Gary Sánchez for the team lead and joining Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to hit 34 homers at age 22 or younger. The home run was the 200th off the Rangers this season.New York improved to 92-49, including 11-2 when using Chad Green as an opener.Green pitched two innings and Luis Cessa (2-1) followed with three. Cory Gearrin allowed a ninth-inning homer to Rougned Odor.Lynn dropped to 0-4 in his last six starts. Texas matched its season worst of five games under .500 at 68-73.DODGERS 7, ROCKIES 3LOS ANGELES (AP)... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to keep up his power resurgence, Gleyber Torres added his 34th home run and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 Wednesday night to move 43 games over .500 for the first time since 2009.Judge is hitting .317 with eight homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games. He connected off Lance Lynn (14-10) in the third inning to become the fifth Yankees player with 20 homers this season.Torres homered in the fourth, tying Gary Sánchez for the team lead and joining Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to hit 34 homers at age 22 or younger. The home run was the 200th off the Rangers this season.New York improved to 92-49, including 11-2 when using Chad Green as an opener.Green pitched two innings and Luis Cessa (2-1) followed with three. Cory Gearrin allowed a ninth-inning homer to Rougned Odor.Lynn dropped to 0-4 in his last six starts. Texas matched its season worst of five games under .500 at 68-73.RED SOX 6, TWINS 2BOSTON (AP) — Mookie... [More]

Reds first. Josh VanMeter strikes out swinging. Joey Votto singles to left field. Eugenio Suarez homers to left field. Joey Votto scores. Aristides Aquino pops out to first base to Paul Goldschmidt. Freddy Galvis grounds out to shallow infield, Dakota Hudson to Paul Goldschmidt.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Reds 2, Cardinals 0.Cardinals first. Dexter Fowler singles to shallow center field. Kolten Wong walks. Paul Goldschmidt singles to deep left field. Kolten Wong to third. Dexter Fowler scores. Marcell Ozuna strikes out swinging. Paul DeJong doubles to deep left field. Paul Goldschmidt scores. Kolten Wong scores. Fielding error by Josh VanMeter. Yadier Molina doubles to deep left field. Paul DeJong scores. Matt Carpenter pops out to Eugenio Suarez. Tommy Edman lines out to center field to Phillip Ervin.4 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Cardinals 4, Reds 2.Cardinals second. Dakota Hudson called out on strikes. Dexter Fowler homers to center field. Kolten Wong called out on strikes.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:OLD FRIENDSPete Alonso and the resurgent Mets face Cleveland in the opener of a pivotal nine-game homestand against a trio of playoff contenders: the Indians, Braves and Cubs. All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) starts for Cleveland against Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33). Mets manager Mickey Callaway was the Indians' pitching coach under skipper Terry Francona before getting the top job in New York. Cleveland begins the second leg of a weeklong visit to New York City after splitting a four-game series at Yankee Stadium last weekend.Back in Ohio, the Indians got encouraging news about Carlos Carrasco, who returned to the mound Monday two months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer. Carrasco, who hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation. He got another... [More]