NEW YORK (AP) — The last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win Sunday and a three-game sweep. Four pitchers combined on the Rays’ second three-hitter of a series in which New York managed 11 hits in all. Cole (2-1) was hurt by slipshod defense that made three mistakes in the third inning alone, two by center fielder Aaron Hicks and one by left fielder Clint Frazier. Joey Wendle added a ninth-inning home run off Darren O’Day. Tampa Bay has won 18 of its last 23 against the Yankees, including in last year’s Division Series. Ryan Yarbrough (2-1) followed opener Andrew Kittredge and allowed one run and two hits in five innings. Diego Castillo got four outs, and Jeffrey Springs pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first big league save. PADRES 5, DODGERS 2 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Eric Hosmer delivered the tying and go-ahead RBIs in the seventh and eighth innings, helping... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win Sunday and a three-game sweep. Four pitchers combined on the Rays’ second three-hitter of a series in which New York managed 11 hits in all. Cole (2-1) was hurt by slipshod defense that made three mistakes in the third inning alone, two by center fielder Aaron Hicks and one by left fielder Clint Frazier. Joey Wendle added a ninth-inning home run off Darren O’Day. Tampa Bay has won 18 of its last 23 against the Yankees, including in last year’s Division Series. Ryan Yarbrough (2-1) followed opener Andrew Kittredge and allowed one run and two hits in five innings. Diego Castillo got four outs, and Jeffrey Springs pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first big league save. PADRES 5, DODGERS 2 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Eric Hosmer delivered the tying and go-ahead RBIs in the seventh and eighth innings, helping... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win Sunday and a three-game sweep. Four pitchers combined on the Rays’ second three-hitter of a series in which New York managed 11 hits in all. Cole (2-1) was hurt by slipshod defense that made three mistakes in the third inning alone, two by center fielder Aaron Hicks and one by left fielder Clint Frazier. Joey Wendle added a ninth-inning home run off Darren O’Day. Tampa Bay has won 16 of its last 21 against the Yankees, including in last year’s Division Series. Ryan Yarbrough (2-1) followed opener Andrew Kittredge and allowed one run and two hits in five innings. Diego Castillo got four outs, and Jeffrey Springs pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first big league save. INDIANS 6, REDS 3 CINCINNATI (AP) — Shane Bieber kept up his record strikeout run, fanning 13 and pitching Cleveland past Cincinnati.... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Corey Seager hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer on Tim Hill’s first pitch of the 12th inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 11-6 Friday night in a tense, entertaining first matchup this season between NL West rivals who have visions of deep playoff runs. It took 4 hours, 57 minutes to decide this one, which ended early Saturday morning. The benches emptied after Dodgers reliever Dennis Santana hit Jorge Mateo with a pitch to put runners on the corners with one out in the 10th. Trent Grisham walked to load the bases, but Santana struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. to escape. The teams met for the first time since the Dodgers swept San Diego in their Division Series last year en route to winning the World Series. The Padres responded by beefing up their rotation, trading for Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove. Darvish and Snell are scheduled to pitch in the final two games of the three-game series. Seager homered with Mookie Betts on second base after... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Schwarber hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Friday night after Max Scherzer passed Cy Young on baseball’s career strikeouts list. The lefty-batting Schwarber connected on a 2-1 pitch from left-hander Alex Young (0-3), sending a drive to right that traveled an estimated 463 feet for his first homer for Washington. Brad Hand (1-0) worked a scoreless ninth for the win. The Nationals allowed just three hits. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out the side in the seventh while passing Cy Young to move into 22nd place on baseball’s strikeout list. He finished with 10 on the day, giving him 2,808 for his career. RAYS 8, YANKEES 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Lowe hit a two-run double in the first inning off opener Nick Nelson (0-2), and AL champion Tampa Bay kept up its domination of New York, setting off frustrated fans who caused a brief interruption. The young, athletic Rays... [More]

Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jiménez was having surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured left pectoral tendon, and general manager Rick Hahn said the slugger still is expected to miss five to six months. Hahn said the timeline hasn't changed, though he left the door open for Jiménez to return sooner. “There's a chance, certainly, that he beats that traditional timeframe for this type of injury of five to six months,” he said. “But quite candidly, no one's going to know that for at least 12 weeks until he's completed the healing process and the rehabilitation side of this injury.” Jiménez was hurt last week in a spring training game against Oakland when he tried to make a leaping grab at the wall on Sean Murphy’s home run. The injury led to more questions about whether he is better suited for designated hitter than left field, where he has gotten hurt a couple times since his big league debut in 2019. The 24-year-old Jiménez, who throws and bats right-handed, was acquired in a July 2017... [More]

Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game. Jiménez needs surgery to repair the injury, putting his season in jeopardy. General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know more when he begins the rehab process. “Obviously a difficult loss for us, important part of our offense, and one that is a bit of a shock to the system,” Hahn said Thursday on a video conference call, a day after Jiménez was hurt. “At the same time, if there was one area of this team that perhaps could withstand a significant blow, it would arguably be on the offensive side of things," he said. Even before the diagnosis, the injury immediately led to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field — where he has gotten hurt a couple times since his big league debut in 2019. “Our biggest concern is Eloy. He’s... [More]

Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game. Jiménez needs surgery to repair the injury, putting his season in jeopardy. General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know when he begins the rehab process. “Obviously a difficult loss for us, important part of our offense, and one that is a bit of a shock to the system,” Hahn said Thursday on a video conference call, a day after Jiménez was hurt. “At the same time, if there was one area of this team that perhaps could withstand a significant blow, it would arguably be on the offensive side of things," he said. Even before the diagnosis, the injury immediately led to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field — where he has gotten hurt a couple times since his big league debut in 2019. Chicago is looking for a deep postseason... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago White Sox left fielder Eloy Jiménez hurt his left shoulder when he tried to make a leaping grab at the wall on Sean Murphy’s solo homer for Oakland in the second inning of their exhibition game on Wednesday. Jiménez’s left arm barely moved as he walked off the field with a trainer. The team said Jiménez departed with left shoulder discomfort, and it would provide another update on Thursday. Jiménez throws and bats right-handed. The play assuredly will lead to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field — where he has had a couple adventures since his big league debut in 2019. The 24-year-old slugger batted .296 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened season last year. The White Sox are hoping to keep the DH role open, especially with top prospect Andrew Vaughn pushing for at-bats this season. Vaughn also plays first base, the same position as reigning AL MVP José Abreu. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Indians was among eight players whose contracts were unilaterally renewed by their team before Thursday's deadline for all players on 40-man rosters to have deals for the 2021 season. Bieber will receive a $679,700 salary while in the major leagues and $311,600 in the unlikely event he is optioned to the minors. Bieber was an All-Star in 2019 and led the major leagues during last year's shortened season in wins (eight), ERA (1.63) and strikeouts (122). Unless he reaches a long-term deal, he is likely to be eligible for salary arbitration next winter. The eight renewals were among the fewest in one year. Those renewed include New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, who gets a salary of $676,775 in the major leagues and $326,261 in the minors. Alonso was an All-Star in 2019, when he hit a rookie record 53 home runs, batted .260 and had 120 RBIs. He hit .231 with 16 homers and 35 RBIs last... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Indians was among eight players whose contracts were unilaterally renewed by their team before Thursday's deadline for all players on 40-man rosters to have deals for the 2021 season. Bieber will receive a $679,700 salary while in the major leagues and $311,600 in the unlikely event he is optioned to the minors. Bieber was an All-Star in 2019 and led the major leagues during last year's shortened season in wins (eight), ERA (1.63) and strikeouts (122). Unless he reaches a long-term deal, he is likely to be eligible for salary arbitration next winter. The eight renewals were among the fewest in one year. Those renewed include New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, who gets a salary of $676,775 in the major leagues and $326,261 in the minors. Alonso was an All-Star in 2019, when he hit a rookie record 53 home runs, batted .260 and had 120 RBIs. He hit .231 with 16 homers and 35 RBIs last... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — San Diego infielder Jake Cronenworth and Seattle outfielder Kyle Lewis have been chosen as rookies of the year by Baseball Digest. The magazine made the announcement Thursday. Cronenworth won the NL honor. Traded from Tampa Bay to the Padres last December, he hit .285 and helped San Diego reach the playoffs. The 26-year-old who played all over the infield led NL rookies in runs (26) and extra-base hits (22). Milwaukee reliever Devin Williams and Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin tied for second in the voting by a media panel. Lewis earned the AL award. The center fielder hit 11 home runs, tied with White Sox outfielder Luis Robert for the most among all rookies. He batted .262 and topped big league rookies in runs (37), total bases (90) and on-base percentage (.364). Robert finished second and Oakland catcher Sean Murphy was third in the AL voting. Baseball Digest has selected rookies of the year since 1972. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year awards in the AL and NL on Monday. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Randy Arozarena homered for the third straight game and Kevin Kiermaier and Michael Perez also went deep for the Tampa Bay Rays, who beat the New York Yankees 8-4 Wednesday night to move within one victory of reaching the AL Championship Series for the first time in 12 years. New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run shot in the eighth inning to become the first player with a homer in each of his team’s first five games of a single postseason. Stanton has six homers and 13 RBIs in those five games. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. Game 4 is Thursday night at Petco Park, which has yielded 16 home runs in three games — nine by Tampa Bay. The Rays are looking to advance out of the ALDS for just the second time. They reached the 2008 World Series before losing to the Philadelphia Phillies. Arozarena, a 25-year-old rookie from Havana who’s nicknamed “The Cuban Rocket,” is having a breakout postseason. He homered leading off the fifth to chase... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Without the likes of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, the Houston Astros need someone on staff to step up this October. Despite its youth and inexperience, the bullpen is doing plenty to fill the void. Astros relievers were shaky throughout the regular season but have been suddenly stellar during the playoffs. Four of them combined for five scoreless innings in a 10-5 victory over Oakland in Game 1 of their AL Division Series on Monday at Dodgers Stadium. “They’ve been forced to grow up and learn some valuable lessons the hard way sometimes. That’s on the job training. They did great job against an offense that was rolling,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. Houston was a game away from winning the World Series last year behind Verlander and Cole. Now, Verlander is on the shelf following Tommy John surgery, and Cole is pitching for the New York Yankees after leaving Houston as a free agent. The entire staff has transformed quickly — and at times, painfully. The Astros... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Ian Anderson dazzled in another shutout performance for Atlanta, and the Braves won a playoff series for the first time in almost two decades by sweeping the light-hitting Cincinnati Reds with a 5-0 victory Thursday. Ronald Acuña Jr. had three hits for the NL East champions, including a run-scoring double in the fifth. After winning Wednesday’s series opener 1-0 in 13 innings, Atlanta broke open Game 2 on two-run homers by Marcell Ozuna and Adam Duvall off Raisel Iglesias in the eighth. Anderson struck out nine in six innings as the Braves snapped their record-tying string of losses in 10 consecutive postseason rounds since their last playoff series win in 2001. Atlanta will face Miami or the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series in Houston. The 22-year-old Anderson allowed two hits and walked two in his playoff debut after six regular-season starts. Will Smith, Chris Martin and Mark Melancon each threw one perfect inning. Cincinnati wasted a solid performance by Luis Castillo,... [More]

Athletics third. Tony Kemp walks. Marcus Semien walks. Tony Kemp to third. Robbie Grossman reaches on a fielder's choice to first base. Marcus Semien out at third. Tony Kemp scores. Tommy La Stella singles to center field. Robbie Grossman to second. Matt Olson strikes out swinging. Robbie Grossman steals third. Mark Canha grounds out to shallow left field, Nolan Arenado to Josh Fuentes.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Athletics 1, Rockies 0.Rockies third. David Dahl flies out to deep center field to Ramon Laureano. Ryan McMahon singles to deep right center field. Tony Wolters singles to shallow right field. Ryan McMahon to third. Raimel Tapia singles to shallow center field. Tony Wolters to second. Ryan McMahon scores. Trevor Story reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Raimel Tapia out at second. Tony Wolters to third. Charlie Blackmon strikes out swinging.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Athletics 1, Rockies 1.Athletics sixth. Tommy La Stella singles to shallow infield. Matt Olson doubles to deep right center field. Tommy La Stella to third. Mark Canha grounds out to shallow infield, Ryan McMahon to Josh Fuentes. Matt Olson to third. Tommy La Stella scores. Jake Lamb singles to deep right field. Matt Olson scores. Sean Murphy grounds out to shortstop. Jake Lamb out at second.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Athletics 3, Rockies 1.

SEATTLE (AP) — Kyle Lewis sparked Seattle’s rally with a two-run homer and walked with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, helping the Mariners top the Oakland Athletics 6-5 on Monday in the opener of a doubleheader. The game was played with a haze of smoke hovering above the field at T-Mobile Park, even with the retractable roof of the stadium closed. Wildfires on the West Coast have suffocated much of the Pacific Northwest with unhealthy air conditions that brought into question whether the games would even be played. Seattle trailed 5-0 after home runs by Sean Murphy and Marcus Semien off Marco Gonzales (6-2). But Seattle chipped away and scored twice in the sixth against Oakland’s bullpen to move in front for good.Yoshihisa Hirano pitched the seventh inning for his second save. The win pulled Seattle within one game of idle Houston for second in the AL West.Semien had four RBIs for division-leading Oakland. Joakim Soria (2-2) got the loss.MARLINS 6. PHILLIES 2MIAMI (AP) — Pablo Lopez... [More]

Athletics second. Matt Olson singles to center field. Khris Davis walks. Matt Olson to second. Ramon Laureano singles to right field, advances to 2nd. Khris Davis to third. Matt Olson scores. Sean Murphy singles to center field. Ramon Laureano scores. Khris Davis scores. Vimael Machin walks. Sean Murphy to second. Marcus Semien singles to left field. Vimael Machin to third. Sean Murphy scores. Tommy La Stella singles to second base. Marcus Semien to second. Vimael Machin scores. Stephen Piscotty reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Tommy La Stella to second. Marcus Semien to third. Fielding error by Sherten Apostel. Mark Canha strikes out swinging. Matt Olson walks. Stephen Piscotty to second. Tommy La Stella to third. Marcus Semien scores. Khris Davis walks. Matt Olson to second. Stephen Piscotty to third. Tommy La Stella scores. Ramon Laureano strikes out swinging. Sean Murphy called out on strikes.7 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 3 left on. Athletics 7, Rangers 0.Athletics fifth. Ramon... [More]