NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn elbow ligament and needs Tommy John surgery that will keep him out of action this year.New York medical director Dr. David Altchek will operate Thursday.“After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the pandemic, Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement Tuesday. “Based on the persistence of his symptoms, Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear."The right-hander received a second opinion on the damaged ulnar collateral ligament from Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache."While this is unfortunate, we have no doubt that Noah will be able to return to full strength and continue to be an integral part of our championship pursuits in the future,” said Van Wagenen, Syndergaard's former agent.Opening day has been postponed until at least mid-May... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom took on two nemeses in his first outing of spring training — a bout of nerves, and the Washington Nationals. The two-time reigning NL Cy Young winner got the best of both. “Any time I take the mound, I’m nervous,” deGrom said after throwing three scoreless innings in a 3-1 win Sunday. “It felt good to get out there in a real game feel, people in the stands, another team. (The jitters) go away when I start warming up."DeGrom cruised on just 33 pitches, striking out two and allowing one hit against the defending World Series champs. The 31-year-old showed no signs of rust against his familiar NL East foe, looking just as sharp as when he became the 11th pitcher to win consecutive Cy Young Awards — despite the Mets going 28-36 in his starts since beginning the 2018 season.He breezed through an easy first against regulars Trea Turner, Ryan Zimmerman and Starlin Castro, getting three outs on seven pitchers — all strikes. The right-hander... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Yoenis Céspedes arrived at spring training and was as silent as his bat has been for most of the past two seasons. The New York Mets outfielder stepped back toward his locker as the media approached before the team's first full-squad workout on Monday and said, “Not today, not tomorrow, not at all this year” when asked if he would talk. A two-time All-Star, Céspedes said he felt no obligation to speak with the media. “Because I don’t want to,” he explained.Asked whether he would speak to his fans, he replied: “To my fans, maybe."Céspedes turned his back to media, spritzed cologne on and forcefully put the bottle down in his locker. Céspedes hit and ran but did not break with the outfielders as the horn sounded for the fielders to break into two groups when the Mets took the field for the first time in spring training. Against reliever Michael Wacha in batting practice, Céspedes turned on a curve and drove it just left of the foul pole in left field — with home-run... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Atlanta Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (fifth season). 2019: 97-65, first place, lost to Cardinals in Division Series.Training Town: North Port, Florida.Park: CoolToday Park. First Workout: Feb. 13/18. He's Here: LF Marcell Ozuna, C Travis d'Arnaud, LHP Cole Hamels, LHP Will Smith, RHP F�lix Hern�ndez.He's Outta Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, LHP Dallas Keuchel, RHP Julio Teheran, C Brian McCann, OF Matt Joyce, RHP Anthony Swarzak, RHP Josh Tomlin, LHP Jerry Blevins, OF Billy Hamilton, C Francisco Cervelli. Going campin': The Braves are coming off their second straight NL East title, led by one of baseball's brightest young stars. In his first full season in the big leagues, 22-year-old OF Ronald Acu�a Jr. hit 41 homers, led the league with 127 runs and tallied 37 stolen bases to become the second-youngest... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yoenis Céspedes' salary for 2019 was cut in half and his pay for 2020 reduced as part of a settlement of a grievance between the injured outfielder and the New York Mets.Céspedes agreed to a $110 million, four-year contract in December 2016 but hasn't played since July 20, 2018. The outfielder had surgery to remove bone calcification from his right heel on Aug. 2, 2018, and his left that Oct. 26.Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, Céspedes' former agent, said in late May the outfielder sustained multiple right ankle fractures in an accident at Céspedes' ranch in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the club's spring training complex is located.New York withheld part of Céspedes' salary, alleging he was hurt during an activity prohibited by his contract's guarantee language. The players' association filed a grievance, and the sides settled on an amended contract before the case was argued."The club has reached an agreement with Yoenis Céspedes to amend and restructure his... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yoenis Céspedes' salary for 2019 was cut in half and his pay for 2020 reduced as part of a settlement of a grievance between the injured outfielder and the New York Mets.Céspedes agreed to a $110 million, four-year contract in December 2016 but hasn't played since July 20, 2018. The outfielder had surgery to remove bone calcification from his right heel on Aug. 2, 2018, and his left that Oct. 26.Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, Céspedes' former agent, said in late May the outfielder sustained multiple right ankle fractures in an accident at Céspedes' ranch in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the club's spring training complex is located.New York withheld part of Céspedes' salary, alleging he was hurt during an activity prohibited by his contract's guarantee language. The players' association filed a grievance, and the sides settled on an amended contract before the case was argued."The club has reached an agreement with Yoenis Céspedes to amend and restructure his... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former All-Star right-hander Michael Wacha and the New York Mets completed a $3 million, one-year contract Friday that includes $8 million in performance bonuses.Wacha can earn $7 million under a points system and $1 million for relief appearances.New York's starting rotation includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz, and the Mets have a pending $10 million, one-year deal with Rick Porcello.The 28-year-old Wacha starred as a rookie for the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, winning NL Championship Series MVP, but he's been hampered by injuries since. He had a 4.76 ERA over 126 2/3 innings last season in 24 starts and five relief appearances. He was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain in September and did not pitch in the postseason.Wacha was an All-Star in 2015, when he went 17-7.He is represented by CAA, where Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was an agent before the Mets hired him in late 2018.Wacha would earn a point toward... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The New York Mets and right-hander Michael Wacha are nearing an agreement on a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal was not yet complete.The Mets have been in the market for a fifth starter to slot behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Wacha comes with upside, but also a checkered health history.The 28-year-old Wacha starred as a rookie for the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, winning NL Championship Series MVP, but he's been hampered by injuries since. He had a 4.76 ERA over 126 2/3 innings this year, making 24 of his 29 appearances as a starter. He was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain in September and did not pitch for St. Louis in the postseason. The Mets have asked Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman to train this offseason as if they will be starting pitchers, and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Wednesday... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The New York Mets and right-hander Michael Wacha are nearing an agreement on a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal was not yet complete.The Mets have been in the market for a fifth starter to slot behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Wacha comes with upside, but also a checkered health history.The 28-year-old Wacha starred as a rookie for the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, winning NL Championship Series MVP, but he's been hampered by injuries since. He had a 4.76 ERA over 126 2/3 innings this year, making 24 of his 29 appearances as a starter. He was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain in September and did not pitch for St. Louis in the postseason. The Mets have asked Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman to train this offseason as if they will be starting pitchers, and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Wednesday... [More]

Oct. 181910 — The Philadelphia Athletics pounded the Chicago Cubs 9-3 for a 2-0 lead in the World Series. Eddie Collins had three hits, including two doubles, and two stolen bases.1950 — Connie Mack, at age 87, retired as manager of the Philadelphia Athletics after 50 years, and Jimmy Dykes was named to replace him. Mack, together with Ben Shibe, founded the Athletics in 1901.1973 — The Mets' Jerry Koosman and Tug McGraw combined to three-hit the Oakland A's and take 3-2 lead in the World Series.1977 — Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs to lead New York to an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and give the Yankees the World Series title in six games. Jackson drove in five runs, and all three shots came on the first pitch.1992 — Backup catcher Ed Sprague's pinch-hit home run gave the Toronto Blue Jays a 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves and evened up the World Series at one game apiece. Sprague hit a two-run homer with one out in the ninth inning — the 17th pinch-hit... [More]

Oct. 141905 — Christy Mathewson blanked the Philadelphia Athletics 2-0 to give the New York Giants the World Series in five games. All were shutouts, with Mathewson getting three, Joe McGinnity one, and Chief Bender of Philadelphia one.1929 — The Philadelphia A's rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 and take the World Series in five games. Mule Haas' two-run homer tied the game and Bing Miller's RBI double won it.1965 — Sandy Koufax tossed his second shutout to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins and the world championship in seven games.1969 — New York's Tommie Agee made two spectacular catches to save five runs and secure a 5-0 victory over Baltimore as the Mets took a 2-1 lead in the World Series.1971 — Pittsburgh's Nelson Briles threw a two-hitter against the Orioles for a 4-0 victory to give the Pirates a 3-2 edge in the World Series.1972 — Oakland catcher Gene Tenace became the first player to hit home runs in each... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Washington Nationals were without one of their top relievers for the start of the NL Championship Series after Daniel Hudson was placed on the postseason paternity list.Hudson and his wife welcomed a baby girl Friday. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said everyone is healthy."He's going to try to get back here possibly tomorrow," Martinez said. "But for me, I told him, I said, 'Hey, family is always first.' I get it. I understand. The timing didn't work out like we thought. Baby wasn't ready to come out, so we get him back when we get him back."Right-hander Wander Suero will be on Washington's active roster against St. Louis until Hudson returns. Hudson, who has two saves and a win during the playoffs, is permitted to be away from the team for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. When he rejoins the Nationals, he will take Suero's spot.Major League Baseball approved the roster substitution and announced it Friday, hours before Game 1 in the best-of-seven... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Washington Nationals reliever Daniel Hudson was placed on the postseason paternity list Friday and won't be available to pitch at the beginning of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis.Right-hander Wander Suero will be on Washington's active roster until Hudson returns. Hudson, who has two saves and a win during the playoffs, is permitted to be away from the team for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. When he rejoins the Nationals, he will take Suero's spot.Major League Baseball approved the roster substitution and announced it hours before Game 1 in the best-of-seven series at Busch Stadium.Hudson's absence weakens a shaky Washington bullpen that had the worst ERA in the National League at 5.66. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA and six saves in 24 regular-season appearances for the Nationals after he was acquired from Toronto at the July 31 trade deadline. He's pitched in four playoff games this month against the Brewers and Dodgers, throwing... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals are going with the same roster for the NL Championship Series that they used in the first round of the playoffs.The only notable exclusions for St. Louis are right-handers Michael Wacha and John Gant. Wacha is recovering from a strained shoulder. Gant went 11-1 with a 3.66 ERA this year, but the reliever struggled in the last part of the season.The roster includes 12 pitchers and 13 position players.The Cardinals host the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the NLCS on Friday night.Washington has yet to announce its roster.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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]

Compiled by PAUL MONTELLAOct. 131903 — The Boston Pilgrims won the first World Series, five games to three, with a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.1914 — The Boston Braves completed a sweep of the Philadelphia Athletics, first in World Series history, with a 3-1 victory.1921 — Art Nehf tossed a 1-0, four-hitter against the New York Yankees for the World Series title in eight games. The Giants scored their run in the first inning on an error by shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh.1960 — Bill Mazeroski opened the bottom of the ninth with a home run off Ralph Terry of the New York Yankees to give the Pittsburgh Pirates a 10-9 victory and the World Series in seven games.1971 — The first World Series night game was played in Pittsburgh with the Pirates beating Baltimore 4-3. Roberto Clemente had three hits for Pittsburgh.1978 — New York third baseman Graig Nettles put on a fielding clinic and prevented seven runs as the Yankees beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in Game 3 of the World Series.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have three players picked up cheaply during the season on the NL Division Series roster, while the St. Louis Cardinals left right-hander John Gant off their 25-man squad.Outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría and catcher Francisco Cervelli made the roster announced by the Braves ahead of Game 1 Thursday in the best-of-five series. Atlanta had previously announced it would carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, leaving 10-game winner Julio Teheran and rookie slugger Austin Riley off the squad.Gant, a former Braves pitcher, was omitted from the Cardinals roster despite going 11-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 64 games. He got off to a brilliant start but looked worn out by the end of the season, posting a 13.50 ERA over his last nine appearances.“The biggest person off the roster is John Gant,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “That was the hardest decision, quite candidly, by far. You're talking about a guy that won 11 games, more than... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have three players picked up cheaply during the season on the NL Division Series roster, while the St. Louis Cardinals left right-hander John Gant off their 25-man squad.Outfielder Billy Hamilton, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarría and catcher Francisco Cervelli made the roster announced by the Braves ahead of Game 1 Thursday in the best-of-five series. Atlanta had previously announced it would carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players, leaving 10-game winner Julio Teheran and rookie slugger Austin Riley off the squad.Gant, a former Braves pitcher, was omitted from the Cardinals roster despite going 11-1 with a 3.66 ERA in 64 games. He got off to a brilliant start but looked worn out by the end of the season, posting a 13.50 ERA over his last nine appearances.Infielder Kolten Wong, who has not played since Sept. 19 because of a hamstring injury, was included on the Cardinals roster. He batted .285 with 11 homers, 59 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.When the Braves... [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]