ATLANTA (AP) — Nationals ace Max Scherzer singled as a pinch hitter in the 14th inning and scored the tiebreaking run on Wilmer Difo's triple, sparking Washington to a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.In his third big league pinch-hit appearance, Scherzer singled up the middle against Miguel Socolovich (0-1) and sped home from first base on Difo's hit to right-center field. Spencer Kieboom added an RBI single. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, touched off a dugout celebration after he scored.Justin Miller (2-0) struck out five in three innings, facing the minimum, and Sean Doolittle got three straight outs for his 14th save.Juan Soto and Michael Taylor homered for Washington. Johan Camargo hit his third home run this week for Atlanta.YANKEES 8, ORIOLES 5BALTIMORE (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Andujar homered to help Masahiro Tanaka win his fifth straight decision, and the New York Yankees extended the Orioles' losing streak to seven games.Tanaka (7-2) allowed... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Nathan Eovaldi pitched six innings of no-hit ball in his return to the majors following a second Tommy John surgery, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 6-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.Eovaldi (1-0) faced one over the minimum through six innings in his Tampa Bay debut. He threw 70 pitches and had four strikeouts. The only runner to reach base against him was Matt Chapman, who drew a one-out walk in the first.Wilmer Font, acquired by the Rays from the A's last Friday, gave up Jed Lowrie's one-out single in the seventh for Oakland's only hit of the game. Vidal Nuno got the last three outs to finish the one-hitter.Rob Refsnyder hit a three-run home run off A's starter Sean Manaea (5-6), and Johnny Field also homered for the Rays.The game drew an announced crowd of 6,295, the smallest at the Coliseum since April 3, 2003.Eovaldi last pitched in the majors on Aug. 10, 2016, for the Yankees. Nine days later, he underwent a second elbow surgery. Eovaldi... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Jose Iglesias hit a two-run single in Detroit's five-run sixth inning and the Tigers took advantage of Shohei Ohtani's departure following a second rain delay, beating the Los Angeles Angels 6-1 Wednesday night.Ohtani, starting for the first time since May 20th, allowed one run in five innings. He walked three and struck out five while throwing 83 pitches.Tigers starter Mike Fiers was also knocked out by the second rain delay in the top of the sixth, allowing one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.The Tigers quickly took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases against Cam Bedrosian (1-1) on a single, a walk and a hit by pitch. Greyson Greiner struck out, but Iglesias lined a two-run single to center to put Detroit ahead 3-1.Louis Coleman (2-0) got the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief.YANKEES 5, ASTROS 3NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Severino struck out 11 in seven overpowering innings, beating longtime Yankees nemesis Dallas Keuchel for the second time this year.Gary... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Jose Iglesias hit a two-run single in Detroit's five-run sixth inning and the Tigers took advantage of Shohei Ohtani's departure following a second rain delay, beating the Los Angeles Angels 6-1 Wednesday night.Ohtani, starting for the first time since May 20th, allowed one run in five innings. He walked three and struck out five while throwing 83 pitches.Tigers starter Mike Fiers was also knocked out by the second rain delay in the top of the sixth, allowing one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.The Tigers quickly took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases against Cam Bedrosian (1-1) on a single, a walk and a hit by pitch. Greyson Greiner struck out, but Iglesias lined a two-run single to center to put Detroit ahead 3-1.Louis Coleman (2-0) got the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief.YANKEES 5, ASTROS 3NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Severino struck out 11 in seven overpowering innings, beating longtime Yankees nemesis Dallas Keuchel for the second time this year.Gary... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Corey Kluber pitched six shutout innings and reached eight victories before any AL pitcher as the Cleveland Indians rolled to their fifth straight win, 9-1 Wednesday over the sagging Chicago White Sox.Spotted a nine-run cushion after four innings, Kluber (8-2) had little trouble with baseball's worst team.The defending AL Cy Young Award winner allowed three hits, struck out 10 and improved to 4-0 with a 0.33 ERA in four starts against Central Division teams this season.Melky Cabrera drove in three runs off Reynaldo Lopez (1-4) and Michael Brantley extended his MLB-high hitting streak to 19 games for Cleveland, which used the series to gain some confidence and momentum. The Indians have scored 43 runs during their win streak.BREWERS 3, CARDINALS 2MILWAUKEE (AP) — Alex Reyes pitched four scoreless innings for St. Louis in his return from Tommy John surgery, but Orlando Arcia hit a tiebreaking RBI single in Milwaukee's two-run seventhMaking his first major league appearance... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout homered and doubled three times during his first five-hit game in the majors, and the Los Angeles Angels quickly erased an early deficit in beating the New York Yankees 11-4 on Saturday night.Playing not far from his southern New Jersey hometown, Trout went deep for the third straight game to tie Boston's Mookie Betts for the big league lead with 17 home runs. The two-time MVP drove in four runs and set career bests with four extra-base hits and 11 total bases.Jose Briceno homered in his major league debut for Los Angeles, and rookie Jaime Barria (4-1) returned from the minors to win his third consecutive major league decision.Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge and Austin Romine homered for the Yankees. Sonny Gray (3-4) was tagged for five runs in 3 2/3 innings.RED SOX 8, BRAVES 6BOSTON (AP) — Andrew Benintendi homered and drove in three runs, helping Boston top Atlanta.The AL East-leading Red Sox celebrated the return of Dustin Pedroia with their sixth win in seven games.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout homered and doubled three times during his first five-hit game in the majors, and the Los Angeles Angels quickly erased an early deficit in beating the New York Yankees 11-4 on Saturday night.Playing not far from his southern New Jersey hometown, Trout went deep for the third straight game to tie Boston's Mookie Betts for the big league lead with 17 home runs. The two-time MVP drove in four runs and set career bests with four extra-base hits and 11 total bases.Jose Briceno homered in his major league debut for Los Angeles, and rookie Jaime Barria (4-1) returned from the minors to win his third consecutive major league decision.Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge and Austin Romine homered for the Yankees. Sonny Gray (3-4) was tagged for five runs in 3 2/3 innings.RED SOX 8, BRAVES 6BOSTON (AP) — Andrew Benintendi homered and drove in three runs, helping Boston top Atlanta.The AL East-leading Red Sox celebrated the return of Dustin Pedroia with their sixth win in seven games.... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Andrew Benintendi homered and drove in three runs, helping the Boston Red Sox beat the Atlanta Braves 8-6 on Saturday.The AL East-leading Red Sox celebrated the return of Dustin Pedroia with their sixth win in seven games. Mitch Moreland had a key two-run double, Steven Wright (1-0) pitched three scoreless innings, and Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 16th save.The 34-year-old Pedroia went 0 for 4 with a walk and scored in his first game after offseason knee surgery.Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer for Atlanta, and Ronald Acuna Jr. connected for a solo shot. Sean Newcomb, a Massachusetts native, struggled with his control in his first career game at Fenway Park, giving up three runs and walking four in three innings. Sam Freeman (1-2) got the loss.PHILLIES 2, BLUE JAYS 1PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Aaron Nola took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Nick Williams hit his third pinch-hit homer in the eighth and the Phillies moved into first in the NL East.Nola did not allow a... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees plan to activate first baseman Greg Bird from the disabled list before Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels, forcing New York to make a difficult roster decision.Bird has been sidelined since having right ankle surgery on March 27. New York likely will decide whether to cut from eight relief pitchers to seven or option Tyler Austin to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre despite his strong performance in Bird's absence."It's something that we had a lot of conversations about, are still mulling over, just met a little bit ago to work through things and what we think the best way to go is," manager Aaron Boone said before Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. "It leads to a difficult decision, not a simple one, not an obvious one and something we're still kind of working through."New York optioned left-hander Ryan Bollinger to Double-A Trenton after Wednesday's game at Texas and maintained its eight-man bullpen by activating right-hander Tommy... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees plan to activate first baseman Greg Bird from the disabled list before Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels, forcing New York to make a difficult roster decision.Bird has been sidelined since having right ankle surgery on March 27. New York likely will decide whether to cut from eight relief pitchers to seven or option Tyler Austin to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre despite his strong performance in Bird's absence."It's something that we had a lot of conversations about, are still mulling over, just met a little bit ago to work through things and what we think the best way to go is," manager Aaron Boone said before Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. "It leads to a difficult decision, not a simple one, not an obvious one and something we're still kind of working through."New York optioned left-hander Ryan Bollinger to Double-A Trenton after Wednesday's game at Texas and maintained its eight-man bullpen by activating right-hander Tommy... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Orlando Arcia's offensive woes finally outweighed his defensive play at shortstop.The Milwaukee Brewers optioned Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves announced Friday before their game against the New York Mets.The slick-fielding Arcia was hitting .194. Considered one of the franchise's top young players, the 23-year-old Arcia struggled after hitting .277 with 15 homers in 2017.Veteran Tyler Saladino, acquired from the White Sox in mid-April and hitting .400 in 11 games since being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs is expected to get the bulk of time at shortstop."We know he's continued to do it on the defensive end, but he can do better on the offensive end," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said "And he's shown that to us. He's shown us a lot better. This is an attempt to try to get back to that."General manager David Stearns said he expects Arcia to get on track and rejoin... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned slumping shortstop Orlando Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves.The Brewers will send a player to be named or cash to the Yankees for Kratz, who was hitting .269 with four homers in Triple-A. Kratz will back up starter Manny Pina after Jett Bandy was designated for assignment.The moves were announced before Friday's game against the New York Mets.The slick-fielding Arcia was hitting .194. Considered one of the franchise's top young players, the 23-year-old Arcia was having trouble at the plate after hitting .277 with 15 homers in 2017.Eric Sogard was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. He figures to share time at shortstop with the recently acquired Tyler Saladino, who is hitting .400 in 11 games.The Brewers also optioned right-handed reliever Jorge Lopez to Triple-A and recalled righty Adrian Houser from Double-A Biloxi.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona ace Zack Greinke's start against Cincinnati was cut short Wednesday after one inning because of right groin tightness.Greinke had been scheduled to throw five innings. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner retired Ben Revere on a groundout, allowed Jesse Winkler's single, then struck out Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett.Albert Suarez relieved to start the second.Greinke was making his just second big league exhibition appearance this year. The 34-year-old right-hander pitched 1 2/3 innings against Milwaukee on Feb. 25, then made a pair of appearances in "B'' games.RED SOX 2, TWINS 1Chris Sale pitched five shutout innings of two-hit ball and struck out seven, lowering his ERA to 1.00. Mitch Moreland homered in the third off Tyler Duffey, who gave up two runs — one earned — and four hits in three innings. Mookie Betts, batting .130, singled and drove in a run. Miguel Sano doubled.CARDINALS 3, ASTROS 1Adam Wainwright allowed one run and four hits in five innings... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona ace Zack Greinke's start against Cincinnati was cut short Wednesday after one inning because of right groin tightness.Greinke had been scheduled to throw five innings. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner retired Ben Revere on a groundout, allowed Jesse Winkler's single, then struck out Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett.Albert Suarez relieved to start the second.Greinke was making his just second big league exhibition appearance this year. The 34-year-old right-hander pitched 1 2/3 innings against Milwaukee on Feb. 25, then made a pair of appearances in "B'' games.RED SOX 2, TWINS 1Chris Sale pitched five shutout innings of two-hit ball and struck out seven, lowering his ERA to 1.00. Mitch Moreland homered in the third off Tyler Duffey, who gave up two runs — one earned — and four hits in three innings. Mookie Betts, batting .130, singled and drove in a run. Miguel Sano doubled.CARDINALS 3, ASTROS 1Adam Wainwright allowed one run and four hits in five innings... [More]

C Erik Kratz had his contract purchased and was added to the 40-man roster Friday. He will serve as the third-string catcher after being acquired from the Cleveland Indians onThursday. Kratz appeared in 86 games with Triple-A Columbus, made 74 starts at catcher. He batted .270 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs.

C Erik Kratz was acquired from the Cleveland Indians Thursday for cash to give the Yankees coverage at the position when the decision is made on the suspensions of Cs Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine, though manager Joe Girardi said they would not be suspended at the same time. Kratz is not on the 40-man roster. Before being obtained by the Yankees, Kratz was batting .270 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 86 games for Triple-A Columbus.

C Erik Kratz was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for cash considerations. The 37-year-old Kratz is batting .270 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs at Triple-A Columbus. New York made the acquisition at a time when catchers Gary Sanchez (four games) and Austin Romine (two) could soon begin serving suspensions for their actions during bench-clearing brawls against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 24. Both players have appealed their penalties.

The New York Yankees acquired minor league catcher Erik Kratz from the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for cash considerations.The 37-year-old Kratz is batting .270 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs at Triple-A Columbus.New York made the acquisition at a time when catchers Gary Sanchez (four games) and Austin Romine (two) could soon begin serving suspensions for their actions during bench-clearing brawls against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 24. Both players have appealed their penalties.Kratz has a .200 career major league average with 24 homers over seven big-league seasons.He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros. He has not had a major league at-bat this season.New York also recalled right-hander Giovanny Gallegos from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Gallegos, 26, went 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in 10 relief appearances with the Yankees this season, and has a 4-2 mark and 2.08 ERA in 28 Triple-A appearances.

C Erik Kratz was signed to a minor-league contract Thursday and assigned to Triple-A Buffalo. Kratz, who played 34 games with Toronto in 2014, was designated for assignment last week by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Buffalo released C Tony Sanchez to make room for Kratz, who will improve the Blue Jays depth at the position and is a likely September callup. In 225 career major-league games, he has batted .200/.248/.362 with 24 homers and 73 RBIs. He also played with the Houston Astros this season. In 33 games between Houston and Pittsburgh this season, he batted .094/.105/.153.

C Erik Kratz signed a minor-league deal and was assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo. Kratz, who played 34 games for Toronto in 2014, was recently designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Buffalo released C Tony Sanchez to make room for Kratz, who is expected to improve the Blue Jays' depth at the position.