The Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds are waiting to see how COVID-19 affects them heading into the second series of the season.Miami scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home because of concerns about a coronavirus outbreak within the team. The Marlins planned to arrive in Miami hours before their home opener against Baltimore, unsure how many players might remain quarantined in Philadelphia.The Reds were without second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel for a 3-2 loss to the Tigers in Cincinnati. Both felt sick a day after teammate Matt Davidson went on the injured list after testing positive for the coronavirus.Moustakas went on the injured list Sunday. Senzel's status was unclear.“This is all new,” manager David Bell said of the uncertainty. “As everyone knows around the world right now, it’s a big deal, what we’re all dealing with.JAYS HEAD NORTH ... SORT OFToronto starts the second leg of... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros surrendered a tiebreaking two-run single to rookie Kyle Lewis in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, and then announced ace Justin Verlander will be shut down for at least two weeks with a strained right forearm.Astros manager Dusty Baker denied a report that said the injury would end Verlander’s season. He said Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.Lewis and Shed Long Jr. each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who had dropped their last 15 games against Houston.Dan Altavilla (1-0) got the win. Taylor Williams yielded an RBI double to Michael Brantley before striking out Alex Bregman for his first career save.Martín Maldonado drove in two runs for Houston. Chris Devenski (0-1) got the loss.MARLINS 11, PHILLIES 6PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Miami scratched right-hander José Ureña from its victory at Philadelphia and delayed its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed their postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak within the team. No reason was given for Urena being scratched in the series finale, which Miami won 11-6.Manager Don Mattingly said the Marlins decided to wait until Monday to leave Philadelphia, and they planned to arrive in Miami hours before their home opener against Baltimore. The trip might be made while multiple players remain in Philadelphia.“The guys that tested positive are quarantined here in Philly,” Mattingly said. The team made no roster moves after the game.Miami catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list hours before the season opener Friday at Philadelphia. The Marlins didn’t give a reason but said they expected Alfaro to return this season. The team's precarious health raised anew doubts about MLB's ability to finish the season during a pandemic. In Cincinnati, Reds second... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel felt sick Sunday, a day after a teammate went on the injured list because he tested positive for COVID-19.Moustakas and Senzel missed the final game of a series against Detroit, which the Tigers won 3-2. Moustakas went on the injured list and is out indefinitely. Senzel was originally in the lineup but was scratched after he reported feeling sick.The developments came a day after Reds infielder Matt Davidson went on the injured list because he tested positive for the coronavirus. Davidson was the Reds' designated hitter in their season opener on Friday night, when Moustakas drove in four runs for a 7-1 win.Manager David Bell said Moustakas didn't feel well when he woke up Sunday morning and was told to stay home as a precaution.“This is all new," Bell said of the uncertainty. “As everyone knows around the world right now, it's a big deal, what we're all dealing with. So from that standpoint, it's new.“On... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas went on the injured list Sunday after he woke up feeling sick, and center fielder Nick Senzel was a late scratch from Cincinnati's lineup for the final game of a series against the Detroit Tigers.The moves came a day after Reds infielder Matt Davidson went on the injured list because he tested positive for COVID-19. Davidson was the Reds DH in their season opener on Friday night, when Moustakas drove in four runs for a 7-1 win.Manager David Bell said Moustakas didn't feel well when he woke up Sunday morning and was told to stay home as a precaution.“If there’s any doubt, you’ve got to stay home," Bell said.There was no immediate explanation for why Senzel was scratched about an hour before the scheduled start of the game.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Tigers first. Niko Goodrum strikes out swinging. Jonathan Schoop singles to shallow infield. Miguel Cabrera strikes out swinging. C.J. Cron doubles to deep left field. Jonathan Schoop scores. Christin Stewart walks. Jeimer Candelario pops out to shortstop to Eugenio Suarez.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Tigers 1, Reds 0.Reds first. Jesse Winker grounds out to shallow center field, Jeimer Candelario to C.J. Cron. Joey Votto homers to right field. Eugenio Suarez grounds out to shortstop, Niko Goodrum to C.J. Cron. Mike Moustakas singles to center field. Nick Castellanos grounds out to third base, Jeimer Candelario to C.J. Cron.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Tigers 1, Reds 1.Reds second. Shogo Akiyama grounds out to shallow right field, Jonathan Schoop to C.J. Cron. Nick Senzel walks. Freddy Galvis homers to right field. Nick Senzel scores. Curt Casali lines out to left field to Christin Stewart. Jesse Winker grounds out to second base, Jonathan Schoop to C.J. Cron.2 runs, 1 hit,... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — In the first major league game with the new, unpopular extra-inning rule, automatic runner Marcus Semien began the bottom of the 10th on second base and scored on Matt Olson’s grand slam, sending the Oakland Athletics over the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 Friday night.Olson, whose alert throw from first base nailed Angels free runner Shohei Ohtani in the top of the 10th, connected with one out. Major League Baseball instituted the controversial extra-inning runner rule for this season to keep games from dragging on amid a compressed, 60-game schedule that started late because of the virus outbreak.After Semien took second, the A’s loaded the bases against Hansel Robles (0-1) on a hit by pitch, wild pitch and a walk.New Angels manager Joe Maddon brought in reliever Hoby Milner and, with a five-man infield in place, Olson hit the first pitch far over the right-field wall.According to STATS, Olson became the third player to hit a walkoff grand slam on opening day. He joined... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field. Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed... [More]

Reds first. Phillip Ervin walks. Joey Votto singles to right field. Phillip Ervin to second. Eugenio Suarez hit by pitch. Joey Votto to second. Phillip Ervin to third. Nick Castellanos hit by pitch. Eugenio Suarez to second. Joey Votto to third. Phillip Ervin scores. Mike Moustakas singles to right field. Nick Castellanos to second. Eugenio Suarez to third. Joey Votto scores. Matt Davidson pops out to shallow infield to C.J. Cron. Nick Senzel reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Mike Moustakas to second. Nick Castellanos to third. Eugenio Suarez out at home. Freddy Galvis grounds out to shallow infield, Niko Goodrum to C.J. Cron.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Reds 2, Tigers 0.Reds third. Eugenio Suarez grounds out to shortstop, Jeimer Candelario to C.J. Cron. Nick Castellanos doubles to deep left center field. Mike Moustakas singles to deep left center field. Nick Castellanos scores. Matt Davidson grounds out to shortstop. Mike Moustakas out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors,... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds hope their long-running search for a consistent leadoff hitter comes to an end with Shogo Akiyama.The first Japanese-born player in franchise history signed a three-year, $21 million deal during the offseason and is part of the team's extensive overhaul. Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos, Wade Miley and Pedro Strop were also added to end a streak of six straight losing seasons.But it's the 32-year-old Akiyama who might be the most intriguing. He was a consistent star in Nippon Professional Baseball over the past five seasons, hitting over .300 four times while flashing consistent power and providing stellar defense.If he can do something similar in Cincinnati, the Reds will be thrilled.“There's only 60 games and obviously the goal is to make the playoffs,” Akiyama said through an interpreter. “My personal goal is to play in every game so I just want to compete in every single game I play. That's what I want to bring.”Here's a look at 10 players to watch... [More]

Anthony Rendon won a World Series in Washington and then left the Nationals to join Mike Trout and Albert Pujols with the Los Angeles Angels. Gerrit Cole went to the New York Yankees to try to put them over the top.Mookie Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, and two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber were shipped out by cash-cutting teams.It's been an active offseason for some of baseball's biggest names. There were a few, like World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez, who decided to stick with the same teams. But for those who didn't, here's a scorecard to help you keep track of the offseason comings and goings:—Cole, from Astros to Yankees: The 29-year-old right-hander took a record $36 million per year over nine years to move from Houston to the Bronx. At his introductory news conference, he pulled out a pinstriped poster he waved when he attended the 2001 World Series as an 11-year-old reading: “Yankee Fan Today Tomorrow Forever." Cole was 20-5 with an AL-leading... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Yelich is staying quiet when it comes to his contract situation with the Milwaukee Brewers.While Yelich is brushing off questions about his new deal, his teammates are all-too-happy to sing his praises.The 28-year-old is reportedly on the brink of a multiyear contract that could keep him in Milwaukee for the rest of his career. The team said the 2018 NL MVP wouldn't answer questions about the negotiations on Wednesday, and the organization also declined comment.Yelich is guaranteed $27.75 million in the remainder of his current deal: $12.5 million this year, $14 million in 2021 and a $1.25 million buyout of a 2022 team option for $16 million. The Athletic reported his new deal would add seven years and increase the total value to approximately $215 million.“He definitely deserves it,” Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain said. “The guy's definitely the best player on our team. He rakes. Like I said, he got a deserving contract for sure.”Milwaukee obtained Yelich... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Sonny Gray had an All-Star season despite soreness in his throwing elbow. Surgery has left him pain-free heading into his second season with the Cincinnati Reds.The right-hander pitched with bone chips all season but managed to make 31 starts. He had the bone chips removed after the season.“It was hard to think that he wasn't completely healthy last year, based on the kind of year he had,” manager David Bell said. “He's definitely confident coming off of last season. It's just a mindset knowing that he's healthy and you had something taken out of his elbow. It has freed him up even more not only with mechanics but his mentality.”Cincinnati aquired him from the New York Yankees and Gray agreed to a contract that added $30.5 million from 2020-22 and includes a 2023 club option.He went 11-8 with a 2.87 ERA, making the NL All-Star team along with teammate Luis Castillo. Gray (205) and Castillo (226) became the first Reds with at least 200 strikeouts in the same season.Gray... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Keston Hiura gave Milwaukee a lift when he was called up in mid-season. His reward is more responsibility in a new-look Brewers offense.Following the departures of Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas as free agents, manager Craig Counsell and the Brewers are counting on a full season from the 23-year-old to help avoid a drop a the plate."I'm excited about this year, I have a lot of stuff to work on and am looking forward to being able to accomplish those goals this year," Hiura said. Hiura debuted May 14 and hit .303 with 19 homers and 49 RBIs in 84 games to help the Brewers return to the postseason for the second straight year.Milwaukee drafted him ninth overall in 2017 out of UC Irvine despite a right elbow injury that prevented Hiura from playing in the field that season. He batted .442 in his junior year.He bounced back with a strong 2018, returning to second base, and was selected MVP of the Arizona Fall League, an award previously won by the New York Yankees' Gleyber... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Joey Votto has no desire to rehash what he considers his worst season, which was also the sixth year in a row the Cincinnati Reds missed the playoffs with a losing record. As for the moves the Reds made during the offseason, those energized the former NL MVP now going into his 14th season with the team.“I was shocked for sure, and it seemed like it was one after the other. I was pleasantly surprised," Votto said. “Like anybody who has watched this team over the last little bit, I think we’re excited about being competitive throughout the entire year."Votto was getting messages from friends this winter on what the Reds were doing while he took a self-imposed break from baseball activities — “I needed to just get away from baseball stuff for a while,” said the first baseman, who was still doing conditioning and other such training. His .261 batting average last year was his lowest in a full season, and he had only 15 homers and 47 RBIs in 142 games. Meanwhile, the Reds... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Luis Castillo accomplished two of his goals last year: He was the Reds' opening day starter and made the All-Star team. He's aiming higher in 2020.With an upgraded offense behind him, Cincinnati's best starter thinks he's capable of winning the Cy Young Award.“I try to set goals every year,” Castillo said. “Even though I got those two goals, I want to get three goals. I want to get three goals and add the Cy Young and make the playoff." “I think with this team filled with veterans, it is something we can do together," he said.Castillo, 27, had a breakout season in every way last year. He was 11-4 with a 2.63 ERA in early August before fading down the stretch of his most challenging season. He finished 15-8 with a 3.40 and 226 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings.The first-time All-Star had career highs in wins, innings and strikeouts, relying on a changeup that former Cubs manager Joe Maddon likened to a “Bugs Bunny change-up” because of the way it complements his fastball.“He... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Reds went in a slightly different direction when they signed left-hander Wade Miley in the offseason, departing from their preference for developing or trading to acquire starting pitching.Instead, they chose to spend a considerable amount of money on a free agent.Miley got a $15 million, two-year deal from the Reds, who lacked a left-hander in the rotation. Miley, 33, will get $6 million this year and $8 million in 2021. There's a $10 million club option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout.Miley can earn? ?an additional $500,000? ?annually in performance bonuses based on innings:? ?$50,000? ?each for? ?140,? ?150,? ?160? ?and? ?170,? ?and? ?$100,000? ?apiece for? ?180,? ?190? ?and? ?200.Alex Wood was the only left-handed starter last season, and injuries limited him to seven starts. He left Cincinnati as a free agent after the season.Getting a left-hander for an already solid rotation was a priority this offseason.“We face lineups that left-handers can be more... [More]