TORONTO (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton homered twice, doubled and had four RBIs in his New York Yankees debut, a 6-1 win Thursday over the Toronto Blue Jays that gave Aaron Boone in a win in his first game as a professional manager.Luis Severino (1-0) pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings for the Yankees, who won their opener for the first time since 2011.Acquired from Miami after leading the majors with 59 homers, Stanton hit a two-run homer in the first off J.A. Happ (0-1), an RBI double in the fifth and hit a solo homer in the ninth off Tyler Clippard.WHITE SOX 14, ROYALS 7KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Davidson became the fourth player in major league history to homer three times on opening day, Tim Anderson homered twice and Jose Abreu went deep for the White Sox.James Shields (1-0) surrendered four runs in the first inning but wound up lasting six innings, holding his former team without a hit after that shaky first.Davidson became the fourth player with a three-homer performance on opening day,... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton homered twice, doubled and had four RBIs in his New York Yankees debut, a 6-1 win Thursday over the Toronto Blue Jays that gave Aaron Boone in a win in his first game as a professional manager.Luis Severino (1-0) pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings for the Yankees, who won their opener for the first time since 2011.Acquired from Miami after leading the majors with 59 homers, Stanton hit a two-run homer in the first off J.A. Happ (0-1), an RBI double in the fifth and hit a solo homer in the ninth off Tyler Clippard.WHITE SOX 14, ROYALS 7KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matt Davidson became the fourth player in major league history to homer three times on opening day, Tim Anderson homered twice and Jose Abreu went deep for the White Sox.James Shields (1-0) surrendered four runs in the first inning but wound up lasting six innings, holding his former team without a hit after that shaky first.Davidson became the fourth player with a three-homer performance on opening day,... [More]

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

The Baltimore Orioles figured Alex Cobb would be a fine fit.Cobb stayed in the division he knew best, finalizing a $57 million, four-year contract on Wednesday."They used the AL East and the success I've had in it to their advantage," the 30-year-old right-hander said. "They kept challenging me with it and I love the challenge of pitching in this division and they know that over the times we talked. They did a really good job of making me feel like this is where I need to be."Cobb had spent his entire six-season big league career with Tampa Bay and was the last top starting pitcher available in a slow-moving free agent market.Cobb joined Andrew Cashner and Chris Tillman, who were signed last month, in a revamped rotation that includes holdovers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.The Orioles are coming off a last-place finish and 75-87 record.Cobb was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts last season. He pitched 179 1/3 innings in his first full year back after missing nearly two seasons because... [More]

The Baltimore Orioles figured Alex Cobb would be a fine fit.Cobb stayed in the division he knew best, finalizing a $57 million, four-year contract on Wednesday."They used the AL East and the success I've had in it to their advantage," the 30-year-old right-hander said. "They kept challenging me with it and I love the challenge of pitching in this division and they know that over the times we talked. They did a really good job of making me feel like this is where I need to be."Cobb had spent his entire six-season big league career with Tampa Bay and was the last top starting pitcher available in a slow-moving free agent market.Cobb joined Andrew Cashner and Chris Tillman, who were signed last month, in a revamped rotation that includes holdovers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.The Orioles are coming off a last-place finish and 75-87 record.Cobb was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts last season. He pitched 179 1/3 innings in his first full year back after missing nearly two seasons because... [More]

The Baltimore Orioles figured Alex Cobb would be a fine fit.Cobb stayed in the division he knew best, finalizing a $57 million, four-year contract on Wednesday."They used the AL East and the success I've had in it to their advantage," the 30-year-old right-hander said. "They kept challenging me with it and I love the challenge of pitching in this division and they know that over the times we talked. They did a really good job of making me feel like this is where I need to be."Cobb had spent his entire six-season big league career with Tampa Bay and was the last top starting pitcher available in a slow-moving free agent market.Cobb joined Andrew Cashner and Chris Tillman, who were signed last month, in a revamped rotation that includes holdovers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.The Orioles are coming off a last-place finish and 75-87 record.Cobb was 12-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 29 starts last season. He pitched 179 1/3 innings in his first full year back after missing nearly two seasons because... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — For all the talk about the Chicago Cubs' new-look bullpen, the biggest key to its success might be the return of Justin Wilson.Not the Justin Wilson who struggled for the last couple months of last season. The one who pitched for the Detroit Tigers.If Wilson finds his form, he would give manager Joe Maddon another left-handed option for high-leverage situations late in games. If Wilson struggles again, Maddon would have to employ him very carefully."It just permits us to dole out the work in a way that we should not get anybody overtly tired, so that's what I look at," Maddon said Monday. "But I mean, listen, you've seen good, I've heard good, you know, work-wise and the stuff that he's been doing. They're reporting back, he did something today that the guys are just raving about, so let's see how it plays out."The 30-year-old Wilson has made two appearances so far this spring training, tossing a scoreless inning against Oakland and Cincinnati with two strikeouts total.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central 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:___Chicago CubsManager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.Park: Sloan Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Going campin': Chicago is coming off three consecutive NLCS appearances, and it looked a little tired when its title defense came to an end with a lopsided playoff loss to Los Angeles last year. The bullpen was hit hard by the Dodgers in the NLCS, and the Cubs batted just .168 in 10 postseason games. The roster returns mostly intact, but the bullpen and coaching staff each has a new look. Morrow replaces Davis at closer after agreeing to a $21 million, two-year contract. Jim... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The young core of the Chicago Cubs is learning with each long playoff run.Coming off their first World Series title since 1908, the Cubs got off to a slow start last year and had to push themselves in the second half to overcome Milwaukee and win the NL Central. But they lined up with Washington in the first round of the playoffs and the grueling series with the Nationals took its toll, sending the Cubs on to a lopsided loss to rested Los Angeles in the next round.The grind of a third straight trip to the NL Championship Series left an impression."I think it just teaches you how every year is so different," pitcher Kyle Hendricks said, "not just the season, but the offseason too, and how you get your body ready. For a lot of us young guys, I think we learned a lot between the 16-17 year and that offseason and I think we're using it to our advantage this year; just how much to rest, how much to work out, what you need to get ready."The division is much improved, but the Cubs... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The young core of the Chicago Cubs is learning with each long playoff run.Coming off their first World Series title since 1908, the Cubs got off to a slow start last year and had to push themselves in the second half to overcome Milwaukee and win the NL Central. But they lined up with Washington in the first round of the playoffs and the grueling series with the Nationals took its toll, sending the Cubs on to a lopsided loss to rested Los Angeles in the next round.The grind of a third straight trip to the NL Championship Series left an impression."I think it just teaches you how every year is so different," pitcher Kyle Hendricks said, "not just the season, but the offseason too, and how you get your body ready. For a lot of us young guys, I think we learned a lot between the 16-17 year and that offseason and I think we're using it to our advantage this year; just how much to rest, how much to work out, what you need to get ready."The division is much improved, but the Cubs... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Left-hander Brian Duensing and Chicago have finalized a $7 million, two-year contract for the reliever to remain with the Cubs.Duensing gets $3.5 million in each of the next two seasons as part of the agreement announced Monday. His 2019 salary can escalate by up to $1.25 million based on pitching appearances this year: $250,000 for 50, $333,333 each for 55 and 60, and $333,334 for 65.Duensing went 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 68 appearances last season. He had agreed to the deal last week, pending a successful physical.Duensing helped Chicago win the NL Central last season, but its bullpen faltered in the playoffs and the Cubs were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.All-Star closer Wade Davis left as a free agent and agreed to a $52 million, three-year contract with Colorado, but the Cubs signed relievers Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek before coming to an agreement with Duensing.Duensing, who turns 35 next month, was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2005 amateur draft. He broke into the majors with the Twins in 2009 and is 43-38 with a 4.01 ERA in nine seasons.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs bolstered their revamped bullpen on Wednesday, bringing back Brian Duensing with a $7 million, two-year contract.Duensing returns to Chicago after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs last winter. The left-hander went 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 68 appearances last season.A person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed the contract to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because it is pending a physical.Duensing helped Chicago win the NL Central last season, but its bullpen faltered in the playoffs and it was eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. All-Star closer Wade Davis then left in free agency, agreeing to a $52 million, three-year contract with Colorado, but the Cubs signed relievers Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek before coming to an agreement with Duensing.Duensing, who turns 35 next month, played college ball at Nebraska before he was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2005 draft. He broke into the majors with the Twins in 2009 and is 43-38 with a 4.01 ERA in nine seasons.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

The Chicago Cubs and right-handed reliever Steve Cishek agreed to terms on a two-year contract, the team announced Saturday. Terms were not disclosed for the free agent, but a source told ESPN that the deal is worth between $12 million and $14 million. Cishek, 31, made $6 million last season in the final year of a two-year, $10 million contract. Cishek combined to go 3-2 with 16 holds, one save and a 2.01 ERA over 44 2/2 innings in 49 relief appearances for the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays last season.

RHP Steve Cishek agreed to a two-year deal, multiple outlets reported. Cishek recorded a 3-2 mark with a 2.01 ERA in 49 appearances last season with the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays acquired Cishek and cash considerations from the Mariners in July for left-hander Erasmo Ramirez. The 31-year-old Cishek owns a 24-28 record with 121 saves and a 2.73 ERA in eight seasons with the Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Mariners and Rays.

RHP Steve Cishek pitched two spotless innings, striking out two, as the Rays beat the Royals 5-3 Wednesday. He has not allowed a run in 14 appearances over 15 innings since being acquired in a trade with Seattle. "Cishek was the MVP of the game," Rays manager Kevin Cash said.

RHP Steve Cishek pitched 2/3 of an inning to earn the win, his second since joining the Rays on July 30. He has not allowed a run in 12 appearances with the Rays.

RHP Steve Cishek was officially added to Tampa Bay's roster Saturday after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners on Friday morning. Cishek became the 49th player used by the Rays and 28th pitcher used when he struck out the side in the seventh.

RHP Steve Cishek was acquired by the Rays Friday from the Seattle Mariners for RHP Erasmo Ramirez. Manager Kevin Cash said Cishek would be used in a similar role to how Sergio Romo is used in any role from the sixth through the eighth innings. Cishek was 1-1 with a save and a 3.15 ERA in 23 appearances after opening the season on the DL recovering from left hip surgery. The Mariners signed him as a free agent, and he was 5-7 with a 2.89 ERA in 85 relief appearances. Cishek is the sixth veteran player obtained by the Rays in the last six weeks.

The Seattle Mariners re-acquired right-hander Erasmo Ramirez from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in exchange for right-handed reliever Steve Cishek.Ramirez, who was traded by Seattle to Tampa Bay on March 31, 2015, is under team control through the 2019 season."Erasmo brings us a good combination of experience, versatility and control as we look to both be better in 2017, and in future seasons," Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "We've added depth to our pitching staff in a variety of ways and maintained flexibility as we move forward with a player that is under club control for 2017, 2018 and 2019."Ramirez, 27, was 4-3 with one save, six holds and a 4.80 ERA over 69 1/3 innings with 55 strikeouts in 26 games, including eight starts, for the Rays this season. As a reliever, he posted a 3.23 ERA over 30 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts in 18 appearances, while limiting opponents to a .189 average with a .232 on-base percentage.In six major league seasons with Seattle... [More]