CHICAGO (AP) — Major League Baseball is investigating a racist message sent to Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. on social media this month.Theo Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, calls the language "reprehensible" and says it "cannot be tolerated in our game or society." He says the team supports Major League Baseball's effort "to identify the person responsible." The Athletic first reported the investigation.Edwards was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after he had trouble with his motion and got off to a tough start this season. The 27-year-old right-hander went 3-2 with a career-low 2.60 ERA in 58 games last year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vin Scully joined the widow of Jackie Robinson to honor the player who broke baseball's color barrier during Robinson's centennial birthday celebration Monday night.Scully greeted 96-year-old Rachel Robinson with a kiss after being introduced to the crowd, with Scully drawing the loudest cheers in a rare public appearance.He stood behind Rachel with his hands holding her arms during the national anthem at Dodger Stadium. They were joined by Robinson's daughter, Sharon, and son, David, who linked arms with their mother as they walked on the field.Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Scully began calling the team's games three years later, and the now-retired Hall of Fame announcer was friendly off the field with the man he called "Jack."Only 7.7% of current MLB players are black, according to MLB."If not for Jackie Robinson, I probably wouldn't be here today playing baseball in the United States,"... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich hit three homers, including a pair of three-run shots, and drove in a career-high seven runs to power the Milwaukee Brewers past the St. Louis Cardinals 10-7 on Monday night.Yelich, the reigning NL MVP, hit his first three-run homer to cap a six-run second inning. After St. Louis tied it with three runs in the sixth, Yelich answered in the bottom half with a towering three-run blast to right off Mike Mayers (0-1).Yelich capped his night with his eighth homer this season, going deep to lead off the eighth. He also lined out in the first and was walked intentionally in the fourth.Junior Guerra (1-0) worked 1 2/3 innings for the victory. Josh Hader struck out the side in the ninth after allowing Marcell Ozuna's sixth home run to open the inning.DODGERS 4, REDS 3LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joc Pederson hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Los Angeles a comeback victory over Cincinnati in Clayton Kershaw's season debut.Raisel Iglesias (0-3) walked... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle injury,... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich hit three homers, including a pair of three-run shots, and drove in a career-high seven runs to power the Milwaukee Brewers past the St. Louis Cardinals 10-7 on Monday night.Yelich, the reigning NL MVP, hit his first three-run homer to cap a six-run second inning. After St. Louis tied it with three runs in the sixth, Yelich answered in the bottom half with a towering three-run blast to right off Mike Mayers (0-1).Yelich capped his night with his eighth homer this season, going deep to lead off the eighth. He also lined out in the first and was walked intentionally in the fourth.Junior Guerra (1-0) worked 1 2/3 innings for the victory. Josh Hader struck out the side in the ninth after allowing Marcell Ozuna's sixth home run to open the inning.METS 7, PHILLIES 6, 11 INNINGSPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Juan Lagares scored from second base on Michael Conforto's hard grounder in the 11th inning and New York beat Philadelphia.Lagares led off with an infield single against... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vin Scully joined the widow of Jackie Robinson to honor the player who broke baseball's color barrier during Robinson's centennial birthday celebration Monday night.Scully greeted 96-year-old Rachel Robinson with a kiss after being introduced to the crowd, with Scully drawing the loudest cheers in a rare public appearance.He stood behind Rachel with his hands holding her arms during the national anthem at Dodger Stadium. They were joined by Robinson's daughter, Sharon, and son, David, who linked arms with their mother as they walked on the field.Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Scully began calling the team's games three years later, and the now-retired Hall of Fame announcer was friendly off the field with the man he called "Jack."Only 7.7% of current MLB players are black, according to MLB."If not for Jackie Robinson, I probably wouldn't be here today playing baseball in the United States,"... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Bellinger was drilled on the right kneecap by a pitch in the third inning, forcing the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder out of the game.Cincinnati's Luis Castillo uncorked a 95 mph fastball that struck Bellinger and knocked him down Monday night.Fans booed while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer rushed out to check on Bellinger. Eventually, he got up and hobbled to first base.Castillo paused for a while in an attempt to catch Bellinger's eye at first and signal an apology. Bellinger stayed at first until the inning ended two outs later. He was replaced by Alex Verdugo in right.Bellinger leads the National League with nine homers, 22 runs, 22 RBIs and a .424 batting average.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vin Scully joined the widow of Jackie Robinson to honor the player who broke baseball's color barrier during Robinson's centennial birthday celebration Monday night.Scully greeted 96-year-old Rachel Robinson with a kiss after being introduced to the crowd, with Scully drawing the loudest cheers in a rare public appearance.He stood behind Rachel with his hands holding her arms during the national anthem at Dodger Stadium. They were joined by Robinson's daughter, Sharon, and son, David, who linked arms with their mother as they walked on the field.Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Scully began calling the team's games three years later, and the now-retired Hall of Fame announcer was friendly off the field with the man he called "Jack."Only 7.7% of current MLB players are black, according to MLB."If not for Jackie Robinson, I probably wouldn't be here today playing baseball in the United States,"... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his first game since being traded to Cincinnati.He turned up with a bang once the game began.Puig hammered a two-run homer in the first inning off Clayton Kershaw, who was making his season debut for the Dodgers.Puig was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers as he rounded the bases to put the Reds ahead 2-0.The Dodgers honored Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer in a pregame video that highlighted their time in LA. Puig, Kemp and Farmer doffed their caps in appreciation. Wood just rejoined the Reds after being injured.Puig, from Cuba, awed fans with his cannon of an arm and infuriated management with his inconsistent efforts on the field during his six years with the Dodgers.He missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to Kemp, Wood and Farmer during an informal gathering outside the visitors'... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Old habits apparently die hard when Yasiel Puig is back in Los Angeles.He was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his return to the city where he awed fans with his cannon of an arm and infuriated management with his inconsistent efforts on the field.The Cuban star who now plays for the Cincinnati Reds missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the visitors' clubhouse."Just the six of us sharing some stories, saying hello and more so us thanking them for what they did to help us accomplish what we accomplished last year and wishing them well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.Asked about missing the gathering, Puig said, "He can send the ring to my locker or give it to me at batting practice. He can give it to me in person, I don't care."Roberts chuckled... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his return to Los Angeles for the first time since being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.The Cuban star missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the Reds clubhouse."Just the six of us sharing some stories, saying hello and more so us thanking them for what they did to help us accomplish what we accomplished last year and wishing them well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.Asked about missing the gathering, Puig said, "He can send the ring to my locker or give it to me at batting practice. He can give it to me in person, I don't care."Roberts chuckled when asked if he was happy to be on the other team now when Puig's name comes up."Yeah, I am happy," he said, smiling.Roberts said he and Puig "are good,"... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been sent to Triple-A to begin a rehab assignment as the All-Star is moving closer to rejoining the big league club after being slowed by a left ankle injury.The Indians announced the move Monday before starting a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland also activated second baseman Jason Kipnis from the 10-day injured list and designated for assignment veteran infielder Brad Miller.The switch-hitting Lindor was making steady progress from a right calf injury when he rolled his ankle while caught in a rundown during a minor league scrimmage in Arizona. Lindor batted .277 last season with 38 home runs, 92 RBIs and 25 steals.Lindor was hopeful of playing Monday night with Columbus but travel delays pushed his first game back to Tuesday. Cleveland manager Terry Francona didn't have a set number of games for Lindor to play before rejoining the Indians."It's going to depend on how he feels and the last thing we want to do is slow him down," Francona said. "But we want to set him up for success. We want to make sure he's OK."Kipnis opened the season on the injured list after suffering a calf strain late in spring training. He played just 10 games in spring because of hip, quad and calf injuries and appeared in six games at Triple-A during his rehab assignment.Miller hit .250 in 13 games for the Indians.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium in his return to Los Angeles for the first time since being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.The Cuban star missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel on Monday.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the Reds clubhouse.Puig showed up 70 minutes late to a scheduled news conference with local media.He was part of a seven-player deal with Cincinnati in December that included Kemp, Wood and Farmer.Turner Ward, the former Dodgers hitting coach who is employed in the same role for the Reds, was working in the batting cage and also didn't visit with Walter, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, team president Stan Kasten and manager Dave Roberts.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Trout is easing his way back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup, returning as the designated hitter and skipping at least one night in center field after missing three games because of a right groin strain.Trout was listed second in the batting order for the Angels' series opener Monday night at Texas. The two-time AL MVP said he expects to be back in center field during this three-game set."I think just being in the lineup is huge for me," Trout said. "I'm confident I'll be back there in the outfield tomorrow or the next day. I got to play it by ear. I got to see how it comes out after the game and see how I feel."After missing a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs , Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles for the second time in three days Sunday. The team said ultrasound images showed further improvement to his groin and that Trout reported continued improvement.The two-time AL MVP has five home runs this season, all of those coming in a four-game home... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been sent to Triple-A to begin a rehab assignment as the All-Star is moving closer to rejoining the big league club after being slowed by a left ankle injury.The Indians announced the move Monday before starting a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland also activated second baseman Jason Kipnis from the 10-day injured list and designated for assignment veteran infielder Brad Miller.The switch-hitting Lindor was making steady progress from a right calf injury when he rolled his ankle while caught in a rundown during a minor league scrimmage in Arizona. Lindor batted .277 last season with 38 home runs, 92 RBIs and 25 steals.Kipnis opened the season on the injured list after suffering a calf strain late in spring training. He played just 10 games in spring because of hip, quad and calf injuries and appeared in six games at Triple-A during his rehab assignment.Miller hit .250 in 13 games for the Indians.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies reliever David Robertson has been placed on the 10-day injured list because of a sore right elbow.Right-hander Drew Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Robertson's spot. The moves were announced before Monday night's game against the New York Mets.Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Robertson will have an MRI on Tuesday.Robertson worked two scoreless innings in Philadelphia's 3-1, 14-inning victory at Miami on Sunday. He has a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances but hasn't allowed a run in his last four.The Phillies signed Robertson to a $23 million, two-year contact in the offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Trout is back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup after missing three games because of a right groin strain.Trout was listed as the designated hitter and batting second for the Angels' series opener Monday night at Texas.After missing a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs, Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles for the second time in three days Sunday. The team said ultrasound images showed further improvement to his groin and that Trout reported continued improvement.The two-time AL MVP has five home runs this season, all of those coming in a four-game home series April 4-8 against the Rangers. He is hitting .406 and also has 12 RBIs in his 12 games.Trout, who signed a record $426.5 million, 12-year contract near the end of spring training, first felt discomfort after working out before last Tuesday's home game against Milwaukee. The injury flared up while he was running to second base in the second inning that night___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — Baltimore Orioles rookie manager Brandon Hyde was ejected for the first time, tossed in the fifth inning Monday against the Boston Red Sox.Hyde came out to challenge the "slide rule" after a force play scored a run. Once the call was upheld, he came out to argue with first base umpire Mark Wegner and was ejected.With runners on first and third with no outs, Steve Pearce hit a roller to third. Rio Ruiz made the throw to second, where Jonathan Villar made a late throw to first just as Rafael Devers was sliding into the bag and came up a bit.Baltimore leads 4-1.

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:JACKIE ROBINSON DAYMajor League Baseball observes Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks all over the country. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and other on-field personnel will wear Robinson's retired No. 42. Members of Robinson's family are expected to be at Dodger Stadium for the opener of a three-game series between the Reds and Dodgers.HE'S BACKSpeaking of Los Angeles, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes his first start of the season after being sidelined by left shoulder inflammation. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus Cincinnati. He likely will face former teammate Yasiel Puig in his return to LA after he was traded to the Reds in December. Puig spent his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers. Kershaw will be opposed by Luis Castillo, who has a sparkling 0.92 ERA over his first three starts this year.PATRIOTS'... [More]