Astros fourth. George Springer grounds out to third base, Matt Chapman to Matt Olson. Jose Altuve called out on strikes. Michael Brantley singles to deep center field. Alex Bregman homers to left field. Michael Brantley scores. Yordan Alvarez grounds out to shallow right field, Marcus Semien to Matt Olson.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Astros 2, Athletics 0.Athletics fourth. Robbie Grossman doubles to deep center field. Matt Chapman reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Matt Olson homers to center field. Matt Chapman scores. Robbie Grossman scores. Khris Davis flies out to deep center field to George Springer. Stephen Piscotty grounds out to third base, Alex Bregman to Yuli Gurriel. Corban Joseph homers to center field. Chad Pinder grounds out to shallow center field, Jose Altuve to Yuli Gurriel.4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Athletics 4, Astros 2.Astros fifth. Carlos Correa homers to center field. Yuli Gurriel singles to center field. Robinson Chirinos strikes out... [More]

Giants first. Donovan Solano singles to center field. Austin Slater walks. Donovan Solano to second. Buster Posey singles to third base. Austin Slater to second. Donovan Solano to third. Evan Longoria singles to left field. Buster Posey to second. Austin Slater scores. Donovan Solano scores. Kevin Pillar reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Evan Longoria out at second. Buster Posey to third. Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Giants 2, Diamondbacks 0.Giants fifth. Donovan Solano flies out to deep left center field to David Peralta. Austin Slater doubles to deep left center field. Buster Posey doubles to deep right center field. Austin Slater scores. Evan Longoria homers to left field. Buster Posey scores. Kevin Pillar flies out to center field to Jarrod Dyson. Scooter Gennett grounds out to second base, Eduardo Escobar to Christian Walker.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Giants 5, Diamondbacks 0.Giants sixth. Joey Rickard walks. Brandon... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The San Francisco Giants could accelerate their timeline for Johnny Cueto to help with their pursuit of an NL wild card.Cueto had season-ending Tommy John surgery a year ago. The right-hander was scheduled to throw 45 pitches in a rehab start at Class A San Jose on Thursday night.The original plan was to have Cueto make at least two more rehab starts after that, but that could change.Giants manager Bruce Bochy says "Definitely needs a start tonight and another start. We'll see where we are at. I'm not saying we're going to do anything. I'm just saying that we will re-evaluate."Cueto went 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA in nine starts last season before the injury. He is in the fourth year of a six-year, $130 million contract.Bochy says Cueto is "pretty close to 100 percent, he just doesn't have the strength and stamina to go deep into games."The 33-year-old Cueto struck out seven in four scoreless innings in his first two rehab appearances in the rookie Arizona League.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton wants to return from his knee injury in time to fine-tune that powerful swing for October.Sidelined nearly all season, the New York Yankees slugger is hitting indoors and throwing as he rehabs from a sprained right knee that's been slow to heal since he got hurt June 25. The next step will be jogging and running outside before ramping up baseball activities.General manager Brian Cashman originally targeted August but now says the AL East leaders hope to get Stanton back sometime in September."Once I start moving around, just see how it bounces back. But I do want to have a few weeks of at-bats before October, for sure," Stanton said Thursday in his first comments to reporters in a while. "I want to be out there for a couple weeks, just the game routine and having whatever amount of at-bats I can."The 2017 NL MVP said he's confident he'll return to health this season but has no particular date in mind."I'm doing everything I can to get there, so that's what... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox baseball boss Dave Dombrowski gave up on a fourth straight AL East title when he decided not to make a move at the trade deadline.The players bowed out of the postseason race soon after.One year after their record-setting run to their fourth World Series in 15 seasons, the Red Sox are on their way toward missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015. After taking five of six leading up to the July 31 deadline from New York and Tampa Bay — the two teams Boston is chasing in the AL East — the defending champions won just three of their next 15 games.Alex Cora, who led Boston to a franchise-record 108 wins in his first year as a major league manager, acknowledges there's no more time to waste."It actually did feel like a playoff game," he said after beating Cleveland this week to slow the slide. "If we want to make it, we've got to start our playoffs before anyone else."It may already be too late.The Red Sox are closer to fourth than first, 17½ games out in the division... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Right now, 19-31 is just a distant memory for the Washington Nationals.Even without Max Scherzer for all but one game over the past month-plus, even with recurring bullpen issues, even though they dug themselves quite a hole, the Nationals are suddenly 65-55 — 10 games over .500 for the first time in 14 months.What's more, they're leading the NL wild-card standings as they head into Friday's opener of a three-game series against one of the clubs chasing them for a playoff berth: reigning league MVP Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers.Winning the NL East presents more of a challenge, because Washington entered Thursday trailing the first-place Atlanta Braves by six games. The rivals play each other seven more times, though: four games at Atlanta on Sept. 5-8, and three at Washington on Sept. 13-15."Still a lot of work to be done. We need to keep our foot on the accelerator," right fielder Adam Eaton said after hitting one of Washington's three homers during a 10-run... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians' clubhouse is buzzing with activity about three hours before a three-game series opener against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, whose season could be over by October.For a stretch, Cleveland's postseason plans were in serious doubt.As players kill time before the first pitch, several relievers recline in black leather chairs at their cubicles, scanning phones while right-hander Tyler Clippard closes his eyes and grabs a quick nap on one of the large couches nearby.Looking for a fight, third baseman José Ramírez, who is finally swinging the bat like an All-Star again, barrels out of the shower area and shouts at rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, who rolls his eyes.It's business as usual. Nothing out of place.And, according to All-Star MVP Shane Bieber, that's the key behind the Indians' stunning turnaround this season — same routine, consistency, treat every day and every game just like the one before it."Except, today, I just put on gray pants,"... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — His club seemingly headed to a second consecutive last-place finish in the NL East, Miami Marlins CEO Derek Jeter isn't ready to disclose whether manager Don Mattingly will return next season."There hasn't been a decision yet," Jeter said before Miami hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. "To be honest with you, we've been so focused on the trade deadline and see what we could do with it.""At the end of every year, we sit down and evaluate all members of the organization, whether it's the manager, coaches, player development, scouting, front office," he said.Mattingly is in the final year of a four-year contract. The former Dodgers manager was hired by ex-owner Jeffrey Loria prior to the 2016 season.The Marlins began the day with a 44-74 record that was the worst in the National League.Jeter, the public face of the ownership group that purchased the club from Loria before the 2017 season, credited Mattingly for his leadership during the team's rebuild. Miami's... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Charlie Manuel was back in red pinstripes in his old dugout with a new role as hitting coach exactly six years to the day he managed his last game for the Philadelphia Phillies.Manuel joined the Phillies on Wednesday, one day after he was hired to replace John Mallee. The 75-year-old Manuel was working as a senior adviser to general manager Matt Klentak before he got the call asking him to put the uniform back on and help revive an underachieving offense."The Phillies pay me and I didn't feel I should turn somebody down that wanted me and I'm already working for them," Manuel said. "I'm excited about it. It's a challenge. I've never been scared about that, especially when it comes to hitting. That's one of my favorite things to talk about."Manuel is beloved in Philadelphia after leading the team to five straight NL East titles, two NL pennants and the franchise's second World Series championship, in 2008. He won more games (780) than any manager in team history and has... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians' clubhouse is buzzing with activity about three hours before a three-game series opener against the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, whose season could be over by October.For a stretch, Cleveland's postseason plans were in serious doubt.As players kill time before the first pitch, several relievers recline in black leather chairs at their cubicles, scanning phones while right-hander Tyler Clippard closes his eyes and grabs a quick nap on one of the large couches nearby.Looking for a fight, third baseman José Ramírez, who is finally swinging the bat like an All-Star again, barrels out of the shower area and shouts at rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, who rolls his eyes.It's business as usual. Nothing out of place.And, according to All-Star MVP Shane Bieber, that's the key behind the Indians' stunning turnaround this season — same routine, consistency, treat every day and every game just like the one before it."Except, today, I just put on gray pants,"... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:STRASBURG VS. BAUERThere's quite a pitching matchup at Nationals Park for the series finale between Washington and Cincinnati: Stephen Strasburg vs. Trevor Bauer, two righties who are among the top strikeout artists in the majors this season.For Bauer, it's his third appearance for the Reds since arriving from the Indians in a three-team trade that sent Yasiel Puig to Cleveland — and came shortly after the pitcher chucked a baseball over an outfield wall when he was removed from a game. Bauer is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA for Cincinnati, and 10-8 with a 3.74 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 168 1/3 innings overall in 2019.Strasburg leads the NL in wins at 14-5, is fourth with 181 Ks and has a 3.72 ERA. He's also 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA in his past four starts against the Reds.REMEMBER ME?Cubs lefty Cole Hamels is set to pitch at Citizens Bank Park for the first time since the Phillies traded him to Texas in July 2015.Hamels spent 10 seasons with Philadelphia... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:STRASBURG VS. BAUERThere's quite a pitching matchup at Nationals Park for the series finale between Washington and Cincinnati: Stephen Strasburg vs. Trevor Bauer, two righties who are among the top strikeout artists in the majors this season.For Bauer, it's his third appearance for the Reds since arriving from the Indians in a three-team trade that sent Yasiel Puig to Cleveland — and came shortly after the pitcher chucked a baseball over an outfield wall when he was removed from a game. Bauer is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA for Cincinnati, and 10-8 with a 3.74 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 168 1/3 innings overall in 2019.Strasburg leads the NL in wins at 14-5, is fourth with 181 Ks and has a 3.72 ERA. He's also 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA in his past four starts against the Reds.REMEMBER ME?Cubs lefty Cole Hamels is set to pitch at Citizens Bank Park for the first time since the Phillies traded him to Texas in July 2015.Hamels spent 10 seasons with Philadelphia... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have turned to the most successful manager in franchise history to revive their feeble offense.The Phillies hired Charlie Manuel to replace John Mallee as hitting coach on Tuesday before a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Manuel, who was working as senior adviser to general manager Matt Klentak, will join the team Wednesday."We have 44 games remaining and we're two games out of the playoffs," Klentak said. "We have not hit well but we aren't buried and we are not out and in my judgment with 44 games remaining, it makes sense to try something different. We are very fortunate we have Charlie Manuel as a colleague who is willing to step in, is excited to do it and feels he can help."Klentak said the 75-year-old Manuel is assuming his new position for the remainder of the season. Mallee joined manager Gabe Kapler's staff last year after serving as the hitting coach for the Cubs from 2015-17.Manuel led the Phillies to five straight division... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Austin Riley is feeling a whole lot better.Dansby Swanson? Not so much.Riley, the slugging rookie for the Atlanta Braves, will not need surgery on his injured right knee and expects to return to the lineup in about two weeks.He revealed the good news before the NL East leaders opened a three-game series against the New York Mets on Tuesday. An MRI revealed a partial tear that will require him to wear a brace but nothing more. Surgery likely would have ended his season."It looks super strong," Riley said. "(The doctor) was surprised that it was so strong. That's always good news."But Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson continues to rehab a bruised right foot that already has kept him out far longer than the team expected. He went on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 24 and still is not sure when he'll be able to return."It's kind of a frustrating injury," Swanson said. "Obviously, it's kind of impossible to avoid it because you've got to walk and put pressure on it all... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Phillies have hired former manager Charlie Manuel to replace John Mallee as hitting coach.Manuel was working as senior adviser to the general manager. The Phillies announced Tuesday that he would assume his new position for the remainder of the season.Manuel led the Phillies to five straight division titles, two NL pennants and the franchise's second World Series championship, in 2008.His 780 wins as Philadelphia's manager are the most in team history. He was 1,000-826 in nine seasons as manager of the Phillies and three seasons managing the Cleveland Indians.The 75-year-old Manuel previously served as hitting coach for the Indians from 1988-89 and 1994-99.The Phillies are fourth in the NL East at 60-58 but only two games out of the second wild-card spot.Their offense has underperformed despite the addition of slugger Bryce Harper, All-Star J.T. Realmuto, two-time All-Star Jean Segura and former 2013 MVP Andrew McCutchen, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in June.The Phillies are 19th in runs, 24th in batting average (.245) and 23rd in home runs (149).___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians outfielder Yasiel Puig has dropped the appeal for his three-game suspension for his involvement in a brawl when he was with Cincinnati.Puig will begin serving his ban Monday night when the Indians, who have climbed back into a tie for first in the AL Central, open a three-game series against Boston.Puig was disciplined for his involvement in the latest benches-clearing incident between the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates on July 30. The fracas began shortly after Puig was dealt to the Indians as part of a three-team trade that sent right-hander Trevor Bauer from Cleveland to Cincinnati.The animated 28-year-old Puig is batting .357 with one homer and six RBIs in 11 games for Cleveland. He has given the Indians an infusion of power and energy, helping their surge to catch the Minnesota Twins.Puig is eligible for free agency after the World Series.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BURKE, Texas (AP) — A Houston Astros fan in Texas has marked her 105th birthday with a baseball-themed party including some gifts courtesy of her favorite team.The Lufkin Daily News reports Uba Lee "Tuey" Davis celebrated Saturday at Burke United Methodist. Pastor Mike Waters helped arrange for the Astros to send Davis some birthday presents, including an Alex Bregman bobblehead and a baseball signed by Jose Altuve.Davis was born Aug.10, 1914, in Burke, a town of about 730 people located 100 miles northeast of Houston and her beloved Astros.Her great-niece and care provider, Sherry Tutt, says Davis loves dark chocolate, Dr Pepper, daily devotions and watching the Astros on television.___Information from: The Lufkin Daily News, http://www.lufkindailynews.com

BURKE, Texas (AP) — A Houston Astros fan in Texas has marked her 105th birthday with a baseball-themed party including some gifts courtesy of her favorite team.The Lufkin Daily News reports Uba Lee "Tuey" Davis celebrated Saturday at Burke United Methodist. Pastor Mike Waters helped arrange for the Astros to send Davis some birthday presents, including an Alex Bregman bobblehead and a baseball signed by Jose Altuve.Davis was born Aug.10, 1914, in Burke, a town of about 730 people located 100 miles northeast of Houston and her beloved Astros.Her great-niece and care provider, Sherry Tutt, says Davis loves dark chocolate, Dr Pepper, daily devotions and watching the Astros on television.___Information from: The Lufkin Daily News, http://www.lufkindailynews.com

Aug. 121948 — In the second game of a doubleheader, the Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Browns 26-3 with a 29-hit barrage. The Indians set a major league record as 14 different players hit safely.1964 — Mickey Mantle hit a home run both left- and right-handed in a 7-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. It was the 10th time in his career and a major league record for switch-hit homers in a game.1966 — Art Shamsky of the Cincinnati Reds connected for three home runs in a 14-11, 13-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Crosley Field. Two of the homers came in the 10th and 11th innings.1970 — Curt Flood lost his $41 million antitrust suit against baseball.1974 — Nolan Ryan of the California Angels set an American League record by striking out 19 in a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Ryan, who walked two, bettered the 18 strikeouts set by Bob Feller in 1938 and tied the major league record set by Steve Carlton in 1969 and Tom Seaver in 1970.1984 — Perhaps one of the ugliest brawl-filled... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:METS MAGICAce Jacob deGrom (7-7, 2.77) and the streaking Mets go for their ninth straight win and a three-game sweep of Washington.New York has won 15 of 16, posting a pair of late-inning comeback wins this weekend at energized Citi Field. The Mets have pulled within a half-game of Washington for the first NL wild card.DeGrom is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his past six starts. He'll try to stay hot against Aníbal Sanchez (7-6, 3.67) in the series finale.ASTROS BLAST OFFComing off the highest-scoring game in franchise history, Houston tries for its ninth straight win when it takes on Baltimore.The Astros teed off at Camden Yards on Saturday night, with rookie Yordan Alvarez hitting three home runs in a 23-2 romp. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa also homered as Houston set a team record with 13 extra-base hits.The Orioles have allowed a major league-leading 240 homers and lost five straight.Justin Verlander (15-4, 2.68 ERA), who has... [More]