SEATTLE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics clinched their first playoff berth since 2014, then beat the Seattle Mariners 7-3 Monday night behind Khris Davis' major league-leading 46th home run.Jonathan Lucroy, Jed Lowrie and Matt Chapman also homered for the A's, assured no worse than a wild-card berth.Oakland was one out into the game when Tampa Bay was eliminated with a 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees. The A's went on to win after Chapman broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run drive in the seventh off Shawn Armstrong (0-1).Coming off three straight last-place finishes in the AL West, the A's (95-62) are 4½ games behind AL West-leading Houston. They trail the Yankees by 1½ games for home-field advantage should they meet in a wild-card matchup.Robinson Cano and Dee Gordon homered for the Mariners.The Athletics will be making their fourth playoff appearance in the last seven seasons, all under manager Bob Melvin, and their 27th overall. The A's lost at Kansas City 9-8 in 12 innings in the 2014 wild-card... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics clinched their first playoff berth in four years Monday night, earning at least an American League wild card when the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the New York Yankees.Following three straight last-place finishes in the AL West, the A's found out just a couple of minutes after the first pitch of their game against Seattle that they are in the postseason for the first time since 2014.Tampa Bay's 4-1 loss to the Yankees eliminated the Rays from playoff contention. Oakland still has an outside shot at overtaking Houston for the division title, but is more likely headed toward a wild-card matchup with the Yankees.The A's could still host that game. They beat the Mariners 7-3 to remain 1½ games behind the Yankees for the top wild card.Few people imagined the A's could make the playoffs this season, a young team with few proven stars after finishing 75-87 a year ago. Oakland won only 68 games in 2015 and 69 in 2016.The A's have the third-lowest payroll among the... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Hicks injured his left hamstring running up the first-base line in the Yankees' 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, another concern for New York heading into next week's AL wild-card game.Hicks' 11th-inning double on Saturday drove Didi Gregorius with the run that clinched a postseason berth, and on Sunday the Yankees learned Sunday that Gregorius had torn cartilage in his right wrist during his headfirst slide across the plate.Hicks, who had fouled a pitch off his left ankle just before the double, left Monday's game with left hamstring tightness.New York's win eliminated the Rays and ensured a postseason berth for Oakland, which is likely to be the wild-card opponent but also is still alive in the AL West race. At 96-60, New York is assured of its best record since going 97-65 in 2011.Gardner had a go-ahead single off Ryan Yarbrough (15-6) in a two-run fifth inning.New York used eight pitchers and gave its starters extra rest ahead of the... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Scioscia says he would like to keep managing next year.The longtime skipper of the Los Angeles Angels has been widely expected to step down after the regular season concludes this week. His comments to KLAA-AM radio Monday night suggested he is open to returning for a 20th season in the Angels' dugout, or perhaps a managing job elsewhere in baseball.When asked directly if he wanted to keep managing, Scioscia said: "I'd like to.""We'll continue to evaluate things this week," Scioscia added. "I'll speak with (Angels owner) Arte (Moreno) and speak with (general manager) Billy (Eppler), and kind of come to a decision. But I think that if you love something, you want to continue to keep doing it. If you can, great. And if it doesn't happen, so be it. But I love the dugout."Scioscia, who will turn 60 in November, is the longest-tenured manager in the majors by seven seasons, and he earned his 1,600th career victory earlier this year. Since taking over the team for... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Hicks injured his left hamstring running up the first-base line in the Yankees' 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, another concern for New York heading into next week's AL wild-card game.Hicks' 11th-inning double on Saturday drove Didi Gregorius with the run that clinched a postseason berth, and on Sunday the Yankees learned Sunday that Gregorius had torn cartilage in his right wrist during his headfirst slide across the plate.Hicks, who had fouled a pitch off his left ankle just before the double, left Monday's game with left hamstring tightness.New York's win eliminated the Rays and ensured a postseason berth for Oakland, which is likely to be the wild-card opponent but also is still alive in the AL West race. At 96-60, New York is assured of its best record since going 97-65 in 2011.Gardner had a go-ahead single off Ryan Yarbrough (15-6) in a two-run fifth inning.New York used eight pitchers and gave its starters extra rest ahead of the... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Scioscia says he would like to keep managing next year.The longtime skipper of the Los Angeles Angels has been widely expected to step down after the regular season concludes this week. His comments to KLAA-AM radio Monday night suggested he is open to returning for a 20th season in the Angels' dugout, or perhaps a managing job elsewhere in baseball.When asked directly if he wanted to keep managing, Scioscia said: "I'd like to.""We'll continue to evaluate things this week," Scioscia added. "I'll speak with (Angels owner) Arte (Moreno) and speak with (general manager) Billy (Eppler), and kind of come to a decision. But I think that if you love something, you want to continue to keep doing it. If you can, great. And if it doesn't happen, so be it. But I love the dugout."Scioscia, who will turn 60 in November, is the longest-tenured manager in the majors by seven seasons, and he earned his 1,600th career victory earlier this year. Since taking over the team for... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Aaron Altherr left the game after spraining his right big toe and bruising the knee while running full stride into the fence as he tried to catch a home run by Colorado's David Dahl.Altherr was tracking the two-run homer in the fourth inning of Monday's game when the side of his face and his right leg rammed into the padded fence, his hat flying off. He stayed on the warning track for several moments as a trainer rushed out to check on him. Altherr limped to a cart and was taken away.On the play, the fan trying to catch Dahl's homer was hit in the head by the ball, his hat flying off as well.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Hicks injured his left hamstring running up the first-base line in the Yankees' 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, another concern for New York heading into next week's AL wild-card game.Hicks' 11th-inning double on Saturday drove Didi Gregorius with the run that clinched a postseason berth, and on Sunday the Yankees learned Sunday that Gregorius had torn cartilage in his right wrist during his headfirst slide across the plate.Hicks, who had fouled a pitch off his left ankle just before the double, left Monday's game with left hamstring tightness.New York's win eliminated the Rays and ensured a postseason berth for Oakland, which is likely to be the wild-card opponent but also is still alive in the AL West race. At 96-60, New York is assured of its best record since going 97-65 in 2011.Gardner had a go-ahead single off Ryan Yarbrough (15-6) in a two-run fifth inning.New York used eight pitchers and gave its starters extra rest ahead of the... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics clinched their first playoff berth in four years Monday night, earning at least an American League wild card when the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the New York Yankees.Following three straight last-place finishes in the AL West, the A's found out just a couple of minutes after the first pitch of their game against Seattle that they are in the postseason for the first time since 2014.Tampa Bay's 4-1 loss to the Yankees eliminated the Rays from playoff contention. Oakland still has an outside shot at overtaking Houston for the division title, but is more likely headed toward a wild-card matchup with the Yankees.The A's could still host that game. They were two games behind the Yankees for the top wild card, pending the outcome of Oakland's game against the Mariners.Few people imagined the A's could make the playoffs this season, a young team with few proven stars after finishing 75-87 a year ago. Oakland won only 68 games in 2015 and 69 in 2016.The A's have... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Aaron Altherr left the game after running full stride into the fence while trying to catch a home run by Colorado's David Dahl.Altherr was tracking the two-run homer in the fourth inning of Monday's game when the side of his face rammed into the padded fence, his hat flying off. He stayed on the warning track for several moments as a trainer rushed out to check on him. Altherr limped to a cart and was taken away.On the play, the fan trying to catch Dahl's homer was hit in the head by the ball, his hat flying off as well.Philadelphia moved Odubel Herrera from right to left to take Altherr's place. Jose Bautista entered to play right.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks left Monday night's game at Tampa Bay with left hamstring tightness.Hicks appeared to get hurt in the third inning while running to first base on a grounder to shortstop, successfully beating a relay throw and avoiding a double play. He was replaced by Brett Gardner in the middle of the fourth.Hicks fouled a pitch off left his ankle Saturday in the 11th inning against Baltimore, then hit a winning double that clinched a wild-card berth for the Yankees. Didi Gregorius, who scored from first with a headfirst slide, tore cartilage in his right wrist.Gardner had an RBI single in the fifth inning and made a running, leaping catch at the center-field wall in the sixth on Brandon Lowe's two-out drive with runners on first and third.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners teammates stood and applauded and "God Bless America" played on speakers when Felix Hernandez entered Seattle's clubhouse after becoming a U.S. citizen.A native of Venezuela, the 32-year-old pitcher passed his citizenship interview Monday and was among 74 people from 36 countries who became naturalized U.S. citizens during a ceremony in downtown Seattle."This country has given me everything," Hernandez said. "It's a dream come true. It means a lot. We've been here a long time. I wanted to do it."Strife in Venezuela is among the reasons Hernandez desired U.S. citizenship. He wants to bring his parents to the U.S. more easily."The situation in Venezuela is real bad now," Hernandez said. "It's tough. There are people who can't get any food. It's crazy."His wife, Sandra, became a U.S. citizen a month ago, but Hernandez didn't pass his test that day. Hernandez said she gave him a hard time about it."I didn't study," he said. "I think I only got one question right."Hernandez... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Trevor Story is going over the top to get back on the field, altering his throwing motion to take some of the stress off his sore right elbow.The Colorado Rockies All-Star shortstop returned to the lineup Monday night after missing a week with the ailment. Story batted fifth as the playoff-chasing Rockies opened a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies."It's tough just sitting and watching," Story said. "It's not ideal. The timing of it was pretty brutal. Just really tried to keep my focus .on the treatment and getting better."Story tweaked his elbow on a throw in the first inning Sept. 17 in Los Angeles and aggravated it on a swing in the fourth."It's gotten better every single day, and I'm ready to play," Story said.Story has been practicing throwing from a more straightaway angle, which cuts down on elbow stress. He also worked on spin moves Sunday in Arizona and said "it felt good," he said. "There are little things I can do to take pressure off."At the plate,... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius hopes to return from a wrist injury this week and start in the AL wild-card game on Oct. 3.Gregorius hurt his right wrist Saturday when he slid headfirst on Aaron Hicks' 11th-inning double to score the run that clinched a postseason berth. An MRI on Sunday revealed a small tear."It feels way better," Gregorius said before Monday night's game at Tampa Bay. "Feeling stronger. More movement. It's a big step to go forward."He is hitting .268 with a career-high 27 homers and 86 RBIs. The 28-year-old had a cortisone shot and will be examined by team doctors Wednesday."He felt significantly better with some of the range of motion things he's able to do," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I would also temper it. The true indicator will come Wednesday when he's re-evaluated and we see how he does."Slick-fielding but weak-hitting Adeiny Hechavarria started at second in Monday's series opener. Rookie Gleyber Torres slide over from second and be replaced there by Neil Walker.Also, Boone said he is not close to deciding on his started for the wild-card game from among J.A Happ, Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino.Severino starts Tuesday followed by Tanaka and CC Sabathia. Happ started on Sunday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies All-Star Trevor Story returned to the starting lineup after missing a week with inflammation in his right elbow.The slugging shortstop batted fifth in the order Monday night as the playoff-chasing Rockies open a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Story tweaked his elbow on a throw in the first inning Sept. 17 in Los Angeles and aggravated it on a swing in the fourth.Although his elbow "feels good," he said he will alter his throwing style by staying over the top to relieve some of the pressure. The elbow doesn't bother him when he swings, he said.Story is hitting .288 with 33 homers and 102 RBIs.The Rockies began Monday trailing the NL West-leading Dodgers by 1½ games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has torn cartilage in his right wrist and is unsure whether he will be able to play in the AL wild-card game on Oct. 3.Gregorius, who has 27 homers and 86 RBIs, got injured Saturday when he slid headfirst on Aaron Hicks' 11th-inning double to score the run that clinched a postseason berth for New York, which disclosed the injury after a 6-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.New York remained 1½ games ahead of Oakland for the top AL wild card. Baltimore (45-110) is one loss shy of matching the franchise record for defeats set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns, who went 43-111.Tim Beckham homered twice for the lowly Orioles, who trailed 3-0 early. Ryan Meisinger (2-0) pitched two perfect innings and Mychal Givens worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his ninth save. A.J. Cole (3-1) was the loser.INDIANS 4, RED SOX 3, 11 INNINGSCLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Allen singled with one out and the bases loaded in the 11th inning and Cleveland denied Boston's bid for... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors on Monday:WILD SHOWDOWNMilwaukee leads the NL wild-card race by two games over St. Louis going into a three-game series at the Cardinals. St. Louis has a 1½-game lead for the second wild card over Colorado, which hosts Philadelphia.Right-hander Jack Flaherty (8-8, 3.08 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cardinals and right-hander Chase Anderson (9-8, 3.93 ERA) for the Brewers. Flaherty is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against the Brewers.St. Louis has won six of seven coming in and Milwaukee three of four.SCOREBOARD WATCHERSThe Rockies could have a less-motivated opponent in four games at Coors Field. The Phillies were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, but at 78-77 hope to finish above .500 in manager Gabe Kapler's first season.Phillies right-hander Zach Eflin (11-7, 4.09 ERA) will try to win his third straight start. Colorado opens its final homestand with left-hander Tyler Anderson (6-9, 4.76).ON THE ROADAfter failing... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has torn cartilage in his right wrist and is unsure whether he will be able to play in the AL wild-card game on Oct. 3.Gregorius, who has 27 homers and 86 RBIs, got injured Saturday when he slid headfirst on Aaron Hicks' 11th-inning double to score the run that clinched a postseason berth for New York, which disclosed the injury after a 6-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.New York remained 1½ games ahead of Oakland for the top AL wild card. Baltimore (45-110) is one loss shy of matching the franchise record for defeats set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns, who went 43-111.Tim Beckham homered twice for the lowly Orioles, who trailed 3-0 early. Ryan Meisinger (2-0) pitched two perfect innings and Mychal Givens worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his ninth save. A.J. Cole (3-1) was the loser.TWINS 5, ATHLETICS 1OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland will have to take its bubbly on the road. Kyle Gibson (9-13) allowed one run over 7 1/3 innings and Jake Cave... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — He gone. Well, sort of.Longtime Chicago White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson worked his final game Sunday, closing out a colorful TV career after three-plus decades in the booth. The White Sox paid tribute to Harrelson with a couple different videos, and he fought back tears throughout the ninth inning of a 6-1 loss to the crosstown Cubs."I've enjoyed it. Very much, I have enjoyed it," Harrelson said moments after Matt Davidson struck out swinging for the final out. "I've loved it. I will never forget it."With some family members standing behind him, Harrelson then stood up, tapped his heart and waved as players and coaches from each side pointed toward the booth, waved and applauded in the direction of the former big league slugger. "Oh man, oh man," Harrelson said."In a situation like this, when it's someone that's near and dear to everyone's heart — he's been here a long time — it was the right thing to do, to tip our cap to a guy who's been doing it very well for... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is out of the starting lineup because of fatigue in his left shoulder.The 26-year-old was on the disabled list from July 26 to Sept. 1 with left shoulder inflammation. He missed time earlier in the season with the same issue.Manager Joe Maddon says Bryant's shoulder is "a little bit fatigued, not hurting, just fatigued." Maddon says he wants to be proactive with the 2016 NL MVP.Bryant went 1 for 5 in Chicago's 8-3 victory over the crosstown White Sox on Saturday night. He is batting .276 with 12 homers and 49 RBIs in a career-low 96 games this year.David Bote started at third Sunday against the White Sox.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports