INSIDER
LA Dodgers spent big in free agency before winning big. The 2025 class might be even deeper
Read full article: LA Dodgers spent big in free agency before winning big. The 2025 class might be even deeperThe Los Angeles Dodgers spent big last offseason before winning big this postseason, taking home a World Series title after committing more than $1 billion on players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Teoscar Hernández.
Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6
Read full article: Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6The Los Angeles Dodgers won their second World Series championship in five seasons, overcoming a five-run deficit with the help of three Yankees defensive miscues and rallying on sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts in the eighth inning to beat New York 7-6 in Game 5.
Volpe slam sparks comeback after Freeman homer, Yanks beat Dodgers 11-4 to force World Series Game 5
Read full article: Volpe slam sparks comeback after Freeman homer, Yanks beat Dodgers 11-4 to force World Series Game 5Anthony Volpe’s third-inning grand slam overcame Freddie Freeman’s record-setting home run, and the New York Yankees avoided a World Series sweep with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers that forced a Game 5.
Once a kid in Dodger Stadium's seats, Giancarlo Stanton delivers again in LA, now at World Series
Read full article: Once a kid in Dodger Stadium's seats, Giancarlo Stanton delivers again in LA, now at World SeriesGiancarlo Stanton slugs baseballs into the Dodger Stadium seats he used to watch from as a kid.
Jack Flaherty will start for Dodgers in World Series opener against Gerrit Cole and Yankees
Read full article: Jack Flaherty will start for Dodgers in World Series opener against Gerrit Cole and YankeesJack Flaherty will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series opener against the New York Yankees.
Dodgers' Jack Flaherty flops in 2nd NLCS outing vs. Mets, who force Game 6 in Los Angeles
Read full article: Dodgers' Jack Flaherty flops in 2nd NLCS outing vs. Mets, who force Game 6 in Los AngelesInstead of pitching his hometown team into the World Series, Jack Flaherty sent the NL Championship Series back to California.
Alonso and Mets extend season again, beating Dodgers 12-6 to send NLCS back to LA for Game 6
Read full article: Alonso and Mets extend season again, beating Dodgers 12-6 to send NLCS back to LA for Game 6Pete Alonso golfed an early three-run homer and the New York Mets hammered an ineffective Jack Flaherty, extending the National League Championship Series with a 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5.
Ohtani and Betts lead Dodgers to latest blowout of Mets for 3-1 lead in lopsided NLCS
Read full article: Ohtani and Betts lead Dodgers to latest blowout of Mets for 3-1 lead in lopsided NLCSShohei Ohtani hit a leadoff homer and scored four times, Mookie Betts also went deep and drove in four runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the New York Mets 10-2 for a 3-1 lead in their lopsided National League Championship Series.
Lindor homers as Mets stop Dodgers' scoreless streak in 7-3 win, head to NY with NLCS tied 1-1
Read full article: Lindor homers as Mets stop Dodgers' scoreless streak in 7-3 win, head to NY with NLCS tied 1-1Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos homered as the New York Mets stopped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ record-tying postseason scoreless streak in a 7-3 victory, tying the NL Championship Series at a game apiece.
Dodgers tie postseason mark of 33 straight scoreless innings, top Mets 9-0 in NLCS opener
Read full article: Dodgers tie postseason mark of 33 straight scoreless innings, top Mets 9-0 in NLCS openerJack Flaherty combined on a three-hitter and Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers tied the postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings by routing the New York Mets 9-0 Sunday night in the NL Championship Series opener.
Tigers tap Keider Montero to open ALDS Game 3, with manager A.J. Hinch seeking more bullpen magic
Read full article: Tigers tap Keider Montero to open ALDS Game 3, with manager A.J. Hinch seeking more bullpen magicThe Detroit Tigers plan to put right-hander Keider Montero on the mound against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of their AL Division Series on Wednesday, when one team will earn an edge in the best-of-five series.
Dodgers manager Roberts says it's 'bothersome' that Machado seemed to throw ball at him in dugout
Read full article: Dodgers manager Roberts says it's 'bothersome' that Machado seemed to throw ball at him in dugoutLos Angeles manager Dave Roberts says it was “bothersome” that a ball San Diego third baseman Manny Machado threw into the Dodgers dugout seemed intended for him during the Padres’ 10-2 win in Game 2 of their NL Division Series.
Dodger Stadium fans toss balls and trash on field, interrupt Padres' 10-2 win that evens NLDS
Read full article: Dodger Stadium fans toss balls and trash on field, interrupt Padres' 10-2 win that evens NLDSFans threw baseballs in the direction of San Diego left fielder Jurickson Profar and then tossed trash that caused a lengthy delay before the Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2 and to even their NL Division Series at a game apiece.
Tossed balls from stands, apparently aimed at Profar, interrupt Padres' win in NLDS Game 2
Read full article: Tossed balls from stands, apparently aimed at Profar, interrupt Padres' win in NLDS Game 2Dodger Stadium fans tossed baseballs, apparently at San Diego left fielder Jurickson Profar, and then threw trash that caused a 12-minute wait between pitches during the seventh inning of NL Division Series Game 2.
Dodgers to start Jack Flaherty in Game 1 of NLDS, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set for Game 2
Read full article: Dodgers to start Jack Flaherty in Game 1 of NLDS, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set for Game 2Jack Flaherty will start Game 1 of this weekend’s National League Division Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto set for Game 2.
Ohtani hits 46th homer to tie career high, Dodgers beat Guardians 4-0 in record-tying heat
Read full article: Ohtani hits 46th homer to tie career high, Dodgers beat Guardians 4-0 in record-tying heatShohei Ohtani hit his 46th home run of the season to tie his career high, Jack Flaherty pitched another gem and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-0 on Sunday in record-tying heat.
D-backs add slugger Josh Bell, Orioles acquire left-hander Trevor Rogers before deadline
Read full article: D-backs add slugger Josh Bell, Orioles acquire left-hander Trevor Rogers before deadlineThe Los Angeles Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, San Diego added All-Star closer Tanner Scott, and Arizona, Baltimore and Pittsburgh made significant deals for the stretch run ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Shelby Miller and Tigers agree to $3.25M, 1-year contract that could be worth $11M for 2 years
Read full article: Shelby Miller and Tigers agree to $3.25M, 1-year contract that could be worth $11M for 2 yearsRight-hander Shelby Miller agreed to a $3.25 million, one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, a deal that includes a team option for 2025 and performance bonuses that could be worth up to $11 million over two seasons if he closes regularly.
Kyle Tucker's 9th-inning grand slam off Félix Bautista lifts Astros to 7-6 victory over Orioles
Read full article: Kyle Tucker's 9th-inning grand slam off Félix Bautista lifts Astros to 7-6 victory over OriolesKyle Tucker’s grand slam off Félix Bautista in the top of the ninth inning gave the Houston Astros a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Pujols hits 703rd HR to pass Babe for 2nd in RBI; Cards lose
Read full article: Pujols hits 703rd HR to pass Babe for 2nd in RBI; Cards loseAlbert Pujols hit his 703rd home run, breaking a tie with Babe Ruth for second place in career RBIs, but the St. Louis Cardinals lost to Pittsburgh 3-2 when the Pirates drew four consecutive walks in the ninth inning to force home the winning run.
Donovan's grand slam carries Cardinals over Padres 5-4
Read full article: Donovan's grand slam carries Cardinals over Padres 5-4Brendan Donovan hit a grand slam in the seventh inning to lead Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 victory against the San Diego Padres, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Snell brilliant for 7, Padres beat Pujols, Cardinals 1-0
Read full article: Snell brilliant for 7, Padres beat Pujols, Cardinals 1-0Blake Snell held St. Louis hitless until Albert Pujols beat the shift for a single with two outs in the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the NL Central-leading Cardinals 1-0.
Pujols hits 696th HR, ties A-Rod for 4th; Cards beat Pirates
Read full article: Pujols hits 696th HR, ties A-Rod for 4th; Cards beat PiratesAlbert Pujols hit his 696th home run, tying Alex Rodriguez for fourth place on the career list, and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-5.
Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs Cubs
Read full article: Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs CubsAlbert Pujols hit his 695th career home run in the eighth inning and Miles Mikolas tossed eight scoreless innings to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0.
Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0
Read full article: Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0Albert Pujols hit career homer No. 693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 for their season-high eighth straight victory.
Pujols hits grand slam, leads Wainwright, Cards over Rockies
Read full article: Pujols hits grand slam, leads Wainwright, Cards over RockiesAlbert Pujols launched a pinch-hit grand slam and drove in five runs, Adam Wainwright pitched seven sharp innings and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Colorado Rockies 13-0 for a three-game sweep.
Burnes, Brewers blank Cards 2-0, move alone atop NL Central
Read full article: Burnes, Brewers blank Cards 2-0, move alone atop NL CentralCorbin Burnes pitched seven dominant innings, Tyrone Taylor hit a two-run homer and the Milwaukee Brewers regained sole possession of first place in the NL Central with a 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
A strike away: Mikolas just short of no-hitter for Cardinals
Read full article: A strike away: Mikolas just short of no-hitter for CardinalsMiles Mikolas was one strike from a no-hitter when he gave up a double to Cal Mitchell with two outs in the ninth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 to sweep a doubleheader.
Hader 37th straight scoreless appearance, Brews beat Cards
Read full article: Hader 37th straight scoreless appearance, Brews beat CardsJosh Hader escaped a ninth-inning jam in his 37th straight scoreless appearance and the Milwaukee Brewers held off the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 for their third straight win.
Waino, O'Neill lift Cards over Pirates in Pujols' return
Read full article: Waino, O'Neill lift Cards over Pirates in Pujols' returnAdam Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings, Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high five, and the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated Albert Pujols’ return with a 9-0 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cardinals' Pujols to make 22nd consecutive opening day start
Read full article: Cardinals' Pujols to make 22nd consecutive opening day startAlbert Pujols will be in the starting lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he begins his final big league season Thursday in what should be an emotional return to Busch Stadium.
Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4
Read full article: Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4The surging St. Louis Cardinals emphatically matched a team record with their 14th straight win, pounding the Chicago Cubs 12-4 in the second game of a doubleheader behind Tyler O’Neill’s three-run homer and a pair of solo shots by Lars Nootbaar.
Cards win 11th in row, best streak since 2001; stall Brewers
Read full article: Cards win 11th in row, best streak since 2001; stall BrewersPaul Goldschmidt and Tyler O’Neill homered as the St. Louis Cardinals won their 11th straight game, extending their lead for the second NL wild-card spot and beating the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 10-2.
Cards win 10th in row, beat Brewers to extend wild-card lead
Read full article: Cards win 10th in row, beat Brewers to extend wild-card leadCardinals closer Giovanny Gallegos fanned pinch-hitter Pablo Reyes for the final out and St. Louis won its 10th straight game, increasing its playoff lead by holding off the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 2-1.
Cardinals power past Mets 11-4 for 3-game sweep
Read full article: Cardinals power past Mets 11-4 for 3-game sweepPaul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado each hit one of St. Louis’ four homers, and the Cardinals flashed some fantastic outfield defense in beating the New York Mets 11-4 for their fifth straight victory.
LeBlanc hurt, bullpen carries load as Cards edge Pirates 7-6
Read full article: LeBlanc hurt, bullpen carries load as Cards edge Pirates 7-6Six St. Louis relievers combined to allow three runs in seven innings, Paul DeJong and Lars Nootbaar homered, and the Cardinals hung on to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6 on Thursday, completing a three-game sweep.
Reyes 2 HRs, drive almost hits bicyclist, Indians top Cards
Read full article: Reyes 2 HRs, drive almost hits bicyclist, Indians top CardsFranmil Reyes homered twice, including a second-inning blast that bounced out of Progressive Field and almost dinged a bicyclist pedaling past on the street, and the Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2.
LEADING OFF: Cards' Flaherty out, Manoah up, Lou Gehrig Day
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Cards' Flaherty out, Manoah up, Lou Gehrig DayThe St. Louis Cardinals will need to re-do their rotation now that ace Jack Flaherty will be sidelined for a while with what manager Mike Shildt termed a “significant” oblique injury.
Taylor's clutch hit caps 14-pitch at-bat, Dodgers deck Cards
Read full article: Taylor's clutch hit caps 14-pitch at-bat, Dodgers deck CardsChris Taylor drove in three runs with a tiebreaking double that capped a 14-pitch at-bat in the sixth inning, rallying the Los Angeles Dodgers past the St. Louis Cardinals 9-4 to snap a three-game skid.
LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers, Tribe plays 2, deGrom at night
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers, Tribe plays 2, deGrom at nightThe finale of an entertaining four-game series between longtime rivals features an excellent pitching matchup Sunday at Dodger Stadium between Giants right-hander Kevin Gausman and Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw.
Giolito, White Sox beat Flaherty, Cards 8-3 in HS reunion
Read full article: Giolito, White Sox beat Flaherty, Cards 8-3 in HS reunionLucas Giolito beat Jack Flaherty in a major league matchup of former high school teammates, leading the Chicago White Sox to an 8-3 victory over the sloppy St. Louis Cardinals.
La Russa a winner vs old team, White Sox beat Cardinals 5-1
Read full article: La Russa a winner vs old team, White Sox beat Cardinals 5-1White Sox manager Tony La Russa wound up a winner in his first game against the team that ensured his Hall of Fame induction as Chicago beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 behind Lance Lynn’s arm and Andrew Vaughn’s bat.
LEADING OFF: Crowds back on opening day, Cole starts season
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Crowds back on opening day, Cole starts seasonEARLY TESTSThe Washington Nationals will be short-handed due to a positive coronavirus test for the second straight season opener. General manager Mike Rizzo did not reveal who the five players were, and the only certainty as of Wednesday night was that opening day starter Max Scherzer wasn't one of them. The Nationals did not have any players test positive during spring training prior to that. But in a what-are-the-odds moment, all three are set to start on opening day. To be pitching the same day as those guys is pretty cool.”MITTS AND MITTENSNolan Arenado, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera will be wearing gloves on opening day.
LEADING OFF: Crowds back on opening day, Cole starts season
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Crowds back on opening day, Cole starts seasonAll 30 teams are scheduled to be in action, with Gerrit Cole set to throw the first pitch of the season against Toronto at Yankee Stadium. A year after no fans were allowed during the virus-shortened 60-game season, every stadium is open, in varying degrees as teams adhere to coronavirus protocols. But in a what-are-the-odds moment, all three are set to start on opening day. To be pitching the same day as those guys is pretty cool.”AdMITTS AND MITTENSNolan Arenado, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera will be wearing gloves on opening day. Rain is in the forecast along the East Coast, which could affect games at Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and Nationals Park.
Chisox star Jiménez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailing
Read full article: Chisox star Jiménez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailingSixto Sánchez made his third start, yielding a run on three hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Austin Gomber gave up five runs on eight hits, four of them home runs, 5 1/3 innings. Arizona starter Luke Weaver struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. Right-hander Adbert Alzolay continued to struggle for Chicago, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings. BREWERS 2, GIANTS 2Brett Anderson pitched two-run ball over 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and striking out three for Milwaukee.
Diamondbacks' Gallen has sore forearm, might miss opener
Read full article: Diamondbacks' Gallen has sore forearm, might miss openerSETBACK IN THE BULLPENBlue Jays right-hander Kirby Yates will miss several weeks because of a strained muscle in his forearm. He allowed one run and five hits, striking out five without a walk. Ross Stripling struck out seven and walked none in 3 2/3 innings, but gave up three runs and five hits. Bryan Abreu, a top Astros pitching prospect who turns 24 next month, started and pitched three perfect innings, striking out four. Baltimore starter John Means allowed four hits and walked three over 3 2/3 innings, striking out three.
Spring games begin with fans, new faces, moment for Mancini
Read full article: Spring games begin with fans, new faces, moment for ManciniAdJazz Chisholm of the Marlins and Adam Haseley of the Phillies did even better — they led off games with home runs. Mancini took off his helmet to acknowledge a standing ovation that included the fans, the Orioles and the Pirates. Marco Gonzales made his first spring start for Seattle, allowing two hits and an unearned run in two innings. Center fielder Trent Grisham, coming off his first Gold Glove last season, doubled and scored a run for San Diego. Top prospect Jeter Downs had a two-run home run and RBI single, while Michael Chavis hit a solo shot.
Happ beats Cubs in arbitration; teams finish with 5-4 record
Read full article: Happ beats Cubs in arbitration; teams finish with 5-4 recordHapp asked for a raise from $624,000 to $4.1 million during a Zoom session Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, and the Cubs argued he should be paid $3.25 million. Teams finished with a 5-4 advantage in cases that went to a hearing, their second straight winning record after two consecutive years in which players had an advantage. A day after hearing arguments, arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch decided in favor of Happ's figure rather than the team's $3.25 million. St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) also won their cases. Teams beat Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), San Francisco infielder Donovan Solano ($3.25 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D.
Braves beat shortstop Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration
Read full article: Braves beat shortstop Dansby Swanson in salary arbitrationAtlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, center, is unable to make the throw as Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, left, breaks up the double play as Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) is shown during the fourth inning in Game 6 Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, for the best-of-seven National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)The Atlanta Braves beat Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration, and the shortstop will earn $6 million rather than his request for $6.7 million. The 27-year-old Swanson hit .274 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs last season in an NL-high 237 at-bats. Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) won, as did St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million) and Tampa Bay first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million). Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million) lost.
MLB players to wear electronic tracers, face discipline
Read full article: MLB players to wear electronic tracers, face discipline(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)NEW YORK – Major League Baseball players, on-field staff and non-playing personnel who require access to them at ballparks must wear electronic tracing wristbands from the start of spring training and face discipline for violations. However, MLB and the MLBPA will strongly encourage players to undergo vaccination at the appropriate time,” the manual states. PCR testing will take place at least every other day starting in spring training and continue as long as a player's team advances until the postseason ends. Players and of-field staff will again be required to wear masks at ballparks, except for players in games, and pitchers and catchers warming up in bullpens. Any spring training game may end in a tie.
MLB renews 7-inning doubleheaders, runners on 2nd in extras
Read full article: MLB renews 7-inning doubleheaders, runners on 2nd in extrasThe deal did not include last year’s experimental rule to extend the designated hitter to the National League or expanded playoffs. After allowing 16 teams in the postseason last year instead of 10, MLB had proposed 14 for this year before withdrawing that plan last month. “We’re comfortable with both rules,” San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler wrote in a text to the AP. About 12% of games were part of doubleheaders, the highest percentage since 13.6 in 1978. “I actually liked both the seven-inning doubleheaders and the runner on second,” Oakland manager Bob Melvin wrote in a text to the AP.
Mets' Davis, O's Santander lose arbitration, Rays' Choi wins
Read full article: Mets' Davis, O's Santander lose arbitration, Rays' Choi winsFILE - In this Aug. 29, 2020, file photo, New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis and the Mets argued the first of 13 scheduled salary arbitration cases this month. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)NEW YORK – The New York Mets defeated third baseman and outfielder J.D. Davis, the Baltimore Orioles beat outfielder Anthony Santander and first baseman Ji-Man Choi defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the first three of 13 scheduled salary arbitration cases this month. Santander gets a raise from $572,500 to $2.1 million rather than his $2,475,000 request, the same figures exchanged by Davis and the Mets.
On Baseball: MLB work stoppage in 2022 increasingly likely
Read full article: On Baseball: MLB work stoppage in 2022 increasingly likely(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)NEW YORK – A work stoppage at the start of spring training 2022 seems increasingly likely after baseball players refused to negotiate with owners over a one-month delay for this spring training and regular season. “I hope we don't have a work stoppage. Clark said in an email he was not more worried about a work stoppage because of the current state of relations and that player anger at club behavior did not frame the relationship. AdSince the last baseball work stoppage, the NFL had a preseason lockout in 2011, and the NBA had lockouts that cut 1998-99 to 50 games per team and 2011-12 to 66 games per team. Publicly, baseball players and owners say they have to work together.
MLB to start on time after players reject delay
Read full article: MLB to start on time after players reject delayMajor League Baseball players rejected a proposal to delay the start of spring training and the season due to the coronavirus pandemic, vowing Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, to report under the original schedule. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)NEW YORK – Major League Baseball will proceed with an on-time start to spring training and the season after players rejected a plan Monday night to delay reporting by a more than a month. “We were able to complete a 2020 season through Herculean efforts and sacrifices made by our players, club staff and MLB staff to protect one another,” MLB said. MLB believed the virus situation would improve during the month delay. Players know first-hand the efforts that were required to complete the abbreviated 2020 season, and we appreciate that significant challenges lie ahead.
Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money deals
Read full article: Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money dealsLindor, the star shortstop acquired last week by the New York Mets from Cleveland, got the largest of the deals at $22.3 million. Bellinger and Seager got big raises after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win their first World Series title since 1988. He asked for a raise from $8 million to $12.5 million, and the Astros offered $9.75 million. Ace pitcher Walker Buehler asked for $4.15 million and was offered $3.3 million, and catcher Austin Barnes asked for $2 million and was offered $1.5 million. Also exchanging were New York Mets third baseman-outfielder J.D.
White Sox say they understand 'seriousness' La Russa case
Read full article: White Sox say they understand 'seriousness' La Russa case(AP Photo/File)CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox are sticking with new manager Tony La Russa for now, saying they understand the “seriousness” of his latest drunk driving case and will have more to say once it plays out in court. The White Sox were aware of the case when they hired him. He is friends with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and started his managing career with the White Sox during the 1979 season. The White Sox made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and ended a string of seven losing seasons with a 35-25 record. The White Sox plan to hire Ethan Katz as their pitching coach, a person familiar with the situation said on Thursday.
9 Padres pitchers blank Cardinals 4-0 in Game 3, reach NLDS
Read full article: 9 Padres pitchers blank Cardinals 4-0 in Game 3, reach NLDSSan Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after the Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 in Game 3 of a National League wild-card baseball series Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in San Diego. San Diego became the first team in baseball history to use eight or more pitchers in three straight postseason games. The Padres rewarded their long-suffering fans by winning one of the most meaningful games of any kind in San Diego in a long time. The city’s only major professional championship remains the San Diego Chargers’ 1963 AFL title. The Padres lost 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers in the 1984 World Series and were swept by the New York Yankees in the 1998 Fall Classic.
Tatis, Myers homer twice, Padres stay alive with 11-9 win
Read full article: Tatis, Myers homer twice, Padres stay alive with 11-9 win(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO – Fernando Tatis Jr. had been waiting for a breakout game, and boy did “El Niño” get it. Wil Myers also homered twice and Manny Machado connected, but Tatis — with his signature exuberance and flair — was the one who carried the party at empty Petco Park. It was the 23rd comeback win of 2020 for the close-knit Padres, who have pushed each other all year. “I feel like we needed that big swing for the entire team to get us going," Tatis said of his first homer. It was the Padres’ first postseason win at Petco Park, which opened in 2004.
Lots of unfamiliar territory in 2020 baseball playoffs
Read full article: Lots of unfamiliar territory in 2020 baseball playoffsLos Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts flies out to right field during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Los Angeles. Welcome to the first round of the 2020 playoffs, a class with an unusual amount of homework — and precious little room for error. After the pandemic-shortened regular season was limited to regional play, seven of the eight wild-card series involve teams that haven't played any meaningful games against each other since last year. “It’s like the old days, man, when you played a team you’ve never played before. That means a lot of video and scouting work before the AL playoffs begin Tuesday and the NL postseason starts Wednesday.
LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked in
Read full article: LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked inThe Marlins, Phillies, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers and Giants are the top teams still in contention -- and they’re packed tightly with slots available for one team from the NL East, another from the NL Central and then two wild cards. The Mets (26-31) and Rockies (25-31) are mathematically eligible but need to win out just to have a shot. AL-MOST OVEROnly one playoff spot remains open in the AL, and Michael Brantley and the Astros are on the verge of clinching it. The Twins are trying to seal the AL Central. The Chisox have lost five in a row, dropping them out of the AL Central lead and one game behind Minnesota.
Wieters has 19-pitch at-bat as Cardinals split DH with Twins
Read full article: Wieters has 19-pitch at-bat as Cardinals split DH with TwinsSt. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader celebrates after scoring during the third inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS Backup catcher Matt Wieters acknowledges he might have to get in better shape for the St. Louis Cardinals. Wieters hit 14 foul balls during a grueling 19-pitch at-bat that finished with a deep flyout with the bases loaded during a wild rally that sent the Cardinals over the Minnesota Twins 6-4 Tuesday night for a doubleheader split. Wieters set the Cardinals record for a plate appearance in that span, topping 17 pitches seen by Rick Ankiel in 2008. Everyone says St. Louis is a baseball town, and my father absolutely was a baseball guy.
LEADING OFF: A's back in action after 4 virus postponements
Read full article: LEADING OFF: A's back in action after 4 virus postponementsChicago Cubs' Yu Darvish throws in the first inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. Oakland returns to the Coliseum as Jess Luzardo (2-1, 3.74 ERA) faces Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres. General manager David Forst said Mengden is asymptomatic and was placed on the 10-day injured list. CHECK HIMThe Astros will see how second Jose Altuves knee is feeling, a day after he made an early exit. Asked if his tribute is going to become a regular thing for the rest of the season, the typically low-key Reynolds provided a typically low-key response.
LEADING OFF: Cards, Brews try again after virus postponement
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Cards, Brews try again after virus postponementThe Cardinals will see if they can begin their series at Milwaukee after St. Louis became the latest team to get shut down by the coronavirus. The Brewers home opener was postponed Friday because two Cardinals players tested positive for COVID-19. TV Show suggestions please, tweeted Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty, who had been scheduled to start. Max Scherzer and the World Series champs wont play again until hosting the New York Mets on Tuesday. San Diegos plus-19 run differential (52 runs scored/33 allowed) is its second best through eight games in team history.
LEADING OFF: Yelich, Springer slumping, Blue Jays wandering
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Yelich, Springer slumping, Blue Jays wanderingYelich also has struck out 12 times going into the series opener at home against Jack Flaherty and the Cardinals. Former World Series MVP George Springer (.048), two-time batting champ Jose Altuve (.174) and former All-Star Game MVP Alex Bregman (.174) will look to break loose when the Astros visit the Angels. TORONTOS TRAVELSVladimir Guerrero Jr. and the wandering Blue Jays will figure out where to spend this weekend after a three-game series in Philadelphia was called off because two Phillies staffers tested positive for the virus. Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and the Jays will stay in DC and work out at Nationals Park. The Blue Jays eventually will play home games in Buffalo at the stadium of their Triple-A affiliate.
Astros at Dodgers, Field of Dreams highlight MLB schedule
Read full article: Astros at Dodgers, Field of Dreams highlight MLB scheduleTHURSDAY, JULY 23New York Yankees at Washington Nationals: Baseball begins again with a star-studded matchup in a city that knows a little something about expectations and power. Juan Soto and Washington open their title defense after winning the World Series for the first time in franchise history. While Atlanta was eliminated by St. Louis in the NL Division Series, Washington took home the championship. The ace lefty spent his first 11 seasons with the Giants, winning the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The loaded Dodgers, who acquired Mookie Betts in a Feb. 10 trade with Boston, are aiming for their first World Series championship since 1988.