ADAM DUVALL

Braves Duvall Baseball FILE - Atlanta Braves' Adam Duvall hits a grand slam home run during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves tendered a contract to slugger Adam Duvall, ensuring the National League RBI leader returns to the World Series-winning club for another season. The tendering of Duvall by the Tuesday night, Nov. 30, deadline was among a flurry of moves for the Braves. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (John Bazemore)NEW YORK — (AP) — A full postseason share on the World Series champion Atlanta Braves totaled $397,391 from a record player pool of $90.47 million. Major League Baseball never announced 2020 postseason shares following a postseason in which most games were played without fans because of the pandemic and limited crowds were allowed for NL Championship Series and World Series games in Arlington, Texas.

A full postseason share on the World Series champion Atlanta Braves totaled $397,391 from a record player pool of $90.47 million.

The Atlanta Braves tendered a contract to slugger Adam Duvall, ensuring the National League RBI leader returns to the World Series-winning club for another season. The tendering of Duvall by the Tuesday night deadline was among a flurry of moves for the Braves, who also reached contract agreements with bench players Orlando Arcia and Guillermo Heredia. The club did not offer 2022 contracts to pitchers Richard Rodriguez and infielder Johan Camargo, making them free agents.

ATLANTA — (AP) — The World Series champion Atlanta Braves added depth at catcher by signing Manny Piña to a two-year, $8 million contract Monday. Piña is the first player filing for free agency after the World Series to sign with a different club. He joins starting Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who agreed to a two-year, $16 million extension during the season that includes an $8 million club option for 2024. D;Arnaud and Piña give Braves a couple of veteran catchers to hold down the position while top prospect Shea Langeliers gets additional seasoning the minors. Piña agreed to donate 1% of his earnings in each year of his contract to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

The World Series champion Atlanta Braves have added depth at catcher by signing Manny Piña to a two-year, $8 million contract.

Alex Anthopoulos and his family settled on unusual ways to be festive after the Braves' general manager was forced to quarantine at home with COVID-19 as his team ended Atlanta’s 26-year championship drought in the big four major sports.

Pitcher Wade Miley was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs from Cincinnati on Friday, a surprising cost-cutting move by the Reds.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Pitcher Wade Miley was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs from Cincinnati on Friday, a surprising cost-cutting move by the Reds. His $15 million, two-year contract includes a $10 million option for next season with a $1 million buyout. The Indians declined a $7 million option on catcher Roberto Pérez, who gets a $450,000 buyout. San Francisco declined right-hander Johnny Cueto's $22 million option and must pay a $5 million buyout to complete a $130 million, six-year contract. The Giants exercised options on left-hander José Álvarez ($1.5 million) and outfielder Wilmer Flores ($3.5 million).

Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman’s future is the most pressing offseason issue facing the Braves, who beat the Houston Astros to cap an improbable run to their first World Series title since 1995.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves right fielder Joc Pederson, from left, third baseman Austin Riley and shortstop Dansby Swanson react during the ninth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Surely after Adam Duvall launched one into the tabled seats in right field for a grand slam in the very first inning, the Atlanta Braves would be celebrating their first World Series title since 1995. The shell-shocked fans headed out into the Battery shopping mall in no mood to party like they had the previous two nights. If we win the World Series, it doesn’t matter where it is. — The Braves, again, wasting a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year's NL Championship Series.

Atlanta now leads series 3-games-to-2 but failed to win title in front of their home crowd, as the series now heads back to Houston for at least a sixth game.

Atlanta was denied a hometown celebration when the Houston Astros rallied from an early 4-0 deficit for a 9-5 win over the Braves in Game 5 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman celebrates with Ozzie Albies after a home run during the third inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Jose Altuve reached leading off the third when Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson committed his second error of the World Series, and Davidson then walked Michael Brantley. The homer was his first of the World Series and his sixth career go-ahead homer in the postseason, passing Chipper Jones for most in franchise history. Bregman had been 1 for 14 in this World Series with five strikeouts. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Alex Bregman hits a RBI-double during the second inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Bregman had been 1 for 14 in this World Series with five strikeouts. ___8:35 p.m.Adam Duvall hit a first-inning grand slam off Framber Valdez, and the Atlanta Braves took a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros as they tried to finish off the World Series in five games. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Adam Duvall watches his grand slam home run during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):8:35 p.m.Adam Duvall hit a first-inning grand slam off Framber Valdez, and the Atlanta Braves took a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros as they tried to finish off the World Series in five games. Both teams took batting practice for the first time in Atlanta this weekend, and the sky was clear for World Series Game 5 as the Braves tried to win their first title since 1995. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

Carlos Correa had three hits, Martin Maldonado found three different ways to drive in runs and pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez blooped a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fifth inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 9-5 and cut their World Series deficit to three games to two.

There are plenty of stars at this World Series, from Freddie Freeman to Jose Altuve.

Dansby Swanson picked a good time to drive in his first run of the World Series.

(Kevin M. Cox/The Galveston County Daily News via AP) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros (all times local):___3:55 p.m.Eddie Rosario has been moved to the leadoff spot for the Atlanta Braves against Houston right-hander José Urquidy in Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night. The Houston Astros are starting José Siri in center field instead of Chas McCormick for Game 2 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury. ___2:15 p.m.Left-hander Tucker Davidson has replaced injured pitcher Charlie Morton on the Atlanta Braves’ World Series roster. Major League Baseball announced the move before Game 2 between the Braves and Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Eddie Rosario, right, is congratulated by Atlanta Braves' Joc Pederson after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. “This isn’t going to define our season, this series,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said that night at New York’s Citi Field. Rosario, Duvall and Pederson combined to drive in 17 of Atlanta’s 28 runs in its six-game NL Championship Series win over the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Rosario was selected MVP as the Braves advanced to a World Series matchup against the Houston Astros starting Tuesday night. Rosario made his Braves debut on Aug. 28, and hit .271 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 96 at-bats.

The Atlanta Braves are in the World Series in no small part thanks to the trades general manager Alex Anthopoulos made during the season.

Eddie Rosario's hot bat led the Atlanta Braves to a World Series matchup with the Houston Astros and earned him the NL Championship Series MVP award.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Adam Duvall celebrates his solo home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of baseball's National League Championship Series Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. The left fielder has hit in every game of this postseason, collecting 14 hits so far. Justin Turner singled for their first hit of the game and Cody Bellinger followed with a single and stolen base. Freeman's RBI double in the ninth made it 6-2 before Rosario went deep. The Dodgers planned a bullpen game, a strategy they've used twice this postseason, going 1-1 in those games.

(AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns says nobody has been able to figure out the cause of Christian Yelich’s hitting struggles over the past couple of seasons. “I think if we did, if Christian knew exactly what happened, it’s easier to solve,” Stearns said Friday during a news conference wrapping up the Brewers’ season. “With some of Christian’s struggles this year, he still helped and contributed to a 95-win team,” Stearns said. “I think that’s important to note. The fate of the Milwaukee Brewers is not on Christian Yelich’s shoulders.

Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns says nobody has been able to figure out the cause of Christian Yelich’s hitting struggles over the past couple of seasons.

Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston’s Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.

The Atlanta Braves have captured their fourth straight NL East championship.

Braves Diamondbacks Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman high fives Ozzie Albies (1) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Phoenix. Albies became the third player to reach 30 home runs for the Braves this season, joining Riley (31) and Freeman (31). Albies hit a sacrifice fly to left and Riley beat out an infield hit with Freeman advancing to third. Duvall then hit what appeared to be his 38th homer of the season. But Riley, thinking McCarthy had the ball in his glove, retreated to first base as Duvall passed him between first and second.

Ian Anderson pitched two-hit ball over six-plus innings and Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman homered as the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2.

Adam Duvall passed teammate Austin Riley while running the bases after a drive over the wall in left-center, costing the Atlanta Braves slugger his 38th homer of the season. Duvall was ultimately credited with a two-run single on the bizarre first-inning play against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It happened because Riley thought the ball had been caught.

Braves Diamondbacks Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman high fives Austin Riley (27) after scoring on a double hit by Ozzie Albies during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. The two worst teams in the majors this season are currently having a big effect on the NL East race. The Diamondbacks led 3-2 heading to the fifth but the Braves responded with a huge inning, scoring seven runs while sending 12 batters to the plate. Duvall has also added plenty of punch since coming to the Braves in a midseason trade with the Marlins. PITCHER IN A PINCHThe Braves used pitcher Max Fried as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.

Austin Riley had three doubles and three RBIs, Adam Duvall added a two-run homer and the Atlanta Braves extended their lead in the NL East by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-4.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Julio Urías earned his major league-leading 15th victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers slugged four homers to beat Atlanta 5-3 Monday night, ending the Braves' franchise-record 13-game road winning streak. Urías (15-3) retired his first 12 batters before the Braves finally broke through in the fifth. UP NEXTBraves: RHP Charlie Morton (12-5, 3.60 ERA) beat the Dodgers on June 5, allowing four runs and four hits in five innings. He twice beat the Braves last season in the NLCS, allowing one run over a combined 11 innings.

Freddie Freeman hit for the cycle for the second time and the surging Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 11-9.

Now this truly was an All-Star trade deadline day.

APTOPIX Marlins Phillies Baseball Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto’s two-run 10th-inning homer gave the Phillies a 4-2 win in the conclusion to Saturday’s suspended game. In the regularly scheduled game, Realmuto followed a second-inning RBI single with an opposite-field single that scored Travis Jankowski in the eighth that added to the lead. The Marlins' lead held until the bottom of the fifth. McCutchen connected on a first-pitch Braxton Garrett curveball for a solo shot that chased the Marlins starting pitcher and cut the Miami lead to 4-3.

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Christian Arroyo hit a two-run single in Boston’s three-run fourth inning, and the Red Sox took advantage of Miami’s shoddy play to hold off the Marlins 5-3 for their fifth straight victory.

Playing their first game in a rejuvenated Fenway Park since the state dropped limits on crowds during the coronavirus pandemic, Nathan Eovaldi went 5 1/3 scoreless innings and the Boston Red Sox beat the Miami Marlins 3-1.

Gio Urshela of the New York Yankees was the beneficiary of a mix-up over the count, drawing a walk after only three balls.

(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)MIAMI – Three months into the job, Kim Ng will finally get to see her team. Miami Marlins pitchers and catchers hold their first workout Thursday at the team's spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida. And Ng, hired in November as the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, will be watching. She made offseason moves to improve the team as she was still learning about it. Young pitching is the Marlins' strength, both at the major league level and in the minors.

The total cut was one more than the previous high at the tender deadline, ahead of the 2004 season. Schwarber earned $2,596,296 in prorated pay from his $7.01 million salary last season but hit .188 with 11 homers in 59 games, down from 38 homers, 92 RBIs and a .250 batting average in 155 games in 2019. Schwarber returned from a serious knee injury and hit .412 with two RBIs in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Fifty-nine players agreed to one-year contracts ahead of the deadline, many of them facing a threat of being cut. Minnesota reached deals with five players, including pitcher José Berríos ($500,000 signing bonus plus $5.6 million salary) and center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000).

Los Angeles Dodgers' Corey Seager celebrates his two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game 5 of a baseball National League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Game 6 is Saturday afternoon, with a pitching rematch from the series opener: lefty Max Fried for the Braves and right-hander Walker Buehler for the Dodgers. Minter struck out seven of the 10 batters he faced as the first pitcher in MLB history whose first start came in a postseason game. The fourth-year big leaguer became the first pitcher — starter or reliever — with seven strikeouts in three innings or fewer in a postseason game. But the Dodgers challenged that Ozuna that left third base early — and it became the Braves third out instead of their third run.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start Tuesday due to back spasms. The team still expects he'll be able to pitch later in the series, but it will be Urías in Game 3 against Braves rookie Kyle Wright. Urías, already pitching in his fourth postseason, was the winner in relief in the Game 3 clincher last Thursday against San Diego during the Division Series. There have been 14 teams take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, and all have gone on to win the pennant. He’ll pitch in AL Championship Series Game 4 against Houston on four days’ rest.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Atlanta Braves fans were still doing tomahawk-chop chants as they filed out of the stadium, real people who replaced the cardboard cutouts players got so accustomed to this season. One game, but a big boost for the Braves in their first National League Championship Series since 2001. “It was awesome — fun to play in front of fans again,” Braves slugger Freddie Freeman said. Riley became the youngest player with a go-ahead homer in the ninth inning of a postseason game or later since Braves star Chipper Jones in 1995. Dodgers: Kershaw, the ace lefty from nearby Dallas, has 19 strikeouts in his two starts this postseason — both wins.

I’m sure he’ll do that.”The Astros have also had a lousy go with runners on base. THE KID AND THE ACEOff to an impressive start in his first postseason, Atlanta rookie Ian Anderson faces Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series. CHANGE OF SOXAfter ending a 12-year playoff drought, the Chicago White Sox are looking for a new manager. The club announced Monday that Renteria won’t return after guiding the White Sox to a 35-25 record in his pandemic-shortened fourth season. Hahn said Renteria’s replacement probably will come from outside the White Sox.

Atlanta Braves players celebrate after defeating the Miami Marlins in Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Houston. And even those future Hall of Famers didn't throw the way these Braves have this postseason. Wright (1-0) was sharp despite not pitching since Sept. 25, allowing three hits and walking two with a career-high seven strikeouts. Atlanta became the second team in history to throw four shutouts in the first five playoff games, joining the 1905 New York Giants behind Hall of Famers Christy Mathewson and Joe McGinnity. D’Arnaud knocked a double off the bullpen in right-center to send two home and extend the lead to 3-0.

HOUSTON – Some confusion over the count cost the Atlanta Braves a baserunner early in their victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Pablo López threw four balls to Atlanta's Adam Duvall in the second inning, but Duvall wasn't awarded first. Duvall came to bat immediately after Dansby Swanson's home run gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in Game 2 of the NL Division Series. After Duvall took a low pitch for what should have been ball three, plate umpire Dan Bellino signaled that it was a 2-2 count. The Braves went on to a 2-0 victory anyway and lead the series 2-0.

Atlanta Braves' Marcell Ozuna (20) hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of a National League wild-card baseball series, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – It had been so long since the Atlanta Braves won a postseason series, Marcell Ozuna wanted to make sure he captured the moment. Anderson struck out nine in six innings as the Braves snapped their record-tying string of losses in 10 consecutive postseason rounds since their last playoff series win in 2001. Bauer struck out 12 in 7 2/3 scoreless innings in the Reds' Game 1 loss. Braves: After sitting out the final two regular-season games with a sore quadriceps, Riley had no setback in the series opener.

RingCentral Coliseum stands under skies darkened by wildfire smoke before the Oakland Athletics' baseball game against the Houston Astros in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. The smell of the fires wafted over the stadium as San Francisco hosted Seattle on Wednesday night and ash fell inside the ballpark this week when Oakland played. NOT SO HOTYankees star Gerrit Cole tries to end his three-game losing streak when he starts at home against Baltimore. MISSING YOUThe defending World Series champion Nationals will be without October star Howie Kendrick for a while. Last season, Kendrick was the MVP of the NL Championship Series and hit the go-ahead homer in Game 7 of the World Series.

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA Adam Duvall drove in nine runs with three homers, including a grand slam, and the Atlanta Braves obliterated their franchise scoring record in a 29-9 romp over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night. The Braves had 23 hits, including seven homers, to score the most runs in their history in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. The old Atlanta record was 20 runs, most recently against the Marlins on Oct. 5, 2001. Freeman hit second, d'Arnaud hit fourth and Albies hit eighth. Marlins second baseman Isan Daz was optioned to the teams alternate training site in Jupiter, Florida.

Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies, left and Ronald Acuna Jr. walk to dugout after scoring during the fourth inning the team's a baseball game against the Miami Marlins Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA The Braves have set the franchise record for runs in a game, and they needed only six innings to set the mark. That was the highest run total for the Braves in their all-time history in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. On Sept. 2, 1957, the Milwaukee Braves, the eventual World Series champions, beat the Chicago Cubs 23-10 to set the Braves' all-time record for runs in a game. The old Atlanta record was 20 runs, most recently against the Marlins on Oct. 5, 2001.

Duvall hit a pair of two-run shots over the Green Monster and a solo blast to center for his five RBIs. Duvall and Ozuna were the first teammates with three-homer performances in back-to-back games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Martinez had two hits and two RBIs for the Red Sox, who fell a season-high 13 games under .500. Fenway was built in 1912, but the Red Sox are an AL club and interleague play wasnt introduced in MLB until 1997. The Braves tied it at 3 in the second when Duvall hit his first homer, and Ozuna added an RBI single.

Miami Marlins players Lewis Brinson (25) Magneuris Sierra, center, and Jon Berti celebrate after the Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 8-2 in a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI Jesus Aguilar drove in three runs, Jon Berti stole home and the NL East-leading Miami Marlins won their long-awaited, coronavirus-delayed home opener, beating the Atlanta Braves 8-2 Friday night. Miami returned to Marlins Park following a 23-day road trip, interrupted when 18 players and two coaches tested positive for the virus. The Braves will be without All-Star center fielder Ronald Acua Jr. in the series while he recovers from a sore left wrist. Marlins: LHP Daniel Castano (0-1, 8.31) will make his second major league start Saturday.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK Injury fill-in Clint Frazier had three hits, including a home run, and scored twice in his season debut as the Yankees beat Atlanta 6-3 Wednesday night, sweeping a two-game set. The Yankees tied it in the bottom of the frame, clubbing back-to-back homers for the first time this season. Yankees: Judge (lower body tightness) did not play, a night after the oft-injured slugger was lifted for a pinch-hitter. Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (3-0, 3.22 ERA) should get his first taste of baseballs longest-running rivalry.

Atlanta Braves' Nick Markakis, left, celebrates with Adeiny Hechavarria (24) after hitting a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. Markakis was added to the active roster on Wednesday after changing his mind about sitting out the year. Following the homer, Braves players circled home plate with plenty of distance, waving their hands in the air as Markakis finished his trot. Manager Charlie Montoyo said before the game Waguespack was recalled when right-hander Trent Thornton was placed on the 10-day injured list. Following a chat with home plate umpire Alan Porter, Waguespack left the field without making a pitch and Montoyo instead brought in Rafael Dolis.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried fields a ground ball by New York Mets' Jeff McNeil during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 25, 2020, in New York. Ozuna, signed to an $18 million, one-year free agent deal in January, energized Atlanta's struggling offense with his opposite-field drive against Daz. Ozuna went with a 3-2 fastball just off the outside corner and roped it out to right field for his first home run with the Braves. McNeil countered with a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the fifth, but Daz couldn't make it stand. An All-Star with Seattle in 2018, Daz labored through a brutal 2019 with a 5.59 ERA and seven blown saves.

NEW YORK A cardboard cutout of a dog at Citi Field got her paws on a home run ball Saturday. Easiest game of fetch Willow McNeil will ever play. Atlanta's Adam Duvall drilled a solo shot to right field that hit a cardboard likeness of the 1-year-old pup belonging to Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil. With spectators locked out of Citi Field, Mets fans have purchased the right to have cardboard likenesses of themselves put in the seats. He pulled them out of the stands during batting practice and had them relocated to right field so they could sit behind him while he played defense.

The free agent outfielder and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the deal said Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)ATLANTA Free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal, a person with knowledge of the deal said Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement is not official until Puig passes a physical. The 29-year-old Puig was the last big-name free agent from the offseason who had not signed with a team. Puig, who has a .285 career average against right-handers, will be expected to replace the production that had been expected from Markakis.

Protective face coverings won't be out of sight when Major League Baseball resumes in less than two weeks. New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier has been experimenting with various masks during intrasquad scrimmages. At 68, Washington has seen fellow Braves coach Eric Young Sr. and Mets hitting coach Chili Davis opt out this season. I trust the protocol that MLB has in place and I also trust Ron Washington even more.This is very safe, he said Sunday, adding, Sixty games? More umpires are expected to start working intrasquad games this week.

San Diego announced last week that outfielder Tommy Pham tested positive for coronavirus and was asymptomatic. The Giants, meanwhile, resumed workouts at Oracle Park after receiving test results from Saturday, all of which were negative for players and staff. The only Texas players still not cleared to participate are right fielder Joey Gallo and left-hander Brett Martin, both of whom tested positive for coronavirus. Also, Indians outfielder Delino DeShields Jr., who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, is traveling to Cleveland after he had one negative test. Theres nothing that we can do about it.The Cubs have thus far avoided any positive tests, a development outfielder Kyle Schwarber insists cannot be attributed to mere luck.

ATLANTA Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season on Monday due to increased concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis is the second Atlanta veteran in two days to announce plans to sit out the 60-game season. Just hearing him, the way he sounded on the phone, it was tough, Markakis said. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also will sit out the season. Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall were joined by rookies Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in the outfield competition.