ALEK MANOAH

Houston’s Justin Verlander in the American League and Miami’s Sandy Alcantara in the National League are both unanimous selections for the Cy Young Award.

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Yordan Alvarez are the finalists for American League MVP in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The Seattle Mariners brought in Luis Castillo to be an anchor in October, and he lived up to that billing in Seattle's first postseason game since 2001.

TORONTO — (AP) — Luis Castillo and Andrés Muñoz combined on a shutout, Cal Raleigh hit a two-run homer and the Seattle Mariners won in their first postseason game since 2001, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-0 Friday in their AL wild-card series opener. Castillo, acquired in a midseason trade from Cincinnati, became the first pitcher in Mariners history to throw more than seven scoreless innings in a postseason start. Castillo’s only other postseason start came with Cincinnati in 2020, when he lost to Atlanta in the wild-card round. Muñoz came on in the eighth after Castillo hit George Springer on the left wrist with his 108th pitch. Making his first career postseason start, All-Star Alek Manoah gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings, matching the total he allowed in six September starts.

Alek Manoah will make the biggest start of his major league career when he toes the rubber Friday for Game 1 of the AL wild-card series. But he's not worried.

TORONTO — (AP) — There’s a whole lot riding on Alek Manoah’s first career playoff start, but the Toronto Blue Jays All-Star right-hander isn’t the least bit fazed about facing the Seattle Mariners in Friday’s wild-card opener. Still, with his combination of performance and big game poise, Manoah was Toronto’s clear-cut choice to take the ball in the opener. “It feels like he’s been ready for this moment since he signed,” interim Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Manoah. “He’s doing great,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said. The Blue Jays have a playoff-seasoned veteran in outfielder George Springer, who was World Series MVP for Houston in 2017.

There’s a whole lot riding on Alek Manoah’s first career playoff start, but the Toronto Blue Jays All-Star right-hander isn’t the least bit fazed about facing the Seattle Mariners in Friday’s wild-card opener.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit his 20th homer and drove in six runs as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Toronto 10-6 Friday night, tying the Blue Jays at the top of the AL wild-card standings. The win clinched the season series — and the tiebreaker — for the Rays, who have won 10 of 17 against the Blue Jays. “They got the lead and we were able to come back, and we were able to take advantage there at the end.”Arozarena's three-run homer gave Tampa Bay a 6-4 lead in the fifth inning. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit RBI singles during a four-run fifth off Jeffrey Springs that put the Blue Jays ahead 4-3. After Arozarena put Tampa Bay ahead, Toronto tied it at 6 in the sixth on George Springer's sacrifice fly.

Randy Arozarena hit his 20th homer and drove in six runs as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Toronto 10-6, tying the Blue Jays at the top of the AL wild-card standings.

Wander Franco had three RBIs, Jonathan Aranda homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5 in the opener of a big four-game series between playoff contenders.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Miffed after Aaron Judge was hit by a pitch from Alek Manoah, the frustrated New York Yankees struck back with their bats. Judge glanced at Manoah as Cole started yelling and a few other Yankees came over the dugout railing. “I made a pitch, obviously it hit Judge,” Manoah said. Anthony Rizzo scored on a throwing error by Toronto left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr in the first. Yankees: RHP Domingo Germán (1-2, 4.45) opens the Subway Series at home on Monday night against Mets RHP Max Scherzer (9-2, 2.15), who is going for his 200th career win.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the New York Yankees got a win they desperately needed, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 Sunday to avoid a four-game sweep. 21 of former star Paul O'Neill, the AL East leaders won for just the 10th time in 30 games since the All-Star break. Judge glanced at Manoah as Cole started yelling and a few other Yankees came over the dugout railing. Anthony Rizzo scored on a throwing error by Toronto left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr in the first. Yankees: RHP Domingo Germán (1-2, 4.45) opens the Subway Series against Mets RHP Max Scherzer (9-2, 2.15), who is going for his 200th career win.

Andrew Benintendi hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the New York Yankees got a win they desperately needed, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 to avoid a four-game sweep.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole twice banged on the dugout roof, shouting in frustration and getting booed as scuffling New York lost for the 15th time in 19 games, beaten by the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2.

Ramón Urías hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays also went deep to lift the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ron Guidry, Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez highlight the Yankees alumni set to appear at Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx prior to a matchup with the Kansas City Royals.

Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game.

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)The American League’s dominance of the All-Star Game rolls on. The AL won the 2022 Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium thanks to back-to-back homers by Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton. It's the ninth straight All-Star Game victory for the AL. The NL took an early lead when Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts roped back-to-back hits to open the game. KERSHAW PICKS OFF OHTANI 👏 pic.twitter.com/kw10RoHIFV — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 20, 2022Highlights of the 2022 MLB All-Star GameThe most thrilling highlight came courtesy of Andres Gimenez.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Los Angeles will be well represented in the July 19 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto smiles as he stands on second during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Washington. Soto left Nationals Park to get an MRI. Bogaerts said he didn’t think Contreras meant to harm him, and he didn’t mean to block the base as Contreras was arriving. Bogaerts is hitting .318 going into Boston's series opener at Fenway Park against Tampa Bay. Cleveland lefty Konnor Pilkington (1-1, 4.31) starts the second game against RHP Alex Faedo (1-4, 4.84).

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto smiles as he stands on second during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Washington. Soto left Nationals Park to get an MRI. Bogaerts said he didn’t think Contreras meant to harm him, and he didn’t mean to block the base as Contreras was arriving. Bogaerts is hitting .318 going into Boston's series opener at Fenway Park against Tampa Bay. Cleveland lefty Konnor Pilkington (1-1, 4.31) starts the second game against RHP Alex Faedo (1-4, 4.84).

Washington star Juan Soto is being checked out after exiting a game early because of an injured left calf.

Yankees Blue Jays Baseball New York Yankees starting pitcher Jameson Taillon throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter in the first inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Saturday, June 18, 2022. Taillon (8-1) allowed four hits and struck out eight in 5 2-3 innings to win his eighth straight decision. Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo came out to argue that Trevino had swung at the pitch and was ejected for the fourth time this season. Blue Jays: Toronto said LHP Hyun Jun Ryu had Tommy John surgery. … The Blue Jays put RHP Trevor Richards (strained neck) on the 15-day IL and recalled LHP Matt Gage from Triple-A Buffalo.

Rendon batted .228 with five homers and 28 RBIs in 45 games this season. He homered in Game 6 and Game 7 of the Nationals’ World Series victory over the Houston Astros. SANDY’S STATUEA statue honoring Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax will be unveiled at Dodger Stadium before Los Angeles hosts Cleveland. Koufax was a two-time World Series MVP with the Dodgers. Zimmerman was the Nats’ first draft pick after moving to Washington in 2005 and played his entire 16-season career with the club -- including on the 2019 World Series championship team.

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon needs surgery on his right wrist and once again will have a season cut short by an injury.

The AL Central-leading Twins start a home series against the AL East-leading Yankees with their rotation in a dire situation.

Blue Jays Angels Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, gestures after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi watches during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)ANAHEIM, Calif. — (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Shohei Ohtani for the first time, and George Springer hit a leadoff home run in the Toronto Blue Jays' 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night. Toronto hit the ball hard early and often against Ohtani, who beat the Blue Jays last summer in his only previous mound meeting. The Blue Jays’ three-run third was only the third multi-run inning allowed this season by Ohtani. Ohtani retired seven straight Blue Jays before Guerrero's homer — his second in two games after a 15-game homerless drought comprising most of May. UP NEXTRising star Alek Manoah (5-1, 1.62 ERA) pitches on the one-year anniversary of his major league debut for the Blue Jays.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Shohei Ohtani for the first time, and George Springer hit a leadoff home run in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

With Kris Bryant expected to return from a back injury, Colorado called off Friday’s game with 3 to 5 inches of snow forecast at Coors Field. His control remains an issue, with 20 walks in 33 1/3 innings, but he also has 44 strikeouts. Francona is expected back Saturday, while Hinch’s status is less certain. Kieboom has been dealing with a strained flexor mass and sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Kieboom, 24, batted .207 with a .301 on-base percentage, six homers and 20 RBIs in 62 games last season.

A late-spring snowstorm in Denver postponed Friday’s opener between the Mets and Rockies and could threaten a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday.

Astros manager Dusty Baker tries for his 2,000th win as a major league manager when Houston hosts Seattle.

Gleyber Torres homered early, then hit a go-ahead single in the ninth inning as the New York Yankees won their 10th straight game, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2.

Athletics Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (6) throws the ball during the first inning of a MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Toronto on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Manoah (2-0) allowed two runs and four hits for the Blue Jays (6-4), who lead the AL East. Blue Jays: LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (left forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list after undergoing an MRI. Martinez, 73, is a former Blue Jays catcher and manager who also played for Kansas City and Milwaukee in a 17-year big league career. Blue Jays: LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 5.40) starts Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series at Boston.

Cleveland rookie Steven Kwan hit .469 in spring training after compiling a .301 batting average in three minor league seasons. Kwan added to his remarkable start by going 5 for 5 as Cleveland won for the first time since changing its name to the Guardians, routing Kansas City 17-3 on Sunday. The 24-year-old outfielder made his major league debut on opening day and is 8 for 10 in three games, reaching base in 12 of 14 plate appearances. “I know it’s three games in, but nobody wants to not get excited,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. He’ll face righty Alek Manoah (9-2, 3.22), who won his big league debut in the Bronx last May.

Cleveland rookie Steven Kwan hit.

Bobby Dalbec hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the sixth inning and the Boston Red Sox avoided a season-opening sweep against their longtime rival with a 4-3 win over the New York Yankees.

Rookie of the Year winners Randy Arozarena and Yordan Álvarez and All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette were among 16 players whose contracts were renewed by their teams rather than reach negotiated agreements.

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-hander Kevin Gausman on a five-year, $110 million contract, pending a physical, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press late Sunday.

APTOPIX Orioles Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer, right, celebrates with Teoscar Hernandez, left, after hitting a solo home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Blue Jays launched five homers while Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings to help Toronto close within one game of the wild card-leading New York Yankees. Toronto began the day tied with Seattle, one game behind Boston for the second wild-card spot. The Blue Jays lead the majors with a franchise-record 258 home runs, topping the 257 they hit in 2010. Hernández hit a solo shot off Means in the first, his 32nd, and Springer hit a three-run homer off Means in the second, his 20th.

Rays Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez hits a double in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Toronto began the day tied with Boston, but the Blue Jays have played two fewer games than the Red Sox. With 17 hits in all, it was another offensive outburst by the Blue Jays, who scored 22 runs against Baltimore on Sunday. ROSTER MOVESThe Blue Jays recalled LHP Ryan Borucki from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned RHP Trent Thornton to their top farm club. UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP José Berríos (11-7, 3.52 ERA) faces Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 3.25) on Tuesday.

Mets 41-year-old left-hander Rich Hill is set to face Cardinals 40-year-old righty Adam Wainwright in a showdown of veterans who still got it.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 41st home run and the streaking Toronto Blue Jays knocked the slumping Yankees out of the AL’s top wild-card spot, beating New York 6-3.

Rookie Frank Schwindel is hitting.

Toronto's Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run homer in the fourth before Oakland pulled away for an 8-2 lead. Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah allowed six runs and five hits in five-plus innings. TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Ross Stripling (strained left oblique) threw live batting practive before the game. ROSTER MOVES:Blue Jays: Toronto claimed INF/OF Jake Lamb on waivers from the Chicago White Sox and recalled LHP Kirby Snead from Triple-A Buffalo. UP NEXTRHP José Berríos (9-7, 3.53) starts for the Blue Jays on Saturday against Oakland RHP Paul Blackburn (0-1, 2.81).

The Blue Jays responded with a five-run fifth to break it open. His 71 strikeouts are the most by a Blue Jays pitcher in his first 11 games. WELCOME TO THE CLUBHernandez is the 84th different player in Blue Jays history to hit a grand slam. TRAINER'S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Ross Stripling has been placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left oblique strain during the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader. RHP José Berríos (8-5, 3.23 ERA) is 1-1 against the Angels this season.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 38th home run this season, but the Toronto Blue Jays hit it out of the park four times, including two from George Springer and a grand slam by Teoscar Hernandez, to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 10-2.

In-state interleague matchups take center stage in several locales Friday as the Chicago White Sox play the Cubs in a Wrigley Field matinee, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Angels, and the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dodgers Nationals Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivers during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)A look at what’s happening around the majors today:___KERSHAW TO INJURED LISTThree-time NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday by the Los Angeles Dodgers because of left elbow inflammation. Kershaw is 9-7 with a 3.39 ERA in 106 innings this season. In his last start, Kershaw allowed three runs in four innings at Washington on July 3, throwing 54 pitches in a rain-shortened game. ___ARRIETA SIDELINEDThe Cubs placed struggling right-hander Jake Arrieta on the 10-day injured list with right hamstring tightness and recalled righty Cory Abbott from Triple-A Iowa.

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs were put on the injured list.

Jake Arrieta pitches against the World Series champion Dodgers on Friday, one night after Zach Davies and three Cubs relievers combined for the majors' seventh no-hitter this year to match the most in a season since 1900.

The Chicago White Sox, Houston, Milwaukee and San Francisco all move to full capacity Friday for the first time since 2019, raising the total to 24 teams at 100%.

Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is the first confirmed competitor for the All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver’s Coors Field on July 12, and others could be announced soon.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the bashing Toronto Blue Jays try to keep up their power surge at Fenway Park.

Flaherty, who leads the majors with eight wins, left Monday night’s start against the Los Angeles Dodgers with tightness in his left side. Flaherty is 8-1 with a 2.90 ERA this season, and the Cardinals are 9-2 in games he started. It is the first time in Flaherty’s five big league seasons that he is on the injured list. St. Louis placed Flaherty on the 10-day IL and called up Johan Oviedo from Triple-A Memphis. REMEMBERING THE IRON HORSEMajor League Baseball holds its first Lou Gehrig Day, with teams wearing a commemorative patch on their uniforms and ballparks featuring “4-ALS” logos.

The 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.

Flaherty, who leads the majors with eight wins, left Monday night’s start against the Los Angeles Dodgers with tightness in his left side. It is the first time in Flaherty’s five big league seasons that he is on the injured list. St. Louis placed Flaherty on the 10-day IL and called up Johan Oviedo from Triple-A Memphis. REMEMBERING THE IRON HORSEMajor League Baseball holds its first Lou Gehrig Day, with teams wearing a commemorative patch on their uniforms and ballparks featuring “4-ALS” logos. PRIDEFULThe San Francisco Giants will support Pride Month on the field and on their uniforms and caps.

Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic is one of several young players off to hot starts in the minors who figure to be contributing in the majors soon.