BOB MELVIN

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — Reliever Robert Suarez agreed Thursday to remain with the San Diego Padres under a $46 million, five-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Manager Bob Melvin was criticized by some for letting Suarez pitch to Harper instead of using left-hander Josh Hader. Melvin said he wanted to get two outs from Suarez in the eighth and the final four outs from Hader. Suarez was especially impressive in the NL Division Series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, throwing four scoreless innings in three appearances. He pitched two scoreless innings in a wild-card series win against the New York Mets.

A person with knowledge of the deal says reliever Robert Suarez has agreed to remain with the San Diego Padres under a $46 million, five-year contract.

PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — The San Diego Padres will head into the offseason with a whole bunch of what-ifs? They had their chances on Sunday to at least get the series back to San Diego for a Game 6 on Monday. San Diego took a 3-2 lead in the seventh when pinch-runner José Azocar scored on the third of reliever Seranthony Domínguez’s wild pitches in the inning. Tatis never played a game for San Diego this season. The Padres expect to get Tatis back early next season and look to build on what they did this season.

The San Diego Padres will head into the offseason with a whole bunch of what-ifs.

The San Diego Padres will head into the offseason with a whole bunch of what-ifs? What if manager Bob Melvin had brought in closer Josh Hader to face Bryce Harper? What if Trent Grisham had swung away?

San Diego Padres pitchers Mike Clevinger and Sean Manaea had outings in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series they’d quickly like to forget.

Jurickson Profar lost his cool just before the San Diego Padres lost the game.

The San Diego Padres are hosting the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. The Phillies rebooted a failed rebuild prior to 2019 by signing Harper for $330 million and trading for catcher J.T. At least this October, the changes have led to ecstasy for San Diego and Philadelphia fans. The battle starts in San Diego, with the Padres' Yu Darvish taking on Wheeler, the Phillies' co-ace. The game starts at 8:03 p.m.

The San Diego Padres are hosting the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. The Phillies rebooted a failed rebuild prior to 2019 by signing Harper for $330 million and trading for catcher J.T. At least this October, the changes have led to ecstasy for San Diego and Philadelphia fans. The battle starts in San Diego, with the Padres' Yu Darvish taking on Wheeler, the Phillies' co-ace. The game starts at 8:03 p.m.

It even had something never seen before: a postseason San Diego Padres victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. So often, actually, that’s the problem in baseball, the way successful play can bypass excitement on its way to a win. We’re quick to bemoan the boring baseball that results from ruthless efficiency, so let me be unequivocal in my delight. But the consensus, from Machado, Soto, Cronenworth and Melvin for the key moment was the pitching performance by 31-year-old journeyman rookie reliever Robert Suárez. Unbiased observers would likely say the most memorable moment of the night had nothing to do with baseball at all.

Trea Turner homered and doubled as the Los Angeles Dodgers started fast and held off the San Diego Padres 5-3 in their NL Division Series opener.

The San Diego Padres knocked off the 101-win New York Mets in the National League wild-card series.

Joe Musgrove brushed off chants of “Cheater!”.

The New York Mets held off the San Diego Padres and put elimination on the backburner Saturday night with a 7-3 victory to bring their series to a deciding Game 3.

Pete Alonso launched a tiebreaking homer and Jacob deGrom pitched well enough to help save the New York Mets’ season with a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres that evened their wild-card playoff series at one game apiece.

Josh Bell and Manny Machado smashed two of San Diego’s four home runs off Max Scherzer, and the Padres romped past the New York Mets 7-1 in their playoff opener.

For two teams that finished second fiddle in their divisions, the Padres and Mets bring an awful lot of star power into the playoffs.

Wil Myers got a nice ovation from the crowd as he exited what probably was his final regular-season game with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Myers' exit to cheers was the highlight for the Padres in an 8-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday in the regular-season finale. Manager Bob Melvin had Myers, the longest-tenured Padres player, move from first base to third base before the top of the eighth inning, and then subbed him out.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — The San Diego Padres are going back to the playoffs for the first time in a full season since 2006, a spot that they clinched during the seventh inning of a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The sellout crowd of 41,407 at Petco Park stood and cheered the sealed wild-card spot. San Diego is one game ahead of Philadelphia for the second of three NL wild cards. Lance Lynn (8-7) and Blake Snell 8-10) were locked in a scoreless duel Sunday when Elvis Andrus homered off the San Diego lefty with one out in the sixth, his 16th. San Diego got on the scoreboard when Kim homered to left off Lynn with two outs in the seventh, his 11th.

The San Diego Padres are going back to the playoffs for the first time in a full season since 2006, a spot that they clinched during the seventh inning of a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

The San Diego Padres clinched their first playoff berth in a full season since 2006 when the Milwaukee Brewers lost 4-3 to the Miami Marlins in 12 innings.

Brendan 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.

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols broke up San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell's no-hitter bid in the seventh inning. Pujols is still stuck at 698 career home runs.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — The Padres are giving reliever Josh Hader a break from the closer role after ninth-inning meltdowns on Thursday and Friday resulted San Diego losses. “We will probably give him a break from that (closer) in the interim here, let him work on some things,” Melvin said. So, we will give him a little break for now.”Melvin said the Padres closer role would be based on matchups game by game, basically closer by committee. With Hader out as closer for now, the role will may likely be shared by Padres right-handers Luis Garcia and Robert Suarez and lefties Adrian Morejon and Nick Martinez. Hader, who was acquired from Milwaukee on August 1st for four San Diego players, including then Padres closer Taylor Rogers, ha struggled since the move.

The Padres are giving reliever Josh Hader a break from the closer role after ninth-inning meltdowns on Thursday and Friday resulted in San Diego losses.

USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale breaks down the Fernando Tatis Jr. relationship with the Padres after his PED suspension.

A replay review showed that Nola blocked the plate and the score counted. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) (Luis M. Alvarez)WASHINGTON — (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin was sure his catcher, Austin Nola, was not guilty of blocking the plate. So sure that the skipper immediately got ejected after Nola was called for that transgression on a replay review, allowing the Washington Nationals to score the go-ahead run. Nola was not worried the apparent out — it was ruled that way in real time — would get changed. Martinez said he thought “right away” that Nola “blocked the plate, for sure.”Nola's take?

San Diego and new slugger Juan Soto repeatedly failed to come through in the clutch against his former club, and the last-place Washington Nationals beat the wild-card-chasing Padres 4-3.

Rockies Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr signs autographs during batting practice before team's baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (Gregory Bull)WASHINGTON — (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin reached out to suspended All-Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in a phone call Saturday and said the player "feels remorseful." The first-year Padres skipper said he did not feel the need to discuss the Tatis suspension with other players again before Saturday’s game at Nationals Park. San Diego entered Saturday’s game against Washington with a record of 64-51. — six weeks or so until the end of the season,” Melvin said.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin says he reached out to suspended All-Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in a phone call.

Manny Machado hit a game-ending, three-run homer and Juan Soto connected for his first long ball with the San Diego Padres, who overcame a blown save by Josh Hader to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-4.

Rockies Padres Baseball The San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr reacts in the dugout before the first inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (Gregory Bull)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A San Antonio either Saturday or Sunday, San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin said. Tatis took batting practice with the Padres at Dodger Stadium on Friday afternoon and then left for Texas. Although there's no timetable for his return, starting the rehab assignment is a big step for Tatis and the Padres. San Diego also landed All-Star closer Josh Hader.

Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A San Antonio this weekend.

Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Joe Musgrove and had four RBIs to retake the major league lead, leading the New York Mets over the San Diego Padres 8-5.

Austin Nola hit an RBI single off younger brother Aaron in the sixth inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0.

American League powerhouses square off when Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees host Yordan Álvarez and the Houston Astros in the opener of a highly anticipated four-game series Thursday night.

Padres Cardinals Baseball San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin, left, is ejected by home plate umpire Chris Segal during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)SAN DIEGO — (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin returned Wednesday after being sidelined by COVID-19 protocols for 11 games. He went into the protocols in between games of a doubleheader on June 11. Christenson went into protocols the same time as Melvin. The Padres went 6-5 in Melvin's absence.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin returned to the dugout after being sidelined by COVID protocols for 11 games.

San Diego Padres All-Star slugger Manny Machado wasn’t in the lineup a day after spraining his left ankle and acting manager Ryan Flaherty was optimistic his former teammate won’t need to go on the injured list.

Manny Machado lined a single for his 1,500th hit and hit a two-run homer in a four-RBI night to help the San Diego Padres beat the reeling Chicago Cubs 19-5.

Ozzie Albies and the Atlanta Braves have won 10 straight going into their home game Sunday against Pittsburgh while rookie Bryson Stott and the Phillies have a nine-game winning streak as they host Arizona.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin and bench coach Ryan Christenson entered COVID protocols in between games of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. That forced quality control coach Ryan Flaherty to serve as acting manager for the second game. San Diego beat the Rockies in the opener. Christenson was in COVID protocols earlier this season, as was third base coach Matt Williams. Christenson filled in for Melvin for several games after the manager had prostate surgery.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin and bench coach Ryan Christenson entered COVID protocols in between games of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies.

Mets Padres Baseball New York Mets' Eduardo Escobar reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, June 6, 2022, in San Diego. Escobar also hit a two-run single in the first and a double in the fourth. Escobar followed with a two-run single. STAR POWERFormer Michigan and San Diego State basketball coach Steve Fisher threw out the ceremonial first pitch on behalf of the ALS Association. Walker has a 1.97 ERA in six career starts against San Diego.

Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run triple in the ninth inning to complete his first cycle, giving him six RBIs in boosting Carlos Carrasco and the New York Mets to an 11-5 win against the San Diego Padres.

Robinson Canó's short stint with the San Diego Padres is over. Less than a month after signing him, the Padres parted ways with the veteran slugger, who elected to become a free agent Thursday when he declined an assignment to Triple-A El Paso. San Diego had hoped the 39-year-old Canó would provide some much-needed offense against right-handed pitching but he batted just .091 (3 for 33) without an extra-base hit in 12 games.

Fans in San Francisco threw at least one baseball and a beer bottle onto the field Friday night in the direction of San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar, who called the crowd at Giants games “the worst in the league.”.

APTOPIX Padres Giants Baseball San Francisco Giants catcher Curt Casali drops a foul ball next to San Diego Padres' Trent Grisham during the seventh inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Friday, May 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (Tony Avelar)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning and the San Diego Padres won in manager Bob Melvin’s return, holding off the San Francisco Giants 8-7 on Friday night. Jake Cronenworth homered, Wil Myers doubled in two late runs and the Padres recovered after blowing leads of 4-1 and 6-4. Darin Ruf homered twice for San Francisco. PROFAR, FANS CAUSE DELAYThe game was delayed briefly after Profar got into it with fans before the start of the third inning.

Manny Machado hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning and the San Diego Padres won in manager Bob Melvin’s return, holding off the San Francisco Giants 8-7.

Padres Melvin Surgery FILE - San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin stands in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, May 1, 2022. Melvin says he'll have prostate surgery on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, and hopes he misses only part of a forthcoming road trip. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (Gene J. Puskar)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Manager Bob Melvin plans to return to the dugout Friday night when the San Diego Padres open a three-game series at San Francisco, the team said Thursday. Melvin has been away since having prostate surgery on May 11. Melvin will travel to San Francisco on Friday morning and rejoin the Padres for the final three games of a nine-game, three-city trip.

The San Diego Padres say manager Bob Melvin plans to return to the dugout when they open a three-game series at San Francisco.

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros try for their 12th straight win Saturday, which would tie the team record.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets. The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter.

A 16-month-old toddler from Japan took on a much bigger sumo wrestler in his first-ever wrestling match.

Padres Melvin Surgery FILE - San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin stands in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, May 1, 2022. Melvin says he'll have prostate surgery on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, and hopes he misses only part of a forthcoming road trip. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (Gene J. Puskar)SAN DIEGO — (AP) — San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin says he'll have prostate surgery Wednesday and hopes he misses only part of a forthcoming road trip. The team announced that Christenson, who would have been interim manager if Melvin couldn’t have managed, entered COVID protocols. "I hope it's only Atlanta and Philadelphia, but if it's the entire road trip, it's the entire road trip.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin says he’ll have prostate surgery and hopes he misses only part of a forthcoming road trip.

Mike Clevinger had an impressive first start since undergoing elbow surgery in 2020, and Manny Machado hit a two-run home as the San Diego Padres beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-4 in the first game of a doubleheader.

Yu Darvish rebounded from the shortest outing of his career by dominating into the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 2-1 despite having just three hits.

The major leagues celebrated the 75th anniversary of the day Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier with a celebration of his life and an evaluation of how much farther the sport still must go.

Braves Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Manny Machado reacts after hitting two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, April 14, 2022, in San Diego. Abrams hit his first homer for San Diego, which routed the Braves 12-1 in its home opener Thursday night. It came a year and five days after Musgrove threw the first no-hitter in franchise history, at Texas in his second start with the Padres. Musgrove held the Braves to four hits, struck out six and walked none. Voit hit a two-run single in the sixth.

Joe Musgrove pitched 6 2/3 brilliant innings for his hometown Padres against defending World Series champion Atlanta, Manny Machado homered for his career-high fifth hit and rookie C.

One of baseball’s “unwritten rules” was broken during Padres-Giants game, upsetting San Diego.

Alyssa Nakken made major league history as the first female coach on the field in a regular-season game, and the Giants pounded the San Diego Padres 13-2.

Padres Giants Baseball San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer, left, shakes hands with San Francisco Giants first base coach Alyssa Nakken during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Alyssa Nakken made major league history as the first female to coach on the field in a regular-season game when she took her spot for the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night against San Diego. The 31-year-old Nakken came in to coach first base for the Giants in the third inning after Antoan Richardson was ejected. When she was announced as Richardson’s replacement, Nakken received a warm ovation from the crowd — and a congratulatory handshake from Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer. She started at first again a night later against the A's in San Francisco as the teams prepared for the pandemic-delayed season.

Alyssa Nakken made major league history as the first female coach on the field in a regular-season game when she took her spot for the San Francisco Giants against San Diego.

Guardians newcomer Steven Kwan has quickly become the biggest story in baseball after a sensational start in a season-opening series at Kansas City.

Padres Giants Baseball San Diego Padres' Taylor Rogers pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, April 11, 2022. Twin brothers relieving for opposing clubs, Taylor and Tyler Rogers, both pitched and factored in — Taylor earning his third save and Tyler (0-1) taking the loss. San Diego right-hander Nick Martínez made his first major league start since 2017 for Texas after spending three of the past four years playing in Japan. He hasn’t yet been to San Diego. Giants: RHP Alex Cobb makes his Giants debut after signing a $20 million, two-year contract ahead of the lockout.

Manny Machado’s RBI groundout in the seventh inning put San Diego ahead, Austin Nola hit his first home run of the season and the Padres beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2.

Cleveland rookie Steven Kwan hit.

Billy McKinney homered and Daulton Jefferies and four relievers combined on a three-hitter to lead the Oakland Athletics past the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1.

Padres Diamondbacks Baseball San Diego Padres starting pitcher Sean Manaea throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, April 8, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)PHOENIX — (AP) — Arizona's David Peralta lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning, ending another no-hit bid by the San Diego Padres. Sean Manaea was brilliant in his Padres debut Friday night, but was pulled by manager Bob Melvin after throwing 88 pitches over seven innings. This is the second straight day a Padres starter took a no-hitter deep into a game against the Diamondbacks. It's also the second straight day the D-backs broke up the no-hit bid against reliever Tim Hill.

Arizona’s David Peralta has lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning, ending another no-hit bid by the San Diego Padres.

Arizona’s Pavin Smith sliced a line-drive single to start the seventh inning, ending an opening day no-hit bid by the San Diego Padres.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)It'll end up being 157 days between the moment Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves won last year's World Series and the start of the 2022 baseball season. Max Scherzer also signed early, joining Cohen and the Mets on a $130 million, three-year deal. Other notable moves: Clayton Kershaw went back to the Dodgers, the rival Giants locked up lefty Carlos Rodón, and the Rockies signed Kris Bryant. Molina has already said it will be his final season and Wainwright hinted he's likely done after 2022, too. The 42-year-old Pujols is also likely to retire after playing out a $2.5 million, one-year deal.

There's a lot to catch up on from a bizarre baseball offseason before the 2022 season officially begins with first pitch at Wrigley Field.

Connor Dawson is a psychologist, gatekeeper, analyst and strategist.

The Oakland Athletics posted a farewell photo on social media featuring pitching ace Chris Bassitt and their former superstar slugging Matts, third baseman Matt Chapman and first baseman Matt Olson, after trading them away in cost-cutting moves so familiar to this low-budget franchise. Missing in the mix: departed manager Bob Melvin, who left in October to take over the San Diego Padres. Meanwhile, the A's welcomed back a pair of veterans who have meant so much to the franchise: catcher Stephen Vogt and infielder Jed Lowrie.

Giants Spring Baseball San Francisco Giants' grounds keepers prepare the baseball field at Scottsdale Stadium, Saturday, March 12, 2022, in Scottsdale, Ariz. in preparation for the upcoming first day of workouts. Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report a month ago, but camps across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues remained closed while players and owners squabbled over the sport’s economics. Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray left Toronto for Seattle, and the Blue Jays replaced him with former Giant Kevin Gausman. ... Sunday marks the beginning of the end for Molina, who plans to retire after the 2022 season, his 19th with the Cardinals. ___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/Jake_Seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and the rest of baseball’s biggest stars are due at spring training Sunday for the first official day of preseason training following the end of Major League Baseball’s 99-day labor lockout.

OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Mark Kotsay is replacing Bob Melvin as manager of the Oakland Athletics, according to a person with direct knowledge of the move. Kotsay has been promoted from third base coach to manager, taking over the club he played for as an outfielder in four of his 17 major league seasons. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night because no formal announcement had been made by the team. Melvin left Oakland to manage the San Diego Padres in late October. The 46-year-old Kotsay was most recently Oakland's third-base coach and formerly was a bench coach under Melvin, who came aboard midway through the 2011 season to replace Bob Geren.

Mark Kotsay is replacing Bob Melvin as manager of the Oakland Athletics, a person with direct knowledge of the move said.

Padres Melvin Baseball FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2021, file photo, Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin walks on the field before the team's baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Oakland, Calif. The San Diego Padres have hired Melvin away from the Athletics to be their new manager, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) (Jeff Chiu)SAN DIEGO — (AP) — The San Diego Padres announced the hiring of Bob Melvin as manager on Monday, bringing a veteran presence to an exciting team that imploded down the stretch. Melvin was hired away from the Oakland Athletics, where he was 853-764 in 11 seasons. The Padres were set to introduce Melvin at a late morning news conference.

The San Diego Padres announced the hiring of Bob Melvin as manager, bringing a veteran presence to an exciting team that imploded down the stretch.

Padres Melvin Baseball FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2021, file photo, Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin walks on the field before the team's baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Oakland, Calif. The San Diego Padres have hired Melvin away from the Athletics to be their new manager, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday, Oct. 28, because the deal hasn't been announced. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) (Jeff Chiu)SAN DIEGO — (AP) — The San Diego Padres have hired Bob Melvin from the Oakland Athletics as their new manager, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Melvin became the winningest manager in Oakland team history this year, but the A’s missed the playoffs following three straight postseason berths and was 853-764.

AL batting champion Yuli Gurriel hit a winning RBI single in the ninth inning, and the AL West champion Houston Astros headed to the postseason with a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Gurriel hit .319 and became Houston’s second player to win a batting title after Jose Altuve in 2014, ’16 and ’17.

Matt Olson and Chad Pinder each homered and the Oakland Athletics beat Houston 8-6 Friday night, cutting the Astros’ edge for home-field advantage in the AL playoffs. Houston leads the White Sox by one game for home field in their best-of-five Division Series matchup next week. The AL West champion Astros also own the tiebreaker after going 5-2 against AL Central champion Chicago this season.

(AP Photo/John Hefti) (John Hefti)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Oakland Athletics shortstop Elvis Andrus was put on the 10-day injured list Sunday, a day after breaking his left leg while scoring the winning run against the Houston Astros. The A’s also placed infielder Jed Lowrie on the IL with a sprained right hand. The Athletics' 2-1 win kept them in the AL wild-card race. A’s trainer Nick Paparesta noted that Andrus had been hit in the same leg earlier in the game and had other minor injuries in his left leg. “Pound for pound this kid brings it every day.

Lou Trivino (5-7) began the ninth hours after manager Bob Melvin said he would remain the closer despite consecutive blown saves after converting 14 straight. He stole second and reached third on catcher Sean Murphy's throwing error before coming home on Judge's line drive. Chapman drew a bases-loaded walk and Elvis Andrus a two-run single that chased Taillon in the A's three-run fourth. ... RHP Corey Kluber (right shoulder strain) rejoined the Yankees and is set to start Monday on the road against the Angels. UP NEXTRHP Gerrit Cole (12-6, 2.92 ERA) pitches Friday night on an extra day of rest trying to keep the roll going and win his third straight start.

Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants Buster Posey, right, hits a two-run home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, and home plate umpire Jeremie Rehak watch during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, July 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)A look at what’s happening around the majors today:___WESTERN STARSBuster Posey and the surprising San Francisco Giants continue their pivotal four-game series against the rival Dodgers. The Giants, in first place since May 31, lead the NL West by two games over the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Alex Wood (8-3, 3.67 ERA) pitches for San Francisco against his former team. ALL CLEARPhiladelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola returns to the mound in New York against the Yankees after missing his last scheduled start because of COVID-19 contact tracing.

Their road slide is the longest such streak in major league baseball since 1985. He struck out three and walked two in his second straight win. Oakland jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Diamondbacks right-hander Matt Peacock left with two out in the second after taking a comebacker off his pitching hand. After Manaea departed, Yusmeiro Petit, Lou Trivino and Jake Diekman each worked a hitless inning for Oakland.