BRIAN SNITKER

ATLANTA — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves' commitment to giving Vaughn Grissom a chance to win the starting job at shortstop can't be questioned. Snitker and the Braves want Grissom to spend all his time at shortstop. Then, Grissom was included with other prominent players made available to reporters at the Braves Fest for fans on Saturday. Grissom started 39 games at second base as the fill-in for the injured Ozzie Albies and only one game at shortstop last season. He’s definitely going to have a leg up getting to spring training and having all of that.”Grissom pounced on the opportunity.

The Atlanta Braves are committed to giving young Vaughn Grissom a chance to win the starting job at shortstop.

Terry Francona of the Cleveland Guardians and Buck Showalter of the New York Mets have been voted Managers of the Year, improving the already sparkling resumes of both veteran baseball leaders.

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

More than four months of dazzling baseball carried the Atlanta Braves to a fifth straight NL East title. Their hopes of repeating as World Series champion fell apart in less than a week. “Just remembering what we went through this year, and expecting to (win the World Series) again.”Instead, the Braves made their earliest exit from the postseason since 2019. “You have to turn the page at some point.”Snitker, too, is excited about what the future holds. After winning the World Series a year ago, the Braves lost longtime first baseman and team leader Freddie Freeman in free agency.

More than four months of dazzling baseball carried the Atlanta Braves to a fifth straight NL East title.

More than four months of dazzling baseball carried the Atlanta Braves to a fifth straight NL East title. The season came to an unimaginable end with two dismal performances in Philadelphia, where the Braves were outscored 17-4 and lost the Division Series 3-1 to a Phillies team they beat by 14 games during the regular season. “Man, I'm disappointed,” manager Brian Snitker said Sunday, less than 24 hours after the final game.

The Atlanta Braves' bid to repeat as World Series champions is over after they were eliminated in the NL Division Series.

PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — As rookie Spencer Strider took the mound for the first time in almost a month, the Atlanta Braves mapped out a “best-case scenario” for the young fireballer. And the way he started out, I thought, man, we’re going to be able to do that,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. Brandon Marsh drew a leadoff walk in the third and took third when Strider bounced a pickoff throw to first. The next pitch Strider threw was his last, resulting a single by Realmuto. Strider said he had “no idea” why that pitch didn't have more zip.

The Phillies scored six runs in the third inning and added three more runs in the seventh in a dominating 9-1 victory over the Braves in Game 3 of the NLDS.

Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider returned to the mound for the first time in nearly a month and was tagged by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.

The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday that pitcher Tyler Matzek had elbow discomfort, and he will likely miss all of next year after Tommy John surgery.

Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson will miss the NL Division Series after injuring his right calf jumping to celebrate Bryce Harper’s home run in their clinching wild-card victory at St. Louis.

Higher velocity and increased shifts led to the major league batting average dropping to.

Don Mattingly went out as a winner in his final game as Miami’s manager when rookie Peyton Burdick homered and drove in four runs to lead the Marlins over the NL East champion Atlanta Braves 12-9.

MIAMI — (AP) — Their sluggish start now far behind them, Ronald Acuña Jr. and the World Series champion Atlanta Braves needed just one more win to complete a most stunning turnaround. They earned it Tuesday night, beating the Miami Marlins 2-1 to take their fifth straight NL East title and finish the first leg of a trek they hope leads them to another crown. With the win, Atlanta earned a first-round bye as the No. “We tried to throw our best guys out there today and extend this thing," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. The Braves did not score off it, even after the Marlins intentionally walked Acuña in the next at bat to load the bases.

William Contreras drove in the go-ahead run in the fifth, and the Atlanta Braves clinched their fifth consecutive NL East title by defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1.

Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway. But every other division title has been clinched with a week to go, leaving the NL East as a most enticing outlier. The NL East champion gets a first-round bye. With Hurricane Ian barreling up the East Coast, the Mets proposed shifting the series opener to Thursday — an off day for both teams. New York leads the season series 9-7, which means the Mets can clinch the potentially important tiebreaker with one win in Atlanta.

Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway.

President Joe Biden says the Atlanta Braves will be “forever known as the upset kings of October” for their improbable 2021 World Series win.

As he was going through the postgame handshake line, Kyle Wright received a request from Braves manager Brian Snitker. Wright became the first 20-game winner in the majors this season and Atlanta beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 on Saturday to stop a three-game losing streak. “I don't know if I realized how cool it was until my teammates and coaches congratulated me real quick afterward,” Wright said.

President Joe Biden will host the 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves at the White House.

OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — When their ace struggled, the Atlanta Braves kept slugging — right back into first place after all these months chasing the Mets. Olson returned to Oakland for the first time since the Braves acquired the slugging first baseman from the A's in March. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run single in the Braves' three-run fifth. STREAKINGThe Braves have won 10 straight against the A's after a two-game sweep in Atlanta from June 7-8. UP NEXTRHP Spencer Strider (9-4, 2.67 ERA) pitches the afternoon series finale Wednesday trying to win his third straight start and fourth consecutive decision.

Matt Olson hit a three-run homer against his former club and the Atlanta Braves won their sixth in a row, outslugging the Oakland Athletics 10-9 and finally catching the slumping Mets atop the NL East.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Oneil Cruz has recorded the hardest-hit ball in the seven years that Major League Baseball has measured exit velocity.

Brett Baty homered his first time up in the big leagues, Starling Marte went deep twice and the New York Mets held off the Braves 9-7 to snap Atlanta’s eight-game winning streak.

Looking to replicate the deals that helped carry them to a World Series title in 2021, the Atlanta Braves have pulled of a flurry of trades ahead of the deadline.

PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Bryson Stott homered, doubled and drove in five runs to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-4 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. “It’s huge after losing three to the Cubs being able to come back today and pull that one out,” Stott said. “We’ll put this behind us and come out and win a game tomorrow,” manager Brian Snitker said. Stott then drove a full-count cutter into the seats in right field for his seventh home run, putting the Phillies ahead 6-4. “It’s a huge win altogether,” Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson said.

Bryson Stott homered, doubled and drove in five runs to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-4 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw are two-way praisers.

Snitker was preparing to manage the National League All-Star squad and had an important question, based on a first-time, fan-friendly rule change. “This is news to me.”With the All-Star Home Run Derby always popular the night before the game, Major League Baseball decided to make a slugging showcase part of the Midsummer Classic. The All-Star Game has gone to extra innings 13 times since it began in 1933, the last two times 10 innings in both 2017 at Miami and 2018 at Washington. A couple years ago, MLB was set to try out the automatic runner on second base if the All-Star Game went to the extra innings. Thanks to Snitker, Alonso was ready to swing away in a new way of deciding who wins the All-Star Game.

A lot of baseball fans are likely to be rooting for the All-Star Game to be tied after nine innings on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.

After winning an MVP award, three Cy Youngs and five ERA titles, one of the generation’s best pitchers will claim a title that has somehow eluded him at his home park: All-Star Game starter. Clayton Kershaw is starting the Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium, a glorious and appropriate honor for the avatar of the recent Dodgers. Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, this year’s NL All-Star skipper, announced the decision Monday morning. The Tampa Bay Rays' Shane McClanahan, a 25-year-old fireballer leading MLB with a 1.71 ERA, will start for the American League squad. As if he needed to audition for the role, Kershaw carried a perfect game into the eighth inning on Friday in his last start before the break.

Newly acquired Robinson Canó instantly joined Atlanta’s starting lineup, playing second base and batting ninth as the Braves opened a series against his former team, the NL East-leading New York Mets.

The former agent of Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman says his ex-team, the Atlanta Braves, is presenting a “false narrative” about the first baseman’s departure in March.

Mets ace Max Scherzer will make a minor league rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday.

Giants Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kenley Jansen works in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Monday, June 20, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.) (Harkim Wright Sr.)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen was put on the 15-day injured list Tuesday because of an irregular heartbeat, the latest heart-related issue in the veteran right-hander's career. The move was made retroactive to Monday when Jansen felt discomfort, manager Brian Snitker said. He was first diagnosed with irregular heartbeat issues in 2011 and had an ablation the next year. The 34-year-old Jansen signed a one-year, $16 million deal with the Braves in the offseason.

Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen has been put on the 15-day injured list because of an irregular heartbeat.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is not starting in the Atlanta Braves’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after fouling a ball off his left foot in Saturday night’s game.

Trea Turner had three hits, including a home run, Freddie Freeman reached base three times in his emotional return to Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Braves 4-1.

Dodgers Braves Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, left, reacts as he is presented his World Series championship ring by Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker before a baseball game Friday, June 24, 2022m in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Butch Dill)ATLANTA — (AP) — Freddie Freeman expected to be emotional during his anticipated return to Atlanta. Freeman had to gather himself several times when discussing his continued love for the Braves and Atlanta. Receiving his 2021 World Series championship ring, presented by Braves manager Brian Snitker in a pregame ceremony, produced more emotions from Freeman. Freddie!” Freeman answered by removing his cap and raising both arms to the fans.

Freddie Freeman wasn't prepared for the flood of feelings that came in his anticipated return to Atlanta as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Austin Riley homered twice and the Atlanta Braves won their 14th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 8-2.

Brewers Nationals Baseball Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell walks in the dugout after a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, June 12, 2022, in Washington. Strasburg has made one start this season, his first since he had surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome last summer. Instead, manager Dave Martinez announced before Monday night’s game that Strasburg would return to the IL with an unspecified injury. Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to remain with the Nationals after their championship season. He hasn’t pitched since May 18, when he left a game against Tampa Bay in the first inning with sprained ribs.

Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson will serve a one-game suspension for a remark to White Sox star Tim Anderson about Jackie Robinson when New York opens a home series against Tampa Bay after the ban was upheld on appeal.

Dansby Swanson and the Atlanta Braves won their 12th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 9-5 despite losing All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies to a broken left foot.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Travis d'Arnaud (16) is greeted at the dugout by bench coach Walt Weiss, left, manager Brian Snitker, center, and Dansby Swanson, right, after scoring on an Ozzie Albies double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, June 10, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___Dansby Swanson and the Braves will try for their 10th straight win when they host Pittsburgh. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and the Phillies go for their ninth win in a row when they face Arizona. Philadelphia is 7-0 under interim manager Rob Thomson — he is the first manager to win his first seven games since Joe Morgan won 12 straight with the Boston Red Sox in 1988. The A’s are struck in their first double-digit skid since 2011 and have been outscored 60-20 during the streak.

Dansby Swanson and the Braves will try for their 10th straight win when they host Pittsburgh.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Travis d'Arnaud (16) is greeted at the dugout by bench coach Walt Weiss, left, manager Brian Snitker, center, and Dansby Swanson, right, after scoring on an Ozzie Albies double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, June 10, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:___Dansby Swanson and the Braves will try for their 10th straight win when they host Pittsburgh. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and the Phillies go for their ninth win in a row when they face Arizona. Philadelphia is 7-0 under interim manager Rob Thomson — he is the first manager to win his first seven games since Joe Morgan won 12 straight with the Boston Red Sox in 1988. The A’s are struck in their first double-digit skid since 2011 and have been outscored 60-20 during the streak.

Bobby Witt Jr. began the season as a highly rated prospect and looks like he’s starting to heat up.

Phillies star Bryce Harper is scheduled to get a platelet-rich plasma injection to help with a small tear in his right elbow, causing him to miss the series finale at Dodger Stadium.

Marcell Ozuna homered and Austin Riley hit a tiebreaking double during a four-run rally in the eighth inning that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.

He's back.

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Freddie Freeman arrived at Dodger Stadium and headed to the visiting clubhouse for an emotional reunion with his former Atlanta Braves teammates. Two players who had spent their entire careers with one team found themselves on opposite sides Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the defending World Series champion Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jansen left the Dodgers the same month for a $16 million, one-year deal to be the Braves' closer. Freeman dropped in Braves manager Brian Snitker's office for a chat and made his way around the clubhouse sharing memories of last year's World Series victory, the franchise's first since 1995. Freeman told a Braves employee wearing a World Series ring he didn't want to look at it.

Freddie Freeman arrived at Dodger Stadium and headed to the visiting clubhouse for an emotional reunion with his former Atlanta Braves teammates.

SAN DIEGO — (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he nears a return from the torn right ACL that ended his 2021 season. Atlanta said prior to a game Sunday night at San Diego that Acuña would join Gwinnett at Jacksonville for a series beginning Tuesday. He was hitting .283 with 24 homers and a .990 OPS in 82 games at the time of the injury. He was left as a spectator for Atlanta's World Series title run. Acuña opened this season on the 10-day injured list and has been working out at the club's spring training facility in North Port, Florida.

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he nears a return from the torn right ACL that ended his 2021 season.

Charlie Morton allowed only two hits while pitching into the sixth inning while returning from a broken leg, Travis d’Arnaud drove in three runs and the Atlanta Braves held off the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.

Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna smiles with his son Ronald Acuna Jr. at baseball spring training in North Port, Fla., Thursday, March 17, 2022. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) (Curtis Compton)FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. won’t see game action in spring training, even as a designated hitter, as it becomes increasingly likely he will miss at least the first month of the regular season. You won’t see him in a spring game,” manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta’s 4-0 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Acuña, recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered midway through last season, expressed hope at the start of spring training that he would be ready for the defending World Series champion Braves’ opener on April 7. Though he was firm in his plan for Acuña, Snitker said the outfielder continues to make progress in his recovery.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said Monday he's considering all options, including a six-man rotation or an opener, as he looks for answers in his starting rotation. The Braves, who open the season on April 7 at home against Cincinnati, are scheduled to play 14 consecutive days before their first off day. Snitker said he may add a sixth starter during that stretch.

The reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves opened spring training Sunday with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Charlie Morton, but no Freddie Freeman.

The Atlanta Braves have locked up manager Brian Snitker for three more seasons after he guided the team to its first World Series title since 1995.

Gabe Kapler has won the National League’s Manager of the Year award after guiding San Francisco to a franchise-best 107 victories in his second season with the Giants.

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.

Braves Parade Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker celebrates the team's victory during a victory parade, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Atlanta. The Braves beat the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on Tuesday to win their first World Series baseball title in 26 years. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves were cheered by hundreds of thousands of fans in a two-stage parade on Friday celebrating the team's first World Series championship since 1995. The Braves clinched the World Series by beating the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on Tuesday night. Pederson also won the World Series last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he said this was his first parade.

The Atlanta Braves were cheered by hundreds of thousands of fans in a two-stage parade celebrating the team’s first World Series championship since 1995.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Has Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise for the past decade, played his last game in an Atlanta uniform? Freeman was among 160 players who became a free agent Wednesday, along with World Series MVP Jorge Soler and NL Championship Series MVP Eddie Rosario. If Freeman re-signs, the Braves should be the favorites for a fifth straight NL East title and one of the top contenders for another Series championship. Acuña, of course, as well as Morton, a 14-game winner who broke his leg in Game 1 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Freddie Freeman celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Has Freddie Freeman, the face of the franchise for the past decade, played his last game in an Atlanta uniform? the Braves should be the favorites for a fifth straight NL East title and one of the top contenders for another Series championship. Acuña, of course, as well as Morton, a 14-game winner who sustained a broken leg in Game 1 of the World Series. NL RBI leader Adam Duvall and pearl-wearing Joc Pederson both have mutual contract options for next season, while NL Championship series MVP Eddie Rosario and World Series MVP Jorge Soler are set to become free agents.

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.

Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos tested positive for COVID-19 and wasn’t with the team when it clinched the World Series championship.

World Series Baseball The Atlanta Braves celebrate after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Yet out of nowhere, suddenly, these Atlanta Braves transformed themselves and took off. Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and the Braves breezed to their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 on Tuesday night in Game 6. Not a broken leg sustained by starter Charlie Morton in the World Series opener. Favored in spring training to win their fourth straight NL East title, the Braves lost Acuña to a torn knee in July.

The Braves hammered the Houston Astros 7-0 Tuesday night.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker, center, poses with his son Houston Astros hitting coach Troy Snitker and home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez before Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. Now, he's matched his mentor in chasing down the game's greatest prize, joining Cox as the only Atlanta Braves managers to win the World Series. After a long career as player, instructor, coach and manager in the Braves’ organization, the 66-year-old Snitker has earned his place in team history. “I’ve been like that pretty much my whole career,” Snitker said. “Just he’s been through so much in his career,” Troy Snitker said.

Brian Snitker has joined mentor Bobby Cox as the only Atlanta Braves managers to win the World Series.

The Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6.

Late innings means late nights in the World Series, with many fans struggling to stay awake as the Braves and Astros play baseball’s most important games of the year.

World Series Baseball Braves starter Max Fried sits dejected in the dugout during the 6th inning of a 7-2 loss to the Astros in game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. So many pitching changes by the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of who’s on the mound. “Everybody that’s in the World Series right now is gassed, everybody,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said during Monday’s day off. With five full days of rest, the 27-year-old lefty will start Game 6 on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park as Atlanta again tries to win its first championship since 1995. Fried would prefer to end things himself and give the Braves a whole winter to rest up as champs.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Marwin Gonzalez hits a 2-RBI double during the fifth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The utility infielder spent 2012-18 with the Astros, helping them make the turnaround from baseball’s worst team to World Series champs. “He got the biggest hit of the night to me, up to that point, at least, to get us back in the game,” Baker. But this year, both World Series teams travelled on the rest day. “I like the flow when I experienced the pitch clock, but I don’t know that’s going to solve — I mean, that’s not the only thing that’s going to solve the problem."

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson throws during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Ian Anderson was dominant enough to no-hit Houston for five innings. Atlanta entered the Series expecting to have one bullpen game. Morton had been scheduled to start Game 5. Instead it will be another bullpen game as Morton had surgery on the leg and won't return for the World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson throws during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Pinch-hitter Aledmys Díaz has blooped a leadoff single to begin the eighth inning for Houston's first hit against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the World Series. There has been just one no-hitter in World Series history, a perfect game by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956. There were a record nine no-hitters in the regular season, passing a mark set when pitchers began throwing overhand in 1884. The previous no-hit bid to reach the eighth inning in the World Series was by Jim Lonborg for Boston against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 in 1967.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton is helped off the field during the third inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — Charlie Morton spun a curveball past Jose Altuve for a called third strike, his 16th pitch after taking a 102 mph comebacker off his right leg. By the time Morton faced Altuve leading off the third with a 5-0 lead, the leg had started to swell. Morton’s World Series was over soon after it started. Morton pitched the final four innings and got the win for Houston in its Game 7 victory at the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi throws against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's American League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson) (Winslow Townson)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___BACK ON THE HILLAstros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line. Pujols is a two-time World Series champion with St. Louis and a career .323 hitter in 85 postseason games. The Red Sox tallied 21 runs on 22 hits over Games 2 and 3, including seven homers. Soler, who is vaccinated, was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee last week.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves welcomed back outfielder Jorge Soler for Game 5 of the NL Championship Series on Thursday after he was activated following his positive COVID-19 test. Soler hit a combined .223 with 27 homers and 70 RBIs with Kansas City and the Braves during the regular season. “He's been working out on his own, so I think he's good to go.”If Dodgers extend the series, Game 6 is Saturday in Atlanta. Soler, who is vaccinated, was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee last week.

The 25-year-old lefty excelled as a starter and reliever in the postseason last year, helping the Dodgers win their first World Series championship since 1988. On Tuesday night, the Boston Red Sox used Nathan Eovaldi in relief for the first time since 2019. SWATTING STARTERSKyle Schwarber, Xander Bogaerts and the slugging Red Sox are making short work of opposing starting pitchers this postseason. Tampa Bay's Shane McClanahan did the best against the Red Sox, going five innings in the opener of the AL Division Series. Chris Sale starts for the Red Sox after allowing one run over 2 2/3 innings in Game 1.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves pitcher Luke Jackson takes a moment before pitching in the eight inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of baseball's National League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Braves realize even the best-laid plans and the best-located pitches can go wrong in the postseason, particularly when you're facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once again, the Braves missed their chance to put their big-budget opponents into the deepest of series holes. And this heartbreaker probably stung the Braves a whole lot more than last year’s 15-3 loss in Game 3. The Dodgers then got six more hits off Jackson and Chavez in the eighth.

NLDS Dodgers Giants Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Max Scherzer celebrates after the Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of a baseball National League Division Series Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in San Francisco. “That is Scherzer being Scherzer,” teammate Cody Bellinger said. Scherzer is expected to face Braves left-hander Max Fried in Game 1 on Saturday night in an NLCS rematch. The Dodgers beat the Braves in seven games in last year's NLCS before winning the World Series. “He’s going to come back, I bet, tomorrow, and pitch against us and he’s going to be Max Scherzer,” Freeman said.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Grounds crew personnel apply the final touches to a postseason field logo at Minute Maid Park before baseball practice in Houston, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The Houston Astros host the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Friday. That came one year after the Astros downed the Red Sox 3-1 in a Division Series en route to their only World Series crown. Boston manager Alex Cora was the bench coach for that championship Houston club before guiding the Red Sox to their 2018 title. Cora was then rehired by the Red Sox in November.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are preparing to play without outfielder Jorge Soler in the NL Championship Series as they await his clearance following his positive COVID-19 test. The Braves worked out Thursday at Truist Park without Soler, who was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee on Tuesday. Playing with the adjusted lineup, the Braves beat the Brewers 5-4 to clinch the best-of-five division series. Braves manager Brian Snitker would like to have Soler's power bat on his roster for the Championship Series.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton reacts after leaving the game against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Milwaukee. Morton, one of baseball's best clutch pitchers, hoped to give the Braves a clinching victory in the best-of-five series. “He’s great with it,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said before the game. Morton worked into the seventh inning on Friday, throwing 85 pitches in a 2-1 loss to the Brewers in Game 1. If the Brewers won Game 4, the deciding game would be held Thursday in Milwaukee.

NLDS Brewers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Joc Pederson (22) celebrates his three-run homer in the dugout against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Atlanta. Pederson singled as a pinch-hitter in his only other at-bat in this series, and has driven in four of Atlanta's seven runs. Since winning the opening game of the series, the NL Central champion Brewers have not scored in 19 consecutive innings. Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta pitched four scoreless innings and was pulled for a pinch-hitter when the Brewers threatened in the fifth. The Brewers hit only .183 in the first two games of the series, including a 3-0 loss in Game 2.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 Saturday to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece. Austin Riley homered and Ozzie Albies hit an RBI double for the Braves, who bounced back after losing 2-1 in Game 1. Counting Saturday’s performance, Fried has allowed just one earned run over 29 innings in his last four starts. This was the second straight exceptional outing by a Braves starter in a series that has been dominated by pitching.

Kevin Gausman heard the boos when he stepped into the batter’s box, realizing right away the fans had no idea the Giants were down to their last options with no position players left. “Oh man, that was the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my entire career,” Gausman said. The Giants, saved when Donovan Solano came off the COVID-19 injured list and connected for a tying, pinch-hit home run with two outs in the ninth, moved two games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies is carried off the field after an injury during the fifth inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves fouled a ball off his left knee in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers and had to be carried off the field Tuesday night. Albies was facing an 0-2 count against Walker Buehler when he suddenly went down, clutching his knee. Manager Brian Snitker and a trainer came out to check on Albies, who stayed on the ground. Albies was carried back to the dugout when it became apparent he couldn’t put any weight on his leg.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky)MIAMI — (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will have to adjust to playing without All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. for the remainder of the season. The 23-year-old Acuña tore the ACL in his right knee in the fifth inning of Atlanta’s 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. Snitker said the Braves will not use of the loss of Acuña as an excuse in the second half of the season. He slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted for an inside-the-park homer. When the cart pulled around to the nearby warning track, he had to be helped over and did not put any weight on his right leg.

Marlins Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr., center, looks toward the pitcher's mound at Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez (not shown) after being hit by the first pitch thrown by Lopez in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 2, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Marlins starter Pablo López insisted he wasn't trying to plunk Ronald Acuña Jr. López was ejected after hitting Ronald Acuña Jr. with his very first pitch, leading to the only run as the Atlanta Braves edged Miami 1-0 Friday night. Miami pitcher José Ureña was tossed after nailing him with his first pitch in 2018 and López didn't last any longer. Acuña said he wasn't sure if the Marlins were trying to hit him again or not.

Marlins Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr., center, looks toward the pitcher's mound at Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez (not shown) after being hit by the first pitch thrown by Lopez in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 2, 2021, in Atlanta. Braves manager Brian Snitker, left, and Marlins' catcher Jorge Alfaro, right, look on. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Marlins starter Pablo López was ejected after plunking Ronald Acuña Jr. with his first pitch, leading to the only run as the Atlanta Braves edged Miami 1-0 Friday night. Miami pitcher José Ureña was tossed after nailing with his first pitch in 2018 and López didn't last any longer. López was ejected for hitting Acuña in the back of the left arm and manager Don Mattingly soon was ejected, too, for arguing on his pitcher’s behalf.

We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”Acuña ranks among the major league leaders in several key offensive categories. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year was leading the league in runs (58) and was tied for first in stolen bases (15). The Astros sent the younger Cameron to Detroit at the 2017 trade deadline in a package for ace Justin Verlander. Felipe Alou’s 17 solo homers to start the season in 1966 remain the major league record. Civale is tied for the major league lead in wins, going 10-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 15 starts.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — The search is on by major league umpires for sticky stuff that pitchers might use to doctor baseballs. Jacob deGrom was the first pitcher inspected under the new directive in the opener of the New York Mets’ doubleheader against Atlanta. Kulpa looked them over and handed them back, then asked deGrom to undo his belt buckle and checked for goop there, too. Cleared by Kulpa, deGrom walked on to the dugout, laughing with catcher Tomás Nido about the exchange as the fans cheered. Braves starter Kyle Muller, who was making his first big league start, was similarly stopped and inspected after the bottom of the first.