LEADING OFF: Mets rest after melee, Whitlock starts again
Mets Cardinals Baseball New York Mets' J.D. Davis doubles over after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)A look at what's happening around baseball Thursday:___COOLING OFFBoiling mad after a spate of plunkings this season, the New York Mets have a day off to recover. The Mets have been drilled 19 times in 20 games this season, leading the league by a wide margin. Their frustration spilled over Wednesday in St. Louis after third baseman J.D.
wftv.comBad baseballs? New York Mets angry after rash of HBPs
Mets Cardinals Baseball New York Mets' J.D. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)PHOENIX — (AP) — New York Mets pitcher Chris Bassitt has a theory about why his bat-swinging teammates have turned into targets at the plate during the season's first month. “They’re rubbed up differently by different people in different climates in different places," Braves pitcher Collin McHugh said. An inning later, Mets pitcher Yoan López threw high and tight to Cardinals star Nolan Arenado, who reacted angrily. Mets pitcher Max Scherzer — one of the game's best — gave up just one hit over seven innings in 48-degree weather last week against San Francisco.
wftv.comBassitt throws 6 shutout innings, Mets blank Cards 3-0
Mets Cardinals Baseball New York Mets' Pete Alonso, right, takes his base after being hit by a pitch from St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Kodi Whitley (38) during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Chris Bassitt pitched six strong innings, and the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 Tuesday night for their franchise-best sixth straight series win to start a season. Marte greeted rookie relief pitcher Andre Pallante with a single down the left field line to drive in McCann and put the Mets up 2-0. CALL FOR ARMSThe Mets have signed veteran right-handed relief pitcher Tommy Hunter on a minor league contract. The 35-year-old did not allow an earned run in 8 1/3 innings over four appearances with the Mets in 2021.
wftv.comLindor, Marte shine as Mets back Bassitt to win home opener
Diamondbacks Mets Baseball New York Mets' Starling Marte hits a three-run home run off Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Caleb Smith in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Friday, April 15, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo)NEW YORK — (AP) — Francisco Lindor homered from both sides of the plate to back another stingy start from newcomer Chris Bassitt, and the New York Mets routed the sloppy Arizona Diamondbacks 10-3 in their home opener Friday. New York has won 11 in a row against the Diamondbacks at Citi Field, outscoring Arizona 68-21. It was an auspicious start to 2022 at Citi Field after he was often booed last year during a miserable first season with the Mets. New York starters are 6-0 this season, and the Mets improved to 40-21 in home openers — including 10-4 at Citi Field.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: MLB celebrates Robinson 75 years after debut
Jackie Robinson A jersey of Jackie Robinson is displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball breaking the baseball color barrier on April 15, 1947, when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) (Manuel Balce Ceneta)A look at what's happening around baseball Friday:___JACKIE ROBINSON DAYPlayers across the majors will don Jackie Robinson's No. 42 — and all of them in Dodger blue this year — for the 75th anniversary of Robinson's big league debut. Guardians right-hander Zach Plesac (0-0, 0.00) will then face Giants lefty Carlos Rodón (0-0, 1.80).
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Verlander back, Thor debuts, hoorays for Beer
Verlander returned to the Astros on a $25 million, one-year deal that includes a $25 million player option for 2023 conditioned on him pitching 130 or more innings in 2022. In his last full season in 2018, Verlander went 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA and won his second Cy Young Award. Syndergaard is making his first appearance for Los Angeles after leaving the Mets for a $21 million, one-year deal. Rodon signed a $44 million, two-year deal with the Giants and makes his Bay Area debut against Miami. ALLY’S DEBUTAlexandra Irving made her debut as official scorer, the fourth female to score opening day this season — a new first.
wftv.comPadres acquire LHP Sean Manaea in trade with Athletics
PEORIA, Ariz. — (AP) — The San Diego Padres bolstered their rotation on Sunday, acquiring left-hander Sean Manaea in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. San Diego got the 30-year-old Manaea and minor league right-hander Aaron Holiday from Oakland for pitching prospect Adrian Martinez and minor league infielder Euribiel Angeles. Manaea went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts last year. The addition of Manaea could lead to another move for San Diego, which was already flush with starting pitching before the trade with Oakland. Manaea is 50-41 with a 3.86 ERA and 641 strikeouts in 129 career games, including 128 starts, in six seasons.
wftv.comA's trade 3 more stars, rebuild again going into 2022
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.
news.yahoo.comBlue Jays acquire 3B Matt Chapman from Oakland for 4 players
Blue Jays Athletics Trade Baseball FILE -O akland Athletics' Matt Chapman hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Detroit. All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays from the payroll-shredding Oakland Athletics for four players on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File) (Duane Burleson)TORONTO — (AP) — All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays from the payroll-shredding Oakland Athletics for four players on Wednesday. I couldn’t be happier to go join that.”The Blue Jays have had success in the past with former Oakland infielders. Along with hauls for starter Chris Bassitt from the Mets and first baseman Matt Olson from the Braves, Oakland has added 10 players in five days.
wftv.comMets get All-Star righty Bassitt from A's for minor leaguers
Athletics Mets Trade Baseball FILE - Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt winds up during the team's baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Oakland, Calif., Sept. 23, 2021. Bassitt, who made a remarkable recovery from a frightening line drive to the head last year, was traded by the Athletics to the New York Mets on Saturday, March 12, for a pair of minor league pitchers. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — All-Star righty Chris Bassitt, who made a remarkable recovery from a frightening line drive to the head last year, was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the New York Mets on Saturday for a pair of minor league pitchers. Bassitt gives the Mets a much-needed starter for the middle of the rotation, seemingly a good fit behind aces Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Bassitt wound up 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 27 starts, including his first career complete game, and was a first-time All-Star.
wftv.comMets boost staff, get Bassitt from A's for 2 minor leaguers
Athletics Mets Trade Baseball FILE - Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt winds up during the team's baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Oakland, Calif., Sept. 23, 2021. Bassitt, who made a remarkable recovery from a frightening line drive to the head last year, was traded by the Athletics to the New York Mets on Saturday, March 12, for a pair of minor league pitchers. Bassitt gives the Mets a much-needed starter for the middle of the rotation, seemingly a good fit behind aces Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Bassitt wound up 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 27 starts, including his first career complete game. Bassitt is 31-25 with a 3.47 ERA in parts of seven seasons with the A’s and White Sox.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Bassitt back, Chisox close, Max starts, Cards W
Bassitt was leading the American League in wins, innings (151) and starts (25) at the time of his injury. WHITE SOX WRAPUP? The White Sox are on the verge of reaching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in team history. Reynaldo López (3-3, 3.00 ERA) starts the opener for Chicago and Aaron Civale (11-4, 3.40) pitches for second-place Cleveland. The 40-year-old Wainwright (16-7, 2.89 ERA) starts against Adrian Houser (9-6, 3.43) and division-leading Milwaukee.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Bassitt back, Chisox try to clinch, Max starts
Bassitt was leading the American League in wins, innings (151) and starts (25) at the time of his injury. WHITE SOX WRAPUP? José Abreu, Yasmani Grandal and the White Sox look to clinch their first AL Central title since 2008, needing to win just once in a day-night doubleheader at Cleveland. Reynaldo López (3-3, 3.00 ERA) starts the opener for Chicago and Aaron Civale (11-4, 3.40) pitches for second-place Cleveland. The 40-year-old Wainwright (16-7, 2.89 ERA) starts against Adrian Houser (9-6, 3.43) and division-leading Milwaukee.
wftv.comBassitt to start for A's, 5 weeks after being hit in head
Yankees Athletics Baseball Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt speaks to reporters before a baseball game between the Athletics and the New York Yankees in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. Bassitt returned to the Bay Area on Friday following facial surgery in Chicago, where he was hit with a line drive the week before. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt is set to return to the mound, just over five weeks after being hospitalized when he was hit in the head by a 100 mph line drive. Oakland manager Bob Melvin announced Bassitt will come off the injured list and start Thursday’s series finale at home against Seattle in a matchup of AL wild-card contenders. The 32-year-old Bassitt was carted off the field and taken to a hospital in Chicago.
wftv.comYankees' win streak ends at 13; Montas leads A's to 3-2 win
Yankees Athletics Baseball New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo reacts after striking out against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — The New York Yankees' 13-game winning streak ended as Frankie Montas pitched seven shutout innings and the Oakland Athletics held on for a 3-2 victory Saturday. The Yankees' string was their best since a 13-game streak in September 1961 fueled by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. After the balk call against Cortes, Randazzo and the pitcher got into a brief, heated discussion near the Yankees dugout. Then in the bottom of the frame, Randazzo ejected A’s manager Bob Melvin after replay upheld an inning-ending double play by the Yankees.
wftv.comJudge's single sends Yankees past A's for 12th straight win
Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the ninth inning, Giancarlo Stanton homered for the third consecutive game and the New York Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7-6 for their 12th straight victory and longest winning streak in nearly 60 years.
Harrison, Marte lead Oakland offense, A's top Giants 4-1
Giants Athletics Baseball Oakland Athletics' Starling Marte gestures toward teammates after hitting an RBI double against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Josh Harrison hit a two-run single, Starling Marte added an RBI double, and the Oakland Athletics beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 on Friday night. Mike Yastrzemski homered for San Francisco. As Marte stole third, Jose Alvarez’s throw bounced past third baseman Wilmer Flores and into foul territory, and Marte scored easily. He had been unbeaten in 11 starts following a San Francisco loss.
wftv.comA's RHP Bassitt out of hospital after being hit by liner
Athletics White Sox Baseball Oakland Athletics' Josh Harrison reacts as starting pitcher Chris Bassitt is taken off the field after Bassitt was hit in the head by a ball hit by Chicago White Sox's Brian Goodwin during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Bassitt was taken to the hospital after being hit by a drive from Brian Goodwin in the second inning of a 9-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. Bassitt went down on the mound right after he was hit, holding his head, and his teammates quickly waved to the dugout for assistance. The A's said Wednesday that an exam of his right eye was normal for vision and no other damage was found in the eye or the orbital bone. Bassitt's agency, Meister Sports Management, released a statement thanking the A's, White Sox and fans for their support and well wishes.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Miggy seeks 500 vs Ohtani, Bassitt hit in head
Bassitt was struck on the side of the head by a line drive against the Chicago White Sox. In the second inning, Bassitt threw an 89.5 mph cut fastball that Brian Goodwin drove right back up the middle. Bassitt went down on the mound when he was hit, holding his head, and his teammates quickly waved to the dugout for assistance. The Red Sox had seemingly snapped out of a 3-11 slump when they swept last-place Baltimore in three games last weekend. Nick Pivetta (9-5, 4.20 ERA) pitches for the Red Sox against Andrew Heaney (7-8, 5.78) in the series finale.
wftv.comA's right-hander Chris Bassitt struck on head by comebacker
CHICAG0 — Oakland Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt was carted off the field Tuesday night after he was struck on the side of the head by a comebacker. With two on and no outs in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox, Bassitt threw an 89.5 mph cut fastball that Brian Goodwin lined right back up the middle. Bassitt went down on the mound right after he was hit, holding his head, and his teammates quickly waved to the dugout for assistance. A's center fielder Starling Marte had his hands on his head as Bassitt was driven by him. The 32-year-old Bassitt, who broke into the majors with the White Sox in 2014, is in the midst of a breakout season for Oakland.
wftv.comMoreland 2 HRs, Bassitt AL-high 12th W, A's bop Indians 17-0
Athletics Indians Baseball Oakland Athletics' Mitch Moreland is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Mitch Moreland homered twice, Chris Bassitt posted his AL-leading 12th win and the Oakland Athletics routed the Cleveland Indians 17-0 on Thursday for their seventh straight victory. By the end, the only drama involved Matt Chapman, who walked in his first five plate appearances for Oakland. Bryce Harper, Jeff Bagwell and Jimmie Foxx share the major league mark of six walks in a game. Indians: RHP Zach Plesac (6-4) will look for his first win since July 28 at Detroit on Friday night.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Pads-Nats resume after shooting outside DC park
(John McDonnell/The Washington Post via AP) (John McDonnell)A look at what’s happening around the majors Sunday:SUSPENSION AFTER SHOOTINGThe San Diego Padres and Washington will resume their game after it was suspended because of a shooting outside Nationals Park. Starting on July 30, the Blue Jays will be allowed to play under the retractable roof at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Blue Jays didn’t play in Toronto last season because of COVID-19 restrictions. “I think about Marcus Semien, Hyun Jin Ryu, George Springer — players who made a decision to come to the Toronto Blue Jays because Toronto was a big part of that decision,” Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said. The Blue Jays will have left-handers work both games, with Ryu in the opener and then Steven Matz.
wftv.comThe Latest: Rays' Zunino HRs in 1st All-Star at-bat
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Coors Field (all times local):10:15 p.m. Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. It was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. There were a pair of late additions to the AL All-Star team: Tampa Bay right-hander Andrew Kittredge and Minnesota left-hander Taylor Rogers. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Braves star Acuña out for year, MLB draft opens
Acuña had been set to start for the NL All-Star team in Tuesday’s game, his third appearance. MLB moved the draft to July’s All-Star weekend, putting the opening round on its network right after the All-Star Futures Game, a showcase for the top players in the minors. Former Philadelphia righty Nick Pivetta (7-3, 4.09 ERA) starts for the Red Sox in the series wrapup against the Phillies. Dylan Cease (7-4, 4.14 ERA) starts for the AL Central leaders, and Spenser Watkins (1-0, 1.50 ERA) pitches for the Orioles. Melvin said the A’s are certainly OK with Bassitt pitching one inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, which would be his normal bullpen day between starts.
wftv.comSurging Rays in tight race with Red Sox atop AL East
Tampa Bay has won 15 of its last 16 games and leads the AL East heading into Monday's game against the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay is doing all of this after trading former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to San Diego in the offseason. Of course, it's another Tampa Bay catcher who has really turned heads. Tampa Bay traded shortstop Willy Adames to Milwaukee on May 21, and J.P. Feyereisen — one of the pitchers the Rays received — already has two saves since the deal. Tampa Bay has a one-game lead in the division over Boston.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Double NY twinbill, Giants-Dodgers, Ohtani up
Blue Jays Yankees Baseball A storm approaches Yankee Stadium after a baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees was postponed due to predicted inclement weather, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in New York. In addition, Yankees right-hander Corey Kluber is expected to miss at least two months after hurting his pitching shoulder Tuesday. The Mets will play two games against the Rockies with a major league-high 17 players on the injured list. THE UNICORNShohei Ohtani (1-0, 2.37 ERA) makes his seventh pitching start of the season for the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a four-game series at Oakland. Shortly after MLB’s announcement of the penalty Wednesday, the Angels said they had fired Callaway, the team’s pitching coach since October 2019.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Double NY twinbill, Giants-Dodgers, Ohtani up
Blue Jays Yankees Baseball A storm approaches Yankee Stadium after a baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees was postponed due to predicted inclement weather, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in New York. In addition, Yankees right-hander Corey Kluber is expected to miss at least two months after hurting his pitching shoulder Tuesday. The Mets will play two games against the Rockies with a major league-high 17 players on the injured list. THE UNICORNShohei Ohtani (1-0, 2.37 ERA) makes his seventh pitching start of the season for the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a four-game series at Oakland. Shortly after MLB’s announcement of the penalty Wednesday, the Angels said they had fired Callaway, the team’s pitching coach since October 2019.
wftv.comYanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finish
Trevor Williams went five innings in his fourth start, allowing a run on three hits. Austin Gomber made his fourth start for Colorado, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. Dylan Cease made his second start, allowing three hits and three walks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Boyd made his fourth start, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in four innings, striking out five. Tyler Anderson went five innings in his fourth start for Pittsburgh, giving up one run on two hits.
Springer hits 2 HRs, Astros beat A's 5-2 for 2-0 ALDS lead
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer celebrate after the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 2 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. The Houston Astros can't miss these days. “With every victory, the energy and the confidence grows,” first-year Houston manager Dusty Baker said. Five of Springer’s postseason homers have come at Dodger Stadium, where the Astros beat the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired.
Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, celebrates with George Springer after they defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – A home run derby broke out during a hot, dry day at Dodger Stadium, and suddenly the Houston Astros have their swing and swagger back. “When you get the leadoff guy (Springer) getting on base every single time, good things are going to happen. Altuve's line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. Chris Bassitt put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on in the fifth with back-to-back singles by Springer and Altuve.
Astros out to 'silence the haters' in ALDS against Athletics
FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2017, file photo, the Houston Astros celebrate after Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles. On Monday, Oct. 5, the Astros and the Oakland Athletics will open their ALDS matchup at Dodger Stadium. The coronavirus pandemic largely has protected the Astros from having public scorn heaped on them this season. He hasn't been particularly effective this season, and didn't start against them when the A's took seven of 10 games from the Astros this season. “We never did anything in our rotation to make him miss the Astros,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
LEADING OFF: Marlins' Marte hopes to play with broken hand
The Marlins are hoping center fielder Starling Marte can play through a broken bone in his left hand as they try to eliminate the Cubs at Wrigley Field. To do it, the Braves might need to make a whole lot more contact at the plate than they did Wednesday while beating the Reds 1-0 in 13 innings — the first postseason game to be scoreless after 11. They’ll be up against Luis Castillo (4-6, 3.21), who makes his first career playoff start for the Reds. He was out for a second straight playoff game because of a sprained right foot that kept him out of the final three games of the regular season. Wainwright closed out the Padres at Petco Park in their previous postseason appearance in 2006.