FRAMBER VALDEZ

Aaron Judge lined a game-winning single on the eve of his salary arbitration showdown, capping a four-run ninth inning that included Aaron Hicks’ tying three-run homer off closer Ryan Pressly in the New York Yankees’ 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros.

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.

Astros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning — nine pitches, three strikeouts — and Martín Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.

Marlins Astros Baseball Miami Marlins starting pitcher Braxton Garrett throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Houston. Garrett (1-1) yielded six hits and an unearned run with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for the win in his second start this season. The Marlins scored three runs in the second inning with the help of a costly error by rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña. Jesús Aguilar, who homered twice Friday night, singled to open the second inning and advanced to second on a groundout by Miguel Rojas. Houston cut the lead to 4-1 when Peña scored on a two-out double by Jose Altuve.

The Miami Marlins got a solid start from rookie Braxton Garrett and Jon Berti drove in two runs to help them extend their winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros.

Framber Valdez outpitched Shohei Ohtani with 6 2/3 dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the Houston Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

A bit player during the Chicago Cubs’ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston Astros.

The Seminole Tribe quietly launches online sports betting in Florida, amid continuing legal challenges to a gambling deal approved by state lawmakers in May.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates his RBI single during the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):11: p.m. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

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

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

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

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

Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. That means Sunday night's game at Truist Park might mark the final time a pitcher ever appears in a big league batting order. “I think it’s definitely going to be pretty special that this could be the last pitchers ever hitting in baseball. It continues to this day, when American League teams often feel at a disadvantage when the World Series shifts to an NL park. The only other pitcher who didn't bat ninth in the World Series was Babe Ruth back in 1918.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves might have represented a historic moment for Major League Baseball.

Grinning the whole time, Zack Greinke slipped into his Astros warmup jacket, joked with Freddie Freeman and got a friendly pat from the Atlanta star first baseman. Because after Game 5 of the World Series, they could become almost extinct. There’s a good chance Major League Baseball will bring the designated hitter to the National League next year — likely forever.

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

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it.

Rookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson scores past Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro on a sacrifice fly during the eighth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves are three outs away from a 1-0 World Series advantage, leading 6-2 after eight innings in Game 1. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. While four batters led off the bottom of the first of a World Series opener with a home run, Soler became the first in 117 World Series to homer starting the top of the first of an opener.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker scores on an error during the fourth 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) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):9:15 p.m. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton rubs his leg before leaving the game 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) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):8:50 p.m.Atlanta starter Charlie Morton has been removed in the third inning because of a right ankle injury. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

___7:43 p.m.Jorge Soler got this 117th World Series off to a smashing start. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler celebrates his home run during the first 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/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):7:43 p.m.Jorge Soler got this 117th World Series off to a smashing start. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday night’s opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton speaks during a news conference Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, set to start in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week. It’s just been a lot of sacrifice and hard work.”Morton pitched for Houston from 2017-18, winning Game 7 of the 2017 World Series in relief at Dodger Stadium. “That’s pretty great.”Tuesday will mark Morton’s 16th postseason start and 17th appearance. “Back in 2014 and 2015 I wouldn’t have thought of being a starter in Game 1 of the World Series, but now it’s real and I appreciate it,” he said.

Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, starting in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week.

When Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves meet Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, it will be a World Series that's been six decades in the making.

Rookie Luis García will start for the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

APTOPIX ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez celebrates in the dugout after the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Boston. The Red Sox need a win to force a deciding seventh game on Saturday. The left-hander departed after retiring the Red Sox in order in the eighth — the longest outing for any starter this postseason. In all, Valdez gave up one run on three hits, one walk and a hit batter, striking out five. The Red Sox had won seven straight postseason games at home — dating to the 2018 ALCS — before blowing an eighth-inning lead on Tuesday night.

Framber Valdez gave the Houston Astros the start they were looking for.

The Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.

Houston Astros ace Lance McCullers is looking for ways to help the team off the field while sidelined with an arm injury during the AL Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.

For the second time in four seasons, the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros are set to play for the American League pennant.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will look to take down his former team in the AL Championship Series for the second time in four years after beating the Houston Astros on the way to a World Series title in 2018.

NLDS Dodgers Giants Baseball The San Francisco Giants work out Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in San Francisco for the baseball team's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which starts Friday. They were about as even as you can get meeting head-to-head this year: the Giants won the season series 10-9, while the Dodgers outscored San Francisco 80-78. Los Angeles will counter with right-hander Walker Buehler, a 16-game winner over 33 starts who went 3-1 against San Francisco this year. Giolito put together a strong finish to the regular season, going 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA in his last seven starts. Framber Valdez starts Game 2 for Houston.

The 107-win Giants and 106-win Dodgers are ready to throw out all those wins and settle their season-long clash with a best-of-five NL Division Series in San Francisco.

Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is back in the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to open their best-of-five AL Division Series on Thursday against the Houston Astros.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

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.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani has been scratched from his scheduled start for the Angels against Oakland because of a sore right arm that could sideline him as a pitcher for the rest of the season.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 44th home run, but got tagged early by José Altuve, Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros in a 10-5 over the Los Angeles Angels.

Big league home run leader Shohei Ohtani is unbeaten in his last 13 starts going into this outing for the Los Angeles Angels against the AL West-leading Astros in Houston.

Ty France tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning and put the Seattle Mariners on top with an RBI single in the 11th before Kyle Seager belted a three-run homer in a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Aledmys Díaz had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Houston Astros to 5-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.

Max Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium.

José Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 in a matchup of baseball’s top two teams.

Held hitless into the eighth inning by Domingo Germán and looking feeble, Alex Verdugo and the Boston Red Sox suddenly erupted for five runs to shake Fenway Park and storm past the New York Yankees 5-4.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros sent the Texas Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss, 4-1 on Saturday night. A half-hour or so before the Astros' bid was broken up, Patrick Sandoval of the Angels lost his no-hit try with one out in the ninth inning at Minnesota. Yordan Alvarez homered in the seventh and Carlos Correa added two RBIs for the Astros, who won their 60th game. UP NEXTZack Greinke (9-3, 3.58 ERA) will start for Houston on Sunday when the Astros try to complete the sweep.

Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros beat Texas 4-1, sending the Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Astros lost their combined no-hit bid in the eighth when Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to start the inning for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers, who have lost a season-high 10 straight, did not hit a ball in the air through six innings. Trevino hit a sharp ground ball with one out in the fifth that looked like it might get by Correa, but he spun to grab it. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Astros are pitching a combined no-hitter through seven innings against the Texas Rangers. Framber Valdez needed 99 pitches to get through six innings and Bryan Abreu took over for the seventh. The Rangers, who have lost a season-high 10 straight, did not hit a ball in the air through six innings. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

The Houston Astros lost their combined no-hit bid in the eighth when Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled to start the inning for the Texas Rangers.

Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole demanded on the mound that manager Aaron Boone let him get the final out, then struck out Yordan Alvarez with a 99 mph fastball on his career-high 129th pitch to cap the New York Yankees’ 1-0 win over the Houston Astros.

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

Angels Athletics Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani warms up before the team's baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, May 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:___OHTANI ON DELAYShohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels in Oakland — assuming he can get to the ballpark on time. The team bus carrying Ohtani wasn't able to get through, and Ohtani experienced another delay when he tried to take a Bay Area Rapid Transit train. The Japanese sensation entered Thursday hitting .270 with 15 homers and is 1-0 with a 2.37 ERA over six starts. The 30-year-old is as sharp as ever, striking out 92 and walking just eight this season over 64 2/3 innings.

Mets Injuries Baseball FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019 file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Miami Marlins in New York. Noah Syndergaard was pulled from his minor league rehabilitation outing because of soreness in his pitching elbow Tuesday night, May 25, 2021 the latest setback for a New York Mets team ravaged by injuries. QUICK HEALERFramber Valdez is set to make his first start of 2021 for Houston after breaking his left ring finger during spring training. Valdez made two minor league rehab starts, most recently throwing 54 pitches in four innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday. Mize (3-3, 3.42) is figuring things out in his second big league season after being drafted No.

Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels in Oakland — assuming he can get to the ballpark on time.

Dodgers Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Wednesday night. ... Roberts said utility player Zach McKinstry, out since April 22 with an oblique strain, could come off the injured list this weekend. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, with soreness in his right shoulder. Astros: Houston is off on Thursday before starting a three-game interleague series with the San Diego Padres on Friday night with Valdez on the mound.

Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2.

Angels Astros Baseball Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angels' bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1 Tuesday night. The two-way star then moved to play right field, and Yuli Gurriel homered during Houston's four-run eighth. Ohtani's appearance in right field marked the second time in his MLB career that he’s played a position other than pitcher. There was one out in the eighth when Ward homered to the third row of the seats in right field to tie it at 1-all.

Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angels’ bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1.

Jared Walsh homered and matched a career high with four hits, Justin Upton also connected and the Los Angeles Angels rallied in the sixth inning to beat the Houston Astros 5-4.

Boos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astros’ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.

The two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.

The Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdéz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.

The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.

The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.