MLB players' union rejects international draft proposal
The players’ association has rejected what Major League Baseball called its final offer for an international draft, a move that will keep direct draft-pick compensation in place for free agents and likely limit the market for some older players.
Devers hits 2 HR; Red Sox to host Yanks in AL wild-card game
The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff berth on the regular season’s final day and will host the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game after coming back to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 on a tiebreaking two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the ninth inning.
Indians homer in 19th straight; beat Sox 11-5
Franmil Reyes homered over the Green Monster to spark a three-run third inning _ Cleveland’s franchise-record tying 19th straight game with a home run _ and the Indians salvaged the finale of the series with an 11-5 victory over the COVID-impacted Boston Red Sox.
LEADING OFF: Jackie Robinson Day, Red Sox go for 10th in row
All players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear No. 42 on Thursday to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, marking the anniversary of the date the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Famer made his Major League Baseball debut and broke the sport’s color barrier in 1947.
Betts hits 2 HRs in final spring training game of the year
In the final spring training game of the year, Betts hit two home runs Tuesday night and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4. GOOD SIGNOn the final day of spring training, former All-Star pitcher Mike Soroka took a big step toward getting back on a regular-season mound. Ad“It was a perfect way to end a really good spring training on a positive note,” manager Brian Snitker said. Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer and Christian Yelich singled to finish spring training with a .393 batting average. AdDIAMONDBACKS 3, INDIANS 2At Phoenix, Diamondbacks starter Taylor Widener struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
The Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus test
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.
Red Sox bring back Cora, rehiring manager from 2018 title
Cora was Houston's bench coach when he joined the Red Sox in November 2017, and he led Boston to the 2018 title after a franchise-record 108 regular-season wins. “Alex knows that what he did was wrong, and he regrets it," Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said. “During his Red Sox career as a player and manager, Alex continually made us better," team president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. With Betts and Price gone, Chris Sale recovering from Tommy John surgery and Eduardo Rodriguez recovering from a COVID-19-related heart problem, the Red Sox went 24-36. And the Red Sox have plenty of salary flexibility gained in the deal that jettioned Betts and Price.
Springer, LeMahieu, Realmuto among 6 given qualifying offers
Springer, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto were among just six free agents who received $18.9 million qualifying offers on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, from their former teams. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)NEW YORK – Houston outfielder George Springer, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto were among just six free agents who received $18.9 million qualifying offers on Sunday from their former teams. Arizona exercised a $4.25 million option on pitcher Merrill Kelly rather than pay a $500,000 buyout, and Baltiore exercised a $3.5 million option on shortstop José Iglesias rather than pay a $500,000 buyout.
Red Sox finally snap skid vs Yankees, who clinch spot anyway
Boston Red Sox's Tanner Houck delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)BOSTON – Despite dismal results against the New York Yankees this season, at least the Boston Red Sox didn’t have to watch their longtime rivals enjoy clinching a playoff berth at Fenway Park. New York had matched its longest winning streak against the Red Sox, also winning 12 in a row in 1936 and from 1952-53 when Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams was flying combat missions in the Korean War. Red Sox: Off on Monday before beginning their final home series, a three-game set that starts Tuesday against Baltimore. RHP Nick Pivetta, acquired in a trade with the Phillies last month, will make his Red Sox debut.
Duvall follows Ozuna with 3 HRs; Braves complete sweep
Duvall hit a pair of two-run shots over the Green Monster and a solo blast to center for his five RBIs. Duvall and Ozuna were the first teammates with three-homer performances in back-to-back games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Martinez had two hits and two RBIs for the Red Sox, who fell a season-high 13 games under .500. Fenway was built in 1912, but the Red Sox are an AL club and interleague play wasnt introduced in MLB until 1997. The Braves tied it at 3 in the second when Duvall hit his first homer, and Ozuna added an RBI single.
Yanks win 10th straight vs Red Sox, best streak since 1953
Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki, top, looks on. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK Ted Williams was piloting fighter jets in Korea the last time the New York Yankees dominated the Boston Red Sox like this. Luke Voit homered twice, Aroldis Chapman returned from the COVID-19 injured list to pitch the ninth inning and the Yankees beat the Red Sox 6-3 Monday night for their 10th straight victory in the famed rivalry. The tarp was rolled out with the Red Sox rallying in the fourth inning. Yankees: RHP Masahiro Tanaka (0-0, 2.31) opposes Rays LHP Blake Snell (1-0, 2.08) at Yankee Stadium.
Red-hot Judge powers streaking Yankees past Red Sox 9-7
New York Yankees' Aaron Judge follows through on an eighth-inning, two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki is at right. Tell that to his teammates or the Boston Red Sox. Rafael Devers put the Red Sox ahead 7-6 with a titanic drive of his own to right-center in the seventh. Anytime you lose a game like this is tough," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said.
Nelson 3 hitless innings wins debut, Yanks' win 5th in row
New York Yankees relief pitcher Nick Nelson throws in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, in New York. He had pitched three hitless innings for his major league debut in the New York Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night. Thats as good a velocity as weve seen on his fastball really in the last couple of years, Boone said. I dont think he pitched as bad as what the score was," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. ... Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi was back in the lineup after a night off.
Judge HR, Montgomery sharp, Yanks top Red Sox in home opener
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK His chambers left empty, Aaron Judge still rules right field at Yankee Stadium. Red Sox-Yankees in the Bronx, we knew this place would have been packed, Judge said. Gio Urshela and Brett Gardner hit their first home runs of the season, and New York improved to 5-1. "A breaking ball up and in and somehow he stays inside it and it goes out the other way, Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. The left-hander limited the Red Sox to a run, five hits and a walk with four strikeouts.
LEADING OFF: Yelich, Springer slumping, Blue Jays wandering
Yelich also has struck out 12 times going into the series opener at home against Jack Flaherty and the Cardinals. Former World Series MVP George Springer (.048), two-time batting champ Jose Altuve (.174) and former All-Star Game MVP Alex Bregman (.174) will look to break loose when the Astros visit the Angels. TORONTOS TRAVELSVladimir Guerrero Jr. and the wandering Blue Jays will figure out where to spend this weekend after a three-game series in Philadelphia was called off because two Phillies staffers tested positive for the virus. Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and the Jays will stay in DC and work out at Nationals Park. The Blue Jays eventually will play home games in Buffalo at the stadium of their Triple-A affiliate.