Marlins trade OF Marte to A's and RHP García to Astros
Marlins Athletics Trade Baseball FILE - Miami Marlins' Starling Marte plays during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia, in this Tuesday, June 29, 2021, file photo. Outfielder Starling Marte was traded Wednesday, July 28, 2021, by the Miami Marlins to the Oakland Athletics for left-hander Jesus Luzardo. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) (Matt Slocum)MIAMI — (AP) — Buried in last place in the NL East, the Miami Marlins made an impact on the AL West race with two trades Wednesday. Miami sent right-handed reliever Yimi García to the Houston Astros, and traded outfielder Starling Marte to the Oakland Athletics. The Marlins made the deal after they were unable to reach an agreement with Marte on a contract extension.
wftv.comLuzardo apologizes for breaking finger playing video game
Orioles Athletics Baseball Oakland Athletics' Jesus Luzardo pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, May 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Jesús Luzardo has played video games all his life. Luzardo has apologized to his teammates and Athletics manager Bob Melvin for the accident, which occurred Saturday when he banged his hand into a table while playing a video game four hours before a start. “I'm a 23-year-old kid, I make mistakes,” Luzardo said Tuesday. He will use a splint to protect the finger — and in time will get back to his video game fun.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Luzardo hurt playing video game, Ohtani OK?
Luzardo is out indefinitely after breaking the pinkie finger on his pitching hand when he thumped a table while playing a video game. An X-ray after a loss to Baltimore showed a hairline fracture and Luzardo was put on the 10-day injured list. Ohtani was hit on the right elbow by a pitch in the first inning of Sunday's 2-0 loss at Seattle. Ohtani could be in the batting order when Los Angeles takes on Glasnow (3-1, 1.67), who has fanned 56 in 37 2/3 innings. Pollock had eight RBIs and Matt Beaty seven, with both players hitting early grand slams, for Los Angeles in a 16-4 victory Sunday at Milwaukee.
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Luzardo hurt playing video game, Ohtani starts
Orioles Athletics Baseball Oakland Athletics' Jesus Luzardo pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, May 1, 2021. Luzardo is out indefinitely after breaking the pinkie finger on his pitching hand when he thumped a table while playing a video game. Ohtani earned his first win in three starts this season in his previous outing, overcoming a rough first inning at Texas. The Blue Jays also will make stops in Houston and Atlanta. The Blue Jays will see if George Springer is able to play.
wftv.comGamer gone: A's lefty Luzardo breaks finger on video game
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — Athletics left-hander Jesús Luzardo will be off the mound for a while — and maybe off video games, too. Luzardo is out indefinitely after breaking the pinkie finger on his pitching hand when he thumped a table while playing a video game before his start Saturday. “Before the game he was playing a video game and accidentally bumped his hand on the desk as he was playing the game,” Melvin said. “He came in, was a little bit sore, training staff checked him out, we threw him in the cage before he went out there, watched him warm up. “As you would expect it was a little bit worse today, a little bit puffier today but really have no idea on a timetable yet."
wftv.comLEADING OFF: Playoffs begin, Bieber vs Cole in prime matchup
Gerrit Cole delivered for the Yankees in his first season since signing a $324 million, nine-year contract, going 7-3 with a 2.84 ERA. “We think this is a good matchup.”For all Bieber and Cole have accomplished in the shortened regular season, it will mean little if they don’t perform well to start the best-of-three series. For instance, Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka has only played 72 regular season games, including just two against wild-card foe Cleveland. Both were injured Friday, sat out the final two regular season games as a precaution, then participated in a workout at Target Field on Monday. They open a wild-card series in Oakland hoping ace Lucas Giolito can play stopper.
Mariners rally to topple Athletics 6-5 in DH opener
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE – Kyle Lewis sparked Seattle’s rally with a two-run homer and walked with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, helping the Mariners top the Oakland Athletics 6-5 on Monday in the opener of a doubleheader. But Seattle chipped away and scored twice in the sixth inning against Oakland’s bullpen to move in front for good. The win pulled Seattle within one game of idle Houston for second place in the AL West. Lewis hit his 10th homer in the fifth inning to pull Seattle within 5-4 and end Luzardo’s day. A’s manager Bob Melvin planned to play Lamb in the second game of the doubleheader.
LEADING OFF: WS MVP Strasburg makes '20 debut, A's streaking
FILE - In this July 20, 2020 file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during an exhibition baseball game in Baltimore. Strasburg has been scratched from what was supposed to be his first start of the season for the Washington Nationals because of a nerve issue with his right hand. The right-hander is ready to start at Nationals Park against Baltimore. The 32-year-old Strasburg led the NL with 209 innings and 18 wins in 2019. WELCOMEPrized pitcher Spencer Howard is expected to make his major league debut when the Phillies host Atlanta in a doubleheader.
Astros, A's clear benches, empty seats; Oak wins 9th in row
The Athletics' ninth straight win was far overshadowed by what erupted in the seventh inning at the Coliseum. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the As outfielder reached Cintron, and a wild scene ensued. A's and Astros players who were sitting in the seats, observing COVID-19 social-distancing protocols, also rushed onto the field. The Astros have won the past three division crowns, a World Series in 2017 and AL pennant last year. TRAINERS ROOMAstros: CF George Springer resumed hitting work in the batting cage but was still listed as day to day by Baker.
Piscotty hits A's 2nd walkoff slam this year, beats Rangers
Oakland Athletics' Stephen Piscotty celebrates with teammates after a game-ending grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)OAKLAND, Calif. Stephen Piscotty hit Oaklands second walkoff grand slam of the year and the Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 5-1 Tuesday night for their fourth straight win. Volquez retired Robbie Grossman on a popup before Piscotty hit a first-pitch drive over the wall in center to match the opening night 10th-inning slam by Matt Olson against the Angels. The 22-year-old lefty was the youngest As pitcher to start a game since Brett Anderson in 2010 and lived up to the hype. He overpowered the Rangers at times, striking out Joey Gallo on a 96 mph to end the first.
LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelf
Manager Don Mattingly said he has never spoken with some of the players joining the team. With only about eight weeks left in the season, Ohtani might not pitch again until 2021. Ohtani reported discomfort in his arm Sunday after struggling through his second start since having Tommy John surgery in 2018. HAPPY BIRTHDAYKansas City right-hander Brady Singer makes his third major league start on his 24th birthday at Wrigley Field. Luzardo made six appearances as a September callup last season and made two appearances out of the bullpen this season.
LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelf
With only about eight weeks left in the season, Ohtani might not pitch again until 2021. Ohtani reported discomfort in his arm Sunday after struggling through his second start since having Tommy John surgery in 2018. Betts sat out Monday with swelling on a finger on his left hand that manager Dave Roberts described as substantial. HAPPY BIRTHDAYKansas City right-hander Brady Singer makes his third major league start on his 24th birthday at Wrigley Field. Just shy of his 23rd birthday, Luzardo will be the youngest starter for the As since Brett Anderson in 2010.
Nationals cancel workout because of COVID-19 testing delay
WASHINGTON The defending World Series champion Nationals canceled their workout Monday because of COVID-19 testing delays that general manager Mike Rizzo worried could endanger the baseball season. All players and staff were tested Friday, and Rizzo said the team still hasn't received those results. We will not sacrifice the health and safety of our players, staff and their families. Two Nationals players who took part in in-take testing last week tested positive. Martinez said some of the 60 players tested were still awaiting results.
King Flix opts out of MLB season, Doolittle on fence
The decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith and two other Atlanta players tested positive for the virus. Reliever Brett Martin tested positive on intake and allowed the Rangers to disclose that Friday. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said outfielder Socrates Brito and pitcher Blake Cederlind tested positive for the coronavirus and allowed their names to be released. Seven players have tested positive, including the players who forced the shutdown of the teams spring training complex a few weeks ago. The Chicago White Sox said two players tested positive and are asymptomatic.