JORGE SOLER

HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez's World Series debut was a blast — for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves went on to win the World Series in six games, and Soler earned the MVP award. Valdez went 0-1 with a 19.29 ERA for Houston in last year’s Series, allowing four homers in 4 2/3 innings. “Last year my emotions got the better of me during the World Series,” Valdez said through a translator Friday on the eve of his start in Game 2 against Philadelphia. He started Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle and didn't get a decision, allowing two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and three walks.

Framber Valdez will start Game 2 of the World Series for the Houston Astros on Saturday night against Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies.

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.

Rookie Nick Fortes hit a solo home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Miami Marlins beat the New York Mets 3-2.

Braves Marlins Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. hits a double during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, May 20, 2022, in Miami. Marcell Ozuna homered for the third consecutive game, while Dansby Swanson and Travis d’Arnaud also went deep for the Braves. It was his first against Atlanta since he was the MVP of the World Series for the champion Braves last season. Acuña didn't play in the World Series after tearing his knee in a game at Miami on July 10. Atlanta struck quickly against Trevor Rogers (2-5) in the first.

Ronald Acuña Jr. had two hits and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 5-3.

Marlins Padres Baseball Miami Marlins' Joe Dunand hits a solo home run against San Diego Padres' Sean Manaea in the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 7, 2022, in San Diego. !”Dunand is 695 home runs behind his uncle, who is fourth on the all-time list after a career tainted by steroid use. Dunand was promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville after Jon Berti was placed on the injured list. Dunand had been on the taxi squad for this trip through San Diego and Arizona. The 26-year-old Dunand doubled to left in his second at-bat and scored on Garrett Cooper's two-run double.

Mariners Marlins Baseball Seattle Mariners' Logan Gilbert pitches to Miami Marlins' Jesus Sanchez during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI — (AP) — Logan Gilbert kept up his run of impressive starts, Julio Rodríguez hit his first major league homer and the Seattle Mariners ended Miami's seven-game winning streak, beating the Marlins 7-3 Sunday. Making his first start against an NL club, Gilbert (4-0) held the Marlins hitless until Jon Berti’s two-out single in the fifth. Crawford hit a two-out double and the Marlins intentionally walked Abraham Toro to face Rodríguez, who began the day with a .205 average. Berti scored from third on Jorge Soler’s infield single against Mariners reliever Andres Muñoz in the seventh.

Many familiar faces with impressive resumes are in new places following one of major league baseball’s wildest free agent frenzies.

Marlins Soler Baseball FILE - Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jorge Soler holds up the MVP trophy after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. The Miami Marlins have been seeking a big bat, and they’re hoping reigning World Series MVP Jorge Soler fits the bill. He was the World Series MVP in 2014 after posting a 0.43 ERA over 21 innings. MARLINS, SOLER FINALIZE DEALThe Miami Marlins formally announced the signing of slugger Jorge Soler to a three-year, $36 million contract before a Grapefruit League game against St. Louis. It’s just feeling like playing at home.”Miami can slot a reigning World Series MVP in the middle of a lineup starved for power.

The second act of Madison Bumgarner’s career hasn’t been nearly as successful as the first.

The Miami Marlins have been seeking a big bat, and they’re hoping reigning World Series MVP Jorge Soler fits the bill. A person with direct knowledge of the situation said Saturday, March 19, 2022 that the Marlins and Soler have come to an agreement on a three-year, $36 million contract. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (David J. Phillip)MIAMI — (AP) — The Miami Marlins have been seeking a big bat, and they’re hoping reigning World Series MVP Jorge Soler fits the bill. A person with direct knowledge of the situation said Saturday the Marlins and Soler have agreed on a three-year, $36 million contract. He led off the World Series with a homer, the first player in 117 editions of the Fall Classic to pull off that feat.

The Miami Marlins have been seeking a big bat, and they’re hoping reigning World Series MVP Jorge Soler fits the bill.

The World Series champion Atlanta Braves have added depth at catcher by signing Manny Piña to a two-year, $8 million contract.

If the universal designated hitter returns to the National League for good next season as many people believe, don’t be looking for the role to be filled with prototypical aging superstars who no longer play a position.

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.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler celebrates in the dugout after a three-run home run during the third inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Houston shortstop Carlos Correa and Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, also became free agents. Catcher Tucker Barnhart, whose contract includes a $7.5 million club option, was traded Wednesday from Cincinnati to Detroit for infielder Nick Quintana. Teams must decide by 5 p.m. EST Sunday whether to make $18.4 million qualifying offers to their players who became free agents. A player is eligible for a qualifying offer only if he was with the team for the entire 2021 season and has not previously received a qualifying offer.

World Series MVP Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and Eddie Rosario of the champion Atlanta Braves are among 160 players who became free agents as an uncertain offseason started with a lockout threat looming.

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.

The Braves needed six games to put away the Astros, and are now celebrating their first championship since 1995. Atlanta's Jorge Soler was named the series Most Valuable Player.

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' Jorge Soler celebrates a three-run home run during the third inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. He dropped his bat, tapped his chest twice and jabbed a hand toward the Atlanta Braves dugout. Now, a World Series star, finishing off the Houston Astros for the Braves’ first World Series title since 1995. A bit player during the Chicago Cubs’ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Soler was voted MVP of Atlanta’s six-game Series win over over the Astros. Soler started off the 117th World Series with something that had not occurred in the first 678 games of baseball’s championship — a home run by the very first batter.

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.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman celebrates his home run during the seventh inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves 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 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 Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6.

It hasn’t been done in the World Series since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto in Game 2 in 2015. __8:35 p.m.Atlanta starting pitcher Max Fried has gotten 12 outs over 12 batters for the Braves, who lead 3-0 in Houston after four innings in pursuit of their first World Series title since 1995. Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. Kyle Tucker opened the Astros second with a grounder, before Alex Bregman fouled out down the right field line and Jose Siri flew out. The Houston Astros stranded runners at second and third base in the first inning of World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Swanson, the top overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft by Arizona, was the Most Outstanding Player at the 2014 College World Series as he helped Vanderbilt win a national championship. Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. And if it holds it might have earned him World Series MVP. Kyle Tucker opened the Astros second with a grounder, before Alex Bregman fouled out down the right field line and Jose Siri flew out.

Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. ___8:15 p.m.Jorge Soler’s three-run blast has given the Braves a 3-0 lead in the third inning. And if it holds it might have earned him World Series MVP. Kyle Tucker opened the Astros second with a grounder, before Alex Bregman fouled out down the right field line and Jose Siri flew out. The Houston Astros stranded runners at second and third base in the first inning of World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried.

Atlanta was denied a hometown celebration when the Houston Astros rallied from an early 4-0 deficit for a 9-5 win over the Braves in Game 5 of the World Series.

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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.

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

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson celebrates his home run during the seventh inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. That triumph at the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium remains the franchise's only World Series crown since moving to the Deep South in 1966. LEE STARTSLee was one of the most unlikely starters in World Series history. Lee didn't last long in Game 4, but he will forever be known as a World Series starter.

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

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler connected for back-to-back homers in the seventh inning Saturday night, propelling the Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a commanding 3-1 Series lead.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson celebrates a home run during the seventh inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. It was the first time in franchise history the Braves hit back-to-back homers in the World Series. ___8:08 p.m.Truist Park is filled and Braves fans are ready to rock for Game 4 of the World Series. Backup catcher Jason Castro was dropped from the Houston Astros' World Series roster before Game 4 because of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols. The tarp is on the field at Truist Park as a light rain falls before Game 4 of the World Series.

Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves can wrap up the title on their home field, just as they did two stadiums ago when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 1995. Swanson’s one-out drive made it 2-all and Soler followed with a liner to left field off reliever Cristian Javier.

Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.

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.

World Series Baseball Fans arrive at Minute Maid Park where the roof on the stadium was open for Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros (all times local):7:35 p.m.José Altuve has helped give the Houston Astros their first lead of the World Series. Morton’s right fibula was broken by a 102 mph drive off the bat of Houston’s Yuli Gurriel in the World Series opener. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury. ___2:15 p.m.Left-hander Tucker Davidson has replaced injured pitcher Charlie Morton on the Atlanta Braves’ World Series roster.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler celebrates with Ozzie Albies after a 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/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — A healthy swing by Jorge Soler powered the Atlanta Braves to a smashing start in the World Series. This is their third World Series in five seasons — and first since their illegal sign-stealing scheme was revealed. The 37-year-old righty, the winning pitcher for the Astros in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, will be replaced on the roster. ... No team has won a World Series game in its own park since the Dodgers beat Boston in 18 innings in Game 3 of 2018.

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 Atlanta Braves' Drew Smyly celebrates after a double during the sixth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. 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. 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. 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 relief pitcher Luke Jackson throws during the sixth 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):10 p.m.Luke Jackson relieved A.J. Minter and threw a scoreless sixth inning, leaving the Atlanta Braves with a 5-1 lead over the Houston Astros in the World Series opener. 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.

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.

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):7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. 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. 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. Gonzalez, a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series champions, has not played since the final game of the regular season on Oct. 3.

World Series Baseball The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for Tuesday night's World Series opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton. 1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of the opening World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. Gore was on the roster for the Division Series against Milwaukee and made one appearance, pinch running for Pederson in Game 2. Gonzalez, a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series champions, has not played since the final game of the regular season on Oct. 3.

World Series Baseball The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for Tuesday night's World Series opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton. 1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of the opening World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. Gore was on the roster for the Division Series against Milwaukee and made one appearance, pinch running for Pederson in Game 2. Gonzalez, a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series champions, has not played since the final game of the regular season on Oct. 3.

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.

The Atlanta Braves are in the World Series in no small part thanks to the trades general manager Alex Anthopoulos made during the season.

Eddie Rosario's hot bat led the Atlanta Braves to a World Series matchup with the Houston Astros and earned him the NL Championship Series MVP award.

Astros 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.

Chris Taylor hit three homers and drove in six runs to help the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta 11-2, cutting the Braves' lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

Astros 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.

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 Atlanta Braves welcomed back outfielder Jorge Soler for Game 5 of the NL Championship Series after he was activated following his positive COVID-19 test.

Several months after COVID-19 vaccinations were made widely available in the United States, vaccination status continues to disrupt professional and college sports.

Dodgers ace right-hander Max Scherzer is the planned starter for the opening game of the NL Championship Series against the Braves.

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

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 Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants players warm up at Dodger Stadium before Game 4 of the baseball team's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Mookie Betts and the World Series champion Dodgers will play Buster Posey and the rival Giants on Thursday night in San Francisco for a spot in the NL Championship Series. If you are a sports fan and have a pulse, you better be watching Giants-Dodgers,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. Logan Webb, who pitched a gem in winning the opener, starts for San Francisco against Julio Urías, who led the majors with 20 victories. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

After a season of piling up whopping win totals, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers get a day to prep for their all-or-nothing matchup in Game 5 of the NL Division Series.

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches at the batting cage before Game 3 of an baseball American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Chicago. White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night. The Hall of Famer was lured out of retirement to help the star-studded White Sox make a deep postseason run. And it’s not clear if La Russa will return next season. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night.

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches at the batting cage before Game 3 of an baseball American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Chicago. White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night. The Hall of Famer was lured out of retirement to help the star-studded White Sox make a deep postseason run. And it’s not clear if La Russa will return next season. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

APTOPIX NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves right fielder Jorge Soler celebrates their win against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) (Aaron Gash)ATLANTA — (AP) — Braves right fielder Jorge Soler was pulled from the lineup for Tuesday's Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee after testing positive for COVID-19. Soler was replaced at the top of the order by shortstop Dansby Swanson. Soler batted .091 with no homers and no RBIs through the first three games against Milwaukee. He hit a combined .223 with 27 homers and 70 RBIs with Kansas City and Atlanta during the regular season.

Braves right fielder Jorge Soler was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee after testing positive for COVID-19.

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 to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece.

Phillies Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson (36) delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. They'll face their former city in the playoffs when they open the best-of-five Division Series at the NL Central champion Brewers on Oct. 8. The Braves got hot over the second half of the season to win one of the majors' weakest divisions. But Atlanta snuffed out the Phillies' hopes with a stifling run of starting pitching by Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Anderson. Braves: Host a weekend series against the New York Mets that will serve as final tune-up for the playoffs.

The Atlanta Braves have captured their fourth straight NL East championship.

Braves Diamondbacks Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman high fives Ozzie Albies (1) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Phoenix. Albies became the third player to reach 30 home runs for the Braves this season, joining Riley (31) and Freeman (31). Albies hit a sacrifice fly to left and Riley beat out an infield hit with Freeman advancing to third. Duvall then hit what appeared to be his 38th homer of the season. But Riley, thinking McCarthy had the ball in his glove, retreated to first base as Duvall passed him between first and second.

Ian Anderson pitched two-hit ball over six-plus innings and Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman homered as the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2.

Braves Diamondbacks Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman high fives Austin Riley (27) after scoring on a double hit by Ozzie Albies during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. The two worst teams in the majors this season are currently having a big effect on the NL East race. The Diamondbacks led 3-2 heading to the fifth but the Braves responded with a huge inning, scoring seven runs while sending 12 batters to the plate. Duvall has also added plenty of punch since coming to the Braves in a midseason trade with the Marlins. PITCHER IN A PINCHThe Braves used pitcher Max Fried as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.

Austin Riley had three doubles and three RBIs, Adam Duvall added a two-run homer and the Atlanta Braves extended their lead in the NL East by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-4.

Julio Urías earned his major league-best 15th victory, and the Los Angeles Dodgers slugged four homers in a 5-3 victory over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves.

Giants Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Eddie Rosario swings for a single off San Francisco Giants' Anthony DeSciafani in the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)ATLANTA — (AP) — Jorge Soler and Austin Riley homered off Anthony DeSclafani, Ian Anderson pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0 on Sunday. Soler opened the fourth inning with his 20th homer, a drive into the seats in left. Freddie Freeman followed with an infield single and Riley then launched his 28th homer into the seats in left-center. Braves: LHP Drew Smyly (9-3, 4.54 ERA) pitches for the Braves on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Los Angeles.

Jorge Soler and Austin Riley homered off Anthony DeSclafani, Ian Anderson pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0.

Giants Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler watches his three-run home run during the eighth inning of the team's baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Atlanta. Wilmer Flores led off the ninth with a homer against Braves closer Will Smith to trim Atlanta’s lead to one. Buster Posey hit a two-run homer in his return to San Francisco's lineup and the Giants led 4-2 before the Braves rallied with four runs in the seventh. After Ozzie Albies' RBI double off Tony Watson (5-4) trimmed the Giants' lead to one, Soler hit Zack Littell's first pitch over the left-field wall for a two-run lead. Celebrating with his teammates in the Braves' dugout, Soler pulled off his batting helmet to reveal a “Soler Power” headband.

Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak.

Wandy Peralta retired Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded for the final out, and the New York Yankees held off the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in a thriller to extend their longest winning streak in 36 years to 11 games.

Braves Orioles Baseball Atlanta Braves' Jorge Soler, right, celebrates his home run with Freddie Freeman (5) during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)BALTIMORE — (AP) — Jorge Soler homered, Touki Toussaint pitched effectively into the sixth inning, and the surging Atlanta Braves beat Baltimore 3-1 on Sunday, extending the Orioles' losing streak to 18 games. This was only the third time during this streak that the Orioles lost by two runs or fewer. Adam Duvall added a two-run double for the Braves, who have won nine in a row and 16 of their last 18. Atlanta RHP Huascar Ynoa (4-2) starts Monday night against LHP Jordan Montgomery (4-5).

Jorge Soler homered, Touki Toussaint pitched effectively into the sixth inning, and the surging Atlanta Braves beat Baltimore 3-1, extending the Orioles’ losing streak to 18 games.

Tigers Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch throws to a batter during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, July 25, 2021. — (AP) — Jorge Soler hit two home runs, Salvador Perez added a three-run blast and Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless innings for his first major league win to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 win over the Detroit Tigers Sunday. The Royals grabbed a 4-0 first-inning lead as Perez hit his team-leading 23rd home run and Soler followed with his 11th for the Royals, who have won fifth straight games. It was the second straight game Perez has hit a three-run homer. ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Kansas City optioned Tyler Zuber to Triple-A Omaha to correspond the move to recall Lynch.

Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless, Jorge Soler homered twice and Salvador Perez once to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Rookie Trevor Larnach homered and Rob Refsnyder drove in two runs as the Minnesota Twins hung on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5.

Blue Jays Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals Whit Merrifield, left, steals a base behind Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien, right, during the first inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Orlin Wagner)Whit Merrifield made his big league debut for Kansas City in 2016, the season after the Royals won the World Series. Merrifield already has eight stolen bases, tied for the major league lead. As a team, Kansas City has 22 steals. But even if Kansas City eventually falls from its perch atop the AL Central, the Royals seem to be moving in the right direction — and quickly.

The Kansas City Royals have the best record in baseball — and an identity that should be pretty familiar by now.

Brady Singer pitched seven impressive innings, and the Kansas City Royals took advantage of some defensive sloppiness by Detroit in a 2-1 victory over the Tigers.

He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.