JUSTIN VERLANDER

Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East.

Major League Baseball’s postseason has a little more heft this year.

With just a few days remaining in the 2022 regular season, we have reached the point where we can safely name our fantasy award winners. And the icing on the cake for Judge was the addition of a speed component in the form of 16 steals. His homer total (60) is 18 more than that of any other player, and he is the favorite to go first overall in 2022 drafts. Best Reliever, NL: Ryan Helsley, RP, St. Louis CardinalsHelsley took an unconventional route to this award, ranking 19th in the Majors with 18 saves. Best Rookie, NL: Spencer Strider, SP/RP, Atlanta BravesStrider was one of the best stories of the 2022 season, starting the campaign in the bullpen before emerging as a dominant starter.

The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols could make this a milestone week for home runs.

The Houston Astros, especially Yordan Alvarez, sure know how to party. Upon clinching a postseason spot for a sixth straight year, Alvarez blasted three home runs.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered in his first three at-bats, Justin Verlander threw five hitless innings in his return from the injured list and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth with a 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. The Astros (95-50) won their sixth straight game to join the Los Angeles Dodgers as the first two teams to secure playoff spots, reaching their sixth straight postseason. Alvarez, second in the AL with 36 home runs, had solo shots off Adrián Martínez in the first, third and fifth innings. There have been only 15 three-homer games in Houston history and Alvarez joins Glenn Davis and Jeff Bagwell as the only Astros to have more than one. There were two outs in the first when Alvarez connected on a shot to straightaway center field to make it 1-0.

Yordan Alvarez homered in his first three at-bats, Justin Verlander threw five hitless innings in his return from the injured list and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth with a 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 325th career start together, setting a major league record for most as a battery.

Mike Trout homered in his sixth straight game to set an Angels franchise record, Shohei Ohtani threw five solid innings before exiting because of a blister and Los Angeles beat the Houston Astros 6-1.

Freddie Freeman drove in the go-ahead run with a grounder in the top of the 10th inning, Chris Martin escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins 3-2.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have put All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin on the injured list because of a strained right forearm, making the move as a precaution hours before his scheduled start at Miami.

So far, the impact of baseball's expanded postseason is marginal.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched three scoreless innings before departing because of right calf discomfort, and the Houston Astros used five relievers to close out a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The Astros dropped the first two games of the weekend set after winning four in a row. It was the shortest outing of the season for Verlander, one of the front-runners for the AL Cy Young Award. Ryne Stanek (2-1) tossed a perfect seventh for the win, and Rafael Montero worked a rocky ninth for his ninth save. RHP Spenser Watkins (4-4, 3.96 ERA) is slated to start for the Orioles opposite RHP Cal Quantrill (10-5, 3.59 ERA).

Justin Verlander pitched three scoreless innings before departing because of right calf discomfort, and the Houston Astros used five relievers to close out a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Astros ace Justin Verlander left Sunday's game against Baltimore after three scoreless innings because of right calf discomfort. The right-hander, a leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award, lowered his major league-leading ERA to 1.84. The 39-year-old Verlander had Tommy John surgery in 2020 and missed all of last season. Verlander threw 60 pitches, including 39 for strikes. He allowed consecutive singles to Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman in the first, and then struck out the next three batters.

Astros ace Justin Verlander has left their game against Baltimore after three scoreless innings because of right calf discomfort.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 Tuesday night in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston. Verlander (16-3) allowed just one runner to reach base — Nick Gordon struck out in the second inning on a wild pitch to get aboard. The Twins scored twice in the ninth and had the bases loaded before Bryan Abreu struck out Jake Cave to end it. That was the only hit for Correa, who was selected first overall by the Astros in 2012 and spent his first seven seasons in Houston. Dubón gave Houston the lead with an RBI single in the second inning and Trey Mancini made it 2-0 with his run-scoring double in the fourth.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

Sports Seriously: MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Steve Gardner examine if the Yankees fixed their issues prior to the trade deadline and if they're truly ready for a deep October run.

Sports Seriously: MLB insiders Bob Nightengale and Steve Gardner break down the Nationals' trade of Juan Soto how they could be better for it in the long run.

Astros Guardians Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings for his MLB-leading 15th victory, Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado each homered and had three RBIs, and the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0 Thursday night. In addition to leading the majors in wins, Verlander leads with a 1.73 ERA. McCormick gave the Astros a 2-0 lead with run-scoring singles in the third and fifth off Cleveland starter Zach Plesac (2-10). The Guardians entered the day one game behind AL Central leader Minnesota and one game out of the final wild-card spot.

Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings for his MLB-leading 15th victory, Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado each homered and had three RBIs, and the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0.

Juan Soto is set for his San Diego debut at home Wednesday night against Colorado.

Mariners Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws to a Seattle Mariners batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 29, 2022, in Houston. Verlander (14-3) allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings and allowed five hits with five strikeouts and outdueled Seattle's Robbie Ray, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner. Verlander allowed just three earned runs in four starts and 26 2/3 innings in July. He has been hit hard by Houston this season, giving up 14 runs in 10 2/3 innings in three starts. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. continues to make progress in his rehab from a forearm strain in the offseason.

Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Díaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Seattle. Pete Alonso and the first-place Mets are in Miami to face Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara (9-4, 1.81 ERA) for the fourth time since June 19. Alcantara is winless in his last three starts overall despite a 1.71 ERA during that span. Brandon Woodruff (8-3, 3.73 ERA) pitches for the Brewers against rookie Brayan Bello (0-2, 10.50) in the opener of a three-game series. MAD BUMArizona left-hander Madison Bumgarner (6-9, 3.71 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series at Atlanta.

Houston ace Justin Verlander, who leads the major leagues in wins, takes a 13-3 record and 1.86 ERA into his start Friday against visiting Seattle.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — Justin Verlander became the major leagues' first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Saturday. Seattle loaded the bases on walks by Eugenio Suárez and pinch-hitter Kyle Lewis around Frazier's single, and Verlander struck out No. Verlander has allowed one earned run or fewer in seven of his last eight starts. Kyle Tucker and Yuli Gurriel hit RBI doubles in the fourth to help the Astros to their fourth consecutive win and send Seattle to its second straight loss after a 14-game winning streak.

Justin Verlander became the major leagues’ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.

The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners’ winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory.

The Blue Jays surpassed the franchise record for runs in a game when they scored their 25th in the fifth inning. The relay home wasn’t close to nabbing Tapia, who picked up speed when he realized Duran had lost the ball. The 25-year-old Duran, in his second major league season, came into the game in a 2-for-30 slump. A left-handed hitter, Smithwas batting .194 with no homers, 17 RBIs and a .560 OPS in 58 games. Robert exited Chicago’s win at division leader Minnesota on July 15 in the second inning because of lightheadedness.

Jarren Duran and the Red Sox will try to shake off what happened at Fenway Park, where Toronto went on a run rampage that included an inside-the-park grand slam thanks to Duran’s misplay and negligence.

Yankees Astros Baseball Houston Astros pinch hitter J.J. Matijevic, second from left, celebrates with Justin Verlander after hitting a walkoff single during the ninth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the New York Yankees, Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Rookie J.J. Matijevic’s pinch-hit RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning lifted the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader between the American League’s top teams. Alex Bregman led off the Houston ninth with a single against Michael King (6-3). King looked as if he might be able to escape the jam after he struck out Chas McCormick, but Matijevic drove in Bregman with an infield single to shortstop. The doubleheader between the major league-leading Yankees and the Astros is to help make up a series that was postponed because of the lockout.

Kate Upton began dating Justin Verlander, an MLB star, in 2014 and announced their engagement in 2016. The pair said “I do” in 2017 and welcomed their daughter in 2018.

Major League Baseball is considering a pitch clock for next year along with shift limits, larger bases and restrictions on pickoff attempts. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and the rest of major league pitchers are likely to be looking over their shoulders next season: at a pitch clock. “We’ve known it’s been an issue and its importance and we don’t seem to clean it up.”Major League Baseball also is considering shift limits, larger bases, restrictions on pickoff attempts and — perhaps in 2024 — limited use of robot umpires to call balls and strikes. MLB’s average through Thursday was 20.5 seconds with no runners and 27.3 second with runners. “Little by little, everything they’re doing in the minor leagues is going to affect their big league game, which is great,” he said.

Major League Baseball is considering a pitch clock for next year along with shift limits, larger bases and restrictions on pickoff attempts.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout will miss the All-Star Game because of back spasms, joining Bryce Harper on the sidelines and depriving the showcase of two of baseball’s best-known players.

Athletics Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander follows through on a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 10 in six sharp innings to post his MLB-leading 12th win and the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 5-0 Saturday. Martín Maldonado hit a second-inning grand slam as the AL West-leading Astros bounced back after a 5-1 loss in the series opener Friday night. Verlander (12-3) allowed six hits without a walk and lowered his ERA to 1.89, which ranks third in the majors. But Vimael Machín grounded into a double play before Verlander retired Ramón Laureano to end the threat.

Justin Verlander struck out 10 in six scoreless innings to post his MLB-leading 12th win as the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 5-0.

Royals Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)A look at what's happening around baseball today:___THE FUTURE IS NOWAll-Star Game festivities start in earnest with the Futures Game, where some of the best prospects in Major League Baseball will play a seven-inning matchup at Dodger Stadium. Former All-Star catcher and longtime manager Mike Scioscia will guide the NL squad, back in the ballpark where his Los Angeles Dodgers won two World Series championships. Several big hitters will face each other, ahead of possibly squaring off in the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night in Los Angeles. Bundy (5-4, 4.68 ERA) is trying to regain his form after winning his first three starts of the season.

Royals Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:___THE FUTURE IS NOWThe All-Star Game festivities start in earnest with the Futures Game, where some of the best prospects in Major League Baseball will play a seven-inning matchup at Dodger Stadium. 2-rated prospect in the majors; Texas pitcher Jack Leiter, son of former big league pitcher Al Leiter; and Washington second baseman Darren Baker, son of Houston manager Dusty Baker. Verlander (11-3, 2.00 ERA) tries to become the first pitcher in the majors this season with 12 wins. Several big hitters will face each other, ahead of possibly squaring off in the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night in Los Angeles.

The All-Star Game festivities start in earnest with the Futures Game, where some of the best prospects in Major League Baseball will play a seven-inning matchup at Dodger Stadium on Saturday.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Tony Gonsolin pitched seven strong innings for his 11th victory in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Royals Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Thursday to take the series 3-1. His 26 home runs rank second in the AL to Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, who has 30. Emmanuel Rivera and Edward Olivares hit consecutive singles to start the second. Astros: José Urquidy (7-3, 4.15) will oppose Oakland’s Paul Blackburn (6-3, 2.90) when the Astros open a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday night.

Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series 3-1.

Astros Mets Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers against the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in New York. Verlander will be on seven days’ rest since pitching eight innings of two-hit ball in a 2-0 victory at the New York Mets last week. BOSTON BOUNDWith a huge lead in the AL East over their longtime rivals, Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees open a four-game series at Fenway Park against Xander Bogaerts and the Boston Red Sox. Gerrit Cole (7-2, 2.99 ERA) pitches for the Yankees, who arrive with the best record in baseball. Cease went five appearances without allowing an earned run, and has allowed one run in each of his last two outings, both wins.

Justin Verlander looks to become the first 11-game winner in the majors when Houston hosts the last-place Royals in the finale of a four-game series Thursday afternoon.

Washington star Juan Soto is being checked out after exiting a game early because of an injured left calf.

The New York Yankees and Houston Astros will meet Thursday in a one-game series between AL division leaders at Minute Maid Park.

Astros Mets Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK — (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, light-hitting backup catcher Jason Castro lined a two-run homer in the ninth and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 2-0 Wednesday to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season. Astros left fielder Yordan Álvarez and shortstop Jeremy Peña were hurt when they collided in the eighth while running down Dominic Smith’s popup. UP NEXTAstros: RHP Luis Garcia (5-5) starts Thursday’s one-game series at home against the New York Yankees and RHP Luis Severino (4-2), a makeup of a game postponed by the lockout. Mets: RHP Chris Bassitt (6-5) starts a home series against Texas on Friday night.

Justin Verlander pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, light-hitting backup catcher Jason Castro lined a two-run homer in the ninth and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 2-0 to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___SCHERZER'S STARTMets ace Max Scherzer will make a minor league rehab start for Double-A Binghamton. Scherzer will be pitching on seven days of rest after his first rehab start with the Rumble Ponies on June 21. SHO GOAngels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is coming off a dominant start as he pitches against the White Sox in Anaheim. Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 against Kansas City in his last outing, allowing two hits over eight scoreless innings. Ohtani is 6-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 12 starts, striking out 90 in 68 1/3 innings.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:___SCHERZER'S STARTMets ace Max Scherzer will make a minor league rehab start for Double-A Binghamton. Scherzer will be pitching on seven days of rest after his first rehab start with the Rumble Ponies on June 21. SHO GOAngels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is coming off a dominant start as he pitches against the White Sox in Anaheim. Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 against Kansas City in his last outing, allowing two hits over eight scoreless innings. Ohtani is 6-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 12 starts, striking out 90 in 68 1/3 innings.

Mets ace Max Scherzer will make a minor league rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday.

Astros Yankees Baseball Houston Astros' Justin Verlander pitches during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, June 24, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) (Bebeto Matthews)NEW YORK — (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 3-1 Friday night to stop New York’s 15-game home winning streak. The 39-year-old right-hander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out three and walked one, lowering his ERA to 2.22. Rafael Montero, pitching for a third straight day for the first time this season, walked Aaron Hicks with one out and pinch-hitter Matt Carpenter with two outs. At the end of the inning, Donaldson cupped a hand to an ear while looking at the Astros dugout, then shrugged shoulders.

Justin Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 3-1 to stop New York’s 15-game home winning streak.

Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the star first baseman and the NL West leaders open a weekend series at his former home. After a dozen years in Atlanta, he became a free agent and signed a $162 million, six-year deal with the Dodgers. That was three weeks ago in Cincinnati when Pham slapped Pederson in the face before a game because of a dispute over fantasy football. The outfielders will see each other again when the Reds visit San Francisco for a weekend series. Pederson said he hopes Giants fans don't take it too far when Pham is playing at Oracle Park.

Freddie Freeman is sure to get a huge ovation when he returns to Truist Park for the first time since helping lead the Atlanta Braves to the World Series championship.

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.

Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the star first baseman and the NL West leaders open a weekend series at his former home. After a dozen years in Atlanta, he became a free agent and signed a $162 million, six-year deal with the Dodgers. That was three weeks ago in Cincinnati when Pham slapped Pederson in the face before a game because of a dispute over fantasy football. The outfielders will see each other again when the Reds visit San Francisco for a weekend series. Pederson said he hopes that Giants fans don't take it too far when Pham is playing at Oracle Park.

Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon needs surgery on his right wrist and once again will have a season cut short by an injury.

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.

Mariners Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 in seven sparkling innings, Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1 on Tuesday night. Verlander (7-2) yielded one run on six hits and improved to 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA in four starts against the Mariners this season. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm strain) threw a 25-pitch bullpen. The Astros recalled RHP Brandon Bielak from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 in seven sparkling innings, Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1.

Sonny Gray, Chris Paddack and Josh Winder are on the injured list, and Joe Ryan is on the COVID-19 list. Yankees right-hander Jameson Taillon (6-1, 2.30) starts for the first time since taking a perfect game into the eighth inning against the Angels last week. Kyle Wright (5-3, 2.41 ERA) starts for Atlanta against Cole Irvin (2-2, 2.96). Texas left-hander Taylor Hearn (3-4) is scheduled to start Game 2, but the Guardians had not yet announced their pitcher. Kansas City right-hander Brad Keller (1-6) is 0-4 with a 6.67 ERA in five starts since defeating St. Louis on May 3.

The AL Central-leading Twins start a home series against the AL East-leading Yankees with their rotation in a dire situation.

Mariners manager Scott Servais was ejected for his role in a benches-clearing scuffle in the ninth inning of Seattle’s 7-4 win over the Houston Astros, a game in which Cal Raleigh had a career-high four RBIs and Julio Rodriguez hit a late two-run shot.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Houston. Verlander has a 19-inning scoreless streak and hasn't allowed a run in his last three outings. The two-time All-Star and 2018 NL Rookie of the Year recently missed five games recently with right groin tightness. Ailing in a couple of spots, the team with the top record in baseball signed the 36-year-old Carpenter on Thursday. Carpenter hit .169 in 130 games for St. Louis last year; the previous season, he batted only .186 for the Cardinals.

Astros ace Justin Verlander has been as dominant as ever in his return from Tommy John surgery, going 6-1 with a 1.22 ERA in eight starts.

Rangers Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Houston. Verlander has a 19-inning scoreless streak and hasn't allowed a run in his last three outings. The two-time All-Star and 2018 NL Rookie of the Year recently missed five games recently with right groin tightness. Ailing in a couple of spots, the team with the top record in baseball signed the 36-year-old Carpenter on Thursday. Carpenter hit .169 in 130 games for St. Louis last year; the previous season, he batted only .186 for the Cardinals.

Nolan Ryan pitched for a record 27 seasons in the big leagues, struck out 5,714 batters and threw seven no-hitters.

Astros Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Yadiel Hernandez (29) celebrates his three-run home run with Nelson Cruz, right, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros' 11-game winning streak, romping 13-6 on Saturday night. Manager Dusty Baker and the Astros fell one game short of matching the franchise-record 12-game winning string achieved in 1999, 2004 and 2018. Hernandez hit an RBI single in the first and added a three-run homer into the Nationals bullpen in the third for a 4-0 lead. Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg (recovery from thoracic outlet surgery) and RHP Joe Ross (right elbow bone spur removal) each threw two-inning simulated games Friday in Florida.

Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros’ 11-game winning streak with a 13-6 romp.

Astros Twins Baseball Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (Craig Lassig)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Justin Verlander missed out on his fourth no-hitter by five outs but still faced the minimum through eight innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 5-0 Tuesday night for their eighth straight win. Verlander was vying to tie Sandy Koufax for second on the career no-hitter list. ... LHP Danny Coloumbe left Tuesday’s game in the sixth inning with left hip inflammation. Minnesota counters with RHP Chris Archer (0-0), who is still looking for his first win in a Twins uniform.

Justin Verlander missed out on his fourth no-hitter by five outs but still faced the minimum through eight innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 5-0 for their eighth straight win.

Astros Twins Baseball Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (Craig Lassig)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Justin Verlander has pitched six hitless innings on 66 pitches for the Houston Astros against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old right-hander was perfect through four innings Tuesday night before allowing a leadoff walk to Jorge Polanco in the fifth. Verlander has thrown three no-hitters in his decorated career, with his last coming in 2019 with the Astros against Toronto. Houston leads Minnesota 5-0 after six innings at Target Field.

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander is six outs away from completing his fourth career no-hitter.

Mariners Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander acknowledges the crowd as he leaves the field during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Houston. It’s unclear if new Twins shortstop Carlos Correa will play in the three-game series against his former team because of a bruised finger. The two-time All-Star and 2015 AL Rookie of the Year went from Houston to Minnesota last offseason, signing a $105.3 million, three-year contract. The Cardinals and Cubs are the leading candidates to play in London next year after their scheduled 2020 meeting there was canceled due to the pandemic. The New York Yankees swept two games against the Boston Red Sox at London’s Olympic Stadium in June 2019, MLB’s first games ever in Europe.

Justin Verlander and the Astros try for their eighth straight win when they visit Joe Ryan and the first-place Twins in a matchup of American League contenders with identical 18-11 records.

Astros Rangers Baseball Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates with Chas McCormick (20) after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Kyle Tucker hit a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 3-2 in a series finale that began as an impressive duel between starting pitchers. Tucker's two-run blast came off Matt Bush (0-1), the first reliever for Texas after left-hander Martin Perez took a perfect game into the seventh inning before giving up his only run. The only Rangers hit, and only baserunner, before then was No. General manager James Click says Altuve wanted to play a couple of games to get his timing back before rejoining the Astros lineup.

Kyle Tucker hit a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 3-2.

Kevin Gausman took a shutout into the ninth inning and Jordan Romano escaped with a save as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched three-hit ball over eight innings for his first win since July 2020 and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0 on Saturday night. Leaning mostly on his fastball and slider, Verlander finished eight innings for the first time since Sept. 1, 2019, when he no-hit the Toronto Blue Jays. The only other batter to reach base was J.P. Crawford, who was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning. Verlander pitched five strong innings in his season debut last week against the Angels, only to be outdueled by fellow Tommy John recoveree Noah Syndergaard.

Justin Verlander pitched three-hit ball over eight innings for his first win since July 2020 and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0.

NFL fans are mourning the loss of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who was struck and killed by a dump truck after he tried to cross a Florida highway on foot Saturday morning. Police are currently investigating why Haskins was there.

Noah Syndergaard and Justin Verlander spent most of the past two years working toward Saturday night, when their journeys back from Tommy John surgery coincidentally converged at Angel Stadium. Although Syndergaard emerged slightly happier than Verlander, both veteran right-handers appear to be firmly on the right track. Syndergaard pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in a strong Angels debut, narrowly outdueling Verlander in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros.

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.

Justin Verlander will pitch for Houston for the first time since having Tommy John surgery late in 2020.

He hit .279 with 34 doubles and 26 homers last season for the Houston Astros. Also in Grapefruit League action, Astros ace Justin Verlander was impressive with four scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. Verlander missed all of last year, including the Astros’ run to the World Series. Brewers manager Craig Counsell announced that Burnes would start the Brewers’ April 7 opener against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Last season, Burnes went 11-5 with an MLB-leading 2.43 ERA and struck out 234 while issuing only 34 walks in 167 innings.

The Astros and Verlander haven't decided on the pitcher's spring training workload, but when he takes the mound, it'll be sure to garner interest. Verlander said he's “a hair behind” where he'd normally be in spring training and wants to make sure he's not rushing his return. Verlander's return is one of many storylines during this abbreviated spring training. His acclimation to MLB pitching will be closely watched during his spring games in Arizona. A good tune-up during spring training games would certainly help.

Boston eliminated Tampa Bay in four games last year, and then lost to Houston in the ALCS. Devers anchors a deep lineup for the Red Sox, but left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez signed with Detroit in free agency. Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger are back for LA, but Max Scherzer and Corey Seager departed in free agency. Verlander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, missed last season after he had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2020. Seager and company are chasing the Astros, who won the AL West in 2021 for the fourth time in five years.

Astros Verlander Baseball FILE - Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander throws to the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training baseball game on March 3, 2020, in Jupiter, Fla. Verlander has agreed to a $25 million, one-year contract with the Astros that includes a conditional $25 million player option for a second season. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (Julio Cortez)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander's $25 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros has been finalized, nearly a month after it was agreed to. Verlander's agreement incudes a $25 million salary for 2022 and a $25 million player option for 2023 conditioned on him pitching 130 or more innings in 2022. Verlander became a free agent after completing a $94 million, three-year contract with the Astros. Verlander spent his first 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers before being traded to the Astros on Aug. 31, 2017.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Justin Verlander reached a $25 million deal to remain with the Houston Astros as he comes back from Tommy John surgery, and Brandon Belt accepted an $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. Verlander, a 38-year-old right-hander, has a conditional $25 million option for 2023 as part of the agreement. Verlander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner and the 2011 AL MVP, became a free agent after completing a $94 million, three-year contract with the Astros. Belt was the only one to accept among the 14 free agents who received the offers from their former clubs on Nov. 7. Bell is 33 and perhaps wary of a free-agent market at first base that includes 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander has agreed to a $25 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros that includes a conditional $25 million player option for a second season. Verlander became a free agent after he was paid $66 million over the past two seasons under an agreement with the Astros. Verlander had Tommy John surgery in October 2020 and said earlier this year that his rehabilitation was going well. The 38-year-old right-hander is a two-time Cy Young Award winner and the 2011 AL MVP. Verlander spent his first 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers before being traded to the Astros in August 2017 and helping them to the World Series title that season.

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 Baseball Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa email after their win in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Atlanta’s 7-0 win over the Astros to win the World Series on Tuesday night could mark the end of an era in Houston. Houston reached the World Series in three of the last five years and advanced to the ALCS in each of the last five seasons. The Astros made the trip to the World Series this year after coming one game shy of advancing to the Fall Classic last season. While losing Correa would certainly be a blow to the team, the Astros have plenty of stars who will be back next year, led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez.

Carlos Correa stood on the steps of the dugout watching as Yuli Gurriel grounded out to end Game 6 of the World Series before slowly walking away and heading into Houston's clubhouse for what could be the last time. Atlanta’s 7-0 win over the Astros to win the World Series on Tuesday night could mark the end of an era in Houston. After losing Gerrit Cole and George Springer in free agency the last two years, Houston now faces the distinct possibility that Correa will soon be gone, too.

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander are the latest Americans to up and move to Florida, taking part in the housing boom that has pushed prices skyward over the last year. However, we have a good feeling this Jupiter home would come with a hefty price tag regardless of the market. The 4-bed, 6-bath home along the waterfront clocks in at over 4500 sq ft and comes with a pool and putting green. Beyond the green and pool is a dock with three lifts for boats and personal watercraft. The entire home is built from concrete block and comes with hurricane resistant doors and windows.