KRIS BRYANT

Kris Bryant's seven-year, $182 million deal with the Colorado Rockies was one of the most perplexing free agent contracts of last year's offseason. The development means Bryant will have played a total of 42 games in his first year with the Rockies. The last time Bryant played in a game was July 31, when he aggravated the foot injury. All of that is obviously not what the Rockies had in mind when they signed Bryant, but then again, it's sometimes hard to know what's on the Rockies' mind. After all, the team signed Bryant, one of the highest-priced players on a stacked free agent market last year, despite being nowhere close to real contention.

James Outman homered on the first swing of his first big-league at-bat and finished with three hits and three RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 7-3 and closed out July with 21 victories.

Manny Machado lined a single for his 1,500th hit and hit a two-run homer in a four-RBI night to help the San Diego Padres beat the reeling Chicago Cubs 19-5.

Goldschmidt homered to extend his string to 25 games as St. Louis routed the Chicago Cubs 14-5 on Friday. Goldschmidt has 10 homers and 36 RBIs in his last 22 games, a stretch that began May 11. STAR TURNTrea Turner tries to run his hitting streak to 27 games when the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Mets. In his last start, Giants manager Gabe Kapler congratulated Webb after eight innings and 98 pitches on Sunday. Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber homered leading off the ninth, Webb was removed and San Francisco won in 10 innings.

Cardinals star Paul Goldschmidt could set the longest hitting streak of his career if he’s successful in both games of a day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Paul Goldschmidt homered to extend his hitting streak to 25 games, Corey Dickerson went deep twice, and the St. Louis Cardinals pounded the Chicago Cubs 14-5.

Reds Pirates Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates' Rodolfo Castro, left, celebrates as teammate Ke'Bryan Hayes (not shown) beats out a fielder's choice, allowing Castro to score from third, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 15, 2022. It marked the sixth time since 1901 that a big league team won despite not getting any hits. It last happened in 2008 when Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo of the Angels lost while holding the Dodgers hitless. By MLB record-keeping rules, Cincinnati’s accomplishment wasn’t an official no-hitter because its pitchers didn’t go at least nine innings. "(It's) the type of thing that you cannot play through and play every day,” Baldelli said.

The Pirates head to Wrigley Field seeking a slightly more convincing victory a day after beating the Reds 1-0 despite having zero hits.

Reds Pirates Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates' Rodolfo Castro, left, celebrates as teammate Ke'Bryan Hayes (not shown) beats out a fielder's choice, allowing Castro to score from third, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 15, 2022. It marked the sixth time in big league history since 1901 that a team won despite not getting any hits. It last happened in 2008 when Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo of the Angels lost while holding the Dodgers hitless. He has a .330 on-base average and a .706 slugging percentage despite missing 12 games this season because of knee trouble. ”(It’s) the type of thing that you cannot play through and play every day,” Baldelli said.

Astros Nationals Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates after his home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Washington. Altuve homered on the first pitch of the game Friday night as the Astros won their 11th in a row, beating Washington 6-1. Houston, which began play in 1962 as a National League expansion team called the Colt .45s, has won 12 straight three times — in 1999, 2004 and 2018. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list.

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros try for their 12th straight win Saturday, which would tie the team record.

The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. “I know I can still play this game and just go out on top.”The Mets owe Canó nearly $45 million remaining on his original contract signed with Seattle. Canó hit .195 with one home run and three RBIs in 43 plate appearances for the NL East-leading Mets. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list. Merrifield has played six positions during the stretch: first base, second base, left field, center field, right field and DH.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets. The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter.

Twins Orioles Baseball Minnesota Twins' Carlos Correa follows through on a swing against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez)Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins dodged a major problem this past week. Correa was just 4 for 30 through his first eight games with the Twins, but the star shortstop has hit .313 since then. Here's a look at how some of the other big free agent movers are doing so far:Freddie Freeman, Dodgers. A loss Sunday to Philadelphia was his first in his last 25 starts with the Nationals, Dodgers and Mets.

Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins dodged a major problem this past week.

Marlins Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder works against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Ben Margot)A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:LONE STAR STARTBraves rookie right-hander Bryce Elder will be at home in Texas when he starts the middle game of a three-game series against the Rangers. A fifth-round draft pick out of the University of Texas in 2020, Elder grew up in Decatur, Texas, which is only about an hour drive from Globe Life Field. He is now the third-base coach for the Braves — and was back in Texas on his 70th birthday Friday. Syndergaard is 2-0 with a 1.04 in his first two starts with the Angels in a comeback attempt.

Braves rookie right-hander Bryce Elder will be at home in Texas when he starts the middle game of a three-game series against the Rangers.

Zack Wheeler tossed one-hit ball over six shutout innings and Alec Bohm homered to help the Philadelphia Phillies complete a four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 7-1 victory.

Braves Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar flips his bat after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in San Diego, Saturday, April 16, 2022. He'll face right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0, 4.76), making his second big league start. Turner, who led the majors in batting average (.328) and hits (195) last year, has hit safely in all eight games in 2022. Turner had three hits Saturday night, including a two-run homer that snapped a scoreless tie in the sixth inning of a 5-2 victory. BRASH STARTMariners rookie right-hander Matt Brash faces Houston for his second start after an impressive debut against the White Sox.

The Padres’ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren’t off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into its series finale against the World Series champion Braves.

The Padres’ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren’t off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into a series finale against the World Series champion Braves.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — Freddie Freeman reached base three times and scored a run in his Dodgers debut, helping Walker Buehler and Los Angeles beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 Friday in a season opener. He was then hit by a pitch, walked and lined a sharp single before taking a called third strike in the eighth. With or without Freeman and Bryant, this remains clear: The Dodgers have dominated the series. But I’m excited to get going and get this next chapter of my career going.” — Freeman on making his Dodgers debut. UP NEXTThe Dodgers will throw right-hander Tony Gonsolin on Saturday, while the Rockies counter with All-Star righty Germán Márquez.

Freddie Freeman reached base three times and scored a run in his Dodgers debut, helping Walker Buehler and Los Angeles beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 in a season opener.

There's a lot to catch up on from a bizarre baseball offseason before the 2022 season officially begins with first pitch at Wrigley Field.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (Sue Ogrocki)Many familiar faces with impressive resumes are in new places following one of major league baseball’s wildest free-agent frenzies. TREVOR STORY: A four-time All-Star shortstop in Colorado, Story signed a $140 million, six-year contract with Boston to play second base. KENLEY JANSEN: The longtime Dodgers closer and three-time All-Star with 350 career saves joined the defending champion Braves on a one-year, $18 million deal. JORGE SOLER: The 2021 World Series MVP remained in the NL East, signing a three-year, $36 million contract with the Marlins. JAVIER BÁEZ: The two-time All-Star and Gold Glove-winning shortstop signed a $140 million, six-year deal with Detroit before the lockout.

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

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

Outfielders Michael Conforto, Tommy Pham and Kevin Pillar are probably the biggest names left without a team. McMahon gets $5 million this season, $9 million in 2023, $12 million in each of the following two seasons and $16 million in each of the last two years. He can opt out after the 2026 season if he finishes among the top five in MVP voting in 2025. The move comes less than a week after the Rockies added 2016 MVP Kris Bryant on a $182 million, seven-year deal. The 40-year-old Perez is attempting to play in his 20th big league season.

Major League Baseball’s free-agent frenzy was fun while it lasted.

Major League Baseball's free-agent frenzy was fun while it lasted. Now that the dust has settled, some of the biggest moves weren't a huge surprise: Freddie Freeman is closer to home with the Dodgers, Nick Castellanos chose the Phillies while Trevor Story picked the Red Sox. Other signings were more unexpected: The Twins swooped in to snag star shortstop Carlos Correa while Kris Bryant surprised most of baseball after his big deal with the Rockies.

Phillies Castellanos Baseball FILE - Cincinnati Reds' Nick Castellanos heads to first during the team's baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 13, 2021, in Philadelphia. Castellanos and the Phillies have agreed to a $100 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) (Matt Slocum)NEW YORK — (AP) — Free-agent slugger Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $100 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity early Saturday because the deal was subject to a successful physical. Kyle Schwarber agreed Wednesday to a four-year contract worth about $80 million, a deal that also was pending a successful physical.

Free-agent slugger Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $100 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

A few miles away in Mesa, Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki also was in camp Friday, ready to bolster the Chicago Cubs. In the case of Freeman and Bryant, the money is certainly substantial but the pull of family loomed large in both decisions. 3 overall pick in the 2013 draft before the Chicago Cubs swooped in and grabbed him with the No. Bryant will stay in the NL West after finalizing his $182 million, seven-year deal on Friday. ANGELS ADD BRADLEYRight-hander Archie Bradley has agreed to a $3.75 million, one-year deal to bolster the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen.

It may look a little weird for a few days, but Freddie Freeman is officially wearing Dodger blue and Kris Bryant is donning the purple and black of the Colorado Rockies.

Rockies-Bryant Baseball FILE -San Francisco Giants' Kris Bryant throws out Milwaukee Brewers' Avisail Garcia at first base during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Milwaukee. Veteran slugger Kris Bryant has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year deal to join the Colorado Rockies, according to a person familiar with the agreement. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash, File) (Aaron Gash)SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — (AP) — Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies finalized their $182 million, seven-year contract on Friday. The third baseman and outfieder gets a $7 million signing bonus, payable within 15 days of the signing. Bryant can play third, first or in the outfield — his most likely position with the Rockies, who have Ryan McMahon at third and C.J.

Kris Bryant and the Colorado Rockies finalized their $182 million, seven-year contract.

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.

Justin Verlander is one of the greatest pitchers of his generation with eight All-Star appearances, two Cy Young Awards, one MVP, one Rookie of the Year and a World Series title.

Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and the rest of baseball’s biggest stars are due at spring training Sunday for the first official day of preseason training following the end of Major League Baseball’s 99-day labor lockout.

It's been three months since Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Max Scherzer found new homes amid an unprecedented free agent spending spree. Players voted Thursday to halt the sport's lockout and agree to terms with Major League Baseball on a new collective bargaining agreement.

With a possible lockout on the horizon, it’s been mostly business as usual on the free agent market — so far.

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he voted for Major League Baseball’s proposal to lower the luxury tax threshold, a plan opposed by the players’ union with the sport on the brink of its first work stoppage on 26 years.

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.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage and first in 26 years appears almost certain to start Dec. 2.

Dodgers ace Max Scherzer got the last three outs in the thrilling Game 5 of the NL Divsion Series and is now lined up to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles in the NL Championship Series.

A stellar season for the San Francisco Giants ended when Wilmer Flores was called out on a disputed check-swing to end a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the deciding Game 5 of the NL Division Series.

Mookie Betts homered and drove in three runs, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 7-2 to force a decisive Game 5 in their NL Division Series.

NLDS Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants' Evan Longoria hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers routed the Giants 9-2 to win Game 2, but mustered just five hits back at home. Their final 15 batters were retired, including in the ninth when Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side. Their first hit came off the bat of 41-year-old Albert Pujols, whose bloop single to right led off the third in his 75th career postseason game. It was his first multi-hit postseason game since his three-homer performance in Game 3 of the 2011 World Series for St. Louis.

Evan Longoria homered off Max Scherzer in the fifth inning and the San Francisco Giants edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 on a blustery night to take a 2-1 lead in their NL Division Series.

Logan Webb struck out 10 pitching masterfully in his postseason debut, Buster Posey hit a two-run homer that held up, and the 107-win San Francisco Giants blanked the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the opener of their NL Division Series.

Highlights of this day in history: First victim dies in post-Sept. 11th anthrax scare; VP candidates spar over JFK; The Beatles release 'Love Me Do'; 'Monty Python' premieres; Baseball's Barry Bonds tops single-season runs record. (Oct. 5)

Arizona Diamondbacks Single-A-affiliate pitcher Scott Randall says he has an unusual change-up. CBS Sacramento reporter Steve Large has more.

The San Francisco Giants missed a chance to clinch the NL West, falling to the San Diego Padres 3-2 when Jake Cronenworth hit an RBI double in the 10th inning.

Alex Wood and three relievers combined for a four-hitter for San Francisco, Kris Bryant hit a sacrifice fly and the Giants reached 104 wins for the first time since 1905 by beating the woeful Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 Wednesday night. Manager Gabe Kapler’s ballclub joined the 1945-46 Boston Red Sox as the only teams to follow a losing season with 104 victories. With four games left, the Giants have a chance to break the franchise wins record of 106 set by the 1904 New York Giants.

... and other happy and heartwarming stories and videos from the week.

Buster Posey homered in the first inning and scored the go-ahead run on an error in the third, and the San Francisco Giants beat the San Diego Padres 6-1 for their ninth straight victory a day after becoming the first team in the big leagues to clinch a playoff berth.

The Miken factory in Caledonia, Minnesota, is one of the town's largest employers. However, the factory is expected to move its bat production to China. Kris Van Cleave shows how it will impact the community.

CHICAGO — (AP) — Kris Bryant drew a pair of standing ovations in his return to Wrigley Field, then Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt homered in the seventh inning to send the San Francisco Giants over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 Friday for their fifth straight win. The Giants, who entered 2 ½ games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, improved to a major league-best 91-50. In this one, Bryant went 0 for 3 with a walk, run and struck out swinging twice. The Cubs presented Bryant with a 2016 World Series championship pennant and a replica No. UP NEXTGiants RHP Kevin Gausman (13-5, 2.58) faces Cubs RHP Zach Davies (6-10, 5.16) on Saturday afternoon.

Kris Bryant drew a pair of standing ovations in his return to Wrigley Field, then Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt homered in the seventh inning to send the San Francisco Giants over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 for their fifth straight win.

Jace Peterson hit a go-ahead single in the seventh, Lorenzo Cain homered for a second straight game and the Milwaukee Brewers knocked the San Francisco Giants out of the top spot in the National League for the first time in more than three months.

Kris Bryant left the Chicago Cubs and NL Central late last month figuring he had seen about enough of Corbin Burnes. Burnes struck out nine while tossing scoreless ball into the seventh and singled home a run to help his winning cause, pitching the Brewers by San Francisco 3-1 on Monday night in a matchup of National League contenders.

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.

Logan Webb threw seven strong innings to win his seventh consecutive decision, Tommy La Stella and Mike Yastrzemski each homered and drove in two runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0.

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.

Josh Harrison hit a two-run single, Starling Marte added an RBI double, and the Oakland Athletics beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 on Friday night.

Mets Giants Baseball New York Mets' Kevin Pillar watches his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the 12th inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Six Giants pitchers combined to blank the Mets until the ninth inning, when J.D. The teams traded runs in the 11th before the Mets scored four runs against Tyler Chatwood (1-3) in the 12th. Lamonte Wade Jr. and Tommy La Stella recorded RBIs for San Francisco. San Francisco took two of three from Oakland in Part 1 of the Bay Bridge Series in June.

Kevin Pillar hit a three-run home run in the 12th inning, lifting the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 6-2 hours after the team’s owner called out its hitters for a lack of production.

Michael Hermosillo homered for the first time since 2018 and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1.

Bryan De La Cruz hit a grand slam and Alex Jackson added a three-run homer as the Miami Marlins tied a team record by scoring 11 times in the second inning during a 14-10 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and the World Series champion Dodgers have been hitting on almost all cylinders this season.

Miguel Cabrera’s 500th career homer could be just a few swings away.

Brian Goodwin led off the 10th inning with a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox regrouped after Craig Kimbrel blew a three-run lead against his former team to beat the rebuilding crosstown Cubs 8-6 at Wrigley Field.

White Sox Brewers Baseball Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Milwaukee. Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA), with the lowest ERA in the majors, pitches for the AL Central-leading White Sox against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-4, 3.71), who is tied for most wins. Phillies newcomer Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) pitches against Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80). Rookie right-hander Alek Manoah (3-1, 2.47 ERA) pitches the opener against Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 3.71) and the Red Sox. In his other four games, all Mets defeats, Báez is a combined 1 for 16.

In-state interleague matchups take center stage in several locales Friday as the Chicago White Sox play the Cubs in a Wrigley Field matinee, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Angels, and the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals.

White Sox Brewers Baseball Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Milwaukee. Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA), with the lowest ERA in the majors, pitches for the AL Central-leading White Sox against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-4, 3.71), who is tied for most wins. Phillies newcomer Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) pitches against Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80). Rookie right-hander Alek Manoah (3-1, 2.47 ERA) pitches the opener against Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 3.71) and the Red Sox. In his other four games, all Mets defeats, Báez is a combined 1 for 16.

Astros Giants Baseball San Francisco Giants' Kris Bryant is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Kris Bryant homered in his Giants debut, a two-out solo shot in the third inning, and San Francisco beat the Houston Astros 5-3 on Sunday. Acquired in a trade from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league prospects just minutes before Friday’s deadline, Bryant was greeted by chants of “KB, KB, KB” when he trotted onto the field for pregame warmups and received a standing ovation before his first at-bat. ROSTER MOVETo make room for Bryant, the Giants optioned IF/OF Jason Vosler to Triple-A Sacramento. Giants: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (10-5, 3.10) pitches the opener of a four-game series in Arizona on Monday.

Kris Bryant homered in his Giants debut, a two-out solo shot in the third inning, and San Francisco beat the Houston Astros 5-3 on Sunday.

Diamondbacks Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Chicago. San Francisco got the four-time All-Star third baseman in a trade with the Cubs for two minor leaguers Friday. AILING TATISPadres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is again out of action after partially dislocating his left shoulder for the third time this season. A third reliever, Jandel Gustave, missed Saturday night’s game for the NL Central leaders at Atlanta due to contact tracing. NEW IN BLUETwo-time All-Star José Berríos is set to make his Toronto debut when starts against Kansas City at Rogers Centre.

Kris Bryant is expected to make his debut for the NL West-leading Giants on Sunday when they host Houston.

Joey Votto has homered in seven straight games and the Cincinnati Reds slugger can match a major league record Saturday night by going deep against the New York Mets.

Astros Giants Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates in the dugout with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 30, 2021, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (Tony Avelar)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — José Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 Friday night in a matchup of baseball's top two teams. It marked Altuve's sixth career slam and third this season — and his third multi-homer game of 2021, the seventh of his career. San Francisco will have a new face in the lineup perhaps as soon as Saturday after acquiring slugger Kris Bryant from the Cubs before the trade deadline Friday. GRAVEMAN'S DEBUTReliable reliever Kendall Graveman struck out three in 1 1/3 innings while making his Astros debut.

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

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)Max Scherzer and Trea Turner wearing Dodger blue, Kris Bryant heading to the Golden Gate. From contenders boosting their roster to the also-ran Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals gutting theirs, this was a monster day for moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest noise, getting Scherzer and Turner for a talented quartet of young prospects. “I want to personally thank Anthony Rizzo, Javy Báez and Kris Bryant,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. They traded away Scherzer and Turner, keys to their 2019 title, along with Lester, Yan Gomes and Josh Harrison.

Diamondbacks Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant watches his two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — The first-place San Francisco Giants made a big splash just before the trade deadline Friday, getting third baseman Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers. The versatile Bryant, a four-time All-Star, was the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP, when he helped the Cubs win the World Series to end a 108-year championship drought. The surprising Giants began the day with a three-game lead in the NL West over their biggest rivals, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 9, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)CHICAGO — (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer and Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5 on Friday afternoon. Chicago won for the second time in three games following an 11-game losing streak. Cubs: RHP Ryan Tepera (left calf strain) got two outs in the seventh after being activated from the 10-day IL. UP NEXTCardinals RHP Kwang Hyun Kim (3-5, 3.39) faces Cubs RHP Zach Davies (5-5, 4.28) on Saturday night.

Phillies Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Alec Mills leaves the baseball game during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO — (AP) — Anthony Rizzo, Joc Pederson and Nico Hoerner each had two hits and an RBI to help the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-3 on Wednesday night, ending an 11-game losing streak. The Cubs raced to an early five-run lead off Wheeler and then added on to halt their longest skid since a 12-game slide in May 2012. Wheeler (6-5) yielded seven runs, four earned, on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings on a cool, drizzly night at Wrigley Field. UP NEXTPhillies RHP Zach Eflin (3-6, 4.13 ERA) faced Cubs RHP Albert Alzolay (4-8, 4.48 ERA) in the series finale on Thursday night.

Cubs Tigers Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya)Whatever the future holds, Kris Bryant is giving the Chicago Cubs plenty of production so far in 2021. Bryant is hitting .303 with 10 home runs in 37 games, and he is second in the National League with an OPS of 1.032. Bryant was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, but the Cubs eventually brought him back on a $19.5 million deal. TRIVIA TIMEThe Cubs drafted Bryant with the No.

There isn't much variation among player salaries in the first several years. MLB players are no longer eligible for arbitration once they hit six years in the Major Leagues and become free agents. Betts and the Boston Red Sox reportedly agreed to a one-year, $27 million deal ahead of the deadline, according to a tweet from ESPN's Jeff Passan. There were reports that Indians shortstop Lindor also reached a $17.5 million deal, according to MLB.com. If a settlement has not been reached by the deadline, then each player and the Yankees will face arbitration hearings.