KYLE SCHWARBER

Padres Phillies Baseball San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish throws a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Philadelphia. The Padres took two of three from the Phillies and moved 10 games over .500 (24-14). Darvish allowed one-out singles to Rhys Hoskins and Alec Bohm that put runners on the corners with the Padres ahead 2-0. Bryce Harper lobbied hard for the Phillies to sign Schwarber and they gave the outfielder a $79 million, four-year contract. Harper took light swings each of the last two days.

Yu Darvish struck out five and walked none over seven shutout innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Mets and Phillies renew hostilities in Philadelphia only four days after their previous matchup at Citi Field, which got a little testy at the end.

Mets Diamondbacks Baseball New York Mets manager Buck Showalter pauses in the dugout prior to a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Phoenix. In his first season with the team, Showalter had guided the Mets to a 16-7 record — best in the National League — heading into Monday night. Showalter was suspended for one game and fined. The next inning, an inside pitch from López to Schwarber prompted umpires to warn both teams. Mets batters have been hit by pitches a major league-leading 20 times this season, drawing the ire of Showalter and several players.

New York Mets manager Buck Showalter was suspended for his team's 5-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves after Major League Baseball determined reliever Yoan López intentionally threw at Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber the previous night.

Mets manager Buck Showalter was suspended for Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves after Major League Baseball determined New York reliever Yoan López intentionally threw at Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber the previous night. Michael Hill, baseball's Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, announced the discipline about 20 minutes before the first pitch of New York's game against World Series champion Atlanta at Citi Field — the initial meeting this season between the NL East rivals.

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

Trevor Story and Nick Castellanos are among the newest $100 million men during a Major League Baseball offseason full of big contracts.

That concern ratcheted to another level after Yankees star Aaron Judge took a hard side-step when asked Tuesday if he was vaccinated. The Mets also could be seriously affected. Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner said Wednesday that team president Randy Levine is speaking with the city about finding a solution before opening day April 7. Since the end of the lockout, the A’s also dealt All-Star righty Chris Bassitt to the New York Mets and first baseman Matt Olson to Atlanta. ___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/Jake_Seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Coronavirus restrictions in Canada and New York have assured that baseball will again be affected by COVID-19 in 2022.

The cardboard cutouts are long gone. “Life is not back to normal yet,” Yankees reliever Zack Britton said Wednesday. Fans of the Yankees and Mets were shaken Tuesday by confirmation from New York City that the same private employer vaccine mandate that has sidelined NBA star Kyrie Irving for Brooklyn Nets’ home games would also apply at the outdoor baseball parks in the Bronx and Queens.

PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Kyle Schwarber is coming to Philadelphia, agreeing Wednesday to a four-year deal with the Phillies worth about $80 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. A 29-year-old slugging outfielder, Schwarber split last season with Washington and Boston. He was traded to the Red Sox in July. He hit .266 with 32 home runs and belted a grand slam for the Red Sox in the AL Championship Series. Schwarber will likely spend time as the Phillies designated hitter with time in the outfield and first base.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Kyle Schwarber has agreed to a four-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies worth about $80 million.

Kyle Schwarber is coming to Philadelphia, agreeing Wednesday to a four-year deal with the Phillies worth about $80 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. A 29-year-old slugging outfielder, Schwarber split last season with Washington and Boston. Schwarber will likely serve as the Phillies' designated hitter, with time in the outfield and first base as well.

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

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves right fielder Joc Pederson celebrates with a cigar after winning baseball's World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Pederson agreed with the Cubs in February to a $7 million, one-year contract that included a $4.5 million salary and a $10 million mutual option with a $2.5 million buyout. Schwarber agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract with Washington in January that included a $7 million salary and an $11.5 million mutual option with a $3 million buyout. Outfielder Kole Calhoun's $9 million option was declined by Arizona, triggering a $2 million buyout and completing a $16 million, two-year contract. There have been 170 players who became free agents following the World Series, and about 40 players await decisions on options by Sunday.

Atlanta outfielder Joc Pederson and Boston infielder-outfielder Kyle Schwarber were among 10 players who became free agents when they both declined 2022 mutual options in their contracts.

Atlanta outfielder Joc Pederson and Boston infielder-outfielder Kyle Schwarber were among 10 players who became free agents Thursday when they both declined 2022 mutual options in their contracts. Pederson agreed with the Cubs in February to a $7 million, one-year contract that included a $4.5 million salary and a $10 million mutual option with a $2.5 million buyout. Pederson had two homers and five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee and one homer and four RBIs in the League Championship Series vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers, then went 1 for 15 in the World Series against Houston.

Two years after winning an AL Rookie of the Year Award, Yordan Alvarez has an AL Championship Series MVP to add to his trophy case.

Rookie Luis García showed the poise of an October ace, MVP Yordan Alvarez stayed hot at the plate and the Houston Astros earned yet another trip to the World Series, beating the Boston Red Sox 5-0 in Game 6 of the AL 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.

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.

In a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urías returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros' Alex Bregman watches his home run against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning in Game 4 of baseball's American League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Boston. “That’s what they’ve been doing to us this whole series,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. HOME RUN HISTORYAltuve has 21 career postseason home runs, breaking a tie with Derek Jeter for third-most in baseball history. COMING IN HOTRed Sox manager Alex Cora had to be pulled back by third base coach Carlos Febles after J.D. Red Sox: Schwarber appeared to tweak his left hamstring on a swing in the fourth inning.

Houston’s pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Kyle Schwarber tosses his bat after a grand slam home run against the Houston Astros during the second inning in Game 3 of baseball's American League Championship Series Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, in Boston. Martinez and Rafael Devers each cleared the bases, Schwarber hit a second-inning 3-0 pitch 430 feet into the right field grandstand. Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez gave up five hits, including Kyle Tucker's three-run homer, and struck out seven. Capitalizing on two Astros errors and the struggles of Houston starter José Urquidy, the Red Sox opened a 9-0 lead for the second game in a row. The Red Sox are expected to rely on RHP Nick Pivetta, who was 9-8 with a 4.53 ERA in the regular season.

Kyle Schwarber's grand slam helped the Red Sox rout the Houston Astros 12-3 take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Kyle Schwarber tosses his bat after a grand slam home run against the Houston Astros during the second inning in Game 3 of baseball's American League Championship Series Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, in Boston. Schwarber drove a fastball to right on a 3-0 count for 6-0 lead. In Game 2 at Houston, the Red Sox became the first team with two slams in a postseason game after J.D. The Red Sox had taken a 2-0 lead on Christian Vázquez's RBI single and Christian Arroyo's run-scoring grounder on a high-hop grounder that went off the chest of chest of second baseman Jose Altuve for an error. After the slam, Urquidy gave singles to Kiké Hernandez and Xander Bogaerts, then was replaced by Yimi García.

Kyle Schwarber hit Boston’s third grand slam in two games, a drive off José Urquidy in a six-run second, and the Red Sox took a 9-0 lead after three innings against the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series.

The Red Sox right fielder waved at it desperately -- and unsuccessfully -- to keep it from going out of play. And you call it home-field advantage if you want — call it whatever you want — but we won.”The wild-card Red Sox took a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five matchup. Red Sox ace Nate Eovaldi allowed Austin Meadows’ two-run homer in the top of the first, but Schwarber led off the bottom half with a home run. Red Sox: RHP Hansel Robles appeared to be experiencing discomfort after striking out Diaz for the second out in the eighth. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it would most likely be Eduardo Rodriguez.

The wild-card Red Sox took a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five matchup, with Game 4 on Monday at Fenway Park -- Marathon Day in Boston. Red Sox ace Nate Eovaldi allowed Austin Meadows’ two-run homer in the top of the first, but Schwarber led off the bottom half with a home run. TRAINER’S ROOMRays: Arozarena slipped on his way to second base on his eighth-inning double, then limped into the dugout while the Red Sox changed pitchers. Red Sox: RHP Hansel Robles appeared to be experiencing discomfort after striking out Diaz for the second out in the eighth. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it would most likely be Eduardo Rodriguez.

The Boston Red Sox were saved by a lucky bounce that cost Tampa Bay a certain run and maybe more in Game 3 of the AL Division Series.

Yankees Red Sox Baseball New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts as Boston Red Sox's Kyle Schwarber rounds third base after hitting a solo homer in the third inning of an American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Fenway Park, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Boston. As their ace pitcher flopped on the Fenway Park mound, not even an appearance by Boston heartbreaker Bucky Dent could help them advance in October. Cole was chased in the third inning after serving up home runs to Xander Bogaerts and Kyle Schwarber, and the Yankees were eliminated early from the playoffs with a 6-2 loss Tuesday night to the rival Boston Red Sox. Dent's famous home run at Fenway sent New York past Boston in the 1978 AL East tiebreaker, the only other one-game, winner-take-all matchup between the teams. “Sick to my stomach.”Cole won 16 games during the regular season, but including Tuesday’s loss was 1-3 at Fenway Park this season.

Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees took a winding route into the AL wild-card game, squeezing in on the final day of a tumultuous season.

That doesn’t count the 1978 AL East tiebreaker -- technically regular season Game No. The Red Sox haven’t lost to them since. We don’t really talk about it because we had some business to take care of ourselves,” Red Sox center fielder Kiké Hernandez said before the game. Red Sox: Boston was without its regular DH, J.D. Red Sox: Open the best-of-five ALDS against Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Xander Bogaerts and Kyle Schwarber homered off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole to help the Boston Red Sox beat New York 6-2 in the AL wild-card game.

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 Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff berth on the regular season’s final day and will host the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game after coming back to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 on a tiebreaking two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the ninth inning.

Yankees Red Sox Baseball New York Yankees' DJ LeMahieu misses the catch on a pop foul by Boston Red Sox's Kyle Schwarber during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)NEW YORK — (AP) — The Yankees put All-Star infielder DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a sports hernia ahead of their scheduled regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. LeMahieu was pulled from New York's game Thursday at Toronto after six innings and hasn't played since. The Yankees are also without 2020 home run champion Luke Voit, who went on the IL on Thursday with left knee inflammation. They would advance with a victory, playing at Fenway Park if the Red Sox also beat Washington on Sunday.

The New York Yankees put All-Star infielder DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list with a sports hernia ahead of their scheduled regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees Red Sox Baseball New York Yankees' Joey Gallo misses the catch on a fly ball hit by Boston Red Sox's Kyle Schwarber allowing Alex Verdugo to score during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Boston. The Yankees, who arrived in Boston trailing the Red Sox by two games, leave it with a one-game lead in the race to host the Oct. 5 AL wild-card game. The Red Sox had a second chance to retire Judge when he tipped a 1-2 pitch, but catcher Christian Vazquez couldn't control it. The Red Sox said the alarm was caused by a faulty sprinkler head. Red Sox: Have Monday off before beginning their season-ending road trip with LHP Chris Sale (5-0, 2.57 ERA) facing the Orioles.

Aaron Judge doubled in the go-ahead runs to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-3 victory and a wild-card flipping three-game sweep.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a go-ahead grand slam over the Green Monster in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees beat Boston 5-3 to tie the Red Sox for the top spot in the AL wild-card race.

Gerrit Cole took a two-hit shutout into the sixth inning to lead the New York Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Randy Arozarena, rookie Wander Franco and the Tampa Bay Rays won their ninth straight game, breaking away from Boston soon after Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was pulled because of a positive COVID-19 test.

Red Sox ace Chris Sale joined Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers on record with three immaculate innings, Bobby Dalbec homered twice and Boston beat the Minnesota Twins 12-2.

Red Sox Yankees Baseball New York Yankees pitcher Andrew Heaney winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in New York. ... RHP Ryan Brasier is close to joining the Red Sox, Cora said. Bench coach Will Venable, who tested positive for the coronavirus while the team was in Toronto and was forced to quarantine in Canada, will rejoin the Red Sox at home Friday. ROSTER MOVERed Sox RHP Tanner Houck was returned to Worcester after serving as the 27th man for Tuesday’s doubleheader. Yankees: RHP Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.89 ERA) takes the ball Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series against Minnesota.

Orioles Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox's Chris Sale looks up as he walks to the dugout after pitching during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Bolstered by Chris Sale’s first major league appearance in just over two years, the Boston Red Sox hit five homers while pounding Baltimore 16-2 on Saturday, handing the Orioles their 10th straight loss. Rafael Devers got Boston off to a fast start with a three-run homer in the first against Jorge López (3-13). Martinez hit a three-run homer and Bobby Dalbec added a solo shot during a seven-run fifth inning — right after Sale left to a loud ovation. Red Sox: Cora gave OF/DH Kyle Schwarber the day off after he made his debut a night earlier.

Bolstered by Chris Sale’s first major league appearance in just over two years, the Boston Red Sox hit five homers while pounding Baltimore 16-2, handing the Orioles their 10th straight loss.

Rays Red Sox Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Francisco Mejia watches the flight of his single during the ninth inning of the team's baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, in Boston. The ball skipped past Renfroe for an error and that allowed all three runners to score, giving Tampa Bay a 7-4 lead. Louis Head shut down Boston in order in the ninth to finish off the Red Sox, who lost for the 10th time in 12 games. The Red Sox blew a game they desperately needed, coming off a 2-8 road trip that started with a three-game sweep by the Rays at Tampa Bay. Schwarber was acquired from the Washington Nationals before the trade deadline and has yet to play for the Red Sox.

Tampa Bay’s Francisco Mejía singled with the bases loaded in the ninth, Boston’s Hunter Renfroe made a costly error on the play, and it helped the Rays rally past the Red Sox 8-4 on Tuesday night.

Now this truly was an All-Star trade deadline day.

The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have pulled off a monster deal for ace Max Scherzer and All-Star shortstop Trea Turner, getting the dynamic duo from the Washington Nationals shortly before Friday’s trade deadline.

(AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)BOSTON — (AP) — The Boston Red Sox got All-Star slugger Kyle Schwarber from the Washington Nationals for a minor league pitcher late Thursday night. The trade was announced after the AL East-leading Red Sox lost to Toronto 13-1 at Fenway Park. Martinez usually fills the role for the Red Sox. The Red Sox sent right-hander Aldo Ramirez to Washington. To make roster room for Schwarber, the Red Sox designated right-hander Brandon Workman for assignment.

The AL East-leading Boston Red Sox have acquired All-Star slugger Kyle Schwarber from the Washington Nationals for a minor league pitcher.

Philadelphia’s J.

Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and a pitcher.

HOBBLED HULKBig-hitting Kyle Schwarber is expected to be out of Washington’s lineup for a while with a significant hamstring strain. The Nationals put Schwarber on the 10-day injured list after he hurt himself running out a hit Friday night. Freddy Peralta (7-2, 2.17 ERA) starts next for the Brewers at PNC Park. Rays lefty Ryan Yarbrough (4-3, 4.48 ERA) starts the series finale in Buffalo. TIMELY CATCHTwo-time Gold Glove catcher Roberto Pérez is expected to return to the starting lineup for Cleveland in the series finale against Houston.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom, Milwaukee’s Brandon Woodruff, Texas’ Kyle Gibson and the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole are among those likely to picked as All-Stars when pitchers and reserves are announced Sunday.

Mets Braves Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom works in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, July 1, 2021, in Atlanta. HOBBLED HULKBig-hitting Kyle Schwarber is expected to be out of Washington’s lineup for a while with a significant hamstring strain. The Nationals put Schwarber on the 10-day injured list after he hurt himself running out a hit Friday night. Rays lefty Ryan Yarbrough (4-3, 4.48 ERA) starts the series finale in Buffalo. TIMELY CATCHTwo-time Gold Glove catcher Roberto Pérez is expected to return to the starting lineup for Cleveland in the series finale against Houston.

The Washington Nationals slugger exited Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of an injured right hamstring. Schwarber grimaced rounding first on a single, grabbed the hamstring and immediately left the field. “When you see a guy grab his leg like that, you’ve got to get him out of the game,” manager Dave Martinez said. TWO-WAY GOFans hoping Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will hit and pitch in the All-Star Game might just get their wish. Marlins manager Don Mattingly also was tossed.

After a historic June homer binge, Kyle Schwarber’s July got off to a less promising start.

The Washington Nationals slugger exited Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of an injured right hamstring. Schwarber grimaced rounding first on a single, grabbed the hamstring and immediately left the field. “When you see a guy grab his leg like that, you’ve got to get him out of the game,” manager Dave Martinez said. TWO-WAY GOFans hoping Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will hit and pitch in the All-Star Game might just get their wish. Marlins manager Don Mattingly also was tossed.

Dodgers Nationals Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts scores on a single by Max Muncy during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, July 2, 2021, in Washington. The Nationals lost slugger Kyle Schwarber in the second inning when he grabbed at his hamstring after a single. The Dodgers went to the White House in the morning to meet with President Joe Biden and celebrate their 2020 World Series title. The Nationals summoned Austin Voth to replace Clay and he allowed four earned runs without retiring a batter. Betts hit a two-run single for a 4-3 lead, Taylor added a two-run single and A.J.

Mookie Betts hit a go-ahead single during a nine-run in the seventh inning after Washington ace Max Scherzer departed, and the Los Angeles Dodgers surged past the Nationals 10-5 for their seventh straight win.

Trea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Trea Turner has completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals.

Rays Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber hits a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Nationals Park, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Washington. Only Frank Howard — a star slugger in Washington a half-century earlier — had hit 11 in nine. I love when you guys come at me with some cool stats," Schwarber said this week after being told he now stood alongside Howard. Nobody is confusing Schwarber with Bonds — Schwarber has been intentionally walked just once this year, and it was back in April. You look at Mike Trout, you look at what Shohei Ohtani’s doing," Schwarber said.

Kyle Schwarber’s exploits have now progressed into truly rarified air.

He has 16 home runs in 18 games since being moved into the leadoff spot in the Nationals’ batting order on June 8. Joe Ross (5-7) gave up two runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings for his third win in his four outings. Nationals: RHP Ryne Harper was recalled from Triple-A Rochester and LHP Kyle Lobstein’s contract was selected from Rochester. Nationals: RHP Tanner Rainey was put on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Monday, with a stress reaction in his right Tibia. Rainey is 1-2 with a 6.93 ERA, but he had allowed only one run in his last 9 1/3 innings over 10 appearances.

Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning with his 12th home run in 10 games, and the Washington Nationals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to move above.

Angels Yankees Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani watches his home run during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in New York. Schwarber hit his 12th home run in 10 games Tuesday night, connecting on the first pitch of the game from Tampa Bay's Rich Hill. Schwarber hit his major league-leading seventh leadoff home run, all in June. Mariners pitcher Héctor Santiago is appealing his 10-game suspension after becoming the first player penalized under Major League Baseball’s crackdown on grip-enhancing foreign substances. Santiago, a 33-year-old left-hander, is in his 10th major league season, his first with the Mariners.

Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to become the second player and first since Babe Ruth to start on the mound and hit in the top half of the batting order in the Bronx.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber watches his solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Washington. Schwarber drove Rich Hill’s first pitch, an 83 mph fastball, 434 feet off the upper-deck facade in right for his major league-leading seventh leadoff home run — all in June. Schwarber’s 16 home runs this month are the second-most in any June behind Sammy Sosa’s 20 in 1998. He has 16 home runs in 18 games since being moved into the leadoff spot in the Nationals’ batting order on June 8. The 28-year-old became a free agent Dec. 2 when the Chicago Cubs failed to offer a 2021 contract.

Washington’s Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning against Tampa Bay with his 12th home run in 10 games, tying Albert Belle in 1995 for the most over that span since at least 1901.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber watches his solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Washington. Schwarber drove Rich Hill's first pitch, an 83 mph fastball, 434 feet off the upper-deck facade in right for his major league-leading seventh leadoff home run — all in June. Schwarber's 16 home runs this month are the second-most in any June behind Sammy Sosa's 20 in 1998. He has 16 home runs in 18 games since being moved into the leadoff spot in the Nationals' batting order on June 8. The 28-year-old became a free agent Dec. 2 when the Chicago Cubs failed to offer a 2021 contract.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Kyle Schwarber homered twice, becoming the first player in major league history to hit 15 home runs in a 17-day span, and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 8-4 on Monday night. It was his sixth leadoff homer this season, and Trea Turner followed with a 435-foot bomb to left to make it 2-0. Schwarber has powered the team's surge, setting a franchise record for home runs in any month with his 15 homers in June. Schwarber has five multi-homer games this season, all in June, and three against the Mets. Nationals: RHP Joe Ross (4-7, 4.12 ERA) opens a two-game home series against Tampa Bay.

Kyle Schwarber homered twice, becoming the first player in major league history to hit 15 home runs in a 17-day span, and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 8-4.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber watches his solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Washington. The Washington leadoff hitter launched two more home runs Monday night against the Mets. That gave him 15 homers in 17 days -- the shortest span for a player to hit 15 in major league history, STATS said. PADRE POWERFernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and their San Diego teammates hit the road after a 9-1 homestand. The Padres’ success at Petco Park included a four-game sweep of Cincinnati and a three-game sweep over the defending World Series champion Dodgers.

Kyle Schwarber keeps putting on a remarkable power show, clearing the fences at a record rate for the Nationals.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom can set the team record for scoreless innings when he starts against the Phillies at Citi Field. DeGrom has a 30-inning shutout streak, nearing the club mark of 32 2/3 innings by R.A. Dickey in 2012. DeGrom owns an amazing 0.50 ERA through 12 starts, going 7-2. His 12 home runs in his last 12 games are the most from a leadoff hitter ever in that span. Houston won 12 straight in 1999, 2004 and 2018.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom can set the team record for scoreless innings when he starts against the Phillies at Citi Field on Saturday.

Marlins Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, June 19, 2021. ROCKET MENCarlos Correa and the Astros try for their 12th consecutive victory when Framber Valdéz (4-0, 1.67 ERA) starts in Detroit — although the weather forecast calls for heavy rain. BACK IN BEANTOWNDomingo Germán (4-4, 4.17 ERA) starts for the New York Yankees in their first game in front of fans at Fenway Park since 2019. López pitched seven shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs last Saturday. Baltimore has lost 20 straight road games, equaling the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics for the second-longest skid in AL history, trailing only the 22 road losses in a row by the 1943 A’s.

Jake Arrieta pitches against the World Series champion Dodgers on Friday, one night after Zach Davies and three Cubs relievers combined for the majors' seventh no-hitter this year to match the most in a season since 1900.

(AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson) (Laurence Kesterson)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Starlin Castro hit a go-ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals rallied three times to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 13-12 Wednesday. It was the first game in major league history that featured a grand slam and three-run homer for each team. Josh Bell answered Andrew McCutchen’s slam with one of his own as the Nationals overcame deficits of 5-0, 9-5 and 12-11. Castro then lined a single to center to put Washington ahead to stay as Neris (1-4) blew his fifth save in 15 tries. Phillies: Velasquez yielded four runs and three hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Starlin Castro hit a go-ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals rallied three times to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 13-12.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have dropped 23 straight away games, setting a major league record.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals starter Jon Lester delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of the second baseball game of the team's doubleheader against the New York Mets, Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Washington. Francisco Lindor had five RBIs on a pair of two-run homers and run-scoring single for his first big offensive game with the Mets, who won the opener 5-1. Lester gave up two runs and seven hits in six-plus innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Cleveland traded Lindor to the Mets in January, and New York signed the 27-year-old to contracts worth $363.2 million over 11 seasons. Lindor, who had not driven in more than two runs in a game this season, is hitting .218 with eight homers and 21 RBIs.

Jon Lester pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning to gain his first win for Washington, Kyle Schwarber backed him with four RBIs on a pair of home runs and the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 to split a day-night doubleheader.

Giants Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Erick Fedde delivers a pitch during the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, June 12, 2021, in Washington. He began the day with a 1.27 ERA, but Schwarber quickly put a dent in that impressive number. Fedde (4-4) last pitched on May 16 and was placed on the COVID-19 list three days later. He rejoined the rotation by limiting the Giants to four hits while striking out seven and walking none. The Giants got five hits and were shut out for the third time this season and first since April 12.

Nationals Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson (7) high fives his teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 5-1 in a baseball game Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Dansby Swanson is emerging as a new power contributor in an Atlanta Braves lineup that already leads the major leagues in home runs. Swanson kept up his power surge with a two-run homer in Atlanta's four-run sixth inning, and the Braves beat Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals 5-1 on Thursday. Ronald Acuña Jr. started the inning with a single, stole second and scored on Albies' single that skipped past left fielder Josh Harrison for an error. Scherzer is 5-1 and Washington is 7-1 in his eight starts at Citizens Bank Park since joining the Nationals in 2015.

Nationals Cubs Baseball Washington Nationals' Jon Lester (34) tips his helmet as he comes to bat as Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) stands nearby during the second inning of a baseball game, Monday, May, 17, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)CHICAGO — (AP) — Willson Contreras and the Chicago Cubs heaped praise on Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber in their return to Wrigley Field on Monday. Contreras, Jason Heyward and Javier Báez homered off Lester in his return to Chicago, leading the Cubs to a 7-3 victory over the Washington Nationals. They are really great persons, on and off the field, and it was so good to see them back at Wrigley Field. In between the standing ovations, sweet treats and all the cheering for Lester and Schwarber, the Cubs were mostly business during their third win in four games.

Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and National League celebrates with the trophy after winning the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. And for the first time ever, the top prize for the winner will be $1 million. The Home Run Derby pits some of the league's top sluggers against one another as they see who can hit the most home runs. Last year, the total prize pool for the home run derby was only $525,000, with the winner taking home $125,000. With $1 million of the $2.5 million prize pool going to the winner, expect the competition to be more fierce with significantly more money on the line.