LANCE LYNN

Toronto left-hander Robbie Ray bounced back from a dismal season to win the AL Cy Young Award and Milwaukee righty Corbin Burnes returned from a bout of COVID-19 to win the NL’s top pitching prize.

Boosted by a sharp start from Ian Anderson, Braves pitchers have now thrown 19 straight scoreless innings against Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.

Lance McCullers Jr. pitched scoreless ball into the seventh inning and Yordan Alvarez homered to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of their best-of-five AL Division Series.

Two septuagenarians will be on the bench when 77-year-old Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa and the Chicago White Sox face the Houston Astros and 72-year-old skipper Dusty Baker in their playoff opener Thursday.

Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is back in the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to open their best-of-five AL Division Series on Thursday against the Houston Astros.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

The Chicago White Sox think pitcher Carlos Rodón will be healthy enough to help them in the playoffs after the All-Star left-hander was limited down the regular-season stretch.

The Chicago White Sox clinched their first AL Central title since 2008 with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians behind two home runs by Tim Anderson in the opener of a doubleheader spit.

In 51 innings for the Dodgers, Scherzer has allowed just 29 hits and struck out 72. Overall, the 37-year-old Scherzer leads the majors with a 2.17 ERA and is a combined 14-4 for the Dodgers and Nationals. The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot and are two games behind the first-place Giants in the NL West. CHANCE TO CLINCHMilwaukee can secure its fourth consecutive postseason appearance with another win over the Chicago Cubs and losses by Cincinnati and San Diego. Yu Darvish (8-10, 4.32) starts for San Diego.

In 51 innings for the Dodgers, Scherzer has allowed just 29 hits and struck out 72. Overall, the 37-year-old Scherzer leads the majors with a 2.17 ERA and is a combined 14-4 for the Dodgers and Nationals. The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot and are competing with the Giants for the NL West title. Sonny Gray (7-7, 3.80) starts for the Reds as they aim for a wild-card spot. Both teams are chasing the Cardinals, Padres and Reds for the final NL wild card and trying to keep the NL East-leading Braves within sight, too.

Max Scherzer has dominated since being traded to the Dodgers, and tries to extend his success streak when he pitches at Cincinnati on Saturday in a matchup with playoff implications.

Dodgers lefty Julio Urías tries to add to his major league-leading win total when he pitches at St. Louis.

Yasmani Grandal homered twice and drove in eight runs in his return from the injured list, and the Chicago White Sox beat the sloppy Chicago Cubs 17-13.

APTOPIX Yankees White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn warms up in the outfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. “The people who didn't get laid off had more money to spend.”While these trends predated the pandemic, the time at home speeded things up, Giegengack said. In an otherwise quiet TV week, ABC led with an average of 2.69 million viewers in prime time. NBC had 2.65 million, CBS had 2.4 million, Fox had 2.2 million, Univision had 1.3 million, Ion Television had 1.1 million and Telemundo had 1 million. “Field of Dreams Game: N.Y. Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox,” Fox, 5.85 million.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends in how people are watching television differently.

Tim Anderson hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning into the cornfield to end the Field of Dreams game in cinematic fashion.

APTOPIX Yankees White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn warms up in the outfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. The ride to the Field of Dreams site to play the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night had everyone's attention, like a bunch of kids who couldn't believe what they were getting to do. So what if it was more from “The Natural” than “Field of Dreams"? Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that the Field of Dreams game will return in August 2022, with the teams to be determined.

APTOPIX Yankees White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox pitcher Lance Lynn warms up in the outfield before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. The Yankees and White Sox are playing at a temporary stadium in the middle of a cornfield at the Field of Dreams movie site, the first Major League Baseball game held in Iowa. The ride to the Field of Dreams site to play the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night had everyone's attention, like a bunch of kids who couldn't believe what they were getting to do. Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that the Field of Dreams game will return in August 2022, with the teams to be determined. Judge had his moment later, launching a three-run smash in the third — it was no can of corn, sailing to deep right.

The Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees have been in awe of the scene at the Field of Dreams game.

The diamond is built, and now they will come -- José Abreu, Aaron Judge and all, to Iowa.

Luke Voit had a two-run single in the first inning and the New York Yankees beat Kansas City 5-2 on Wednesday for their 12th straight series victory over the Royals.

White Sox Cubs Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn follows through during the first inning of a baseball game against the against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Chicago. The White Sox came away with the win after losing nine of 14. Andrew Vaughn and Seby Zavala gave the White Sox a 2-0 lead in the fourth with RBI singles against Kyle Hendricks. The home run was his first with the White Sox after hitting 18 with the Indians. White Sox: The White Sox reinstated INF/OF Jake Lamb (strained right quadriceps) from the 10-day IL and optioned RHP Matt Foster to Triple-A Charlotte.

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.

Jeff McNeil laced his second go-ahead hit in two days Monday night, when his RBI double in the fifth inning sent the New York Mets to a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves and a doubleheader split.

Twins White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Monday, July 19, 2021, in Chicago. Lance Lynn (9-3, 1.94 ERA) starts for the White Sox against Brandon Woodruff (7-4, 2.04) in a duel of All-Star right-handers. Of those six starting pitchers, Giolito is the only one who didn’t make the All-Star Game this season. According to STATS LLC, this is the first three-game series in major league history to feature five All-Star starting pitchers from the current season. Texas has lost nine games since the All-Star game and is the only team in the majors to go winless since the break.

The Chicago White Sox and Brewers close a weekend full of impressive pitching matchups in Milwaukee with arguably the best of the bunch Sunday night.

Twins White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Monday, July 19, 2021, in Chicago. Lance Lynn (9-3, 1.94 ERA) starts for the White Sox against Brandon Woodruff (7-4, 2.04) in a duel of All-Star right-handers. Of those six starting pitchers, Giolito is the only one who didn’t make the All-Star Game this season. According to STATS LLC, this is the first three-game series in major league history to feature five All-Star starting pitchers from the current season. “It’s exciting,” said injured Chicago catcher Yasmani Grandal, who worked with these Brewers pitchers while playing for Milwaukee in 2019.

Twins White Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Nelson Cruz celebrates in the dugout his home run off Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 19, 2021, in Chicago. The defending AL champion Rays acquired Cruz, one of baseball’s most proven sluggers, in a four-player trade with Minnesota on Thursday night. The 41-year-old Cruz has 436 career homers and 1,202 RBIs. He’ll bring some needed pop to Tampa Bay’s lineup and should help the Rays against left-handers. The seven-time All-Star also has plenty of playoff experience with 17 homers and 37 RBIs in 46 postseason games.

Nelson Cruz is headed to a contender in the biggest deal yet ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

The two-way star hit his 34th home run Sunday in a 7-4 loss to Seattle. Ohtani (4-1, 3.49 ERA) is scheduled to start when Los Angeles begins a six-game road trip in Oakland. NO DERBY DOWNERSome players have declined to participate in the All-Star Home Run Derby over the years because they say the exertion can wear them out and wrecks their swing. The Washington star has hit three home runs in three games since taking part in the Derby on Tuesday night at Coors Field. WELL EARNEDAL ERA leader Lance Lynn makes his first start for the White Sox since signing a $38 million, two-year contract through 2023.

Major league home run leader Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels in his first outing since tossing a perfect first inning in the All-Star Game.

Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu, right, celebrates with third base coach Joe McEwing after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Houston Astros in Chicago, Saturday, July 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1 on Saturday night. STAYING ON THE SOUTH SIDEThe White Sox and All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn agreed to a $38 million, two-year contract extension. The White Sox have an $18 million option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout. White Sox: Manager Tony La Russa said RHP Evan Marshall (strained right elbow) has resumed throwing the ball, but not off the mound or in the bullpen.

Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1.

All Star Game Baseball American League's Lance Lynn, of the Chicago White Sox, arrives with his daughter, Mia Jane Lynn, at the All Star Red Carpet event prior to the MLB All-Star baseball game, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)CHICAGO — (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn have agreed to a $38 million, two-year contract extension. With Lynn helping anchor the rotation, the White Sox had an eight-game lead in the AL Central heading into Saturday's game against Houston. “We are thrilled to be able to keep Lance in a White Sox uniform for the next several seasons,” general manager Rick Hahn said in a release. The White Sox have an $18 million option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout.

The Chicago White Sox and All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn have agreed to a $38 million, two-year contract extension.

The Shohei Ohtani Show at Coors Field starts with the All-Star Home Run Derby, with fans wondering how far the Angels’ two-way sensation and other sluggers can hit the ball in Denver’s thin air.

Twins White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox's Yasmani Grandal hits a three-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Chicago, Wednesday, June 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)A look at what’s happening around the majors Wednesday:___GRANDAL SIDELINEDThe Chicago White Sox are going to be without catcher Yasmani Grandal for four to six weeks because of a torn tendon in his left knee. STELLAR GIBSONFirst-time All-Star Kyle Gibson takes an AL-best 1.98 ERA and a 6-0 record into a Wednesday afternoon start for the Texas Rangers against the Detroit Tigers. STAR TURNWhite Sox right-hander Lance Lynn (8-3, 2.02 ERA) makes his last start before his All-Star Game trip, an outing Wednesday at Minnesota. Lynn has held opponents to a .229 average in his last five starts but is 1-2 with a 3.81 ERA over that span.

First-time All-Star Kyle Gibson takes an AL-best 1.98 ERA and a 6-0 record into the Texas Rangers' game against the Detroit Tigers.

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

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the bashing Toronto Blue Jays try to keep up their power surge at Fenway Park.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___STICKY SITUATIONYankees ace Gerrit Cole has found himself in a sticky situation. “I understand this topic is important to everybody that cares about the game,” Cole said. STRUGGLING SLUGGERFormer major league home run leader Khris Davis is available after being cut by the Texas Rangers. He’s already pitched 68 innings in 11 starts, passing the 59 innings he threw last year in the pandemic-shortened season. The 27-year-old righty has never pitched more than 161 1/3 innings in a big league season.

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has found himself in a sticky situation.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:STICKY SITUATIONYankees ace Gerrit Cole has found himself in a sticky situation. “I understand this topic is important to everybody that cares about the game,” Cole said. STRUGGLING SLUGGERFormer major league home run leader Khris Davis is available after being cut by the Texas Rangers. Texas had lost 11 of 12 and was last in the AL West when it made the move. He’s already pitched 68 innings in 11 starts, passing the 59 innings he threw last year in the pandemic-shortened season.

Rookie Yermín Mercedes hit a game-ending single, Yasmani Grandal homered twice and the Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 9-8.

Orioles White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada, third from left, celebrates with teammates at the end of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Chicago. He's the first White Sox pitcher to record two saves in a doubleheader since Bobby Jenks did it against Boston on Sept. 4, 2010. It was Hamilton's first of the season and the since he homered off the White Sox on Sept. 27, 2020, as a member of the Cubs. White Sox reliever Aaron Bummer walked the bases loaded with no outs in the sixth. White Sox: RHP Zack Burdi was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte for the 27th spot on the roster.

Billy Hamilton hit a solo home run, Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer, and Lance Lynn pitched five scoreless innings as the White Sox completed a sweep of their doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles with a 3-1 victory.

Angels Pujols Baseball FILE - St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, with his son A.J. After winning a World Series in Oakland, La Russa guided the Cardinals to two World Series championships, three pennants and nine postseason appearances from 1996-2011. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, infielder Matt Carpenter and pitcher Adam Wainwright were members of the last St. Louis team that played for La Russa. Current St. Louis manager Mike Shildt is close to La Russa. La Russa sent coach Shelley Duncan to meet Shildt for the pregame lineup exchange at home plate.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa wound up a winner in his first game against the team that ensured his Hall of Fame induction as Chicago beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 behind Lance Lynn’s arm and Andrew Vaughn’s bat.

The birds-on-the-bat uniforms, the players in the other dugout, the opposing manager, it all looked familiar to Tony La Russa.

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa will see plenty of familiar faces when his AL Central leaders host his longtime team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

After arriving in Atlanta, the Mets placed outfielder Michael Conforto and second baseman Jeff McNeil on the 10-day injured list Monday with strained hamstrings. Valuable reliever Seth Lugo was transferred from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Meanwhile, the Yankees put slugger Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Friday, before their series opener at Texas because of a left quadriceps strain. Britton is on the 60-day injured list after surgery March 15 to remove a bone chip from his elbow. Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks was put on the 10-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Thursday, after tearing a tendon sheath in his left wrist.

An update on Mike Trout is expected after the Los Angeles Angels star left Monday night’s win over Cleveland because of a strained right calf.

After arriving in Atlanta, the Mets placed outfielder Michael Conforto and second baseman Jeff McNeil on the 10-day injured list Monday with strained hamstrings. Valuable reliever Seth Lugo was transferred from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Meanwhile, the Yankees put slugger Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Friday, before their series opener at Texas because of a left quadriceps strain. Britton is on the 60-day injured list after surgery March 15 to remove a bone chip from is elbow. Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks was put on the 10-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Thursday, after tearing a tendon sheath in his left wrist.

Both baseball teams from New York are away from home this week and each one is having a painful road trip.

Indians White Sox Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, April 30, 2021, in Chicago. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner struck out 11, setting a major league record in the process and pitching the Cleveland Indians past the Chicago White Sox 5-3 on Friday night. Keuchel posted fours across the board — runs, hits, strikeouts and walks. The White Sox got OF Adam Eaton back from a one-game suspension and returned SS Danny Mendick to the alternate site. UP NEXTThe White Sox have RHP Lance Lynn (1-1, 0.92 ERA) back from the 10-day IL to take the mound against RHP Triston McKenzie (0-0, 4.32 ERA).

Shane Bieber struck out 11, setting a major league record in the process and pitching the Cleveland Indians past the Chicago White Sox 5-3.

Yermín Mercedes got his first five major league hits and drove in four runs, and José Abreu hit a grand slam for the Chicago White Sox in their 12-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

A day after Tatis walked off the field during an exhibition game in a worrisome scene, the Padres said the discomfort in his left shoulder had improved. In fact he was lobbying to get in the lineup today, so I thought that was very encouraging,” Tingler said. I think everybody’s kind of expecting him to be back in the lineup in the next day or two. AdMichael Pineda was roughed up in his second start for Minnesota, surrendering five runs on nine hits in five innings. Ian Anderson went six innings in his fourth start, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk.

“I don’t even think I’ve had a 13 pitch at-bat in my career.”Hicks was scheduled to pitch one inning. Carlos Martínez worked four innings in the start for St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits. Pittsburgh starter Steven Brault allowed three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings. YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1New York starter Deivi García gave up one hit and an unearned run in three innings. Dean Kremer allowed a run on three hits, walked two and struck out four in the start for Baltimore.

The 27-year-old says his power surge through the first two weeks of exhibition games is for real. He's had a good start with seven hits in his first 14 at-bats, including three homers and three doubles. He's shown dominant stuff at different points throughout his career and struck out a career-high 235 batters in 2019. The 24-year-old has been a top prospect for several years and hit .350 with nine homers in 2019 at Triple-A Albuquerque. The durable right-hander pitched an MLB-high 84 innings for the Rangers last season and had a 6-3 record with a 3.32 ERA.

TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi García pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized a $54 million, three-year deal with Oakland Athletics closer Liam Hendriks, another big move as they set their sights on a championship run. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)CHICAGO – Liam Hendriks saw the talent the Chicago White Sox had and knew he wanted to join the team. Chicago finalized a $54 million, three-year deal with the former Oakland Athletics' closer, another big move as the White Sox set their sights on a championship run. I want to pitch everyday.”Hahn acknowledged the White Sox are taking a risk, given Hendriks' age. The White Sox made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and ended a string of seven losing seasons.

The Chicago White Sox acquired a big workhorse for their starting rotation. Lance Lynn was traded from the Texas Rangers to the White Sox on Tuesday for right-hander Dane Dunning and lefty Avery Weems. The on-the-rise White Sox are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2008, going 35-25 and finishing tied for second in the AL Central before losing to Oakland in their wild-card series. While the Rangers didn't move Lynn at the Aug. 31 trade deadline, they did send All-Star lefty Mike Minor to Oakland. Weems, 23, was 5-4 with a 2.09 ERA over 14 starts in the White Sox minor league system in 2019 after he was selected on the sixth round of the amateur draft.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Atlanta Braves fans were still doing tomahawk-chop chants as they filed out of the stadium, real people who replaced the cardboard cutouts players got so accustomed to this season. One game, but a big boost for the Braves in their first National League Championship Series since 2001. “It was awesome — fun to play in front of fans again,” Braves slugger Freddie Freeman said. Riley became the youngest player with a go-ahead homer in the ninth inning of a postseason game or later since Braves star Chipper Jones in 1995. Dodgers: Kershaw, the ace lefty from nearby Dallas, has 19 strikeouts in his two starts this postseason — both wins.

Pujols hit No. Pujols said that he received a text and email from Mays after he tied the Hall of Famer on Sunday in Colorado. Pujols added that he had not checked his phone after Friday's game to see how many congratulatory messages he had received. Pujols passed Mays with a solo drive to left. After the Rangers rallied to get within 3-2, Pujols led off the seventh with No.

Rangers slugger Joey Gallo and Diamondbacks center fielder Starling Marte might also be trade targets. Chicago is tied with Cleveland for the division lead, while the Twins are 1 games back after losing five straight. Houston is scheduled to open a three-game series against Texas beginning Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. UNDEFEATEDWith four weeks left in this pandemic-shortened season, a pair of leading Cy Young Award contenders are on the mound against last-place teams. Shane Bieber (6-0, 1.35 ERA), with 75 strikeouts and nine walks in 46 2/3 innings this season, starts for Cleveland at Kansas City.

Rangers slugger Joey Gallo and Diamondbacks center fielder Starling Marte might also be trade targets. Chicago is tied with Cleveland for the division lead, while the Twins are 1 games back after losing five straight. Houston is scheduled to open a three-game series against Texas beginning Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. UNDEFEATEDWith four weeks left in this pandemic-shortened season, a pair of leading Cy Young Award contenders are on the mound against last-place teams. Shane Bieber (6-0, 1.35 ERA), with 75 strikeouts and nine walks in 46 2/3 innings this season, starts for Cleveland at Kansas City.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger delivers in the first inning in a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, in Cleveland. Mike Clevinger, Starling Marte, Archie Bradley and Todd Frazier were on the move. Baseball's pandemic-delayed trade deadline was quite a day. The contending Padres got Clevinger in a multiplayer trade with Cleveland, bolstering their rotation Monday in a rare deadline deal between contenders. The trade deadline is normally July 31, but it was pushed back when the start of the season was delayed because of the coronavirus.