MOOKIE BETTS

Angels Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, right, collides with center fielder Cody Bellinger after making a catch on a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Los Angeles. Betts lost control of the ball after the collision but Ward was thrown out at second by Bellinger. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Dodgers star Mookie Betts is headed to the injured list with a cracked right rib. Manager Dave Roberts announced Betts' diagnosis after Saturday's 7-1 victory over Cleveland. Betts played the rest of that game but was scratched from the lineup the past two days.

Dodgers star Mookie Betts is headed to the injured list with a cracked right rib.

Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Dodgers lost his no-hit bid in the ninth inning, giving up a one-out triple to Shohei Ohtani in a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Angels Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Tony Gonsolin tossed 6 1/3 strong innings, Mookie Betts hit his 17th home run and the Los Angeles Dodgers held off the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 in their Freeway Series opener Tuesday night. The Dodgers had Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman on the field; the Angels had Ohtani and Trout. Ohtani had the Angels' first hit, a single in the fourth that extended his hitting streak to nine games. Dodgers: LHP Tyler Anderson (7-0, 3.07) is 0-3 in four career starts against the Angels with a 13.83 ERA.

Tony Gonsolin tossed 6 1/3 strong innings, Mookie Betts hit his 17th home run and the Los Angeles Dodgers held off the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 in their Freeway Series opener.

Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson will serve a one-game suspension for a remark to White Sox star Tim Anderson about Jackie Robinson when New York opens a home series against Tampa Bay after the ban was upheld on appeal.

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso is out of the game at San Diego after getting hit by a pitch and falling awkwardly leading off the second inning.

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Tyler Anderson extended his scoreless streak to 26 innings and became the first National League pitcher with seven wins as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 6-1.

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the season with an all-time high $310.6 million payroll for purposes of the luxury tax and are on track to pay a record tax of nearly $47 million.

Tony Gonsolin pitched two-hit ball over six sharp innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 2-0.

Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-4.

Walker Buehler pitched seven sparkling innings in his 100th career start, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the sliding Chicago Cubs 7-1 on Sunday night for their sixth consecutive victory. Buehler (4-1), a two-time All-Star who made his big league debut in 2017, improved to 3-0 with a 0.43 ERA over his last three outings. Cody Bellinger had three hits for Los Angeles, and Justin Turner and Freddie Freeman each contributed a sacrifice fly.

Giants Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, right, hits a solo home run as San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Wood, left, and catcher Joey Bart watch during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Mookie Betts and Max Muncy homered, Freddie Freeman added a two-run triple and the Los Angeles Dodgers swept a short series from the San Francisco Giants with a 9-1 victory Wednesday night. Los Angeles has won four of five and 15 of 20. Wood retired the Dodgers’ first nine batters before Betts led off the fourth with a single, catalyzing a two-run rally. Los Angeles added four runs in the seventh on Gavin Lux's bases-loaded single, Betts' long sacrifice fly and Freeman's triple to right, which was greeted by the loud chants of “Freddie!

Mookie Betts and Max Muncy homered, Freddie Freeman added a two-run triple and the Los Angeles Dodgers swept a short series from the San Francisco Giants with a 9-1 victory.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened their annual rivalry series against the San Francisco Giants with a 3-1 victory.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have unveiled plans for this summer's MLB All-Star Game.

Zac Gallen pitched six scoreless innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks scored two runs after Max Muncy’s throwing error in the eighth inning to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1.

Dodgers Diamondbacks Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 25, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)PHOENIX — (AP) — Walker Buehler tossed a three-hitter for his first career shutout, Will Smith launched a solo homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0 on Monday night. Buehler (2-1) was superb, retiring 15 straight batters during a brilliant stretch from the fourth inning to the ninth. The Dodgers wasted little time taking a 2-0 advantage, which was plenty for Buehler. Luplow made his season debut in the eighthUP NEXTThe Diamondbacks send RHP Zach Davies (1-1, 5.02 ERA) to the mound to face Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (1-0, 0.69) on Tuesday.

Walker Buehler tossed a three-hitter for his first career shutout, Will Smith launched a solo homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-0.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have so many stars this season that Clayton Kershaw is just one of the guys.

There are no more bargaining sessions on the calendar.

Right-hander Max Scherzer agreed to a record-setting $130 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets and shortstop Corey Seager struck a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers as players and teams rushed to reach agreements before an expected lockout.

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press the Texas Rangers have reached an agreement on a $325 million, 10-year deal with free agent shortstop Corey Seager.

Eddie Rosario capped a remarkable NL Championship Series with a three-run homer that sent the Atlanta Braves to the World Series for the first time since 1999.

Boston's bats went quiet for the third straight game and the Red Sox bowed out of the AL Championship Series with a punchless 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros in Game 6.

NLCS Dodgers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson walks back to the dugout during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Atlanta. The Dodgers have won seven straight games when facing postseason elimination. That streak dates to last October when Mookie Betts and his teammates overcame a 3-1 deficit against Atlanta in the NLCS. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Los Angeles also may ask to have left-hander Justin Bruihl (sore arm) replaced. While Atlanta blew a 3-1 lead in the 2020 semifinal round to the Dodgers, Riley batted .143 with 10 strikeouts in 28 at-bats.

Freddie Freeman and the Braves get another chance to earn a trip to the World Series when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series.

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

Eddie Rosario homered twice in his second four-hit game of the NL Championship Series and six Atlanta pitchers combined on a four-hitter, giving the Braves a 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven playoff.

For the second straight season, the Atlanta Braves had a 2-0 lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.

Cody Bellinger hit a tying, three-run homer and Mookie Betts then lined an RBI double as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied in the eighth inning, beating Atlanta 6-5 and cutting the Braves’ lead in the NL Championship Series to 2-1.

Trailing 2-0 in the NL Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the Atlanta Braves right where they want them.

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

Cody Bellinger hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning and prized midseason acquisition Max Scherzer came out of the bullpen for his first career save, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers past the San Francisco Giants 2-1 in a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 and into the NL Championship Series.

Sooner than many baseball fans wanted, maybe, but the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers will meet in a winner-take-all Game 5 of the NL Division Series at Oracle Park.

Everybody expected a playoff series for the ages between the century-old rival Dodgers and Giants, and now they’ve got it.

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

I mean, I think, as I understand, all the series are done and so we’re going to be the only show in town. This will be the third time that two heated rivals will meet in a deciding game to see who advances. “I don’t think we’re going to spend a lot of time dissecting as a team this game. I think we’re going to get on the plane, have an off day, a real off day,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said. Roberts said before Tuesday's game that Julio Urías will get the call in the deciding game.

It is only fitting that 70 years after Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ’Round the World” that the Giants and Dodgers will play in another all-or-nothing game.

NLDS Giants Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game 4 of a baseball National League Division Series, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. The 107-win Giants host the 106-win Dodgers on Thursday night, with the winner advancing to face Atlanta in the NL Championship Series. The Dodgers chased Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani in the second. The Giants' runs came in the top of the fifth on Darin Ruf's RBI groundout off Joe Kelly, and Kris Bryant's RBI groundout in the eighth. Last postseason, the Dodgers went 3-0 in elimination games, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to beat Atlanta in the NLCS.

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.

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.

Julio Urías shut down San Francisco and contributed an RBI single for his cause, Cody Bellinger and AJ Pollock delivered two-run doubles to blow it open in the sixth, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pounded the Giants 9-2 to even their NL Division Series at one game apiece.

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.

Two missing Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers earn nearly as much as the entire Tampa Bay Rays’ major league roster heading into the playoffs.

All these years later, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are set to meet again at Fenway Park in an all-or-nothing game Tuesday night.

With Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.

Padres Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) catches a fly ball hit by San Diego Padres' Tommy Pham during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)NEW YORK — (AP) — Mookie Betts and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers had four of the top 10 selling jerseys in Major League Baseball this season. Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani finished ninth after one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who led MLB in jersey sales three straight years from 2017-19, ranked seventh. The rankings released by MLB and MLB Players, Inc., on Monday are based on Nike jersey sales from MLBShop.com since opening day.

Mookie Betts and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers had four of the top 10 selling jerseys in Major League Baseball this season.

Mookie Betts and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers had four of the top 10 selling jerseys in Major League Baseball this season. Betts' No. 50 uniform claimed the top spot for the second straight year after he was acquired prior to the 2020 season from the Boston Red Sox. Kershaw and Seager are set to become free agents.

Trea Turner hit a grand slam and solo home run as the Los Angeles Dodgers extended the NL West race for at least another day, rallying past the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 after starter Clayton Kershaw got hurt.

Corey Seager hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning, when the Los Angeles Dodgers went deep four times to rally past the San Diego Padres 11-9.

Max Scherzer pitched seven shutout innings in another dominant performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who kept up their push in the NL West with a 5-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched a postseason berth by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4 for their fifth straight win.

Max Scherzer got his 3,000th career strikeout and took a perfect game into the eighth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 8-0 to complete a three-game sweep.

Julio Urías pitched seven shutout innings for his major league-leading 17th victory, Max Muncy slugged a two-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 3-0 to snap a two-game skid.

Steven Duggar hit a tiebreaking two-run triple after being called up earlier in the day, Brandon Belt homered, and the San Francisco Giants wrapped up their key weekend series against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with a 6-4 win to take the NL West lead.

Trea Turner and Corey Seager homered, Julio Urías won his seventh straight decision, and the Los Angeles Dodgers moved into a tie for first place with San Francisco atop the NL West Division with a 6-1 victory over the Giants.

Justin Turner and AJ Pollock singled home the tying and go-ahead runs through the same infield hole in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied past the Atlanta Braves 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Corey Seager, left, and Mookie Betts celebrate the team's 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves in a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. Los Angeles moved within a half-game of NL West-leading San Francisco after the Giants lost 6-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers finished August with a 21-6 record, their fourth-best month in Los Angeles history. DODGERS MOVESThe Dodgers completed a minor league trade with Minnesota, sending catcher Stevie Berman to the Twins for left-handed pitcher Andrew Vasquez. He's spent parts of three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, who originally drafted him in 2014, and the Cubs.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, left, and bench coach Bob Geren react after a solo home run by Mookie Betts during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. Julio Urías earned his major league-leading 15th victory and Los Angeles beat Atlanta 5-3 Monday night, stopping the Braves' franchise-record 13-game road winning streak. The Braves brought the potential go-ahead run to the plate in the ninth inning. Urías (15-3) retired his first 12 batters before the Braves finally broke through in the fifth. He twice beat the Braves last season in the NLCS, allowing one run over a combined 11 innings.

Braves Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Julio Urías earned his major league-leading 15th victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers slugged four homers to beat Atlanta 5-3 Monday night, ending the Braves' franchise-record 13-game road winning streak. Urías (15-3) retired his first 12 batters before the Braves finally broke through in the fifth. UP NEXTBraves: RHP Charlie Morton (12-5, 3.60 ERA) beat the Dodgers on June 5, allowing four runs and four hits in five innings. He twice beat the Braves last season in the NLCS, allowing one run over a combined 11 innings.

Angels Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts drives in a run with a single during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list Wednesday because of a sore right hip. He is batting .277 with 17 home runs and 44 RBIs in 87 games for the defending World Series champions. Without Betts, the Dodgers beat the Phillies 5-0 on Tuesday in the first game of a three-game series. Betts helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series title since 1988.

Angels Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts runs to first on a single during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Los Angeles. Betts is batting .277 with 17 home runs and 44 RBIs in 87 games for the defending World Series champions. The Dodgers are locked in a tight three-way race at the top of the NL West wit San Francisco and San Diego. MATTINGLY NEARS RETURNMiami Marlins manager Don Mattingly is expected to return to the team on Friday after a bout with COVID-19. The last-place Marlins are in San Diego this week, and Mattingly plans to return to the dugout when they start a homestand Friday against the Chicago Cubs.

Astros Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer takes a curtain call during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Max Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Wednesday night, capping a contentious two-game series. Mookie Betts homered twice, while Will Smith and AJ Pollock also went deep off Astros starter Jake Odorizzi (4-6). It was the 19th allowed by Scherzer this season and the fourth that came in the first inning. With runners on first and second, Smith made the Astros pay for the mistake with a three-run homer to right-center.

Dodgers Diamondbacks Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning during a baseball game, Sunday, Aug 1, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri)PHOENIX — (AP) — Albert Pujols doubled home three runs to cap a five-run second inning, Mookie Betts homered in his return from the injured list and the Los Angeles Dodgers hammered the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-0 on Sunday. Betts, playing second base, returned to the Dodgers lineup and had two hits, including his 15th homer of the season in the ninth. The Diamondbacks lefty lasted just 1 2/3 innings, giving up five runs while walking five and striking out three. That was plenty for Urias (13-3), who only threw 43 pitches in his first three innings compared to Smith’s 42 in the second inning alone.

Angels Twins Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani (17) waits on deck to bat against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning where he drew an intentional walk. Shohei Ohtani has done it all this season, from leading the majors in home runs to throwing 100 mph heat while starting the All-Star Game. Ohtani (4-1, 3.21 ERA) will be starting with an extra day of rest when Los Angeles hosts Colorado. Ohtani hit his 35th home run Sunday in a win at Minnesota. He’s coming off a sharp start in which he pitched six shutout innings of three-hit ball, striking out eight at Oakland.

Dodgers Rockies Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts (50) confers with Max Muncy as Betts leaves the game after doubling off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Mychal Givens during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers placed All-Star right fielder Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list Sunday with right hip inflammation. Betts’ IL move is retroactive to Thursday and was made just before the start of Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers had been avoiding an IL move for Betts, initially projecting him to return on Tuesday for the start of a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants. Nelson, who has been on the IL twice this season, is 1-1 with the Dodgers in 20 appearances and has a 2.00 ERA.

Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry also homered as the Dodgers matched a Los Angeles mark for runs, last scoring 22 in 2001 at Colorado. The Dodgers led 9-0 after two innings and breezed behind the pitching of Walker Buehler, who was chosen as an All-Star Game replacement Saturday. The Dodgers won for just the second time in their last six games. Muncy, Taylor and Betts already had been named National League All-Stars, with Betts bowing out of Tuesday’s game because unspecified injuries. Dodgers: Betts said Saturday that an accumulation of “nagging” injuries led to his decision to pass on Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

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.

Cubs Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts hits a double against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Cody Bellinger homered with two out in the ninth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 Saturday night for their first walk-off victory of the season. One night after snapping a four-game skid, Los Angeles won for the second time since four Cubs pitchers combined for a no-hitter at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night. Anthony Rizzo homered for the Cubs, who had won their first four games of the season against Los Angeles before losing twice. David Price (3-0) got two outs in the ninth while pitching for the third consecutive day for Los Angeles.

Phillies Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts runs to first after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Los Angeles. Betts led off the seventh by driving an 0-2 changeup from Ranger Suárez (2-1) over the left-center wall to give Los Angeles a 4-3 lead. Betts, who had three hits, also provided an insurance run with an RBI single in the eighth. The Dodgers acquired Betts from the Red Sox in February 2020, so this was the first time he got to play in front of a big crowd at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers lead the NL in RBIs by their pitchers with 15, including eight by Urías in his last five starts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' first World Series championship in more than three decades attracted 12.6 viewers on Tuesday night, the most-viewed game of the series. Game six of the 2020 World Series between the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays peaked at 14.3 million viewers on Fox Sports. By comparison, Game 6 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals drew 15 million while Game 7 of the series attracted 23 million viewers. Shortstop Corey Seager took home World Series Most Valuable Player honors for the Dodgers, who won their first World Series since 1988. Game Three attracted slightly over 8 million and became the least-watched World Series game ever -- or at least since Nielsen began tracking ratings in 1968.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' appearance in Major League Baseball's top event couldn't save the league from the impact of a sports viewership decline. Game One of the Dodgers' series against the Tampa Bay Rays attracted 9.1 million viewers, Fox Sports said. The game was the most watched program on Tuesday but also became the least-watched World Series game ever -- or at least since Nielsen began tracking ratings in 1968. The last time the Dodgers reached the World Series in 2018 against the Boston Red Sox, Game One drew 13.8 million viewers. Last year's World Series opener between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros attracted 12.1 million viewers for the first game.

Major League Baseball approved of a payment plan with its players union that will guarantee partial compensation for the 2020 season, which has been postponed due to the coronavirus, according to people familiar with the agreement. Only players on a big league or split contracts (veteran players on minor league deals) are eligible to receive compensation. The MLB started discussions on the agreement with the players union shortly after the league delayed the start of the 2020 regular-season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Before the coronavirus suspended play, Betts was scheduled to make $27 million for the 2020 season. Stanton will make $29 million next season as part of a 13-year, $325 million deal he signed in 2014 as member of the Miami Marlins.

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.

Before his home game Friday, Boston Red Sox right fielder and American League MVP Mookie Betts had a special meeting with 10-year-old Nico Sapienza, according to ESPN. When Nicos parents got married 14 years ago, their favor was a donation to the Make-A-Wish program. For Betts to hit a home run during the Soxs home game against rival Yankees. By the time the game was over, Betts hit three home runs, saying Nico served as his inspiration. RELATED STORIESGeorgia Teen Battling Cancer Gives Make-A-Wish Gift to His DoctorTeen Gets Fewer Seizures After Make-A-Wish Grants Paris TripCountry Singer Kip Moore Makes 15-Year-Old's Wish Come True

(CNN) - Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts promised a fan before Friday's game that he would hit a home run for him. Betts ended up hitting three home runs, and there was probably only one person at Fenway Park who was more excited about the Red Sox's 10-5 victory: 10-year-old Nico Sapienza. Just hours prior, Nico, who has a nervous system genetic disorder known as spinal muscular atrophy, met Betts, his favorite baseball player, through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. "I'm a really big fan of baseball and the Red Sox, and I really wanted to meet Mookie Betts because he's my favorite player," Nico said. The 26-year-old slugger ended up 4-for-5 with five RBIs and four runs during the Red Sox's win against the New York Yankees.

Meghan embraced Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, who is believed to be her distant relative. Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who is from Puerto Rico, echoed the sentiment. Among them were Bob and Maureen Gatulis, lifelong Red Sox fans living in Needham, Massachusetts, who were "more than surprised" to hear their team was coming to London. Briton Bob Carter, 60, was gifted his tickets from his daughter, and the two decided they were rooting for the Red Sox on Sunday. The Yankees and Red Sox attracted the most fans for any MLB regular season game in 16 years on Saturday, according to Baseball Reference.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex look on during the pre-game ceremonies before the MLB London Series game between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at London Stadium on June 29 in London, England. (Photo by Dan(CNN) - Baseball royalty met real-life royalty Saturday when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle greeted players from the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Harry threw out the first pitch of the series, hosted in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation. London is the MLB's latest international locale, following two spring series in Mexico and another in Tokyo earlier this year. Officials had three weeks to overhaul London Stadium, famous for its use for track and field in the 2012 Summer Olympics, into a proper ballpark.