NICK CASTELLANOS

One of the Philadelphia Phillies' most fearsome sluggers popped up foul on a two-strike bunt attempt with his team one inning from World Series elimination. That bizarre strikeout spoke more loudly that Schwarber's third Series homer, which briefly put Philadelphia ahead. After taking a 2-1 lead in the Fall Classic, the Phillies lost three in a row — the last a 4-1 defeat Saturday night that gave Houston the World Series title in six games. After becoming the first third-place team to reach the World Series, the Phillies fell short of winning their first title since 2008. Reaching the World Series was a surprise for the Phillies, who were 22-29 when Rob Thomson replaced fired manager Joe Girardi on June 3.

Kyle Schwarber went from big bopper to bad bunter. One of the Philadelphia Phillies' most fearsome sluggers popped up foul on a two-strike bunt attempt with his team one inning from World Series elimination. After taking a 2-1 lead in the Fall Classic, the Phillies lost three in a row — the last a 4-1 defeat Saturday night that gave the Houston Astros the World Series title in six games.

The Philadelphia Phillies continued to struggle in the clutch in a 3-2 loss to the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the World Series.

Bryce Harper and the hammering Philadelphia Phillies clearly are enjoying a home-field edge at Citizens Bank Park. Harper started the Phillies' World Series record-tying barrage of five home runs Tuesday night in a 7-0 romp over the Houston Astros for a 2-1 lead. I can't imagine what it's like for the Astros,” Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos said. BP WITH BEATSThe Philadelphia Phillies are keeping the hits coming at this World Series -- on the scoreboard, and from Billboard. “But it’s pretty cool.”Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker also won in awards announced Tuesday before Game 3 of the World Series.

Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. became the first pitcher to allow five home runs in a World Series game, serving up long balls to Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins in the first five innings of Game 3.

Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies weren't fazed playing from behind in their World Series opener. Down 5-0 early against Astros ace Justin Verlander, Philadelphia became the first team in 20 years to overcome a five-run deficit to win a World Series game. Valdez will try to shake lousy memories from last year's World Series, when he was 0-1 with a 19.29 ERA against Atlanta, allowing four homers in 4 2/3 innings. “Last year my emotions got the better of me during the World Series,” Valdez said through an interpreter Friday. Here’s what else to know about the World Series on Saturday:SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE (All times ET)Game 2: Philadelphia at Houston, 8:03 p.m., FOXASTRONOMICALHouston's Kyle Tucker is off to a hot start this World Series a year after going without an RBI during a six-game Series loss to Atlanta.

Realmuto homered in the 10th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies, saved by right fielder Nick Castellanos’ sliding catch, rallied past the Houston Astros 6-5 Friday night in the World Series opener. Down 5-0 early against Astros ace Justin Verlander, the Phillies became the first team in 20 years to overcome a five-run deficit to win a World Series game. Kyle Tucker homered twice for the Astros, who had been 7-0 in this postseason. Houston had a chance in the 10th when Alex Bregman doubled with one out. After Yuli Gurriel drew a two-out walk, David Robertson bounced a wild pitch that put runners on second and third.

J.

The Philadelphia Phillies pounded the San Diego Padres in Game 4 on Saturday and are one win away from making their first World Series in 12 years.

Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies can put the defending World Series champion Braves on the brink of elimination. The National League Division Series pitting Phillies vs. Braves and Padres vs. Dodgers are set for their second games Wednesday, while the American League clubs get a day off. Castellanos carried a big load with his bat in a 7-6 Game 1 victory Tuesday over Atlanta. If Kershaw and the Dodgers win a second World Series in three years, it may be without eight-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel in the bullpen. NO JOSHINGYankees slugger Josh Donaldson is catching heat from fans even after a satisfying Game 1 win in New York.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos had already carried quite a load with his bat. Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series on Tuesday. Thomson guided a remarkable turnaround as interim manager, the Phillies bouncing back to claim the NL's final wild card. “We had him on the ropes,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. UP NEXTRH Kyle Wright, who led the majors with 21 wins, faces a must-win situation when goes for the Braves in Game 2.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series on Tuesday. The Phillies have won three straight games to begin these playoffs, hardly looking like a team making its first postseason appearance since 2011. Matt Olson hit a three-run homer in the ninth off Zach Eflin to bring the Braves within a run. Castellanos came in hitting .148 (4 for 27) in seven postseason games. UP NEXTRH Kyle Wright, who led the majors with 21 wins, faces a must-win situation when goes for the Braves in Game 2.

Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series.

ATLANTA — Nick Castellanos has a way of ruining well-intentioned moments. On a brilliant blue Tuesday afternoon in Georgia, the Phillies right fielder stomped all over the Braves’ march to a World Series title defense. Castellanos singled him in, and the Phillies ended up putting two runs on the board before Atlanta had even swung a bat. This year marked only the second time the Braves and Phillies, longtime division rivals, have met in the postseason. That Phillies team would go on to lose to Toronto in the World Series on Joe Carter’s memorable Game 6 series-ending home run.

Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson will miss the NL Division Series after injuring his right calf jumping to celebrate Bryce Harper’s home run in their clinching wild-card victory at St. Louis.

Bryce Harper hit a two-run single in his first at-bat after a 52-game absence due to a broken left thumb, helping the streaking Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mets reliever Nate Fisher pitched three scoreless innings of relief in his major league debut after working at a Nebraska bank a year ago, Mark Canha hit two homers and drove in five runs and New York rallied past the Philadelphia Phillies 10-9.

Ranks are based on standard Yahoo fantasy leaguesNick Castellanos, Philadelphia Phillies OFFantasy rank over the last seven days: 32Season-long fantasy rank: 182It's too early to tell whether Castellanos has completely turned things around. Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies 2B, 3BFantasy rank over the last seven days: 5Season-long fantasy rank: 245Fantasy managers have waited for a breakout from Ryan McMahon for years now. But if he can turn in 1-2 more strong starts, fantasy managers shouldn't completely write off his performance. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros OFFantasy rank over the last seven days: 581Season-long fantasy rank: 10Even the best hitters in baseball are subject to bad weeks. But the instant he puts together a few consecutive starts with high strikeout numbers, he's worth another look.

Phillies Braves Baseball Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies took full advantage of an overturned call, beating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 on Wednesday. Realmuto grounded into what was ruled an inning-ending double play with the Braves nursing a 1-0 lead. The Braves wasted 6 2/3 scoreless innings by Charlie Morton, who turned in another strong performance by Atlanta's rotation. New York came into the day 2 1/2 games ahead of the World Series champion Braves, who have won four straight NL East titles.

Nick Castellanos hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies took full advantage of an overturned call to beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1.

Nick Castellanos' first season in Philadelphia has been a struggle, and his frustration boiled over Saturday night. Nico Hoerner homered early and scored the tiebreaking run in a five-run 10th inning that sent the Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over Castellanos and the Phillies. Castellanos was booed by many in the crowd of 38,542 during another rough night at the plate.

Jackson Holliday and Druw Jones, sons of All-Stars Matt and Andruw, were taken by Baltimore and Arizona with the first two picks in baseball’s amateur draft.

There were 15 MLB players who signed new contracts worth $100 million or more before this season.

Christian Walker had three hits and three RBIs, Jake McCarthy homered and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 13-1 to end Philadelphia’s nine-game winning streak and give interim manager Rob Thomson his first loss.

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.

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

Mets Phillies Baseball New York Mets' Starling Marte hits a run-scoring double against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Corey Knebel during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — The New York Mets erased a six-run deficit in the ninth inning, capping the rally with Starling Marte's tiebreaking double to beat the flabbergasted Philadelphia Phillies 8-7 Thursday night. With the Mets trailing 7-1, Marte led off the inning with an infield single against James Norwood and scored on Francisco Lindor's two-run homer. Davis had a pinch-hit RBI double to rally the NL East-leading Mets. Harper had an RBI double, J.T.

The New York Mets erased a six-run deficit in the ninth inning, capping the rally with Starling Marte’s tiebreaking double to beat the flabbergasted Philadelphia Phillies 8-7 Thursday night.

The Cincinnati Reds have signed free agent outfielder Tommy Pham, trying to boost a spot where a pair of All-Stars no longer play.

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

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

Story was introduced on Wednesday in Florida now that his $140 million, six-year deal with the Red Sox is official. Castellanos got a $100 million, five-year contract from the Phillies after a career season in Cincinnati. The Red Sox were an unlikely suitor for Story — a two-time All-Star — considering that they already have a four-time All-Star at shortstop. The Phillies hope Castellanos can add to a souped-up offense and help the franchise snap an NL-worst, 10-year postseason drought. Castellanos got a $100 million, five-year contract from the Phillies after a career season in Cincinnati.

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

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

Phillies Castellanos Baseball FILE - Cincinnati Reds' Nick Castellanos heads to first during the team's baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 13, 2021, in Philadelphia. Castellanos and the Phillies have agreed to a $100 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) (Matt Slocum)NEW YORK — (AP) — Free-agent slugger Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $100 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity early Saturday because the deal is subject to a successful physical and had not been announced by the team. Castellanos batted .309 with 34 homers and 100 RBIs last season for the Cincinnati Reds, making his first All-Star team.

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

Free Agent Frenzy Baseball FILE - Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman (5) bats during a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Sept. 15, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (John Bazemore)PHOENIX — (AP) — It was an impressive holdout for the National League, which made it nearly 50 years staving off a full-time designated hitter rule that the American League implemented before the 1973 season. There's also the reality that nearly every level of baseball — from high school to college to the minor leagues — usually uses the DH. “I do think it'll help with run production on the National League side,” Rojas said. The 41-year-old has spent a huge chunk of his career at DH in the American League.

It was an impressive holdout for the National League, which made it nearly 50 years staving off a full-time designated hitter rule that the American League implemented before the 1973 season.

It was an impressive holdout for the National League, which made it nearly 50 years staving off a full-time designated hitter rule that the American League implemented before the 1973 season. Among the most noticeable switches in MLB for the 2022 season will be that all 30 teams will use the designated hitter, eliminating pitchers hitting and changing one of the long-standing different quirks between the two leagues. No more Madison Bumgarner taking meaty cuts, no more Max Scherzer trying to end last year's 0-for-62 slump.

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

Justin Verlander reached a $25 million deal to remain with the Houston Astros as he comes back from Tommy John surgery, and Brandon Belt accepted an $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants.

Baseball’s most influential agent said the sport was the victim of a “competitive cancer” caused by teams unloading veterans to accumulate draft picks and said the Atlanta Braves’ World Series title was a direct result of others' tanking.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have extended qualifying offers to free agent All-Stars Corey Seager and Chris Taylor, but not Clayton Kershaw.

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.

Pirates Reds Baseball Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Cincinnati, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI — (AP) — Joey Votto homered twice and drove in four runs, and the Cincinnati Reds pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-1 on Wednesday to stay alive in the race for the second NL wild card. The Reds pulled within 5 1/2 games of idle St. Louis for the second wild card. The 38-year-old Votto made a successful return to the lineup after missing two games with a sore left knee. The first baseman hit a two-run shot off Connor Overton (0-1) during the Reds' four-run first inning, and then connected for another two-run drive against Cody Ponce in the fourth.

Joey Votto and Nick Castellanos combined to drive in nine runs to propel the Cincinnati Reds to a 13-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the make up of Wednesday’s rain out with fading hopes of a playoff entry.

Clayton Kershaw pitched five sharp innings for his first win since June 27, Gavin Lux and Corey Seager each hit two-run homers and the streaking Los Angeles Dodgers beat the sliding Cincinnati Reds 8-5 Sunday. Will Smith also homered as the Dodgers won for the eighth time in nine games. Kershaw (10-7) allowed one run and three hits, striking out eight without a walk.

Anthony Rizzo and the New York Yankees host surprising Seattle in the opener of a four-game series between AL wild-card contenders Thursday night.

The NL Central-leading Brewers are again shuffling their pitching staff with reliever John Axford now out for the season because of elbow trouble and starter Eric Lauer joining the team’s growing COVID-19 injured list.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 32nd homer and broke the single-season major league record for homers by a Japanese player during the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved.

Phillies Reds Baseball Cincinnati Reds' Nick Castellanos, right, celebrates with Aristides Aquino, left, after hitting a grand slam during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Cincinnati, Monday, June 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI — (AP) — Nick Castellano hit a grand slam in the seventh inning and drove in a career-high seven runs, helping the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 12-4 on Monday night. Cincinnati trailed 4-2 before Castellanos connected for his sixth career grand slam, driving a 1-1 fastball from Neftali Feliz (0-1) deep to center for his 15th homer. The Reds added six more in the eighth, blowing it open against the Phillies' sputtering bullpen. ... RHP Sonny Gray (groin) said he will start for the Reds on Friday after a rehab outing at Triple-A Louisville.

Nick Castellano hit a grand slam in the seventh inning and drove in a career-high seven runs, helping the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 12-4.

The St. Louis Cardinals will need to re-do their rotation now that ace Jack Flaherty will be sidelined for a while with what manager Mike Shildt termed a “significant” oblique injury.

David Bote homered, Adbert Alzolay wriggled out of several jams while pitching into the sixth inning and the surging Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 1-0.

David Peralta hit a three-run triple in a six-run 10th inning to finish with five hits and a career-best seven RBIs, and the Arizona Diamondbacks overcame six Cincinnati home runs to beat the Reds 14-11.

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is uncertain for the opener of a two-game series at Yankee Stadium after an MRI revealed a mild abdominal strain.

Tyler Naquin hit another leadoff home run and the high-scoring Cincinnati Reds kept rolling, backing Luis Castillo to rout the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-4 for their fifth straight win.

Both winless teams in the majors are defending division champions.

Now that Fernando Tatis Jr. has been placed on the injured list, the San Diego Padres hope their electrifying shortstop won’t be sidelined too long.

The Cincinnati Reds will offer fans a chance to get a ticket for $10 if they show the ticket office their vaccination card with at least one shot completed.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos has been suspended for two games and fined for his role in an on-field brawl during the season’s opening weekend.

Nick Castellanos stood over, flexed and jawed at St. Louis pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring, stetting off a series of scuffles that included relievers shoving in the outfield as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cardinals 9-6.

Nick Castellanos stood over and jawed at St. Louis pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring, setting off a series of scuffles between the Cincinnati Reds and Cardinals that included relievers shoving in the outfield on their way back to the bullpen.

The Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.

“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.

Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal. Lester gets a $10 million buyout from the Chicago Cubs that completes a $155 million, six-year contract rather than a $25 million mutual option. Milwaukee turned down Gyorko and Sogard, a day after declining a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun. The White Sox declined a $12 million option for Encarnación and a $7 million option for González, who will receive a $500,000. Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal.

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are playing the longest scoreless game in postseason history. Wednesday's opening game of the NL wild-card series was the first in postseason history to be scoreless through 11 innings. The scoreless streak was extended through 12 innings. The teams combined for a postseason record 35 strikeouts through 12 innings, and every batter that has come to the plate has struck out at least once after the Reds' Nick Castellanos became strikeout victim No. For the postseason, baseball has set aside the new extra-innings rule it instituted for the pandemic-delayed regular season.

Mike Moustakas homered twice, Freddy Galvis hit a solo shot and the Reds clinched their first playoff spot since 2013, beating the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins 7-2 on Friday night. “I like this team much more than I liked those teams, and I really liked those teams," Votto said. Twins: RHP Homer Bailey, who spent 12 of his 14 major league seasons with the Reds, was designated for assignment prior to the game. UP NEXTReds: RHP Luis Castillo (4-5, 2.86 ERA) will pitch on Saturday night, seeking his fifth straight win. Twins: RHP Michael Pineda (2-0, 3.18 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series.

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)Major League Baseball had its fullest schedule in nearly a half-century Friday with 20 games set to be played, including five doubleheaders caused by postponements for weather, the coronavirus and protests of racial injustice. The last time 20 games were on the schedule was Aug. 4, 1974, when there were nine doubleheaders, the Elias Sports Bureau said. There were 12 complete games thrown that day, including nine-inning efforts by Catfish Hunter, Luis Tiant and Dave McNally. Only three of those 20 games back then took over 2 hours, 40 minutes. On Friday, the Blue Jays needed 2:42 for Torontos 8-7 win in seven innings at Fenway Park.