SHANE BIEBER

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Cleveland has another new name this year: AL Central champions. They clinched the division title about 15 minutes before their game ended, when the second-place Chicago White Sox lost to Detroit. The Guardians have made it look easy recently, opening a 10-game lead with 10 days left. He struck out seven and walked none throwing 75 pitches in his second start since returning from the injured list following forearm inflammation. The Guardians won despite having 16 rookies make their major league debuts, and they’ve overcame a brutal schedule -- an MLB-high 11 doubleheaders -- due to Cleveland’s sometimes nasty weather.

The young Cleveland Guardians finished what they started.

Yu Chang and Yandy Diaz drew bases-loaded walks in a seven-run ninth inning to help the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 7-0.

Houston ace Justin Verlander, who leads the major leagues in wins, takes a 13-3 record and 1.86 ERA into his start Friday against visiting Seattle.

David Ortiz will certainly hear loud chants of “Big Papi!”.

Andrés Giménez hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3 for their second straight walk-off win against their AL Central rivals.

The New York Yankees and Houston Astros will meet Thursday in a one-game series between AL division leaders at Minute Maid Park.

Twins Guardians Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Josh Naylor, center, celebrates with Richie Palacios and Eli Morgan after hitting a game-ending, two-run home run during the 10th inning against the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, completing a four-run rally that gave the Cleveland Guardians a 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night. Minnesota had taken a 6-3 lead in the top of the 10th on an RBI single from Carlos Correa and a two-run homer by Max Kepler off Eli Morgan (4-2). The teams have split four games in the five-game series, keeping the Twins’ lead over the second-place Guardians in the AL Central at two. The Guardians made it 3-0 in the third when Kwan singled, stole second and scored on Naylor’s sacrifice fly.

Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, completing a four-run rally that gave the Cleveland Guardians a 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Angels Mariners Baseball Seattle Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)A look at what's happening around the majors on Sunday:___JUNETEENTHThe nation’s newest federal holiday is being celebrated in many ways this weekend at Major League Baseball parks. Fans who buy tickets for the St. Louis-Boston game at Fenway Park through a special offer were to receive a Red Sox jersey in Juneteenth colors featuring the Juneteenth flag. THANKS, DADNew York Yankees manager Aaron Boone will have family on his mind — and on his feet — on Father’s Day in Toronto. Designed by Brooklyn artist Andy Freidman, the shoes feature images of Boone’s grandfather, father and brother, all of whom also played big league baseball.

The nation’s newest federal holiday of Juneteenth is being celebrated in many ways this weekend at Major League Baseball parks.

A day after six major league games were rained out, the weather could still cause scheduling problems in some places this weekend.

Pirates Reds Baseball The scoreboards announce that the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Cincinnati Reds baseball game has been officially declared a rainout Friday, May 6, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar) (Tom E. Puskar)All-Star aces Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Gerrit Cole all got early showers Friday. So did many other players after six games were rained out, the most Major League Baseball postponements in a day because of inclement weather since 2018. The last time there were a half-dozen games called off because of weather was April 15, 2018, when snow, sleet, wind and rain conspired to close ballparks. The rainouts: Kansas City at Baltimore, Texas at the New York Yankees, Toronto at Cleveland, Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs, New York Mets at Philadelphia and Pittsburgh at Cincinnati.

All-Star aces Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Gerrit Cole all got early showers.

The Minnesota Twins avoided a daunting injury when it was determined star shortstop Carlos Correa’s right middle finger is not broken as was initially feared after he was hit by a pitch this week.

Mets ace Max Scherzer is pitching back in his hometown, starting a three-game series at St. Louis.

Guardians Yankees Baseball New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo (48) and Yankees' Aaron Judge celebrate after Rizzo's home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh) (Jessie Alcheh)NEW YORK — (AP) — Gerrit Cole bounced back from the shortest start of his career, Anthony Rizzo powered an early offensive barrage and the New York Yankees pounded the Cleveland Guardians 10-2 Sunday to complete a three-game sweep in a series marred by fan misbehavior. Myles Straw and Oscar Mercado were heckled after misplays, and breakout rookie Steven Kwan left early with right hamstring tightness. Working with backup catcher Jose Trevino for the first time, Cole limited the Guardians to a walk and four hits. Yankees: Resume a six-game homestand Tuesday night with RHP Luis Severino (1-0, 2.08) taking on Orioles RHP Jordan Lyles (1-1, 3.52).

Gerrit Cole bounced back from the shortest start of his career, Anthony Rizzo powered an early offensive barrage and the New York Yankees pounded the Cleveland Guardians 10-2 to complete a three-game sweep in a series marred by fan misbehavior.

José Ramírez hit his second grand slam of the season, connecting during a nine-run second inning as the Cleveland Guardians roughed up Dallas Keuchel and routed the sloppy Chicago White Sox 11-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch Wednesday night for the Los Angeles Angels in Houston, and the two-way superstar is off to a much better start at the plate than on the mound this season.

Freddie Freeman faces the Braves in Los Angeles for the first time since leaving the World Series champions and signing a $162 million, six-year deal with the Dodgers last month.

Thairo Estrada drove in four runs, Alex Wood continued San Francisco’s superb starting pitching and the Giants completed a three-game sweep with an 8-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians in football-like weather.

Guardians Reds Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Andres Gimenez, left, points as he yells to celebrate with Jose Ramirez after the final out of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Tuesday, April 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI — (AP) — José Ramírez hit a grand slam and drove in six runs, remarkable rookie Steven Kwan reached base three more times and the Cleveland Guardians spoiled Cincinnati's home opener by beating the Reds 10-5 Tuesday. Kwan has now reached base at least three times in all five games of his major league career. He has reached base in 18 of 24 plate appearances, the most times for any player in his first five games since 1901. UP NEXTLHP Nick Lodolo, who the Reds selected seventh overall in the 2019 draft, will make his major league debut.

José Ramírez hit a grand slam and drove in six runs, remarkable rookie Steven Kwan reached base three more times and the Cleveland Guardians spoiled Cincinnati’s home opener by beating the Reds 10-5.

Guardians newcomer Steven Kwan has quickly become the biggest story in baseball after a sensational start in a season-opening series at Kansas City.

Steven Kwan kept up an historic start to his big league career with a bases-loaded triple, Oscar Mercado added a two-run homer and the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 10-7 to split their season-opening series.

Hunter Greene won his major league debut, Kyle Farmer hit a two-run single in a five-run third inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3.

It's opening day in Major League Baseball and a new season has brought a new look.

Guardians Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 7, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. — (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. capped his highly anticipated big league debut with his first hit, a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. 1 prospect in the game, roped a double down the left-field line to give Kansas City its first lead. Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs, including coach Andy Reid, dressed up in Royals gear. Except maybe Greinke, who wore short sleeves for his first start in a Kansas City uniform since Sept. 30, 2010.

Bobby Witt Jr. capped his highly anticipated big league debut with his first hit, a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians.

Bobby Witt Jr. searched the crowd for his family before his highly anticipated big league debut Thursday, finally spotting them in the sea of Kansas City Royals fans that had bundled up for a blustery opening day. “I don't know if they were even paying attention to me,” Witt admitted later. After going hitless in his first three at-bats, Witt roped a double down the left-field line with two outs in the eighth inning, spurring the Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians.

Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to deliver the first pitch of the season against Corbin Burnes and Milwaukee at Wrigley Field just past 2:20 p.m. EDT, the first of seven games still on the calendar amid rainy forecasts across the country.

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

A person familiar with the deal tells AP that All-Star third baseman José Ramírez and the Cleveland Guardians have reached agreement on a five-year, $124 million contract.

The scripted name atop the giant scoreboard at Progressive Field is new. No longer known as the Indians for the first time in 107 years, the Guardians enter this season with expectations nearly as low as their payroll. Cleveland didn't throw money at free agents — the club rarely does — like the big-market clubs or make any substantial trades, so the Guardians will again count on a strong starting rotation led by Shane Bieber, third baseman José Ramírez's perennially productive bat and hope some young players develop quickly to be competitive in the AL Central.

Rookie of the Year winners Randy Arozarena and Yordan Álvarez and All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette were among 16 players whose contracts were renewed by their teams rather than reach negotiated agreements.

There are no more bargaining sessions on the calendar.

The Cleveland Indians won their last home game before they become the Guardians, beating the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to close a run that started in 1915 and will continue in 2022 with a new identity.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole starts the opener of a crucial three-game series at Fenway Park with the Red Sox two games ahead of New York for the top AL wild card.

White Sox Indians Baseball Chicago White Sox's Eloy Jimenez, right, celebrates with Leury Garcia after Jimenez hit a solo home run in the second inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — The Chicago White Sox clinched their first AL Central title since 2008 with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians in a doubleheader opener Thursday behind two home runs by Tim Anderson. The White Sox are in their first season under Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who will turn 77 on Oct. 4. The White Sox have not advanced in the postseason since winning the 2005 World Series and last hosted a playoff game 13 years ago. Aaron Bummer (4-5) retired all three batters in the fifth as four White Sox relievers combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a game shortened to seven innings under pandemic rules.

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.

Salvador Perez hit his 46th home run, breaking Johnny Bench’s record for most by a catcher in a season to highlight the opener, then the Kansas City Royals completed a doubleheader sweep by beating the Cleveland Indians 4-2.

Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke makes his first start Tuesday night since testing positive for COVID-19 last month.

Mitch Moreland homered twice, Chris Bassitt posted his AL-leading 12th win and the Oakland Athletics routed the Cleveland Indians 17-0 for their seventh straight victory.

Franmil Reyes homered twice, the first a second-inning blast that bounced out of Progressive Field and almost dinged a bicyclist pedaling past on the street, and the Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2.

The second half of the major league baseball season begins with one game Thursday night when Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and the AL East-leading Red Sox visit Yankee Stadium.

All Star Game Baseball National League's Corbin Burnes, of the Milwaukee Brewers, throws during the second inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Denver. The fans on social media weren't exactly raving about the new All-Star jerseys that were on display Tuesday night. DOUBLE DUTYThere’s no two ways about it: Shohei Ohtani could be ushering in an era of two-way players. The Los Angeles pitcher/hitter phenom pitched a perfect first inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday. On the mound, he's been just as dazzling with a 4-1 record and 87 strikeouts courtesy of a fastball that can touch 100 mph.

Fashion forward.

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.

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.

The Braves are monitoring star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. after he was scratched from Atlanta’s lineup Wednesday due to lower back tightness.

Indians pitcher Aaron Civale will miss more than one month with a sprained right finger, the latest blow to Cleveland’s injury-ravaged rotation.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound, taking on Kevin Gausman and the Giants at Angel Stadium.

Cleveland Indians right-hander Aaron Civale appears headed to the injured list because of soreness in the middle finger on his pitching hand, another major hit for a banged-up staff.

Bieber allowed a season-high 10 hits and threw 107 pitches over five innings Sunday in a loss to Seattle. ROAD TO NOWHEREApproaching a dubious record, the Arizona Diamondbacks try to avoid their 21st consecutive road loss when they visit the San Francisco Giants. Arizona has lost 11 straight overall, its second double-digit losing streak this season after a 13-game skid from May 17-29. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have dropped 16 in a row on the road heading into their game at Cleveland. Matt Harvey (3-7), who has lost seven of his past eight starts, faces Cal Quantrill (0-2) and the Indians.

Three of baseball’s best pitchers are hurting.

Orioles Indians Baseball Cleveland Indians' Jose Ramirez watches his ball after hitting a one-run double in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, June 14, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — The Indians didn't let a rough day get any worse by losing to the woeful Orioles. The Indians' victory was tempered by the Bieber going on the injured list for an unknown period due to a shoulder strain. “It’s kind of a kick in the stomach when you hear that about Bieber,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “The bottom line is we just didn't play defense tonight,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, who was ejected in the first inning.

Orioles Indians Baseball Cleveland Indians' Jose Ramirez watches his ball after hitting a one-run double in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, June 14, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — José Ramírez picked up a pair of RBIs — made possible by Baltimore blunders in the field — and the Cleveland Indians extended the Orioles' road losing streak to 16 straight games with a 4-3 win Monday night. Ramirez added an RBI double in the sixth after Orioles second baseman Stevie Wilkerson dropped his foul pop, giving him another try. Indians rookie reliever Nick Sandlin (1-0) picked up his first career win by striking out three of the five batters he faced. The start was pushed back one hour by rain, but the Orioles couldn't delay extending their team record road losing slide.

José Ramírez picked up a pair of RBIs made possible by Baltimore blunders in the field and the Cleveland Indians extended the Orioles’ road losing streak to 16 straight games with a 4-3 win.

Bieber allowed a season-high 10 hits and threw 107 pitches over five innings Sunday in a loss to Seattle. NICE STARTBraves rookie Tucker Davidson tries again for his first major league win after an impressive showing this season. The 25-year-old lefty is 0-0 with a 1.53 ERA in three starts, covering 17 2/3 innings. Boston lefty Eduardo Rodríguez (5-4, 6.03 ERA) is 0-4 with an 8.49 ERA in his last six starts. Padres ace Yu Darvish starts against Colorado for the third time this season, taking on Charlie Blackmon at Coors Field.

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber won’t throw for at least two weeks because of a right shoulder strain, an injury that will further test Cleveland’s pitching depth.

Mariners Indians Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Cleveland Indians ace Shane Bieber, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, has a strained right shoulder and will not pitch for at least two weeks. The Indians will now have to survive without Bieber, one of baseball's best pitchers, for at least a few weeks. Bieber gave up a season-high 10 hits and five runs while losing to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Last season, Bieber led the majors in wins (8), ERA (1.63) and strikeouts (122).

Indians ace Shane Bieber, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, has a strained right shoulder and will not pitch for at least two weeks.

On the surface, not much has changed in Philadelphia.

Slumping DJ LeMahieu and the skidding Yankees hope to get back on target when they start a set at Target Field against the Twins on Tuesday night.

Indians manager Terry Francona was drained and looking forward to some sleep after a long weekend in Rhode Island for a family wedding. The Indians were just as tired. José Ramírez's two-run homer and a solid start by reliever Cal Quantrill led Cleveland to a 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday, giving the Indians their second straight split of a seven-inning doubleheader in two days.

Indians Tigers Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio)DETROIT — (AP) — Cleveland's Shane Bieber has a no-hitter through six innings against the Detroit Tigers. Bieber is trying to pitch the seventh no-hitter in the major leagues this season, which would tie for the most since 1900 and be one shy of the mark set in 1884. Bieber, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, has nine strikeouts and three walks through six innings. The Indians have kept an eye on his pitch count since he threw a career-high 121 on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs.

Indians Mariners Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Seattle. Mikolas was an All-Star in 2018 when he tied for the NL lead with 18 victories. Abreu returned to the lineup Friday night after missing three straight games in Minnesota with left ankle inflammation. Buehler pitched seven innings of one-hit ball in his last start to beat Arizona. He is 4-0 in seven games against San Francisco.

SEATTLE — (AP) — Shane Bieber's record strikeout streak ended Sunday when the Seattle Mariners sent the Cleveland ace to an early exit. But the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner fell just short against the Mariners, striking out seven in 4 2/3 innings. Bieber left trailing 3-0 with the bases loaded in his shortest outing of the season. Bieber started the season with 10 or more strikeouts in his first four outings, another major league record. The last time Bieber didn't strike out at least eight in a regular-season game was his final start of the 2019 season.

Angels Astros Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols watches his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Houston. The oldest player in the majors batted .198 this season with five homers and 12 RBIs for the Angels. The Dodgers, however, have not hit well against left-handed pitching and hope the righty-swinging Pujols can provide some pop. HEATING UPCleveland ace Shane Bieber tries to extend his record strikeout streak when he faces highly touted rookie Jarred Kelenic and the Mariners. Boston has won three in a row overall, Los Angeles has dropped four straight.

Cubs Indians Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Shane Bieber pitched out of some early trouble before extending his strikeout record and César Hernández hit a two-run homer, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. José Ramírez added a solo homer for the up-and-down Indians, who have been no-hit twice but won seven of eight. Eric Sogard homered for the Cubs, who made Bieber work hard. With his pitch count climbing in the seventh, Bieber gave up a leadoff walk to Joc Pederson and then won a nine-pitch battle with Martini to increase his record.

The team said deGrom had inflammation in his right lat and wouldn't throw for the next few days. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner has fanned at least eight batters in a major league-record 18 straight starts.

The team said Tuesday that deGrom had inflammation in his right lat and wouldn't throw for the next few days. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield. The reigning AL CY Young Award winner has fanned at least eight batters in a major league record 18 straight starts.

Red Sox Mets Baseball New York Mets' Jacob deGrom delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in New York. “He let us know earlier today that he had some tightness on his right side,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield.

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).