STEVEN KWAN

Seattle center fielder Julio Rodríguez was voted American League Rookie of the Year on Monday.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Seattle center fielder Julio Rodríguez was voted American League Rookie of the Year on Monday after hitting .284 with 28 homers, 75 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in helping the Mariners reach the postseason for the first time since 2001. The 21-year-old received 29 of 30 first-place votes and one second for 148 points from a Baseball Writers’ Association of America panel. Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman was second with 68 points, getting the other first-place vote, 18 seconds and nine thirds. Voting was conducted before the postseason; Peña was voted MVP of the AL Championship Series and World Series. Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan joined Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II and pitcher Spencer Strider in the top three for NL Rookie of the Year, to be announced later Monday.

Seattle’s Julio Rodríguez and Atlanta's Michael Harris II, a pair of 21-year-old center fielders, are baseball's Rookies of the Year.

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Yordan Alvarez are the finalists for American League MVP in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Astros rookie shortstop and AL Championship Series MVP Jeremy Peña won his first Gold Glove Award and Houston right fielder Kyle Tucker joined his teammate on the list announced before Game 3 of the World Series.

The Yankees’ season keeps coming down to Gerrit Cole.

CLEVELAND — (AP) — The Guardians made quite a name for themselves this season — from outcasts to October contenders. Nobody, and that includes some inside the organization, envisioned the Guardians putting together this season. The Guardians won an MLB-high 29 games in their final at-bat, and posted 40 comeback wins. That’s a good Yankees team. "Watch out for the Guards next year.”FRANCONA'S FUTUREThe 63-year-old Francona isn't under contract for next season, but there have been discussions and all signs point to him returning for an 11th season in Cleveland.

The Guardians made quite a name for themselves this season.

Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge staggered Cleveland with early homers, and the New York Yankees rocked past the Guardians 5-1 in the decisive Game 5 of their AL Division Series to set up another rematch with Houston for the pennant.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks exited Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians after injuring his left knee Tuesday in a collision with rookie shortstop Oswaldo Cabrera. Hicks was headed to the hospital for an MRI, the Yankees said. Both players were chasing Steven Kwan's shallow pop fly near the left-field line when they banged into each other. Obviously shaken up, Hicks stayed down for a few moments and was checked by an athletic trainer and New York manager Aaron Boone. Hicks was replaced in left by Marwin Gonzalez, who assumed Hicks' No.

New York Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks exited Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians after injuring his left knee in a collision with rookie shortstop Oswaldo Cabrera.

The New York Yankees avoided elimination, taking Game 4 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians and sending the series back to the Bronx for the decisive Game 5.

Gerrit Cole gave New York what it needed, seven solid innings and Harrison Bader hit a two-run homer as the Yankees saved their season and forced a decisive fifth game in the AL Division Series with a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

The Yankees were up 5-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Cleveland Guardians continued to scratch and claw and scored three in the ninth to win.

CLEVELAND — (AP) — Rookie Óscar González hit a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning, rallying the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-5 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday night to take a 2-1 lead in their AL Division Series. Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer for New York, which carried a 5-3 lead into the ninth before its bullpen flopped and the Guardians staged yet another comeback win. As Rosario crossed the plate, González flung his helmet high in the air standing near first base as his teammates rushed onto the field to mob him. The 24-year-old hit a walk-off homer in the 15th inning last week to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays in the wild-card round. Game 4 is Sunday night, when the Yankees turn to ace Gerrit Cole to prevent an early postseason exit.

Rookie Oscar Gonzalez hit a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning, rallying the Cleveland Guardians to a 6-5 win over the New York Yankees for a 2-1 lead in their AL Division Series.

He singled off Santiago Casilla back in 2010 on the very first pitch he saw in the major leagues. Cleveland’s 1,122 strikeouts were the fewest by far in the major leagues and its .254 batting average was sixth best, 10 points above the big league average. The major leagues’ youngest team was just 29th among the 30 clubs in homers — 127 to the Yankees’ big league-best 254. His 9.0% strikeout rate was second in the major leagues behind Minnesota’s Luis Arraez and the fifth-best since Statcast started tracking in 2015. In an age when batters are browbeaten with launch angles aimed to produce longballs, the Guardians are an anomaly.

Cleveland’s 1,122 strikeouts were the fewest by far in the major leagues and its.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Gerrit Cole cruised for most of the night, Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo homered and the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Tuesday in their AL Division Series opener. After rookie Steven Kwan put the Guardians ahead with a third-inning homer, Cole escaped a bases-loaded jam later in the inning by striking out Andrés Giménez. Cole allowed just two more runners, on a single and his only walk, and got the win in his first postseason game for the Yankees in the Bronx. Donaldson was midway between first and second, and Rosario took a few steps and tossed to first baseman Josh Naylor. Right field umpire Mark Ripperger correctly ruled the ball in play and his call was confirmed in a video review.

Gerrit Cole cruised for most of the night, Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo homered and the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 in their AL Division Series opener.

José Ramirez drove in two runs and had four hits, Aaron Civale pitched six solid innings and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Wednesday in their final tune-up for the postseason. Hours after the game, the Royals fired manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred. Cleveland opens the wild-card round against Tampa Bay on Friday at Progressive Field.

The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture is now set.

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — A sturdy pair goggles was mandatory attire Sunday in Cleveland's clubhouse, where impromptu showers of Champagne and beer broke out inside a thick haze of cigar smoke. The Guardians, baseball's youngest team, finished an unexpected run to the top of the AL Central. The season began with low expectations everywhere but inside Cleveland's clubhouse. Maybe is was naivete, but the Guardians believed they could be special and that's exactly what's happened. ‘Tito’ (Francona) said just find a way to help the team win.

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.

A sturdy pair of goggles was mandatory attire Sunday in Cleveland's clubhouse, where impromptu showers of Champagne and beer broke out inside a thick haze of cigar smoke. The Guardians, baseball's youngest team, finished an unexpected run to the top of the AL Central. Rookie Steven Kwan hit a grand slam and drove in a season-high five runs as the Guardians clinched a division championship no one thought possible six months ago with a 10-4 win over the Texas Rangers.

The Cleveland Guardians clinched their first AL Central title since 2018 when the second-place Chicago White Sox lost to the Detroit Tigers 4-1.

Angels star Mike Trout’s streak of consecutive games hitting a home run ended at seven, one shy of the major league record, and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat Los Angeles 3-1.

Angels star Mike Trout homered in his seventh consecutive game, one shy of the major league record, but the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat Los Angeles 5-4.

Cal Quantrill pitched six scoreless innings and Amed Rosario had a two-run single, lifting the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-1 victory over the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings for his MLB-leading 15th victory, Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado each homered and had three RBIs, and the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0.

Guardians Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Diaz, right, celebrates with teammate Brandon Lowe after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 30, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette) (Scott Audette)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Brandon Lowe and Yandy Díaz homered as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-4 on Saturday. The Rays had dropped two consecutive games, getting one run and 10 singles in 18 innings over the stretch. Andrés Giménez homered for the Guardians, who are 5-5 on an 11-game road trip. The Rays gave away a Devil Rays basketball jersey with Phillips' name on it to fans in attendance. Rays: LHP Jalen Beeks (right lower leg tightness) was reinstated from the 15-day IL and RHP Luke Bard was optioned to Triple-A Durham.

Brandon Lowe and Yandy Díaz homered as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-4.

Cleveland pitcher Zach Plesac threw the ball completely out of Fenway Park as the grounds crew began to bring out the tarp, and the Boston Red Sox ended a five-game losing streak by beating the Guardians 3-1.

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.

The Minnesota Twins dodged a sweep by cooling off the Cleveland Guardians in a 1-0 win.

Guardians Twins Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan runs to third base on an RBI triple against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Minneapolis. Carlos Correa hit two home runs for the Twins, who have lost four of five and are 8-11 in June. Gonzalez hit a two-run homer to give the Guardians a 7-6 lead in the seventh. Urshela, who was a double shy of the cycle, hit a three-run homer as part of a four-run seventh for a 10-7 Minnesota lead. Spotted a 5-1 lead, Twins starter Sonny Gray gave up a home run to Austin Hedges to start the fifth.

José Ramírez doubled twice, then homered to begin a three-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Cleveland Guardians sent Oakland to its 10th straight loss, beating the Athletics 3-2.

Taylor Ward hit a grand slam and finished a single shy of the cycle, Shohei Ohtani showed off his two-way prowess and the surging Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 9-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians for their fourth consecutive win.

Giants Mets Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) delivers the ball to the San Francisco Giants during the second inning of the second game of a baseball double-header Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (Bill Kostroun)A look at what’s happening around the majors today:___MAX FACTORMets ace Max Scherzer is pitching back in his hometown, starting a three-game series at St. Louis. Scherzer is 3-2 with a 2.04 ERA in six career starts at Busch Stadium, striking out 59 in 39 2/3 innings. NO GORed Sox right-hander Tanner Houck will miss his turn in the rotation when Boston plays at Toronto. Guardians ace Shane Bieber (1-0, 2.25) opens a four-game series at the Los Angeles Angels against Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 4.82).

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (Bill Kostroun)A look at what’s happening around the majors Monday:___MAX FACTORMets ace Max Scherzer is pitching back in his hometown, starting a three-game series at St. Louis. Scherzer is 3-2 with a 2.04 ERA in six career starts at Busch Stadium, striking out 59 in 39 2/3 innings. In their first year under manager Buck Showalter, the Mets have opened the season by winning five straight series, matching a franchise record set in 2018. ___NO GORed Sox right-hander Tanner Houck will miss his turn in the rotation when Boston plays at Toronto. Guardians ace Shane Bieber (1-0, 2.25) opens a four-game series at the Los Angeles Angels against Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 4.82).

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.

Guardians Yankees Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Myles Straw (7) climbs the left field wall to talk with a fan during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Saturday, April 23, 2022, in New York. Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase (0-2) was one strike away from preserving a 5-4 lead when Kiner-Falefa hit a 100 mph fastball for a tying double. The Yankees won for the fourth time in five games and got their second walk-off win following a rare bullpen meltdown. Chad Green allowed a two-run homer to Austin Hedges with two outs in the eighth that put Cleveland ahead 4-3. UP NEXTRHP Aaron Civale (0-1, 6.14 ERA) will start for Cleveland against New York RHP Gerrit Cole (0-0, 6.35).

Some Yankees fans in the right-field bleachers pelted Cleveland outfielders with bottles, cans and debris in a chaotic scene moments after Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pinch-hitter Gleyber Torres got RBI hits with two outs in the ninth inning to lift New York to a 5-4 win.

In just his second big league start, Greene threw 39 pitches that were 100 mph or faster, the most since pitch tracking began in 2008. According to Statcast, Greene is averaging 100 mph with his four-seam fastball so far. 3): Jarred Kelenic had a difficult debut last year, and Rodríguez, another Seattle outfield prospect, is struggling so far at the plate as well. 3 pick in the 2017 draft, Gore finally made his big league debut Friday, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings against Atlanta. Chicago has to be thrilled with his start — he's 10 for 25 at the plate with four home runs.

Hunter Greene has a chance to stand out in this era of triple-digit fastballs and high strikeout totals.

Cleveland's home opener will be unlike any for the ballclub in more than 100 years.

Guardians Reds Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez watches his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI — (AP) — José Ramírez homered, doubled and drove in three runs, Owen Miller hit two home runs and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 Wednesday for their fourth straight win. Rookie Steven Kwan went 0 for 4, but drew a bases-loaded walk in the second inning that put Cleveland ahead to stay as it completed a two-game sweep. The left-handed Kwan took four straight balls with the bases loaded to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead in the second. TRAINER’S ROOMGuardians: Lodolo hit Ramirez in the left foot with the bases loaded in the second inning.

José Ramírez homered, doubled and drove in three runs, Owen Miller hit two home runs and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-3 for their fourth straight win.

Detroit Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodríguez gets a look at his former teammates when he pitches against Boston at Comerica Park.

White Sox Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, April 8, 2022, in Detroit. The 29-year-old Rodriguez gave up three runs and four hits in four innings against the White Sox in his Detroit debut. Ray now takes on José Abreu, Tim Anderson and the White Sox in Chicago. Dallas Keuchel starts for the White Sox, trying for his 100th career win. Walker threw two perfect innings Monday night at Philadelphia in his season debut, then was pulled after 30 pitches.

Detroit Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodríguez gets a look at his former teammates when he pitches against Boston at Comerica Park.

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.

Kwan, who made his debut opening day, is 9 for 13 at the plate and has reached base in 15 of 19 plate appearances. Kwan had the lowest swing-and-miss rate in the minors last year among players with at least 300 plate appearances at 2.6%. WELCOME BACKMartin Perez spent his first seven big league seasons with the Texas Rangers. Texas initially signed Perez as a 16-year-old international free agent out of Venezuela in July 2007, and he made his big league debut in 2012. Kuhl signed as a free agent last month after pitching in 100 games (84 starts) for Pittsburgh in his first five big league seasons.

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

Kwan had the lowest swing-and-miss rate in the minors last year among players with at least 300 plate appearances at 2.6%. There’s twins and then there’s twins, and that is a difficult one to tell apart.”Yu Darvish starts for San Diego on Tuesday night. WELCOME BACKMartin Perez spent his first seven big league seasons with the Texas Rangers. Texas initially signed Perez as a 16-year-old international free agent out of Venezuela in July 2007, and he made his big league debut in 2012. Kuhl signed as a free agent last month after pitching in 100 games (84 starts) for Pittsburgh in his first five big league seasons.

Guardians Royals Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan is congratulated after scoring against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, April 11, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals loaded the bases in the bottom half against Bryan Shaw before Hunter Dozier hit a flyball that Kwan dropped in left field. Then, the Guardians watched the 24-year-old Kwan cap his dazzling debut series with his three-run triple in the eighth. Carlos Hernandez lasted another inning for Kansas City but was responsible for all four runs that he allowed. UP NEXTThe Guardians play the first of two games in Cincinnati on Tuesday with RHP Shane Bieber on the mound.

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.

Cleveland rookie Steven Kwan hit .469 in spring training after compiling a .301 batting average in three minor league seasons. Kwan added to his remarkable start by going 5 for 5 as Cleveland won for the first time since changing its name to the Guardians, routing Kansas City 17-3 on Sunday. The 24-year-old outfielder made his major league debut on opening day and is 8 for 10 in three games, reaching base in 12 of 14 plate appearances. “I know it’s three games in, but nobody wants to not get excited,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. He’ll face righty Alek Manoah (9-2, 3.22), who won his big league debut in the Bronx last May.

Cleveland rookie Steven Kwan hit.

Guardians Royals Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Oscar Mercado (35) Ernie Clement, center, and Steven Kwan, right, celebrate their team's 17-3 win over the Kansas City Royals at the end of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April. — (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians won for the first time with their new name as hot-starting rookie Steven Kwan went 5 for 5 on Sunday in a 17-3 romp over the Kansas City Royals. Oscar Mercado hit a grand slam during a five-RBI performance and Owen Miller drove in a career-high four runs. Cleveland had lost its first two games since changing this season to the Guardians from the Indians, its name since 1915. José Ramírez, who homered and three hits, and Amed Rosario, who had four hits, each drove in three runs.

The Cleveland Guardians won for the first time with their new name as hot-starting rookie Steven Kwan went 5 for 5 in a 17-3 romp over the Kansas City Royals.

Prized rookie Bobby Witt Jr. made an eye-popping play at third base to nail a runner at the plate in the top of the 10th inning, then Adalberto Mondesi’s RBI single in the bottom half lifted the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 1-0.