TERRY FRANCONA

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.

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.

ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — 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 on Suday. Cleveland was in the ninth inning of its game at Texas when the title was sealed. The Guardians won the season series from Chicago and would get the division title if finished with the same record as the White Sox. Cleveland earned its 11th AL Central title since the division’s inception in 1994 and its first since changing from the Indians to Guardians. Cleveland won 17 of its next 20 games, including six straight entering Sunday.

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.

Elvis Andrus hit one of Chicago’s five home runs off rookie Hunter Gaddis and the White Sox cut into Cleveland’s lead in the AL Central with an 8-2 win.

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.

CLEVELAND — (AP) — 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 on Monday night. Trout can match the mark on Tuesday night when the Angels continue their series with the Guardians. Trout is the first AL player with a seven-game home run streak since Kendrys Morales of Toronto in 2018. Things got heated in the seventh when Francona argued that Andrés Giménez was hit by a pitch from Ryan Tepera. The Guardians took a 4-0 lead in the second off Reid Detmers, highlighted by Austin Hedges’ two-run double.

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.

After being pounded with rain, too much water accumulated in left field to play Sunday's game.

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.

David Ortiz returned to Fenway Park for the first time as a newly minted Hall of Famer.

Guardians Red Sox Baseball Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Zach Plesac delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Monday, July 25, 2022, in Boston. The Red Sox are just 6-15 in July and remain only a half-game ahead of last-place Baltimore in the AL East. Wearing their “city connect” yellow-and-powder blue uniforms, the Red Sox broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the sixth, chasing Plesac (2-8). Guardians manager Terry Francona, who managed the Red Sox from 2004-11, shared his thoughts on what made Ortiz special. Red Sox: Josh Winckowski (3-4, 4.38) is slated to start if he comes off the COVID IL.

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.

Twins Guardians Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Andres Gimenez kisses his bat after hitting a game-winning, two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Cleveland. For the second day in a row, the Cleveland Guardians won a game they probably should have lost and handed the Twins another crushing defeat. Giménez blasted a two-run homer in the ninth inning as the Guardians walked off against the Twins again, beating their AL Central rivals 5-3 on Thursday to take the five-game series and move within one game of first place. On Wednesday, Josh Naylor’s two-run homer in the 10th inning sent the Guardians past the Twins, whose bullpen has imploded against Cleveland several times this season. He had to go and get them taken in and fixed.”TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: INF Jorge Polanco was given the day off after playing the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader and Wednesday night.

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.

Freddie Freeman is sure to get a huge ovation when he returns to Truist Park for the first time since helping lead the Atlanta Braves to the World Series championship.

Major League Baseball is moving forward with its oft-delayed plan for a 13-pitcher limit on active rosters. MLB is hoping the 13-pitcher limit will help hitters and the pace of play. Detroit used three position players to finish a 13-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, a performance that Tigers manager A.J. Through Saturday's games, 31 position players had taken the mound a total of 42 times, according to Sportradar. The numbers are nearly identical to last year, when 34 position players had taken the mound a total of 42 times through June 18.

Come Monday, there is going to be a little more room in big league bullpens, from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and plenty of places in between.

Come Monday, there is going to be a little more room in big league bullpens, from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and plenty of places in between. Major League Baseball is moving forward with its oft-delayed plan for a 13-pitcher limit on active rosters. The move could affect the game in a variety of ways, from more position players taking the mound to a few more trips to the minors for pitchers with options.

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.

With Kris Bryant expected to return from a back injury, Colorado called off Friday’s game with 3 to 5 inches of snow forecast at Coors Field. His control remains an issue, with 20 walks in 33 1/3 innings, but he also has 44 strikeouts. Francona is expected back Saturday, while Hinch’s status is less certain. Kieboom has been dealing with a strained flexor mass and sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Kieboom, 24, batted .207 with a .301 on-base percentage, six homers and 20 RBIs in 62 games last season.

A late-spring snowstorm in Denver postponed Friday’s opener between the Mets and Rockies and could threaten a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday.

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona has cleared health and safety protocols and returned to the team after missing four games with COVID-19. Francona will be back for Wednesday's game against Cincinnati along with bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Hitting analyst Justin Toole is also back with the Guardians, who have dealt with two separate outbreaks in recent weeks.

Guardians White Sox Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Josh Naylor celebrates his home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito in the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor was added to the team's COVID-19 injured list on Friday, marking the first player to be sidelined by the team's recent outbreak. Cleveland's game at the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday was postponed because of COVID-19 concerns, and the team was off Thursday. As of Friday, Naylor was the only Guardians player to land on the COVID-19 list. The Twins also have experienced recent COVID-19 cases, including manager Rocco Baldelli and infielder/outfielder Luis Arraez.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor has been added to the team’s COVID-19 injured list, marking the first player to be sidelined by the team’s recent outbreak.

White Sox Guardians Baseball Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona calls for a relief pitcher during the fifth inning in the second game of the team's baseball doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___PITCHING INCleveland pitching coach Carl Willis will serve as the team's acting manager when the coronavirus-hampered Guardians start a three-game series against the Twins at Target Field. Manager Terry Francona has been placed in health and safety protocols along with bench coach DeMarlo Hale, first-base coach Sandy Alomar, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, hitting coach Chris Valaika, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres and hitting analyst Justin Toole. The Guardians are expected to bring up some minor league coaches and instructors to fill out the major league staff in the interim. With the Yankees visiting the White Sox, it's Rizzo's first major league action in Chicago since last year's trade.

Cleveland pitching coach Carl Willis will serve as the team’s acting manager when the coronavirus-hampered Guardians start a three-game series against the Twins at Target Field.

White Sox Guardians Baseball Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona calls for a relief pitcher during the fifth inning in the second game of the team's baseball doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Cleveland. Their game Wednesday in Chicago against the White Sox was called off because of an outbreak — the first postponement in Major League Baseball this season caused by virus concerns. Manager Terry Francona has been placed in health and safety protocols along with bench coach DeMarlo Hale, first-base coach Sandy Alomar, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, hitting coach Chris Valaika, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres and hitting analyst Justin Toole. The Guardians are expected to bring up some minor league coaches and instructors to fill out the major league staff in the interim. With the Yankees visiting the White Sox, it's Rizzo's first major league action in Chicago since last year's trade.

Guardians Virus Outbreak Baseball FILE - In this July 9, 2021, file photo, Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona watches in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Cleveland. The Cleveland Guardians reported no new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, May 12, 2022 a day after an outbreak inside their clubhouse caused a postponement in Chicago and sent manager Terry Francona and five coaches home from a road trip. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (Tony Dejak)The Cleveland Guardians reported no new COVID-19 cases Thursday, a day after an outbreak inside their clubhouse caused a postponement in Chicago and sent manager Terry Francona and five coaches home from a road trip. The team said pitching coach Carl Willis will serve as the club's acting manager for a three-game series this weekend in Minnesota. The team said Francona has been placed in health and safety protocols along with bench coach DeMarlo Hale, first-base coach Sandy Alomar, third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh, hitting coach Chris Valaika, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres and hitting analyst Justin Toole.

The Cleveland Guardians reported no new COVID-19 cases after an outbreak inside their clubhouse on Wednesday in Chicago caused a postponement and sent manager Terry Francona and five coaches home from a road trip.

Guardians Yankees Baseball Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona looks on during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, April 22, 2022, in New York. At this point, it’s unclear who will manage the Guardians for the series opener at Target Field. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who was slotted to fill in for Francona, also tested positive, and Cleveland has other coaches and support staff members infected with the virus. It’s likely the Guardians also will bring up several minor league coaches and field coordinators for the series. Instead, he left Smith in the game — but Smith was required to face three batters in the eighth.

The Cleveland Guardians are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that has sidelined manager Terry Francona and several of the team’s coaches, prompting the first coronavirus-related postponement in Major League Baseball this season.

Guardians Yankees Baseball Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona looks on during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, April 22, 2022, in New York. At this point, it’s unclear who will manage the Guardians for the series opener at Target Field. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who was slotted to fill in for Francona, also tested positive, and Cleveland has other coaches and support staff members infected with the virus. It’s likely the Guardians also will bring up several minor league coaches and field coordinators for the series. Instead, he left Smith in the game — but Smith was required to face three batters in the eighth.

Positive test: Manager Terry Francona and several members of the Cleveland Guardians tested positive for COVID-19. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)Wednesday’s game between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox was postponed due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the Guardians organization, Major League Baseball announced. The game was postponed to allow officials to conduct more testing and contact tracing, ESPN reported. Following multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the Cleveland Guardians organization, today's game has been postponed to allow for continued testing and contact tracing. Guardians’ players Owen Miller, Yu Chang and pitchers Cal Quantrill and Anthony Castro have been placed on the COVID-19 injury list, ESPN reported.

APTOPIX Guardians White Sox Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Franmil Reyes throws a football to teammate Myles Straw as the scoreboard informs fans that the baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Guardians has been postponed due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the Guardians organization, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO — (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that has sidelined manager Terry Francona and several of the team's coaches, leading to the postponement of Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. At this point, it's unclear who will manage the Guardians when they open a three-game series in Minnesota on Friday. He took over those duties during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season after Francona was forced to step away after just 14 games due to a health issue. White Sox: RHP Dylan Cease (3-1, 2.38 ERA) will face the New York Yankees on Thursday.

Guardians Yankees Baseball Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona looks on during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, April 22, 2022, in New York. It was the first coronavirus-related postponement in the league so far this season, which started on April 7. MLB released a statement saying only there were “multiple positive COVID-19 tests” within Cleveland's organization. Guardians bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who filled in when Francona stepped away last season, was expected to manage the series finale. Cleveland's team recently had a coronavirus outbreak, with infielders Owen Miller, Yu Chang and pitchers Cal Quantrill and Anthony Castro all being placed on the COVID-19 injury list.

The Cleveland Guardians are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that has sidelined manager Terry Francona and several of the team’s coaches, leading to the postponement of their series finale against the Chicago White Sox.

Mike Clevinger had an impressive first start since undergoing elbow surgery in 2020, and Manny Machado hit a two-run home as the San Diego Padres beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-4 in the first game of a doubleheader.

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

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.

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.

Guardians Reds Baseball Cleveland Guardians' Owen Miller high-fives teammates after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)CLEVELAND — (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians placed three players on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, including major league batting leader Owen Miller. Right-handed starter Cal Quantrill and righty reliever Anthony Castro also tested positive for the virus and were moved to the IL prior to Cleveland’s doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. First baseman Yu Chang, who was placed on the IL for undisclosed reasons on April 15, was confirmed by Francona to have tested positive for COVID. Unfortunately in a clubhouse, there is a lot of close contact.”___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

At bat, last season's AL MVP has three homers, seven RBIs and nine runs scored in 12 games. WEATHER MENAfter consecutive postponements in frigid Cleveland, the Guardians and White Sox will try again to play ball — this time with a traditional doubleheader beginning at 2:10 p.m. EDT. The game was called off four hours before the scheduled first pitch, with the decision coming after Guardians manager Terry Francona and White Sox manager Tony La Russa met the umpires outside at Progressive Field. “But if you’re supposed to play, you play. White Sox right-hander Jimmy Lambert will start the second game against Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andrew Miller, a two-time All-Star and dominant postseason reliever who helped negotiate the recent labor deal that ended Major League Baseball’s 99-day lockout, has retired at 36.

Guardians Get Going Baseball FILE - Cleveland manager Terry Francona speaks at a news conference, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Cleveland. Manager Terry Francona is back. After hobbling around in a protective boot before stepping away last July, Francona joked that his 2022 season is already an improvement. The past two seasons have taken a toll on Francona, a two-time World Series champion with Boston and one of baseball's most popular managers. It’s been a fun couple days.”Like just about everyone else, Guardians president Chris Antonetti couldn't be happier to have Francona at full strength.

After two difficult years, Terry Francona finally feels like himself.

ALDS White Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches during a baseball practice Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, in Houston. The Astros will host the Chicago White Sox in an American League Division Series game Thursday. A three-time World Series winner, the 77-year-old La Russa returns to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2011 championship with St. Louis before retiring. The White Sox swept the Astros in the 2005 World Series when Houston was in the National League. In the dugout, La Russa will match wits with an old foe in Baker, who’s still chasing that elusive first title.

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

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.

The Baseball Hall of Fame will induct Jeter on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. With a mid-week ceremony instead of the traditional Sunday afternoon, school back in session and the threat of inclement weather, the Hall of Fame wasn’t offering an attendance prediction. AILING COLEThe Yankees will see how Gerrit Cole is feeling, a day after the ace was pulled from a game because of tightness in his left hamstring. GET WELL SOONCleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is resting comfortably after undergoing toe surgery, his second operation since stepping aside for the season in July. Francona will need months to recover from the toe surgery.

Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller will be enshrined Wednesday at the Hall of Fame, a year after the induction ceremonies were called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Indians-Francona Surgery Baseball FILE - In this July 9, 2021, file photo, Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona watches in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Cleveland. Francona will need several months of rehab to recover from toe surgery, his second operation since stepping aside for the season in July. Francona, who had hip replacement surgery in August, had surgery Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Indians manger Terry Francona is resting comfortably after undergoing toe surgery, his second operation since stepping aside for the season in July. Francona will need months to recover from the toe surgery.

Cleveland Indians manger Terry Francona is resting comfortably after undergoing toe surgery, his second operation since stepping aside for the season in July.

The lCleveland Indians made their second significant trade in two days, sending outfielder Eddie Rosario to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Pablo Sandoval.

Time is running out for playoff contenders to bolster their rosters through a trade.

Indians Astros Baseball Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, left, talks with umpire Bruce Dreckman after a solo home run by Houston Astros' Jose Altuve during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Indians manager Terry Francona is stepping down for the remainder of this season to address some lingering health issues. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale will take over on an interim basis for the rest of this season while Francona focuses on his health. First base coach and former Indians All-Star catcher Sandy Alomar filled in for Francona a year ago. Francona led the Indians to the World Series in 2016, when the club lost in seven games to the Chicago Cubs.

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is stepping down for the remainder of this season to address some health issues.

Indians New Name Baseball Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona speaks at a news conference, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Cleveland. Known as the Indians since 1915, Cleveland's Major League Baseball team will be called Guardians. The ballclub announced the name change Friday, effective at the end of the 2021 season. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona missed his second straight game Sunday with a head cold. Several of the Indians players were dealing with congestion and other cold symptoms when they returned from a recent road trip.

Indians manager Terry Francona remains away from the team and missed his second straight game with a head cold.

Five Tampa Bay pitchers combined for seven hitless innings, and the Rays beat the Indians 4-0 for a doubleheader sweep.

Major League Baseball will deal with Mariners pitcher Hector Santiago, the first player ejected under the new crackdown against grip-enhancing sticky stuff.

Nelson Cruz hit a three-run homer shortly after Cleveland right fielder Josh Naylor was carted off the field following a frightening collision with a teammate, and the Minnesota Twins went beat the Indians 8-2.

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. Ohtani (3-1, 2.70 ERA) will make his 11th start, his most in any season since 2016, when he started 20 times in Japan. ... Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers (7-3, 1.87), who leads all MLB rookies in wins, ERA and strikeouts, is scheduled to start at home against Toronto. PITCHING PROBLEMSMajor league wins leader Aaron Civale will be checked by a doctor because of soreness in the middle finger on his pitching hand, another setback for the Cleveland staff. But I think we’re prepared that he’s going to miss some time.”Civale exited Monday night’s start in the fifth inning.

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

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound, taking on Kevin Gausman and the Giants at Angel Stadium. Ohtani (3-1, 2.70 ERA) will make his 11th start, his most in any season since 2016, when he started 20 times in Japan. ... Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers (7-3, 1.87), who leads all MLB rookies in wins, ERA and strikeouts, is scheduled to start at home against Toronto. PITCHING PROBLEMSMajor league wins leader Aaron Civale will be checked by a doctor because of soreness in the middle finger on his pitching hand, another setback for the Cleveland staff. But I think we’re prepared that he’s going to miss some time.”Civale exited Monday night’s start in the fifth inning.

Indians Cubs Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Aaron Civale delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, June 21, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO — (AP) — 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. The major league leader with 10 wins, Civale left in the fifth inning of Monday night's win over the Chicago Cubs. The pitcher is scheduled to be examined by hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham on Wednesday. The Indians had won six of eight and trailed the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox by two games through Monday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona will miss the matchups with Toronto to attend his youngest daughter’s wedding in Newport, Rhode Island. The teams were washed out Friday night, and the forecast again calls for rain all day in New York. They've lost 13 games in a row, one short of the franchise record, going into their series finale at home against St. Louis. SPUTTERING AT THE PLATELast in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers try for a surprising three-game sweep of the visiting New York Yankees. Lucas Giolito (4-4, 4.04 ERA) starts for Chicago.

Kevin Gausman (5-0, 1.53 ERA) starts for the San Francisco Giants against Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw (7-3, 2.94). On Monday, the Indians will host the Chicago White Sox for a pair of seven-inning games. The teams were washed out Friday night, and the forecast again calls for rain all day in New York. SPUTTERING AT THE PLATELast in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers try for a surprising three-game sweep of the visiting New York Yankees. Lucas Giolito (4-4, 4.04 ERA) starts for Chicago.

Twins Indians Baseball Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Zach Plesac delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)DETROIT — (AP) — Cleveland Indians right-hander Zach Plesac will not need surgery after breaking the thumb on his pitching hand while yanking off his undershirt following a rough outing. “Other than it being broken, it was a pretty upbeat visit to the doctor," Indians manager Terry Francona said Wednesday. According to Francona, Plesac hurt himself while “rather aggressively taking off his undershirt” after Sunday’s start at Minnesota. The 26-year-old Plesac was placed on the restricted list in August for violating team COVID-19 protocols.

Reds Indians Baseball Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Wade Miley, center, is congratulated by teammates after he pitched a no-hitter in a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Friday, May 7, 2021, in Cleveland. The Cincinnati left-hander tossed baseball's second no-hitter in three days — and fourth already this season — leading the Reds to a 3-0 win Friday night over the Cleveland Indians, who were no-hit for the second time in a month. Miley (4-2) relied on breaking pitches and his experience of 11-plus major league seasons to baffle the Indians and throw Cincinnati's 17th no-hitter and first since Homer Bailey in 2013. Miley’s joined the ’21 no-hitter club that was started by San Diego’s Joe Musgrove who threw the first in Padres’ history on April 9. UP NEXTAaron Civale (4-0) starts for the Indians against Luis Castillo (1-3), who has lost both of his previous starts against Cleveland.

White Sox Indians Baseball Chicago White Sox's Adam Eaton, right, scores as Cleveland Indians' Roberto Perez, left, waits for the ball in the sixth inning in a baseball game, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Indians catcher Roberto Pérez will be sidelined for months following surgery on a fractured right ring finger. Pérez played in pain for several weeks with the fracture, which happened when he got crossed up by reliever James Karinchak on April 14 in Chicago. Pérez broke the finger on his throwing hand when he caught the pitch barehanded. Pérez left the Indians' series in Kansas City to visit hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham, who performed the operation.