TONY LA RUSSA

CHICAGO — (AP) — LaMarr Hoyt, who won the 1983 AL Cy Young Award with the Chicago White Sox, has died. Hoyt went 98-68 with a 3.99 ERA in eight years in the majors. He was traded to the White Sox in April 1977 in a multiplayer deal that moved Bucky Dent to New York. He made his big league debut two years later with two scoreless relief appearances for the White Sox in September. He went 24-10 with a 3.66 ERA in 36 starts in 1983, helping the White Sox win the division title.

LaMarr Hoyt, who won the 1983 AL Cy Young Award with the Chicago White Sox, has died.

NLDS Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants players warm up at Dodger Stadium before Game 4 of the baseball team's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Los Angeles. Mookie Betts and the World Series champion Dodgers will play Buster Posey and the rival Giants on Thursday night in San Francisco for a spot in the NL Championship Series. If you are a sports fan and have a pulse, you better be watching Giants-Dodgers,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. Logan Webb, who pitched a gem in winning the opener, starts for San Francisco against Julio Urías, who led the majors with 20 victories. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

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

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches at the batting cage before Game 3 of an baseball American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Chicago. White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night. The Hall of Famer was lured out of retirement to help the star-studded White Sox make a deep postseason run. And it’s not clear if La Russa will return next season. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night.

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches at the batting cage before Game 3 of an baseball American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Chicago. White Sox manager Tony La Russa is waiting to find out if Chicago wants him back after the club was eliminated by the Astros in their AL Division Series that ended Tuesday night. The Hall of Famer was lured out of retirement to help the star-studded White Sox make a deep postseason run. And it’s not clear if La Russa will return next season. He was replaced on the roster for Tuesday’s NL Division Series Game 4 victory over Milwaukee by rookie Cristian Pache.

Jose Altuve hit a three-run homer and scored four times, and the Houston Astros eliminated the Chicago White Sox with a 10-1 victory in Game 4 of their AL Division Series.

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks reacts to the final out against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning during Game 3 of a baseball American League Division Series Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Chicago. “I had never even heard his name before we played the White Sox. It remains a sensitive subject, and Tepera shined another light on it with his comments after the White Sox won Game 3 Sunday to avoid a sweep. Houston outscored the White Sox 15-5 in winning the first two games at home. White Sox fans chanted “Cheater!

The Houston Astros have found themselves in familiar territory, brushing aside comments by Chicago White Sox reliever Ryan Tepera after he implied they stole signs while winning the first two games of the AL Division Series in their ballpark.

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Two big swings by pint-sized Leury García. Right when the Chicago White Sox got in big trouble, they found a way. García and Grandal homered, and Grandal's borderline baserunning helped the White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 on Sunday night to stay alive in their AL Division Series. Leury García then looked at two balls from Luis Garcia before Baker replaced his starting pitcher with Yimi García (0-1). Gurriel tried to come home, but his throw went went off Grandal as the catcher sprinted up the line in the infield grass.

Leury García and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Grandal’s borderline baserunning helped the Chicago White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 to stay alive in their AL Division Series.

White Sox Rangers Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease winds up to throw to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. The Houston Astros will try to sweep the White Sox when their AL Division Series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Sunday. “We have to keep playing the way that we’ve been playing all season,” White Sox outfielder Luis Robert said. This was not the way the White Sox drew it up after running away with the AL Central at 93-69. But he also played a big role as the White Sox ran away with the division.

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White Sox Rangers Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease winds up to throw to a Texas Rangers batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez)CHICAGO — (AP) — The Chicago White Sox will start Dylan Cease in Game 3 of their AL Division Series against the Houston Astros on Sunday, hoping he can help the AL Central champions avoid a sweep. Manager Tony La Russa confirmed Saturday the 25-year-old right-hander will get the ball when the series shifts to Chicago. Cease tied Carlos Rodón for the team lead in wins while going 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts. But he also played a big role as the White Sox ran away with the AL Central title at 93-69.

The Houston Astros will try to sweep the White Sox when their AL Division Series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Sunday.

Big league wins leader Julio Urías starts for the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL Division Series at San Francisco against Kevin Gausman.

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.

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. Except he is — and it has nothing to do with the Hall of Famer being out of the dugout for almost a decade before the White Sox hired him prior to this season. The White Sox swept the Astros in the 2005 World Series when Houston was still a member of the National League. Lucas Giolito is set to start for the AL Central champion White Sox against left-hander Framber Valdez on Friday in Game 2.

Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is back in the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to open their best-of-five AL Division Series on Thursday against the Houston Astros.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

The 106-win Los Angeles Dodgers put their season on the line in the NL wild-card game against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals.

The pairings for the baseball playoffs are all set.

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.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) tags out Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier trying to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:___FINDERS KEEPERSKevin Kiermaier is playing for keeps -- and the Toronto Blue Jays may not be too keen on what he’s keeping. The veteran Rays outfielder scooped up a data card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband during Tampa Bay’s 6-4 victory Monday night and has refused to give it back to the playoff-contending Blue Jays. “But at the same time, I’m not going to drop it or hand it back.”Sportsnet reported Toronto sent a bat boy to the Rays dugout to ask for the card’s return. AL East-leading Tampa Bay did not send back the card, which likely included information about the Blue Jays’ plans to pitch to the Rays’ hitters. With 10 games remaining, New York is locked in a tight race with Boston, Toronto, Oakland and Seattle for two AL wild cards.

Kevin Kiermaier is playing for keeps -- and the Toronto Blue Jays may not be too keen on what he’s keeping.

Akil Baddoo and Victor Reyes drove in two runs apiece and the Detroit Tigers stalled the Chicago White Sox’s drive for the AL Central title with a 5-3 victory.

A newly released 911 call is giving a look into what may have happened in the days before Gabby Petito disappeared. A driver passing Petito and her fiancé in Utah in mid-August called authorities out of concern for Petito's safety. Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole spoke with Laura Podesta on "CBSN AM" about the call and a text message sent from Petito's phone.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Wright was suspended for three games and manager Tony La Russa for one on Saturday by Major League Baseball, which concluded Wright intentionally threw at the Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani. Wright appealed the suspension issued by Michael Hill, the former Marlins general manager who is MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations.

Angels White Sox Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Jose Rojas, right, celebrates with third base coach Brian Butterfield after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. The White Sox committed three errors, including two during a five-run fourth capped by Rojas’ two-run homer. White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal, who has a personal-best streak of reaching base safely in 30 consecutive games, received a rest. White Sox: LHP Carlos Rodon (12-5, 2.38) won’t pitch until next week’s series at Detroit to protect his left shoulder. White Sox: RHP Dylan Cease (11-7, 4.22) will take the mound Friday night when Chicago opens a three-game series at Texas.

Alex Cobb pitched five scoreless innings, Luis Rengifo and Jose Rojas hit home runs, and the Los Angeles Angels coasted to a 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Yankees White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox's Tim Anderson celebrates his walk-off home run against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning during a baseball game, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Dyersville, Iowa. The White Sox won 9-8. What a leader,” said White Sox acting manager Miguel Cairo, who filled in for Tony La Russa. “That was as special and breathtaking a setting for a baseball game as I’ve ever been part of,” manager Aaron Boone said. White Sox: RF Adam Engel left the game in the eighth with tightness in his right groin.

Yasmani Grandal homered twice and drove in eight runs in his return from the injured list, and the Chicago White Sox beat the sloppy Chicago Cubs 17-13.

Tim Anderson recently admitted he has never watched “Field of Dreams.” Well, he just submitted a pretty good script for a sequel.

Tim Anderson hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning into the cornfield to end the Field of Dreams game in cinematic fashion.

White Sox Cubs Baseball Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn follows through during the first inning of a baseball game against the against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Chicago. The White Sox came away with the win after losing nine of 14. Andrew Vaughn and Seby Zavala gave the White Sox a 2-0 lead in the fourth with RBI singles against Kyle Hendricks. The home run was his first with the White Sox after hitting 18 with the Indians. White Sox: The White Sox reinstated INF/OF Jake Lamb (strained right quadriceps) from the 10-day IL and optioned RHP Matt Foster to Triple-A Charlotte.

Brian Goodwin led off the 10th inning with a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox regrouped after Craig Kimbrel blew a three-run lead against his former team to beat the rebuilding crosstown Cubs 8-6 at Wrigley Field.

White Sox rookie Seby Zavala hit the first three home runs of his career, including a grand slam, but the Cleveland Indians rallied to beat Chicago 12-11.

Yermín Mercedes, the surprising rookie who helped carry the Chicago White Sox with his booming bat early in the season and got sent to the minors following a prolonged slump, says he is stepping away from baseball.

Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1.

Lucas Giolito lobbed an expletive-laced response in Josh Donaldson’s direction after the slugger appeared to yell “Not sticky anymore,” after a first-inning homer, overshadowing Gavin Sheets’ successful debut for the White Sox in a 7-6 victory over the Twins.

White Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve hits a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Houston. La Russa, who is 76, and Baker, who turned 72 this week, are the two oldest managers in the majors. The Diamondbacks set a major league record with their 23rd straight road defeat when they were trounced in San Francisco. Baltimore lost its 19th road game in a row, falling in Cleveland. One thing is not leading to the other.”DeGrom, who turns 33 on Saturday, is 6-2 with a 0.54 ERA in 67 innings.

Major League Baseball has taken another big step in relaxing coronavirus regulations, allowing fully vaccinated players and staff to stop wearing masks in dugouts, bullpens and clubhouses, according to a memo sent by the league and players’ association.

Chicago White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal will miss the rest of the season after having surgery to repair tears in his right hamstring.

Tigers White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa watches his team during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Chicago, Sunday, June 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Tony La Russa moved past John McGraw into sole possession of second on baseball's career manager wins list, directing the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. It has been a bit of a bumpy ride so far, but the 76-year-old Hall of Famer has the White Sox on top of the AL Central. Second on the list is almost assuredly the highest finish for La Russa, who also began his managerial career with the White Sox in 1979. White Sox: OF Billy Hamilton (right oblique strain) was placed on the 10-day IL, and Engel was reinstated from the IL.

Tony La Russa moved into sole possession of second on baseball’s career manager wins list, snapping a tie with John McGraw by directing the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

With the victory, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa tied John McGraw for second place on baseball’s career wins list with No. The 76-year-old La Russa has a long way to go to catch Connie Mack, who won 3,731 games. White Sox: OF Andrew Vaughn could be ready to return from the COVID-19 injured list as soon as Saturday, La Russa said. He said the White Sox were “waiting on one last test” and expect him to get the "green light." ... La Russa said the White Sox should have a “better read” on when OF Adam Engel will be activated by the end of the weekend.

Rookie Yermín Mercedes hit a game-ending single, Yasmani Grandal homered twice and the Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 9-8.

It’s supposed to be fun.

Lucas Giolito struck out 12 and the Chicago White Sox sent Baltimore to its 13th straight loss, beating the Orioles 3-1.

Billy Hamilton hit a solo home run, Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer, and Lance Lynn pitched five scoreless innings as the White Sox completed a sweep of their doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles with a 3-1 victory.

Cub's Willson Contreras, top center, scores on the play and Báez reached second on an errant throw by Pirates' catcher Perez. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. LAUGH IT OFFInclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain.

Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a broken leg that’s sidelined him for nearly two months.

Cub's Willson Contreras, top center, scores on the play and Báez reached second on an errant throw by Pirates' catcher Perez. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. LAUGH IT OFFInclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain.

Angels Pujols Baseball FILE - St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, with his son A.J. After winning a World Series in Oakland, La Russa guided the Cardinals to two World Series championships, three pennants and nine postseason appearances from 1996-2011. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, infielder Matt Carpenter and pitcher Adam Wainwright were members of the last St. Louis team that played for La Russa. Current St. Louis manager Mike Shildt is close to La Russa. La Russa sent coach Shelley Duncan to meet Shildt for the pregame lineup exchange at home plate.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa wound up a winner in his first game against the team that ensured his Hall of Fame induction as Chicago beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 behind Lance Lynn’s arm and Andrew Vaughn’s bat.

“It’s definitely a different series,” La Russa said Monday night before the teams started a three-game set. La Russa was with the Cardinals from 1996-2011, reaching the playoffs nine times. Current Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, infielder Matt Carpenter and pitcher Adam Wainwright were members of the last St. Louis team that played for La Russa. La Russa is not just facing a handful of players he once guided to the game’s greatest heights. “Everybody in our big league staff knew he was special,” La Russa said.

The birds-on-the-bat uniforms, the players in the other dugout, the opposing manager, it all looked familiar to Tony La Russa.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa, under scrutiny much of the season, will face his old team the Cardinals in a three-game set starting on Monday.

White Sox Yankees Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa makes a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Saturday, May 22, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)A look at what's happening around the majors today:LA RUSSA REUNIONWhite Sox manager Tony La Russa will see plenty of familiar faces when his AL Central leaders host his longtime team, the St. Louis Cardinals. La Russa sounded eager to see Cards catcher Yadier Molina and the rest of the Redbirds and their classic uniforms. “I think it’s the common-sense stuff, it’s you recognize the birds with the bat,” La Russa said Sunday. He has a knack of guys responding to his leadership,” La Russa said.

White Sox Yankees Baseball Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa makes a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Saturday, May 22, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)A look at what's happening around the majors on Monday:LA RUSSA REUNIONWhite Sox manager Tony La Russa will see plenty of familiar faces when his AL Central leaders host his longtime team, the St. Louis Cardinals. La Russa sounded eager to see Cards catcher Yadier Molina and the rest of the Redbirds and their classic uniforms. “I think it’s the common-sense stuff, it’s you recognize the birds with the bat,” La Russa said Sunday. He has a knack of guys responding to his leadership,” La Russa said.

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa will see plenty of familiar faces when his AL Central leaders host his longtime team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Twins reliever Tyler Duffey has been suspended three games for his errant pitch to White Sox's Yermin Mercedes, who had previously homered in blowout.

Former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia is the latest to think that White Sox manager Tony La Russa is out of touch with today's brand of baseball.

Chicago's skipper didn't back down after criticizing his rookie slugger for homering on a 3-0 pitch with a big lead.

Chicago White Sox skipper Tony La Russa stood by his criticism of Yermin Mercedes' home run even after the Twins threw at his player on Tuesday.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani makes his sixth pitching start of the season Wednesday when the Angels face Aaron Civale and the Indians.

“That's just sportsmanship, respect for the game, respect for your opponent,” La Russa said Tuesday. After La Russa and Mercedes talked Tuesday, shortstop Tim Anderson backed Mercedes in an Instagram comment under an NBC Sports Chicago post featuring pulled quotes from the manager and the slugger. La Russa didn't feel like Astudillo pitching changed the equation very much. La Russa said he apologized to the Twins. La Russa said he talked to Mercedes, and called what happened “a learning experience.”“The fact that he's a rookie and was excited helps explain why he just was clueless,” La Russa said.

“That's just sportsmanship, respect for the game, respect for your opponent,” La Russa said Tuesday. La Russa didn't feel like having Astudillo on the mound changed the equation very much. La Russa said he apologized to the Twins. “He's not going to do that again,” La Russa said. La Russa said he talked to Mercedes, and called what happened “a learning experience.”“The fact that he's a rookie and was excited helps explain why he just was clueless,” La Russa said.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa says Yermín Mercedes made a “big mistake” when he crushed a 3-0 pitch from infielder Willians Astudillo for a solo homer in the ninth inning of Monday night’s 16-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Star players rarely go out gracefully, but the future Hall of Famer's departure from Anaheim was especially uncomfortable.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa nixed the idea of a potential reunion with Albert Pujols, whom he managed for 11 seasons with the Cardinals.

Questions surrounding the Chicago White Sox's offseason hiring of 76-year-old Tony La Russa as manager remain pertinent.

White Sox La Russa Mistake Baseball FILE - In this April 12, 2021, file photo, Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, center, argues with home plate umpire Gabe Morales (47) while catcher Yasmani Grandal (24) listens during the ninth inning of the team's baseball against the Cleveland Indians in Chicago. “You have to use whoever made the last out, and that was Vaughn — not Abreu,” La Russa said. But when the White Sox hired him to replace Rick Renteria, the move raised more than a few eyebrows. La Russa, 76, hadn't filled out a lineup card since 2011, when St. Louis beat Texas in the World Series. And the White Sox, with a fun-loving team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2008, had their sights set high.

Hall of Famer manager Tony La Russa's second stint with the Chicago White Sox is off to a bumpy start.

White Sox Reds Baseball Chicago White Sox Dylan Cease hits for a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, May 4, 2021 in Cincinnati. It was a historic night with the bat for Cease, who doubled and singled twice before getting pulled for a pinch-hitter. After the first pitch was delayed more than an hour by rain, the White Sox roughed up Jeff Hoffman (2-2) for three runs in the first. Abreu had a pair of hits and three RBIs as the White Sox for the eighth time in 11 games. NO PANICDespite losing Jimenez and Robert to injury, the White Sox are remaining positive, and on Tuesday night it showed.

Wearing their new blue-and-yellow uniforms, the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago White Sox 7-4 when Marwin Gonzalez homered to key a four-run rally in the eighth inning.

Shohei Ohtani hit a 451-foot homer and pitched two-hit ball into the fifth inning in a historic two-way performance, and Jared Walsh hit a walkoff homer in the Los Angeles Angels’ 7-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Yermín Mercedes finally made an out, but not before becoming the first player since at least 1900 to begin a season with eight straight hits.

Yermín Mercedes got his first five major league hits and drove in four runs, and José Abreu hit a grand slam for the Chicago White Sox in their 12-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

EARLY TESTSThe Washington Nationals will be short-handed due to a positive coronavirus test for the second straight season opener. General manager Mike Rizzo did not reveal who the five players were, and the only certainty as of Wednesday night was that opening day starter Max Scherzer wasn't one of them. The Nationals did not have any players test positive during spring training prior to that. But in a what-are-the-odds moment, all three are set to start on opening day. To be pitching the same day as those guys is pretty cool.”MITTS AND MITTENSNolan Arenado, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera will be wearing gloves on opening day.

All 30 teams are scheduled to be in action, with Gerrit Cole set to throw the first pitch of the season against Toronto at Yankee Stadium. A year after no fans were allowed during the virus-shortened 60-game season, every stadium is open, in varying degrees as teams adhere to coronavirus protocols. But in a what-are-the-odds moment, all three are set to start on opening day. To be pitching the same day as those guys is pretty cool.”AdMITTS AND MITTENSNolan Arenado, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera will be wearing gloves on opening day. Rain is in the forecast along the East Coast, which could affect games at Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and Nationals Park.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jiménez was having surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured left pectoral tendon, and general manager Rick Hahn said the slugger still is expected to miss five to six months. Hahn said the timeline hasn't changed, though he left the door open for Jiménez to return sooner. With Tim Anderson, AL MVP José Abreu and Yoán Moncada, the White Sox have a potent lineup. But Vaughn, a first baseman who was selected by the White Sox with the No. The White Sox released veteran catcher Jonathon Lucroy on Tuesday.

Sixto Sánchez made his third start, yielding a run on three hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Austin Gomber gave up five runs on eight hits, four of them home runs, 5 1/3 innings. Arizona starter Luke Weaver struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. Right-hander Adbert Alzolay continued to struggle for Chicago, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings. BREWERS 2, GIANTS 2Brett Anderson pitched two-run ball over 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and striking out three for Milwaukee.

General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know when he begins the rehab process. AdChicago is looking for a deep postseason run after it made the playoffs last year for first time since 2008. The 24-year-old Jiménez, who throws and bats right-handed, was acquired in a July 2017 trade with the crosstown Cubs. Somebody's going to play there.”Leury García, Adam Engel, Nick Williams and Billy Hamilton are among the potential replacements for Jiménez in left. The most intriguing option might be Andrew Vaughn, a first baseman who was selected by the White Sox with the No.

“You’d come back in the dugout and you’d say, ‘Hey where was that pitch at?’” Owings said Monday. “It would be like it is on the MLB app where it just shows where the pitch crossed the plate. But Major League Baseball has cleared the way for the return of in-game video on dugout iPads beginning on opening day, with catcher signals clipped when they are displayed on a computer. “I think the fact that they would have it in the dugout is a step in the right direction.”How much in-game video helps depends on the hitter. ___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP Sports Writers Pat Graham, Stephen Hawkins and Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.

A worker cleans the stadium seats as San Francisco Giants players train during the team's spring training baseball workout in Scottsdale, Ariz., Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon figures players can find plenty to do with any extra time they could get at the end of days if spring training games don't go nine innings. Even after that, until the end of spring training, games can be scheduled for only seven innings. Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said he had already been in touch with Cleveland's Terry Francona by midweek about their spring training opener Sunday. AdJESSE'S TEAMVeteran right-hander Jesse Chavez is re-signing with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league deal, and will join them in spring training after clearing intake protocols.