VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR.

Randy Arozarena hit his 20th homer and drove in six runs as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Toronto 10-6, tying the Blue Jays at the top of the AL wild-card standings.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole twice banged on the dugout roof, shouting in frustration and getting booed as scuffling New York lost for the 15th time in 19 games, beaten by the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2.

Kevin Gausman tossed seven sharp innings and the Toronto Blue Jays became the latest team to shut out the New York Yankees, beating the AL East leaders 4-0.

NEW YORK — (AP) — George Springer went 5-for-5, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run second inning off Frankie Montas, and the Toronto Blue Jays routed the slumping New York Yankees 9-2 on Thursday night. Playing designated hitter for the sixth straight game, leadoff batter Springer had a double and four singles, including an RBI knock ahead of Guerrero's homer. New York scored its runs without hitting the ball past the infield. DJ LeMahieu hit an infield single that scored Jose Trevino from second when Berríos bobbled the ball and threw wide of Guerrero at first. TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: Springer, who missed eight games with right elbow inflammation and last appeared in the outfield July 28, threw from 120 feet.

George Springer went 5-for-5, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run second inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays routed the slumping New York Yankees 9-2.

Ramón Urías hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays also went deep to lift the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium since 1980, and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.

Red Sox lefty Chris Sale is set to make his season debut when he starts against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night.

Mets Astros Baseball New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)NEW YORK — (AP) — Mets slugger Pete Alonso will try to become the first player to win the All-Star Home Run Derby in three consecutive years. He hit 74 total home runs in last year's derby at Denver's Coors Field and beat Baltimore's Trey Mancini 23-22 in the final round. There was no derby in 2020, when the All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Alonso won the 2019 derby at Cleveland as a rookie when he defeated Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round, also by 23-22.

Blue Jays Mariners Baseball Seattle Mariners' Carlos Santana gestures as he heads to first after hitting a two-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Seattle. Blue Jays starter Max Castillo was pulled in the fifth with a 4-1 lead after giving up a pair of one-out singles, and reliever David Phelps walked Justin Upton to load the bases. George Springer homered on the first pitch of the game for the Blue Jays, his 17th home run of the season and his 51st career leadoff homer. Moreno dropped a popup by J.P. Crawford to begin the Seattle eighth. UP NEXTBlue Jays: Toronto has an off day Monday and has not announced a starter for Tuesday’s home game against Philadelphia.

Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a throw bust through the webbing of his glove and the Seattle Mariners took advantage for their eighth straight win, beating the Blue Jays 6-5 on two home runs by Carlos Santana.

Los Angeles will be well represented in the July 19 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers.

The last time Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Kyle Gibson faced the St. Louis Cardinals, they hit four consecutive home runs off him in the first inning.

Yankees Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays center-fielder George Springer, right, receives the home run jacket from Otto Lopez, after hitting a solo home run against the New York Yankees batter in fifth inning of a baseball game in Toronto, Sunday, June 19, 2022. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 17th home run and George Springer also connected for the Blue Jays. Blue Jays: RHP prospect Nate Pearson left Sunday’s rehab outing for Triple-A Buffalo after two pitches because of a sore right shoulder. CATCH WITH DADAlex Montoyo, the son of Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, tossed the ceremonial first pitch to his dad. Blue Jays: RHP José Berríos (5-2, 4.65) starts Monday as the Blue Jays open a three-game series against the White Sox in Chicago.

MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak.

Angels star Mike Trout is likely to have a big rooting section at Citizens Bank Park all weekend for a series against the Phillies.

Blue Jays Angels Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, gestures after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Angels catcher Max Stassi watches during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)ANAHEIM, Calif. — (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Shohei Ohtani for the first time, and George Springer hit a leadoff home run in the Toronto Blue Jays' 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night. Toronto hit the ball hard early and often against Ohtani, who beat the Blue Jays last summer in his only previous mound meeting. The Blue Jays’ three-run third was only the third multi-run inning allowed this season by Ohtani. Ohtani retired seven straight Blue Jays before Guerrero's homer — his second in two games after a 15-game homerless drought comprising most of May. UP NEXTRising star Alek Manoah (5-1, 1.62 ERA) pitches on the one-year anniversary of his major league debut for the Blue Jays.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Shohei Ohtani for the first time, and George Springer hit a leadoff home run in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Gleyber Torres drove in all New York’s runs with a go-ahead, three-run homer off José Berríos in the fourth inning and a two-run single, leading the surging Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 for their 15th win in 17 games.

Aaron Judge hit a mammoth three-run drive in the ninth inning for his first walk-off home run in the major leagues to give the New York Yankees a 6-5 comeback victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Justin Verlander and the Astros try for their eighth straight win when they visit Joe Ryan and the first-place Twins in a matchup of American League contenders with identical 18-11 records.

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

Yankees Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Matt Chapman hits a home run against the New York Yankees during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Toronto. ROSTER MOVESThe Blue Jays selected RHP Casey Lawrence from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned LHP Andrew Vasquez to Triple-A. Hernández could rejoin the Blue Jays in Cleveland on Thursday. RHP Glenn Otto (1-0, 2.89) starts for the RangersBlue Jays: RHP José Berríos (2-0, 4.13) starts Thursday in the opener of a four-game series in Cleveland. RHP Aaron Civale (0-2, 10.67) goes for the Guardians.

Gleyber Torres homered early, then hit a go-ahead single in the ninth inning as the New York Yankees won their 10th straight game, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has hit five home runs in his last five games, part of a surge that’s helped New York win nine in a row.

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.

Accidentally spiked while playing first base, Guerrero got two stitches after a 6-4 win and said his hand felt fine. Guerrero had to reach across his body for infielder Bo Bichette’s throw and placed his right hand down behind the first base bag to balance. With a bloody stain on the right thigh of his pants, Guerrero hit a two-run homer in his next at-bat. TRAVELING CHAMPSThe World Series champion Atlanta Braves begin their first road series of the season when Charlie Morton (1-0, 3.38 ERA) starts at San Diego. The Braves said shortly before opening day that Jackson had damage to the ligament in his right elbow.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball A trainer helps Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who injured his hand during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in New York. Even he got a hand from Guerrero — the left one, which gloved a sharp liner from Josh Donaldson for the final out. Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernández left the field in pain after a groundout in the sixth and was removed from the game with left side discomfort. Guerrero seemed like he'd have to leave in the second inning when his bare throwing hand was stepped on by baserunner Aaron Hicks. In a show of toughness sure to satisfy hockey-mad fans back in Toronto, Guerrero had a trainer tape up his wound and jogged back to first base a couple minutes later.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shook off a bloody gash on his right ring finger to hit three home runs against the rival Yankees, including two off ace Gerrit Cole, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat New York 6-4.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., center, gestures to fans after reaching home plate on a home run, next to New York Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK — (AP) — Already the face of the upstart Toronto Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looked the part of a true Maple Leaf on Wednesday night, too. Guerrero seemed like he'd have to leave in the second inning when his bare throwing hand was accidentally spiked by baserunner Aaron Hicks. Guerrero had to reach across his body for infielder Bo Bichette's throw and placed his right hand down behind the first base bag to balance. He used his right hand for high-fives with base coaches Mark Budzinski and Luis Rivera as he rounded the bases, then clapped his hands together emphatically before touching home plate.

With a bloody stain on the right thigh of his pants, Guerrero hit a two-run homer in his next at-bat and later lined a double. TRAVELING CHAMPSThe World Series champion Atlanta Braves begin their road series of the season when Charlie Morton (1-0, 3.38 ERA) starts at San Diego. Atlanta will be without reliever Luke Jackson this season after he had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. The Braves said shortly before opening day that Jackson had damage to the ligament in his right elbow. “It could be just the start of things to come.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays wrap up their four-game series at Yankee Stadium, a day after the slugger hit three home runs and a double despite a nasty gash.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball A trainer helps Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who injured his hand during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in New York. Guerrero took Cole deep in the first inning, then seemed like he'd have to leave an inning later when his bare throwing hand was accidentally spiked by baserunner Aaron Hicks. Guerrero had to reach across his body for infielder Bo Bichette's throw and placed his right hand down behind the first base bag to balance. The 23-year-old Guerrero immediately began waving the hand around, then walked toward Toronto's dugout as blood dripped onto his uniform and the turf. A trainer taped up the digit in the dugout, and after a couple of minutes, Guerrero jogged back to first base and the game continued.

Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shook off a bloody gash on his right ring finger to hit three home runs against the rival Yankees, including two off ace Gerrit Cole.

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.

Rangers Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez, right, and manager Charlie Montoyo react in the dugout after a call at home plate was overturned during the seventh inning of the team's baseball game against the Texas Rangers on Friday, April 8, 2022, in Toronto. Blue Jays right-hander Adam Cimber (1-0) pitched one inning for the win despite allowing Adolis García’s tying home run in the seventh. AWARD SHOWBefore the game, former Blue Jays infielder and current Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien and Guerrero and Hernández were presented with their 2021 Silver Slugger Awards. Blue Jays: Toronto has two players on the 10-day injured list to begin the season. UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 with San Francisco in 2021) makes his Toronto debut Saturday against Rangers RHP Dane Dunning (5-10, 4.51 in 2021).

Judge has asked New York for $21 million, while the Yankees have offered $17 million, up from $10,175,000 last year. Teams and players can continue to negotiate and may agree on a deal at any time. Batting champion Trea Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $21 million, one-year deal. The Blue Jays signed new third baseman Matt Chapman to a $25 million, two-year deal, six days after getting him in a trade with Oakland. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got $7.9 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and five players from the World Series champion Atlanta Braves are among the players who are headed toward salary arbitration hearings that will occur during the regular season after failing to agree to contracts for 2022.

Baseball Lockout FILE - The scoreboard plays the seventh inning stretch themes of the Toronto Blue Jays during the middle of the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Blue Jays and the Washington Nationals, on July 30, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) (Nick Wass)JUPITER, Fla. — (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began taking grounders, new St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol signed autographs and fans lined up for New York Yankees exhibition tickets as spring training for big leaguers finally began Friday. A day after owners and players reached agreement to end a 99-day lockout, camps in Florida and Arizona opened. Bo Bichette and José Berríos were among those joining Guerrero in getting busy at the Blue Jays' camp in Dunedin. Sunday is the mandatory reporting date for players, but some were eager to get to to work early.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber limbered up in Guardians gear, Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began taking grounders and new St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol signed autographs as spring training camps in Florida and Arizona finally opened to big leaguers.

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-hander Kevin Gausman on a five-year, $110 million contract, pending a physical, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press late Sunday.

Japan Baseball Ohtani Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani listens to questions from journalists during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (Eugene Hoshiko)NEW YORK — (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was unanimiously voted American League MVP on Thursday for a two-way season not seen since Babe Ruth, and Bryce Harper earned the National League honor for the second time. Ohtani received all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. It was the first full season on the mound for the 27-year-old right-hander following Tommy John surgery in 2019. Ohtani won AL Rookie of the Year in 2018 after leaving the Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters to sign with the Angels.

Toronto left-hander Robbie Ray bounced back from a dismal season to win the AL Cy Young Award and Milwaukee righty Corbin Burnes returned from a bout of COVID-19 to win the NL’s top pitching prize.

Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has been selected major league player of the year by Baseball Digest and eBay.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II)Rafael Devers delivered big time for the Boston Red Sox. And Buster Posey boosted the San Francisco Giants to the NL West crown, dropping the 106-win Dodgers into a dangerous wild-card game. The Dodgers dropped into the NL wild-card game Wednesday night, when they’ll host the hard-charging St. Louis Cardinals. Also, 20-year-old rookie sensation Wander Franco and the Tampa Bay Rays will welcome the AL wild-card winner. Down 5-1 going into the sixth inning at Washington, the Red Sox rallied.

The pairings for the baseball playoffs are all set.

Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston’s Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.

Red Sox ace Chris Sale takes the mound in Washington with a chance to pitch Boston into the postseason.

APTOPIX Orioles Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer, right, celebrates with Teoscar Hernandez, left, after hitting a solo home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Blue Jays launched five homers while Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings to help Toronto close within one game of the wild card-leading New York Yankees. Toronto began the day tied with Seattle, one game behind Boston for the second wild-card spot. The Blue Jays lead the majors with a franchise-record 258 home runs, topping the 257 they hit in 2010. Hernández hit a solo shot off Means in the first, his 32nd, and Springer hit a three-run homer off Means in the second, his 20th.

Four teams are separated by two games in the AL wild-card chase, with the Yankees clinging to a one-game lead for the top spot with two games remaining.

Gary Sánchez and Rougned Odor both struck out with two runners on to blunt a ninth-inning rally and the New York Yankees’ lead atop the AL wild-card race got even tighter with a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Zack Wheeler pitches Tuesday night for Philadelphia in the opener of a pivotal three-game series at Atlanta.

Kevin Kiermaier was hit by a pitch after scooping up a Toronto scouting report two days earlier, and the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a postseason berth with a 7-1 victory over the Blue Jays.

Kevin Gausman returns to the mound — and plate — as he tries to help the Giants protect their lead in the NL West.

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.

Formerly a fleet outfielder, Anthony Gose returned to the majors five years later Monday night as a rocket-armed reliever for the Cleveland Indians, flashing 100 mph heat and finishing his outing by fanning Royals slugger Salvador Perez.

Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels against Oakland on Sunday a few days after manager Joe Maddon contemplated shutting down the two-way star with arm soreness.

Shohei Ohtani will pitch for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday after his sore arm felt much better in a bullpen session.

Astros Rangers Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Greinke (11-5, 2.66 ERA) is scheduled to pitch at Texas, the same team he lost to on the road in his last start 16 days earlier. Greinke had also lost his previous start against Kansas City, marking the only time in his 27 starts this season he has dropped consecutive games. Cole will have a new shortstop behind him, too, after New York moved error-prone Gleyber Torres to second base Monday. Off on Monday, the Brewers have won five in a row overall and their magic number is five for clinching the division crown.

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

Rays Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez hits a double in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Toronto began the day tied with Boston, but the Blue Jays have played two fewer games than the Red Sox. With 17 hits in all, it was another offensive outburst by the Blue Jays, who scored 22 runs against Baltimore on Sunday. ROSTER MOVESThe Blue Jays recalled LHP Ryan Borucki from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned RHP Trent Thornton to their top farm club. UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP José Berríos (11-7, 3.52 ERA) faces Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 3.25) on Tuesday.

Dodgers Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright walks off the field after being removed during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:___OLD TIMERS' DAYMets 41-year-old left-hander Rich Hill is set to face Cardinals 40-year-old righty Adam Wainwright in a showdown of veterans who still got it. Hill (6-6, 3.82) has allowed three earned runs over 17 innings in his previous three starts, and Wainwright (15-7, 2.98) pitched into the ninth inning against the Dodgers in a 5-4 win his last time out. ANOTHER BLOWSan Diego is monitoring left-hander Blake Snell after he left a game Sunday against the Dodgers after 11 pitches with a left adductor strain. He was facing Trea Turner when he suddenly left the mound with a 2-1 count, having thrown 11 pitches.

Mets 41-year-old left-hander Rich Hill is set to face Cardinals 40-year-old righty Adam Wainwright in a showdown of veterans who still got it.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in New York. The Blue Jays completed their first four-game sweep in the Bronx since 2003 and pulled within a half-game of New York for the final AL wild card. Bichette and the Blue Jays took the lead in the seventh against Sal Romano (0-2), who was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before the game. Peralta allowed his third walk of the inning to Jansen to put the Blue Jays up 4-2. Yankees: RHP Jameson Taillon was added to the 10-day injured list with a partial tear of a tendon in his right ankle.

Bo Bichette thumped a leadoff homer in the first inning and singled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 42nd homer, and the Toronto Blue Jays held off the skidding New York Yankees 6-4 for their eighth straight win.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs up the first base line after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, in New York. The Blue Jays won 6-3. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 41st home run and the streaking Toronto Blue Jays knocked the slumping Yankees out of the AL's top wild-card spot, beating New York 6-3 Wednesday night. Teoscar Hernández hit a go-ahead single in the seventh inning and Guerrero connected off Aroldis Chapman to begin the ninth as the Blue Jays won their seventh in a row. The 23-year-old righty made his major league debut last month and had not permitted a run in 15 2/3 innings over three starts until facing the surging Blue Jays.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 41st home run and the streaking Toronto Blue Jays knocked the slumping Yankees out of the AL’s top wild-card spot, beating New York 6-3.

Blue Jays Yankees Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smiles after hitting a single against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of a baseball game on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 40th homer, Marcus Semien went deep twice and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 8-0 on Monday for their fifth straight win. Hyun Jin Ryu (13-8) pitched six effective innings as the Blue Jays won for the eighth time in nine games. Guerrero hit his 40th homer on Jameson Taillon’s 13th pitch. Teoscar Hernández also went deep in the ninth for the Blue Jays.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 40th homer, Marcus Semien went deep twice and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 8-0 for their fifth straight win.

Athletics Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits a single to right field in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) (Jon Blacker)Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays look like they could be contenders for a while in the American League. The Blue Jays signed George Springer to a $150 million, six-year deal last offseason. The Blue Jays still have hope this year. The Blue Jays trailed 8-2 in the eighth inning, at which point Baseball Savant gave them only a 0.5% chance of winning.

The Toronto Blue Jays have won four in a row entering their big series this week in New York against the Yankees.

Toronto's Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run homer in the fourth before Oakland pulled away for an 8-2 lead. Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah allowed six runs and five hits in five-plus innings. TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Ross Stripling (strained left oblique) threw live batting practive before the game. ROSTER MOVES:Blue Jays: Toronto claimed INF/OF Jake Lamb on waivers from the Chicago White Sox and recalled LHP Kirby Snead from Triple-A Buffalo. UP NEXTRHP José Berríos (9-7, 3.53) starts for the Blue Jays on Saturday against Oakland RHP Paul Blackburn (0-1, 2.81).

Shohei Ohtani pitched six innings of three-hit ball to win his third consecutive start, and he also doubled and scored an early run in the Los Angeles Angels’ 6-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays responded with a five-run fifth to break it open. His 71 strikeouts are the most by a Blue Jays pitcher in his first 11 games. WELCOME TO THE CLUBHernandez is the 84th different player in Blue Jays history to hit a grand slam. TRAINER'S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Ross Stripling has been placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left oblique strain during the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader. RHP José Berríos (8-5, 3.23 ERA) is 1-1 against the Angels this season.

All Star Game Baseball American League players celebrate after the MLB All-Star baseball game, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Denver. All-Star Game MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was able to stand out, too — for his bat, not his attire, thanks to a 468-foot homer into the thin Rocky Mountain air. “I’m a big fan of each team wearing their own,” White Sox closer Liam Hendriks said after earning the save as the AL won its eighth straight All-Star Game. Major League Baseball has a billion-dollar contract with Nike, whose swoosh was displayed prominently on the right side of the uniform just below the collar. "I don’t mind the concept they’re going for, I just feel like they need a little more player input.

APTOPIX All Star Game Baseball American League's starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Angeles, throws during the first inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)DENVER — (AP) — A Sho-case for Shohei Ohtani became a grand stage for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., too. Guerrero, at 22, became the youngest MVP in All-Star Game history. A 27-year-old right-hander in his fourth big league season, Ohtani has dazzled. Ohtani became the second straight Japanese pitcher to win the All-Star Game after the Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka two years ago.

(AP Photo/Gabriel Christus) (Gabriel Christus)DENVER — (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. admired his 468-foot screamer for a moment before bouncing into his triumphant home run trot at the All-Star Game on Tuesday night. NL shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. immediately put his glove on his head and slowly turned around to watch the ball leave the yard. Why not show it off here?”Guerrero, whose father homered off Brad Penny in the 2006 All-Star Game, put the American League ahead 2-0 with the shot into the last row. His solo shot off Burnes was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The AL won its eighth straight All-Star Game 5-2.

Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. ___6:35 p.m.Shohei Ohtani followed up his groundout to start the All-Star Game with a perfect inning on the mound. ___6:20 p.m.American League starting pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani led off the All-Star Game with a grounder to second. Ohtani is the first player in major league history to make the All-Star Game as a pitcher and position player. There were a pair of late additions to the AL All-Star team: Tampa Bay right-hander Andrew Kittredge and Minnesota left-hander Taylor Rogers.

Guerrero homers Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rounds the bases after hitting a 468-foot home run in the third inning at the All-Star Game in Denver. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press )DENVER — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showed off his glove and his bat at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night. MLB echoed similar sentiments in a tweet, noting that Guerrero Jr.’s All-Star Glove was “epic.”How it started ➡️ how it's goingVladdy's All-Star glove is epic. pic.twitter.com/coY6zE1eON — MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2021Guerrero Sr. was a nine-time All-Star and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2018. His father hit an opposite-field home run in the 2006 All-Star Game at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, giving the American League a 1-0 lead.

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)DENVER — (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Coors Field (all times local):9 p.m. The right-handed hitter crushed one to the second deck in right field to put the American League ahead 5-1. Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. There were a pair of late additions to the AL All-Star team: Tampa Bay right-hander Andrew Kittredge and Minnesota left-hander Taylor Rogers. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

Peralta and the NL trail the AL 5-2 after seven innings at the All-Star Game. Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. It was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The former Denver Broncos quarterback bounced the ceremonial first pitch before the All-Star Game. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — The Latest on the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Coors Field (all times local):10:15 p.m. Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. It was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. There were a pair of late additions to the AL All-Star team: Tampa Bay right-hander Andrew Kittredge and Minnesota left-hander Taylor Rogers. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

Realmuto is the first Philadelphia player to homer in the All-Star Game since Mike Schmidt in 1981. Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. It was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The American Leaguers are wearing AL uniforms for the first time ever at an All-Star Game. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

Like father, like son as he gave the American League a 2-0 lead after three innings in the All-Star Game. It was the longest homer at the All-Star Game since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The former Denver Broncos quarterback bounced the ceremonial first pitch before the All-Star Game. There were a pair of late additions to the AL All-Star team: Tampa Bay right-hander Andrew Kittredge and Minnesota left-hander Taylor Rogers. The skies were gray overhead and there was occasional drizzle during batting practice ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Coors Field.

All Star Game Baseball National League's Fernando Tatis Jr., of the San Diego Padres, speaks with the media prior to batting practice for the MLB All-Star baseball game, Monday, July 12, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)DENVER — (AP) — The gold-plated necklace Fernando Tatis Jr. wore for the All-Star festivities was both flashy and eye-catching — just like his game. They'll be on full display Tuesday night at the All-Star Game — and can't-miss entertainment. “How can you not grow the game around these young stars?” Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, 29, said. “We want to have fun,” Guerrero said through an interpreter.

(AP Photo/Joshua Bessex) (Joshua Bessex)NEW YORK — (AP) — The sons are coming out for this year's All-Star Game in Denver. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved. San Francisco catcher Buster Posey is set for his fifth start and seventh appearance, his first since 2018. Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman was elected to his third start and fifth appearance, and Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. to his second start. Fernando Tatis was a third baseman, outfielder and first baseman who played in the major leagues from 1997-2010.

Cubs Mets Baseball New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a two-run single during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in New York. Alonso won the derby at Cleveland’s Progressive Field in 2019, the last time it was held, by defeating Guerrero 23-22 in the final round. Guerrero, who shared the MLB home run lead with Ohtani heading into Wednesday's play, spoke before the Blue Jays' game in Miami. Guerrero said he decided to skip this year's event after consulting with his father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero Jr. said he'll be at the derby as a spectator.

The Los Angeles Angels star will be the first Japanese-born player in the derby, held the night before the All-Star Game. Ohtani won Japan’s home run derby in 2016, when he also was MVP of the second of Japan’s two All-Star Games. He will become the seventh Angels player in the derby, including Vladimir Guerrero, who won the 2007 derby. Previous weekly announcements included just tier 1, and MLB said on June 11 that 83.5% had been fully vaccinated and 85.1% had been partially vaccinated. Among changes to protocols made Wednesday, all fully vaccinated players and staff can stop wearing masks in dugouts, bullpens and clubhouses.

Marlins Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gestures as he rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the third inning of a baseball game in Buffalo, N.Y., Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The Blue Jays are unable to play in Toronto for a second straight season because of Canadian health restrictions due to COVID-19. Robbie Ray (3-2) allowed one run on six hits through six innings, and the nomadic Blue Jays picked up where they left off a year ago in their adopted home. When we heard the Blue Jays were in Buffalo, we knew we had to fin da way to get to the game.”Fans showed up adorned in Blue Jays, Yankees and also NFL Bills gear. Blue Jays: RF George Springer (oblique) caught a few flyballs and ran the bases, but there is no timetable on when he’ll be cleared to return.

Candy Digital will release an exclusive Lou Gehrig non-fungible token during the Fourth of July weekend.

Mejía had a 12th-inning grand slam in the Rays' 9-7 win over Toronto on Friday night. Tampa Bay scored twice in the 10th, but Marcus Semien tied it with a two-run homer off Jeffrey Springs (4-1). Blue Jays: Montoyo said CF George Springer (quadriceps) is improving but no date for a rehab assignment has been announced. UP NEXTRays: Tampa Bay LHP Rich Hill (3-1) and Kansas City RHP Brad Keller (3-4) will start Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. Blue Jays: LHP Steven Matz (5-2) will go against New York Yankees RHP Corey Kluber (4-2) Tuesday night.

Blue Jays Braves Baseball Toronto Blue Jays including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates at the end of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Atlanta. The Blue Jays will play several home games in Buffalo due to restrictions in cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada because of COVID-19. Blue Jays tickets go on sale on May 20, and tickets for the minor league Bisons go on sale Tuesday. Fans can purchase a maximum of four tickets per game, choosing between physically distanced and fully vaccinated seating sections. Fully vaccinated sections will be able to have full capacity.

Forced from Canada by that government's coronavirus travel restrictions, the Blue Jays posted a note on their Twitter account on Wednesday saying: “Buffalo, we’re BACK! We’ll see you June 1st.” The words were over a picture of Buffalo’s downtown Sahlen Field, the regular home of the Blue Jays' Triple-A farm team. But the Blue Jays did not want to remain in Florida for the hotter, more humid portion of the year. The Blue Jays return to Buffalo with a homestand that includes games against Miami on June 1-2 and Houston from June 4-6. The Blue Jays played home games during the shortened 2020 season in Buffalo, New York, and were 17-9 at Sahlen Field.

Mets rookie Pete Alonso has a million-dollar swing. New York's newest slugger outlasted a worn-down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round of the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night to win $1 million nearly double his 2019 salary. Pete Alonso, of the New York Mets, reacts during the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, Monday, July 8, 2019, in Cleveland. John Minchillo / APNeeding 23 homers to beat Guerrero, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center before flipping his bat high into the air and hugging his pitcher, cousin Derek Morgan. Alonso has hit 30 home runs this year and will play in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.