YADIER MOLINA

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SAN DIEGO — (AP) — Willson Contreras is going to St. Louis to replace Yadier Molina at catcher, agreeing to an $87.5 million, five-year contract with the Cardinals on Wednesday. The addition of Contreras fills a major void for St. Louis, which won the NL Central this season with a 93-69 record. Molina retired after spending his entire 19-year career with the Cardinals, making 10 All-Star teams and winning nine Gold Gloves. Contreras was one of the Chicago Cubs’ last holdovers from their 2016 World Series championship. The 30-year-old Contreras received a $19.65 million qualifying offer from Chicago, but he turned down the proposal.

Willson Contreras is going to St. Louis to replace Yadier Molina at catcher, agreeing to an $87.5 million, five-year contract with the Cardinals.

Aaron Judge remains a free agent as baseball's winter meetings continue in San Diego.

Aaron Judge, Edwin Díaz, Trea Turner, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts were among 131 players who became free agents as baseball’s business season began just hours after the final out of the World Series.

All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado will not exercise the opt-out clause in his contract with the Cardinals.

Adam Wainwright will pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals next season, choosing to return for an 18th with the franchise while longtime teammates Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina head into retirement.

Maybe it’s appropriate that Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina took their final bows in baseball’s last season without a clock. The duo won the World Series together twice, made a combined 21 All-Star Games, and earned 11 Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. Numbers of Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina will echo through timeThe sterling statistical records Pujols and Molina accumulated will settle now — oxidize into distinct patinas on their bronze, Cooperstown-worthy careers. How Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina defied baseball’s odds“There’s just so much magic with Albert and Yadi,” fellow iconic Cardinals 40-something Adam Wainwright said after the game. Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina know that as well as anyone.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Magic was happening on a chilly Saturday night in St. Louis, where the Cardinals were trailing the Philadelphia Phillies in a do-or-die Game 2 of their National League wild-card series, and Albert Pujols was stepping up to the plate. The Cardinals failed to push across the run in the eighth inning, though, when MVP candidates Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado struck out. “It was a great season,” Molina said. “I mean, a great season, for everybody here in the clubhouse, for all the moments, the memories — the good memories. Young shortstop Masyn Winn and right-hander Gordon Graceffo, who are also highly thought of in the St. Louis system, are probably another year away from the big leagues.

Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina have played their final games with the Cardinals, who were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League wild-card series.

The Philadelphia Phillies are en route to the National League Division Series against their NL East rivals and defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Aaron Nola pitched pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Bryce Harper's homer gave Philadelphia an early lead, and the Phillies held off the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Saturday night to sweep their National League wild-card series. Nola struck out six and walked one on 101 pitches before leaving with two outs in the seventh. The Cardinals made one finally charge off Zach Eflin in the ninth, getting consecutive two-out singles from Corey Dickerson and Molina. They'll face a familiar foe, the NL East champion Braves, when their division series begins Tuesday night in Atlanta. Miles Mikolas allowed two runs and two hits for St Louis before leaving with two outs in the fifth.

Aaron Nola pitched four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Bryce Harper’s homer gave Philadelphia an early lead, and the Phillies held off the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 to sweep their National League wild-card series.

The Phillies scored six times in the ninth inning off the stingy St. Louis bullpen, highlighted by a bases-loaded single by Jean Segura, and Philadelphia beat the NL Central champion Cardinals 6-3 in the opening game of their National League wild-card series.

The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture is now set.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Albert Pujols hit his 702nd career home run and tied Babe Ruth for second on the all-time RBI on Sunday, but the Pittsburgh Pirates took the game from the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5. Pujols is fourth on the all-time home run list behind Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762). He's also now tied with Ruth for second in RBI (2,214) behind Aaron (2,297). Molina, Pujols and Wainwright were all removed from the game together so they could walk off as a trio with two outs in the fifth. TRAINER’S ROOMPirates: C Tyler Heineman was activated from the 7-day Injured List list before the game.

Albert Pujols slammed his 702nd career home run and drove in three runs in the Cardinals' 7-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols hit his 702nd career homer in the third inning of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pujols drove a 0-1 pitch from Roansy Contreras deep to center for a solo shot. The 42-year-old Pujols is fourth on the career home run list behind Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Yadier Molina hit a two-run drive while Albert Pujols went hitless in his quest for 700 homers, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader. Pujols started at first base and hit second for the first time this season. He is hitting .317 (45 for 142) with 15 homers and 35 RBIs in 48 games since July 10. Molina hit his fifth homer in the third, a drive to left that capped a three-run inning. The rookie is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals this season.

Yadier Molina hit a two-run drive while Albert Pujols went hitless in his quest for 700 homers, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 in the first game of a doubleheader.

Yadier Molina hit a two-run drive while Albert Pujols went hitless in his quest for 700 homers, and the St. Louis Cardinals swept a doubleheader from the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 and 1-0 in 11 innings on Saturday. Pujols started at first base in the opener and hit second for the first time this season. St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said playing Pujols so frequently is a no-brainer despite his age of 42.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina made history with the first pitch of the game, then the record-setting battery helped the St. Louis Cardinals extend their NL Central lead by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1 Wednesday night. Wainwright and Molina started together for the 325th time, the most ever by a pitcher-catcher duo in the majors. Wainwright and Molina made their first start together on April 6, 2007, in Houston. Wainwright recorded a 4-2 win in that game -- the first of his 213 victories with Molina behind the plate. Gretzky played 18 games for the St. Louis Blues in 1995-96 and maintains a home in the area.

Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina made history with the first pitch of the game, then the record-setting battery helped the St. Louis Cardinals extend their NL Central lead by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina made their 325th career start together on Wednesday night, setting a major league record for most as a battery. The St. Louis duo eclipsed the regular-season mark of 324 by the Detroit Tigers pair of Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan from 1963-1975. Wainwright and Molina made their first start together on April 6, 2007, in Houston. The next active pair behind Wainwright and Molina is the Chicago Cubs battery of Kyle Hendricks and Willson Contreras, who have 105 starts together. The pair attended several games together during the St. Louis Blues' run to the Stanley Cup championship in 2019.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 325th career start together, setting a major league record for most as a battery.

Albert Pujols hit his 696th home run, tying Alex Rodriguez for fourth place on the career list, and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-5.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Yadier Molina homered twice on a day he paired with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright to tie the major league record of 324 starts by a battery in an 11-6 loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Wainwright allowed four runs and nine hits in five innings. It was the second-straight subpar start for Wainwright, who said his mechanics are off. Wainwright and Molina are on track to break the record at home against Milwaukee on Sept. 14. Mikolas allowed just two hits over eight scoreless innings in his last start on Sept. 4.

Yadier Molina homered twice on a day he paired with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright to tie the major league record fof 324 starts by a battery in an 11-6 loss to the Washington Nationals.

ST. LOUIS — (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina made their 324th career start Thursday, tying the all-time major league mark set by Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan as members of the Detroit Tigers from 1963-1975. Wainwright and Molina got a standing ovation from the crowd as they made their way in from the bullpen moments before first pitch against the Washington Nationals. Wainwright and Molina are scheduled to break the record against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 14. Wainwright notched his first of 212 wins as a starter with Molina as his catcher, which is a major league record for batterymates. Wainwright and Molina have 13 total All-Star Game appearances between them.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 324th career start.

Tommy Edman was confused. The St. Louis infielder thought he had made the final out. Instead, his long drive to left field nicked off the glove of outfielder Alex Call for a two-run, two-out double to cap St. Louis' five-run ninth inning in a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night.

Bally Sports Ohio's Barry Larkin was frank about a missed opportunity during the 11th inning of the Reds' loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday.

CHICAGO — (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt slugged his 32nd and 33rd homers to highlight a five-RBI performance, Corey Dickerson set a franchise record for consecutive hits and the St. Louis Cardinals rolled to an 8-3 win Thursday over the Chicago Cubs. The Cardinals collected 16 hits even without slugger Nolan Arenado, who returned to St. Louis to attend the birth of his first child. Nevertheless, the Cardinals collected 11 hits off starter Marcus Stroman (3-6), one more than Stroman surrendered against them on June 3. Nolan Gorman followed Dickerson’s first hit with an RBI single, and Tyler O’Neill capped the rally with a sacrifice fly. TRAINER’S ROOMCubs: C Willson Contreras (sore left ankle) missed his third consecutive start but is expected to return as soon as Friday.

Paul Goldschmidt slugged his 32nd and 33rd homers and had five RBIs, Corey Dickerson set a franchise record for consecutive hits and the St. Louis Cardinals rolled to an 8-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Javier Assad pitched four scoreless innings in his major league debut and combined with four relievers on a five-hitter as the Chicago Cubs cooled off the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 in the first game of a doubleheader.

693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 on Monday for their season-high eighth straight victory. Pujols led off the seventh with a drive to left-center for his seventh homer in his last 10 games and No. Drew Smyly became the 449th pitcher to surrender a homer to the 42-year-old Pujols, who matched Barry Bonds for the major league record. It was Pujols' 940th multihit game, snapping a tie with Paul Waner for 10th on the career list. Adam Wainwright (9-8, 3.11 ERA) starts the opener for St. Louis, and Jake Woodford (2-0, 2.66 ERA) takes the mound for the second game.

Albert Pujols hit career homer No. 693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 for their season-high eighth straight victory.

Albert Pujols hit career homer No. 693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 on Monday for their season-high eighth straight victory. Pujols led off the seventh with a drive to left-center for his seventh homer in his last 10 games and No. 14 overall in his final big league season. Drew Smyly became the 449th pitcher to surrender a homer to the 42-year-old Pujols, who matched Barry Bonds for the major league record.

Yadier Molina rejoined the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday after traveling to his native Puerto Rico for the end of his basketball team's championship run. The 40-year-old Molina owns the Vaqueros de Bayamón, who play in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league. Bayamón beat San Germán 75-61 on Saturday to clinch its 16th BSN title.

The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the few teams with too many options. The jumbo digs were eventually assigned to Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, and who could really argue? Across the room was 34-year-old Paul Goldschmidt, one of the game's best first basemen who is a seven-time All-Star and in the midst of an MVP-caliber campaign.

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols blasted two more homers, pushing his career total to 692 and helping St. Louis beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 16-7.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was put on the restricted list Saturday and is expected to miss the next two games. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Molina left for “business matters” and is expected to return to the team on Monday. Marmol added that the star previously asked permission to leave for the weekend and the request was granted.

Yankees Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Paul DeJong watches his three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Nolan Arenado and Paul DeJong both homered and drove in four runs to help the St. Louis Cardinals outlast the New York Yankees 12-9 on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep. St. Louis (60-48) moved a season-best 12 games over .500 with its first regular-season series sweep of the Yankees. St. Louis became the first team to sweep the Yankees in a series of at least three games this year. St. Louis completed a 6-0 homestand, its first homestand sweep of six games or more since September 2013.

Nolan Arenado and Paul DeJong both homered and drove in four runs to help the St. Louis Cardinals outlast the New York Yankees 12-9, completing a three-game sweep.

Cubs Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo / Scott Kane) (Scott Kane)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Adam Wainwright pitched seven spotless innings with longtime catcher Yadier Molina back behind the plate, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 6-0 on Tuesday night. A three-run fifth put St. Louis up 5-0. TRADE DEADLINE MOVESCubs: Acquired minor league RHP Ben Brown from the Philadelphia Phillies for RHP David Robertson. ... Acquired minor league RHP Saúl González from the New York Mets for RHP Mychal Givens.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven spotless innings with longtime catcher Yadier Molina back behind the plate, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 6-0.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto acknowledges the New York Mets dugout as he steps in the batter's box during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)A look at what’s happening around the majors today:___DEADLINE DAYThe Juan Soto sweepstakes come down to the wire, with baseball's 6 p.m. EDT trade deadline fast approaching. WELCOME BACKNew York Mets ace Jacob deGrom finally returns from a string of injuries to make his season debut in Washington. The 40-year-old Molina, sidelined since June 16 with knee inflammation, has played only 38 games in his final major league season. Riley is hitting .301 with 29 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .964 OPS in 101 games this season.

The Juan Soto sweepstakes come down to the wire, with baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching at 6 p.m. EDT.

When Juan Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year deal to stay with the Washington Nationals, it ensured Tuesday’s trade deadline would have a little juice.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)CINCINNATI — (AP) — Two of the St. Louis Cardinals' best players, third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, won't be making the trip to Toronto for a short series with the Blue Jays because they haven't received the COVID-19 vaccination. The Cardinals announced Sunday that catcher Austin Romine also will not be going to Canada with the team for its Tuesday and Wednesday games. Arenado, Goldschmidt and Romine will be placed on the restricted list and forfeit pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement. Goldschmidt currently leads the Cardinals in most offensive categories, including batting average (.333), home runs (22), RBIs (74), on-base percentage (.416) and hits (116). ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt won’t travel to Toronto for a short series with the Blue Jays because they haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccination.

Tommy Edman hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning for the first walkoff RBI of his major league career, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals over Cincinnati 5-4 in yet another Reds bullpen collapse.

Tommy Edman hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning for the first walkoff RBI of his major league career, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals over Cincinnati 5-4 on Saturday in yet another Reds bullpen collapse. “Off the bat, I honestly didn't think it was going to get out,” Edman said. St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina made their 316th start together, tying the Boston and Milwaukee Braves’ Warren Spahn and Del Crandall for second-most behind the 324 of Detroit’s Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan.

Shane McClanahan pitched eight superb innings to win his fifth consecutive start and the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2-1 victory.

Josh Hader escaped a ninth-inning jam in his 37th straight scoreless appearance and the Milwaukee Brewers held off the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 for their third straight win.

Minus injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the ailing New York Yankees open a four-game series at Tampa Bay — the first meeting this year between the heated AL East rivals.

Brewers Marlins Baseball Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes throws during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Miami. Last year's NL Cy Young winner, Burnes is 1-2 with a 2.26 ERA in eight starts. The moves came as the Brewers began an 11-game, 10-day road trip, their longest of the season. SOX STORYTrevor Story and the resurgent Red Sox try for their season-best sixth straight win when they hit the road to face the Chicago White Sox in a matchup of 2021 AL playoff qualifiers. Tim Anderson and the White Sox are coming off a doubleheader sweep Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

A pair of Cy Young Award winners are on the mound when Corbin Burnes and the Milwaukee Brewers visit Blake Snell and the San Diego Padres in a matchup between two of the National League's top teams Tuesday night.

The St. Louis Cardinals placed star catcher Yadier Molina on the bereavement list on Monday. The Cardinals also announced that right-hander Alex Reyes is going to have shoulder surgery later this month. The 27-year-old Reyes met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday.

Cardinals Pirates Baseball St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Yadier Molina reacts to giving up a two-run home run to Pittsburgh Pirates' Jack Suwinski during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 22, 2022. Anyone else want to pitch for St. Louis this season? Exactly a week after the slugging Pujols made his first pitching appearance in the majors, Molina got his turn Sunday, closing out an 18-4 romp at Pittsburgh. I didn’t give up a double like he did,” Pujols told St. Louis media. Retorted Molina: “I didn’t walk anybody.”But it was not all fun and games for St. Louis.

First, Albert Pujols.

Cardinals Pirates Baseball St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Yadier Molina reacts to giving up a two-run home run to Pittsburgh Pirates' Jack Suwinski during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 22, 2022. Anyone else want to pitch for St. Louis this season? Exactly a week after the slugging Pujols made his first pitching appearance in the majors, Molina got his turn Sunday, closing out an 18-4 romp at Pittsburgh. I didn’t give up a double like he did,” Pujols told St. Louis media. Retorted Molina: “I didn’t walk anybody.”But it was not all fun and games for St. Louis.

Molina gave up a pair of homers and four runs while working the ninth inning, eventually completing the Cardinals' three-game sweep. But it was not all fun and games for St. Louis. Pinch-hitting for Nolan Arenado with St. Louis up 11-0 in the fifth inning, Pujols launched a 425-foot drive off the left-field rotunda. Exactly a week after Pujols took the mound for the first time in his big league career, Molina got his turn with St. Louis ahead 18-0. Overall, Molina allowed four hits in his one inning, throwing 14 of 20 pitches for strikes, without a strikeout or walk.

Albert Pujols hit two home runs, then caught the warmup tosses when star catcher Yadier Molina made his first pitching appearance to close out the St. Louis Cardinals' 18-4 romp over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Albert Pujols hit two home runs, then caught the warmup tosses when star catcher Yadier Molina made his first pitching appearance to close out the St. Louis Cardinals' 18-4 romp over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Molina gave up a pair of homers and four runs while working the ninth inning, eventually completing the Cardinals' three-game sweep. Starter Steven Matz lasted only four pitches before being pulled with stiffness in his left shoulder.

Hours after the Mets learned Max Scherzer will join fellow ace Jacob deGrom on the injured list, Pete Alonso kept New York rolling with a two-run homer in the 10th inning for a 7-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mets ace Max Scherzer is scheduled for an MRI a day after pulling himself from a start with discomfort in his left side.

Marcus Stroman is set to come off the COVID-19 injured list and start for the Cubs against Arizona.

Giants Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina (4), right, celebrates with teammate Albert Pujols after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in St. Louis. Joc Pederson had a two-run homer for San Francisco, which lost its second in a row after winning six straight. Molina added a two-run homer off reliver Zack Littell in the fifth to push the lead to 11-0. The St. Louis duo has started 311 games together, third all-time behind Spahn/Crandall (316) and Mickey Lolich/Bill Freehan (324) of the Detroit Tigers from 1963-75. Cardinals: RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 1.49) faces the Mets in the opener of a four-game set Monday night in New York — weather permitting.

Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina set a major league record for wins by a starting battery as the St. Louis Cardinals routed the San Francisco Giants 15-6 in a game that ended with longtime slugger Albert Pujols on the mound.

Yadier Molina homered and drove in four runs and Adam Wainwright tossed six effective innings to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 15-6 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night that ended with veteran slugger Albert Pujols on the mound. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado each added a two-run homer for the Cardinals, who took two of three in the series after losing two of three to Baltimore. Goldschmidt drove in three runs.

Phillies star Bryce Harper is scheduled to get a platelet-rich plasma injection to help with a small tear in his right elbow, causing him to miss the series finale at Dodger Stadium.

Giants Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dakota Hudson (43) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane) (Scott Kane)Dakota Hudson and a quartet of relievers combined to help the St. Louis Cardinals stop San Francisco's six-game winning streak, blanking the Giants 4-0 on Saturday. St. Louis led 1-0 in the fifth when the Giants put runners at first and third with two outs. San Francisco has lost nine of its last 12 games in St. Louis. The Giants will start LHP Carlos Rodón (4-1, 1.80 ERA) who is 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis.

Dakota Hudson and a quartet of relievers combined to help the St. Louis Cardinals stop San Francisco’s six-game winning streak, blanking the Giants 4-0.

Rylan Bannon became just the third Baltimore player since 2000 to get a hit on the first pitch of his big league career, Jorge Mateo and Anthony Bemboom homered and the Orioles beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2.

Cardinals Royals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. Nor was Molina going to take the rest of the day off after St. Louis jumped out to a big lead. “He felt terrible (yesterday) and today felt terrible,” Wainwright said of his longtime teammate, who caught him for seven innings of one-hit ball in a 10-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on a cold, damp day at Kauffman Stadium. TRAINER'S ROOMCardinals: No new COVID-19 cases were reported after Sosa and four staff members tested positive and were sent back to St. Louis for quarantine. The Royals have the night off before RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-1, 6.00) opens a three-game set in Baltimore on Friday.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Nolan Arenado hit a three-run shot and finished with five RBIs, and the Cardinals beat the Royals 10-0 to take their four-game season series.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Nolan Arenado hit a three-run shot and finished with five RBIs, and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Kansas City Royals 10-0 on Wednesday to take their four-game season series. Wainwright (3-3) allowed just a one-out single to Michael Taylor in the third against the weak-hitting Royals, whose only other baserunners against the 40-year-old right-hander came on a fielder's choice, an error and a walk. Tyler O'Neill hit a two-run homer for St. Louis and finished with three RBIs, one of them coming against struggling Royals starter Kris Bubic (0-3), who retired just one batter before he was pulled after 24 pitches.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 to end a four-game losing streak.

Pirates Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Albert Pujols tips his cap as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday, April 7, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Adam Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings, Tyler O'Neill hit a three-run homer and drove in five, and the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated Albert Pujols' return with a 9-0 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Pujols, who signed a one-year deal with St. Louis last month, was 0 for 5. HORSING AROUNDPregame ceremonies featured the traditional parade of Clydesdale horses circling the field in addition to the introduction of 16 members of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. Cardinals: Opening the season without RHP Jack Flaherty, who is sidelined with shoulder stiffness.

Adam Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings, Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run homer and drove in five, and the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated Albert Pujols’ return with a 9-0 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Winners of the Roberto Clemente Award will wear his No. 21 on the back of their caps for the rest of their major league careers.

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

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

Albert Pujols will be in the starting lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he begins his final big league season Thursday in what should be an emotional return to Busch Stadium.

Primed to become the most prolific battery in baseball history, St. Louis Cardinals stars Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina didn’t always agree on everything. During one of their earliest outings at Triple-A Memphis, Wainwright kept shaking off Molina’s signs. After the game, Wainwright said the catcher got in his face.

The young man calling in the shots in the St. Louis Cardinals' dugout is new this season. In fact, the return of erstwhile slugger Albert Pujols to a clubhouse that still includes longtime St. Louis stalwarts Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina gives the club a decidedly old-school, nostalgic feel heading into the new season. "Oh, he's got something left," said Oliver Marmol, the youngest skipper in the big leagues at 35 years old, when asked about the return of the 42-year-old Pujols following more than a decade playing for the Dodgers and Angels in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have so many stars this season that Clayton Kershaw is just one of the guys.

The two-way star was picked to be the team's starting pitcher for the April 7 opener at Angel Stadium against the Houston Astros. “I spoke to him, and he’s very excited about it,” Angels manager Joe Maddon told reporters on Friday. That's one big reason the market appears fairly cool for the outfielder, even though opening day is in less than two weeks. The nine-time Gold Glove catcher missed the first week of what will likely be his final spring training to deal with a personal matter. Molina is targeting Sunday’s game at the New York Mets for his Grapefruit League debut, manager Oliver Marmol said.

The full Shohei Ohtani experience will be on display when the Los Angeles Angels take the field on opening day.

Yadier Molina is back, and both he and the St. Louis Cardinals couldn’t be happier. After missing the first week of camp for personal reasons, the 39-year-old Molina arrived at the Cardinals' complex on Monday for what will likely be his final spring training. “It’s been tough the last couple of months but everything is all right right now,” Molina said.

It may look a little weird for a few days, but Freddie Freeman is officially wearing Dodger blue and Kris Bryant is donning the purple and black of the Colorado Rockies.

There are no more bargaining sessions on the calendar.

Diamondbacks Spring Baseball Arizona Diamondbacks' Caleb Smith throws on the first day of baseball spring training, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)ORLANDO, Fla. — No more counterproposals. Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and the rest of baseball’s biggest stars are due at spring training Sunday for the first official day of preseason training following the end of Major League Baseball’s 99-day labor lockout. Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report a month ago, but camps across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues remained closed while players and owners squabbled over the sport’s economics. A deal was reached Thursday, and now pitchers and hitters are ramping up for four weeks of mad-dash preparations ahead of a 162-game season that starts April 7. With so little time left before opening day, big leaguers figure there will be more action in those games than fans might be accustomed to in the early days of spring training.

Giants Spring Baseball San Francisco Giants' grounds keepers prepare the baseball field at Scottsdale Stadium, Saturday, March 12, 2022, in Scottsdale, Ariz. in preparation for the upcoming first day of workouts. Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report a month ago, but camps across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues remained closed while players and owners squabbled over the sport’s economics. Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray left Toronto for Seattle, and the Blue Jays replaced him with former Giant Kevin Gausman. ... Sunday marks the beginning of the end for Molina, who plans to retire after the 2022 season, his 19th with the Cardinals. ___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/Jake_Seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader (48) celebrates with teammate Paul DeJong (11) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)CHICAGO — (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals set a franchise record with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Harrison Bader helped pull off a wild double play Saturday in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. Far back in the playoff race heading into September, St. Louis moved closer to clinching a spot by extending its extraordinary streak. Cardinals lefty Jon Lester allowed three earned runs in five innings in his first start against his former team since he was traded to St. Louis in July. Lester then walked Happ for a 4-2 Cubs lead.

Harrison Bader and the St. Louis Cardinals clearly recognize their record is impressive. The Cardinals set a franchise mark with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Bader helped pull off a wild double play Saturday in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. “It’s hard to do something in this organization that’s never been done,” manager Mike Shildt said.

Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina appreciated the magnitude of the career milestone they reached Friday night. The longtime teammates formed St. Louis' starting battery for a 300th time and played key roles in the Cardinals' 15-4 blowout of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. “Just a great moment, just a great day for me and Waino,” Molina said.

Angels Tigers Baseball Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Ohtani, the Angels' two-way superstar, is coming off his best mound start of the season, an eight-inning, 90-pitch gem at Detroit last Wednesday. Bregman worked out Tuesday at Minute Maid Park after playing a rehab game Monday night for Triple-A Sugar Land. The 23-year-old Cabrera is 3-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 13 starts at three minor league levels this year. Gray, also 23, is set to make his sixth career start and seventh appearance.

Realmuto will take over for injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the National League's starter in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. Molina said later Saturday that he will also skip the All-Star Game to rest. Kansas City second baseman Whit Merrifield and Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson also earned selections from the players' ballot, replacing Houston second baseman José Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa. New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom also said he was withdrawing from the All-Star Game, wanting to rest for the second half. MLB also added Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner to the NL roster, and Oakland pitcher Chris Bassitt and Tampa Bay second baseman Joey Wendle to the AL roster.