YORDAN ALVAREZ

Major League Baseball’s postseason has a little more heft this year.

Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan was pulled in the fifth inning with neck tightness during a 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros.

The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols could make this a milestone week for home runs.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez set an MLB record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros build an early lead in an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Alvarez drove in three runs with a double in Houston’s five-run third inning and padded the lead with an RBI double the sixth inning. Valdez, who threw his first career shutout in his last start, is 15-4 during this streak, which began April 25. The Astros jumped on rookie Ken Waldichuk (0-2) early as he was tagged for five hits and five runs in 2 2/3 innings in his fifth career start. Nick Allen and Tony Kemp hit consecutive singles to start the sixth before Garcia’s double scored them both to cut the lead to 7-2.

Framber Valdez set a major league record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros to an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

The Houston Astros, especially Yordan Alvarez, sure know how to party. Upon clinching a postseason spot for a sixth straight year, Alvarez blasted three home runs.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Yordan Alvarez homered in his first three at-bats, Justin Verlander threw five hitless innings in his return from the injured list and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth with a 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. The Astros (95-50) won their sixth straight game to join the Los Angeles Dodgers as the first two teams to secure playoff spots, reaching their sixth straight postseason. Alvarez, second in the AL with 36 home runs, had solo shots off Adrián Martínez in the first, third and fifth innings. There have been only 15 three-homer games in Houston history and Alvarez joins Glenn Davis and Jeff Bagwell as the only Astros to have more than one. There were two outs in the first when Alvarez connected on a shot to straightaway center field to make it 1-0.

Yordan Alvarez homered in his first three at-bats, Justin Verlander threw five hitless innings in his return from the injured list and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth with a 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Throughout a six-month MLB and fantasy season, each player’s luck tends to even out. And the players listed below can, unfortunately, count themselves as the unluckiest players of 2022. But Statcast has him ranked as one of the unluckiest players in several areas, assigning him a solid .267 xBA and a .340 xwOBA. Corey Seager (SS, Texas Rangers)Seager is in the midst of a solid season from a fantasy perspective, having produced a career-best 29 homers. After all, what more can Alvarez do after ranking third in baseball in OPS this season?

Mike Trout homered in his sixth straight game to set an Angels franchise record, Shohei Ohtani threw five solid innings before exiting because of a blister and Los Angeles beat the Houston Astros 6-1.

After eight strong innings from Shohei Ohtani on Saturday night, the last thing Matt Duffy and the Los Angeles Angels wanted was to make sure that effort was in vain. Duffy's bloop single in the 12th inning drove in Taylor Ward with the winning run as the Angels rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Houston Astros. Earlier in the game, Ohtani reached 400 major league strikeouts.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

HOUSTON — (AP) — When Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez stepped up to the plate in the first inning Tuesday night, he had three extra special guests cheering for him. To be at Minute Maid Park to see Alvarez play for the first time in his fourth major league season was a long and arduous operation that involved many roadblocks. “We’ve had to go through a lot of difficulties to get here today.”Despite those struggles, the family never lost hope that they’d make it to see their son play in the majors. “He was just happy and excited because we were all waiting for this moment to come,” Salazar said. Asked what the long-awaited night meant to them, both mother and father responded almost in unison with the same phrase.

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez had three extra special guests at Minute Maid on Park on Tuesday night.

When Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez stepped up to the plate in the first inning Tuesday night, he had three extra special guests cheering for him. Fresh after arriving from Cuba, his father, Agustín Eduardo Álvarez Salazar, teary-eyed mother Mailyn Cadogan Reyes and brother Yonder Alvarez Cadogan each proudly wore a No 44 Alvarez jersey as they gazed wide-eyed at the field, watching the Houston star play professionally for the first time. To be at Minute Maid Park to see Alvarez play for the first time in his fourth major league season was a long and arduous operation that involved many roadblocks.

José Urquidy won his 12th game for the AL-leading Astros. The Braves went up 2-0 in the first when Dansby Swanson singled and Matt Olson hit his 26th homer, a 432-foot shot to right-center. The Astros tacked on a run in the ninth off Stephens on Gurriel’s RBI single to make it 5-2. UP NEXTRHP Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.15 ERA) will face RHP Roansy Contreras (3-3, 4.02) when the Braves open a three-game series at Pittsburgh. The Astros are off Monday and have yet to announce a starter Tuesday when Houston begins a three-game home series against Minnesota.

Atlanta outfielder Marcell Ozuna was booed by his home fans in his return, Kyle Tucker singled to drive in Yordan Alvarez for the go-ahead run in the eighth, José Urquidy won his 12th game, and the Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.

Manager Dusty Baker said doctors weren't able to find any cause of the breathing issues. Alvarez was at the ballpark but under a concussion-like protocol where the team was monitoring his every move. Baker said Alvarez could return to the lineup for the finale of the three-game series Sunday. Baker said Alvarez started having some breathing issues while running the bases, and the condition was exacerbated by in-game fireworks. Alvarez was transported to an Atlanta hospital to undergo testing but doctors weren't able to pinpoint a cause.

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez isn't in the lineup for a game against the Atlanta Braves a day after being taken to a hospital because of shortness of breath.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez was taken to a hospital during Friday night's game against Atlanta because of shortness of breath that was exacerbated by the Braves' in-game fireworks, Houston manager Dusty Baker said. That's when Alvarez, who is batting .295 with 31 homers and 77 RBIs, made his break for the Houston dugout. He was just, he had shortness of breath, and then when they shot the fireworks off, the smoke kind of made it worse. Baker said no one in the Astros' dugout knew Alvarez, an AL All-Star this year and the 2019 Rookie of the Year, was in any distress. “He’s a big, big part of this team," Baker said.

Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez was taken to a hospital during Friday night's game against the Atlanta Braves because of shortness of breath.

Ranks are based on standard Yahoo fantasy leaguesNick Castellanos, Philadelphia Phillies OFFantasy rank over the last seven days: 32Season-long fantasy rank: 182It's too early to tell whether Castellanos has completely turned things around. Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies 2B, 3BFantasy rank over the last seven days: 5Season-long fantasy rank: 245Fantasy managers have waited for a breakout from Ryan McMahon for years now. But if he can turn in 1-2 more strong starts, fantasy managers shouldn't completely write off his performance. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros OFFantasy rank over the last seven days: 581Season-long fantasy rank: 10Even the best hitters in baseball are subject to bad weeks. But the instant he puts together a few consecutive starts with high strikeout numbers, he's worth another look.

Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez hits a sacrifice fly to score Jose Altuve during the third inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez doesn't need any help at the plate. The All-Star got it anyway Wednesday in Houston's 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox when he wasn't called out after a third strike. After that, home plate umpire Jim Wolf called strike one, and Alvarez fouled off a pitch for strike two. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was not asked about the play.

Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was not called out after a third strike in a win over the Boston Red Sox.

MLB: JUL 27 Astros at Athletics OAKLAND, CA - JULY 27: Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) gets ready for a pitch during the game between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Houston Astros star Yordan Álvarez is already one of the most feared sluggers in the league. He followed that up with another curveball that hit the strike zone for strike 1, then Álvarez fouled off another curve for strike 2. Instead, Álvarez was allowed to keep hitting and, fortunately for Hill, grounded out to first base on the next pitch. Did they just give Yordan 4 strikes or am I going crazy?

Royals Yankees Baseball New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, July 30, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK — (AP) — Yankees star Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs with a two-run drive in the second inning for New York against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. A free agent at the end of the season, Judge has nine homers and 21 RBIs with a .447 batting average in 10 games since the All-Star break. After hitting just one homer in his first 13 games, Judge has connected for 36 over his last 79 games and remains on pace to surpass Roger Maris’ club record of 61, set in 1961. Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez is the only player this season to reach 30 this season.

Yankees star Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs with a two-run drive in the second inning for New York against the Kansas City Royals.

Yankees star Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs with a two-run drive in the second inning for New York against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The 6-foot-7 slugger, who became the first player in the majors this season to reach 40 homers Friday, fouled off two breaking balls from starter Jonathan Heasley before sending a 2-2 fastball into the right-center field seats. Judge’s 200th homer came in his 671st career game, behind just Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard, who achieved the feat in 2009 in 658 games.

Mariners Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws to a Seattle Mariners batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 29, 2022, in Houston. Verlander (14-3) allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings and allowed five hits with five strikeouts and outdueled Seattle's Robbie Ray, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner. Verlander allowed just three earned runs in four starts and 26 2/3 innings in July. He has been hit hard by Houston this season, giving up 14 runs in 10 2/3 innings in three starts. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. continues to make progress in his rehab from a forearm strain in the offseason.

Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Díaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez reacts as he rounds the bases after he hit a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, July 22, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners' winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory Friday night. The club was one win shy of matching the 2001 Mariners for the longest winning streak in franchise history. Ty France hit a solo homer for Seattle in the sixth inning against Jose Urquidy (9-4). J-ROD SITSThe 21-year-old Rodríguez was pulled from the lineup days after a breakout show at the All-Star Home Run Derby.

The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners’ winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory.

Yankees Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alverez, left, celebrates with Alex Bregman after hitting a solo home run off New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German during the first inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman both homered and combined for five RBIs as the Houston Astros completed a doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees on Thursday with a 7-5 win in Game 2. Chas McCormick added a two-run home run for the Astros, who won the season series 5-2 against the team with baseball's best record. The Astros went back-to-back when Bregman connected off Domingo Germán (0-1) four pitches later to make it 2-0. Judge walked with one out in the third before the Yankees cut the lead to three on a home run by Torres.

Yankees Astros Baseball Houston Astros pinch hitter J.J. Matijevic, second from left, celebrates with Justin Verlander after hitting a walkoff single during the ninth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the New York Yankees, Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Rookie J.J. Matijevic’s pinch-hit RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning lifted the Houston Astros to a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader between the American League’s top teams. Alex Bregman led off the Houston ninth with a single against Michael King (6-3). King looked as if he might be able to escape the jam after he struck out Chas McCormick, but Matijevic drove in Bregman with an infield single to shortstop. The doubleheader between the major league-leading Yankees and the Astros is to help make up a series that was postponed because of the lockout.

Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman both homered and the pair combined for five RBIs as the Houston Astros completed a doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees Thursday with a 7-5 win in Game 2.

Álvarez originally hurt his hand June 18 against the White Sox and has been dealing with soreness and inflammation since then. The Astros expect him to miss the next two series and possibly return after the All-Star break. New York ace Max Scherzer (5-1, 2.26 ERA) makes his second start since returning from an oblique injury. They will be without injured catcher James McCann and All-Star second baseman Jeff McNeil, who is headed to the paternity list with his wife due to deliver their first child. All-Star right fielder Starling Marte sat out Sunday and is day-to-day with left groin tightness.

Now that the full Major League Baseball All-Star squads have been announced, look for the rosters to start changing.

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.

Royals Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Thursday to take the series 3-1. His 26 home runs rank second in the AL to Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, who has 30. Emmanuel Rivera and Edward Olivares hit consecutive singles to start the second. Astros: José Urquidy (7-3, 4.15) will oppose Oakland’s Paul Blackburn (6-3, 2.90) when the Astros open a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday night.

Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series 3-1.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels' Jared Walsh to end the top of the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 1, 2022, in Houston. The 25-year-old was brilliant in his first start since striking out 13 in seven innings of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees on Saturday. Javier (6-3) sailed through the rest of his outing, retiring the next 19 batters before leaving to a standing ovation after seven innings. Ohtani gave the Angels an early lead with his home run before the Astros got going. TRAINER’S ROOMAstros: Houston manager Dusty Baker said Alvarez was feeling better Friday but wasn’t ready to return and listed his status as day-to-day.

Cristian Javier pitched another gem, striking out a career-high 14 while allowing just one hit in seven innings to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. were elected Thursday to start in the July 20 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Houston left fielder Yordan Álvarez and shortstop Jeremy Peña were hurt when they collided while running down a popup. Luis Garcia (5-5, 3.68 ERA), who beat the Yankees in his last outing, starts for Houston against Luis Severino (4-2, 3.38 ERA). Joe Musgrove (8-1, 2.12 ERA) starts for the second-place Padres against Mitch White (1-1, 4.25). Chris Archer (2-3, 3.14 ERA) starts for Minnesota against 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber (3-4, 3.07). Minnesota leads the division by two games over Cleveland after the teams split the first four games of the series.

The New York Yankees and Houston Astros will meet Thursday in a one-game series between AL division leaders at Minute Maid Park.

Aaron Judge drove a three-run homer in the 10th inning for his second walk-off hit against Houston in four days, and the New York Yankees recovered after nearly being no-hit for the second consecutive game, beating Houston 6-3 to split a four-game series between the AL’s best teams.

Justin Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 3-1 to stop New York’s 15-game home winning streak.

Mariners Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 in seven sparkling innings, Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1 on Tuesday night. Verlander (7-2) yielded one run on six hits and improved to 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA in four starts against the Mariners this season. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm strain) threw a 25-pitch bullpen. The Astros recalled RHP Brandon Bielak from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 in seven sparkling innings, Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1.

Mariners manager Scott Servais was ejected for his role in a benches-clearing scuffle in the ninth inning of Seattle’s 7-4 win over the Houston Astros, a game in which Cal Raleigh had a career-high four RBIs and Julio Rodriguez hit a late two-run shot.

Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker (30) is congratulated by Yordan Alvarez (44) and Yuli Gurriel, left, after his grand slam during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Boston. José Urquidy (3-1) allowed 12 hits and four runs, including home runs to Rafael Devers and J.D. It seemed like it would be a much different night for the Red Sox after Eovaldi needed just five pitches to get Houston out in order in the first inning. BAD COMPANYAccording to MLB.com, since 1974 when inning-by-inning data started, no Red Sox pitcher had given up more than three homers in an inning. Red Sox: RHP Nick Pivetta (1-4, 5.08) has a 2.45 ERA in his last four starts after posting a 10.03 ERA in his first three outings.

The Astros tied the MLB record for most home runs in an inning, hitting five off Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi as part of a nine-run second to help Houston rout Boston 13-4.

Astros Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer hits a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Toronto, Saturday, April 30, 2022. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) (Jon Blacker)TORONTO — (AP) — George Springer homered twice against his former team, leading José Berríos and the Toronto Blue Jays over Houston 2-1 Saturday and snapping the Astros’ season-long winning streak at four. The Blue Jays have not lost back-to-back games since Sept. 24, 2021, an MLB-best 29-game stretch. Blue Jays: Toronto put LHP Tayler Saucedo (right hip) on the 10-day IL and recalled RHP Bowden Francis from Triple-A. UP NEXTAstros LHP Framber Valdez (1-1, 3.15) faces Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.19) in Sunday’s series finale.

Kyle Tucker hit a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 3-2.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani pitched perfect ball into the sixth inning, tied a career-best with 12 strikeouts and also had two hits and two RBIs to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Houston Astros 6-0.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates with Jose Altuve after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston second baseman Jose Altuve left Monday night's 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring. Altuve legged out an infield single with one out in the eighth and then fell to the ground past first base. He sat on the ground and threw his batting helmet into the ground as he winced in pain. Altuve said he would have tests done, but wasn't sure exactly what those would be.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve left Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring.

Justin Verlander pitched three-hit ball over eight innings for his first win since July 2020 and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0.

Alex Bregman had an early RBI single and a late homer as the Astros won their 10th straight season opener. Valdez (1-0) was dominant in the late-blooming left-hander's first career start in April, striking out six and yielding one early walk. He retired 15 straight Angels after Matt Duffy’s single in the second, and exited only after Duffy's soft infield single in the seventh. Ohtani (0-1) struck out nine while pitching one-run ball into the fifth inning for the Angels, who lost their season opener for the eighth time in nine years. Michael Brantley doubled and scored on Bregman's single off Ohtani in the third.

Framber Valdez outpitched Shohei Ohtani with 6 2/3 dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the Houston Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Atlanta’s 7-0 victory over Houston in Game 6 to win the World Series could mark the end of an era for the Astros.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Martin Maldonado celebrates after his RBI-single during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):11: p.m. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

World Series Baseball Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Hall of Famer Greg Maddux threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Sunday night’s Game 5 of the World Series. Entering Game 5, Bregman had only one hit in 14 World Series at-bats (.071) with no homers and one RBI. They won eight consecutive home postseason games from Oct. 7, 1995, to Oct. 9, 1996. ASTROS' NL OUTFIELDBaker had to reconfigure his outfield for the World Series games played in Atlanta, with no designated hitter under National League rules.

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Hall of Famer Greg Maddux threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Sunday night’s Game 5 of the World Series. Maddux, wearing his Braves jersey, tipped his cap in response to an ovation from fans as he walked onto the field. Fittingly, he threw the pitch to Eddie Perez, who was often his designated catcher.

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it.

Atlanta's Dylan Lee became the first pitcher to make his first big league start in the World Series.

The Houston Astros are still waiting for all their stars to break loose after a 2-0 loss to Atlanta in Game 3 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros Jose Altuve, right, is high-fived by Yordan Alvarez after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Alex Bregman in the bottom of the first inning during Game 2 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at Minute Maid Park. (Kevin M. Cox/The Galveston County Daily News via AP) (Kevin M. Cox)ATLANTA — (AP) — Houston's 7-2 win over Atlanta in World Series Game 2 drew 10,539,000 viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and Fox streaming apps. The game was seen by an average of 10,280,000 on Fox, up 13% from 9,105,000 for Tampa Bay's 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game last year, which set a record low for the World Series. Wednesday's game drew 186,741 streams, Fox said Thursday. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Atlanta Braves lefty Max Fried had a stretch in his first World Series start when he looked like the ace he has been most of the season.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson scores past Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro on a sacrifice fly during the eighth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves are three outs away from a 1-0 World Series advantage, leading 6-2 after eight innings in Game 1. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. While four batters led off the bottom of the first of a World Series opener with a home run, Soler became the first in 117 World Series to homer starting the top of the first of an opener.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Drew Smyly celebrates after a double during the sixth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. While four batters led off the bottom of the first of a World Series opener with a home run, Soler became the first in 117 World Series to homer starting the top of the first of an opener. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Luke Jackson throws during the sixth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):10 p.m.Luke Jackson relieved A.J. Minter and threw a scoreless sixth inning, leaving the Atlanta Braves with a 5-1 lead over the Houston Astros in the World Series opener. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton is done for the World Series after leaving with a broken right calf bone in the third inning of the opener.

Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday night’s opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.

(David J. Phillip/Associated Press )HOUSTON — World beaters or cheaters: That is how the Houston Astros are perceived by their fans and detractors as they head into Game 1 of the World Series Tuesday night. In World Series play, the Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 and lost to the Washington Nationals in 2019. Neither team won the World Series in those years, although Houston played in the 2005 World Series and Atlanta reached the Fall Classic in 1999. For the entire World Series, the player to watch will be outfielder Yordan Alvarez, who was the MVP of the ALCS. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Photos: Braves, Astros stars work out ahead of World Series Game 1 Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton (left) and Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (right) participate in a workout prior to the start of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 25, 2021, in Houston.

The Houston Astros are in the World Series for the third time in five years.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman celebrates with Braves' Ozzie Albies, left, after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of baseball's National League Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. Braves-Astros, a lot to savor in this World Series — even a father facing his son. Because of scheduling and COVID-19, the Astros and Braves haven’t seen each other since 2017. So I think we all have the same mentality that we really want to win a World Series to demonstrate that we are just a great team,” he said. The Astros are in the World Series for the third time in five years and got there minus ace Justin Verlander, who missed the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

When Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves meet Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, it will be a World Series that's been six decades in the making.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez celebrates after their win against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. The Astros won 5-0, to win the ALCS series in game six. The 24-year-old Cuban was 4—for-4 with two doubles and a triple for the Houston Astros in Friday night’s pennant-winning 5-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. He scored seven runs against the Red Sox and got nine hits in his last 13 at-bats, raising his postseason average to .441 with two homers and nine RBIs. “Last year at this time, we didn’t have Alvarez, and we came close to going to the Series,” Baker said.

APTOPIX ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly celebrates their win against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. The Astros advanced to the World Series for the third time in five seasons. Manager Dusty Baker's team will open the World Series on Tuesday night, either at Dodger Stadium or home against Atlanta. “Hey, I'm going back to the World Series!” Baker told a cheering crowd at Minute Maid Park. The wild-card Red Sox had runners at first and third with one out in after a single by Alex Verdugo.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez hits a triple against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning in Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. The 24-year-old Cuban was 4—for-4 with two doubles and a triple for the Houston Astros in Friday night’s pennant-winning 5-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox. After missing last year's postseason while recovering from double knee surgery, Alvarez hit an ALCS-record .522 (12 for 23) with one homer, three doubles, the triple and six RBIs in Houston’s six-game victory. He scored seven runs against the Red Sox and got nine hits in his last 13 at-bats, raising his postseason average to .441 with two homers and nine RBIs. He had surgery that Aug. 19 to repair a partially torn right patellar tendon plus a cleanup procedure on his left knee.

Two years after winning an AL Rookie of the Year Award, Yordan Alvarez has an AL Championship Series MVP to add to his trophy case.

Rookie Luis García showed the poise of an October ace, MVP Yordan Alvarez stayed hot at the plate and the Houston Astros earned yet another trip to the World Series, beating the Boston Red Sox 5-0 in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series.

APTOPIX ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez celebrates in the dugout after the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Boston. The Red Sox need a win to force a deciding seventh game on Saturday. The left-hander departed after retiring the Red Sox in order in the eighth — the longest outing for any starter this postseason. In all, Valdez gave up one run on three hits, one walk and a hit batter, striking out five. The Red Sox had won seven straight postseason games at home — dating to the 2018 ALCS — before blowing an eighth-inning lead on Tuesday night.

Framber Valdez gave the Houston Astros the start they were looking for.

Jose Altuve hit a tying home run in the eighth inning and the Houston offense awakened with seven runs in the ninth on Tuesday night as the Astros came back to beat the Boston Red Sox 9-2.

Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.

APTOPIX ALDS White Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run double against the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning in Game 2 of a baseball American League Division Series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros are relentless at the plate and in the field. Correa hit a two-run double during Houston's five-run seventh inning, and the Astros beat the Chicago White Sox 9-4 on Friday for a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series. The White Sox grabbed a 4-2 lead with three runs in the fifth. Houston’s bullpen shut down the White Sox after the early exit by Valdez, with five relievers combining for 4 2/3 innings of four-hit ball.

Carlos Correa hit a two-run double during Houston’s five-run seventh inning, and the Astros beat the Chicago White Sox 9-4 for a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series.

Hey Siri, this was a first start to remember after all of those years working to get to the majors. Jose Siri homered twice and added a two-run single while becoming the first big league player since RBIs became official in 1920 to have two homers and five RBIs in a first career start as the AL West-leading Houston Astros overwhelmed the last-place Texas Rangers 15-1 on Monday night. “I feel really happy, I feel really proud of myself to be able to accomplish that," Siri, who finished 4 for 5 and scored three times, said through a translator.

Astros Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth reacts after hitting a walk-off home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in San Diego. He didn't look that way moments later when Cronenworth connected, immediately punching his glove with his right hand. The Padres celebrated at the plate with a win that put them back into the lead for the second NL wild-card spot. The Astros tied it in the seventh when Yuli Gurriel and Carlos Correa homered on consecutive pitches off Chris Paddack. Jose Altuve hit a leadoff double and Michael Brantley reached on a throwing error by Cronenworth at shortstop.

Rockies Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Aledmys Diaz connects for an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) (Michael Wyke)HOUSTON — (AP) — Aledmys Díaz had three hits and drove in three runs to help the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 5-1on Wednesday. Díaz tied it with an RBI single in the first and gave the Astros the lead with a run-scoring single in the third. Díaz has has 19 hits and 14 RBIs in the last 13 games after missing about six weeks with a fractured hand. Astros: Houston is off Thursday before Zack Greinke (10-3, 3.69) will start in the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

Cole (9-4), who pitched for the Astros from 2018-2019, tied a season low in hits and struck out 12. Cole beat Houston for the first time in his third career try, giving him at least one win against every team in the majors. Cole berated Boone when he got to the mound, shouting that he wanted to face Alvarez. Boone relented, Cole punched out Alvarez on three pitches and then the Yankees All-Star let out an enormous holler. He then struck out Alvarez on three pitches, freezing him with a low 100 mph fastball for a called third strike.

The Houston Astros win Game 5 of the World Series to take a 3-2 lead. WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Houston Astros have taken the lead the World Series with a third straight victory over the Washington Nationals, 7-1. Houston has notched three consecutive definitive wins, all on the road, as they have come back from a 2-0 deficit against Washington to lead the series 3-2. The Nationals suffered an early blow when scheduled starting pitcher Max Scherzer was unable to play due to an irritated nerve near his neck. The series takes a day off Monday and returns to Houston on Tuesday, with Justin Verlander slated to start for the Astros and Stephen Strasburg for the Nationals.