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☆ Top 45 MLB free agents for 2024-25 with contract predictions, team fits: Will Soto get $600M+?
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-24 | by ( Jim Bowden | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +48 min

MLB free agency is almost here so it’s time for my annual ranking of the top free agents with contract predictions and the best team fits for each player. Best team fits: Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Diamondbacks, Red SoxSalary comps: NoneContract prediction: Minor-league contract4. Several teams have early interest in Walker, with the Astros and Mariners being the best early team fits. Best team fits: Padres, Rangers, Dodgers, Orioles, Guardians, MetsSalary comps: N/AContract prediction: None at this time19. Best team fits: Yankees, Mariners, Diamondbacks, BrewersSalary comps: Anthony Rizzo (2 years, $40M); Josh Bell (2 years, $33M)Contract prediction: 1 year, $15 million42.

Persons: Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, Roki Sasaki, Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, Christian Walker, Alex Bregman, I’ve, He’s, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr, Soto, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Cy Young, Burnes, Stephen Strasburg, Jacob deGrom, Aaron Nola, Roki, Sasaki, he’s, Gerrit Cole, Cole, Cole won’t, Will, Brett Davis, They’ll, Carlos Rodón, Patrick Corbin, Tyler Glasnow, Pete, Matt Olson, Nolan Arenado, Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, George Springer, Matt Chapman, Nolan Arenado’s, Dana Brown, Xander Bogaerts, Snell, —, José Berríos, Sonny Gray, Freddy Peralta, Peralta, Anthony, Shohei Ohtani, Tommy Gilligan, Brandon Nimmo, Willy Adames, Corey Seager, Andrew Friedman, Adames, Dansby Swanson, Javier Báez, Trevor Story, Marcell Ozuna, Ozuna, Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Rizzo, Cody Bellinger, Cody Bellinger didn’t, Bellinger, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, Shane Bieber, Tommy John, Bieber, Sean Manaea, Brad Penner, Manaea, Hyun Jin Ryu, Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Bassitt, Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty, Flaherty, NL Cy Young, Lance McCullers Jr, Mitch Keller, Pablo López, Kyle Hendricks, Tomoyuki Sugano, Sugano, Michael Wacha, Jameson Taillon, Jon Gray, Nathan Eovaldi, Seth Lugo, Teoscar Hernández, Jayne Kamin, Teoscar, Hernández, Starling Marte, Jorge Soler, Walker Buehler, Buehler, Tanner Scott, Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Jurickson, Profar, Mitch Haniger, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Michael Conforto, Eugenio Suárez, Suárez, Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Jordan Montgomery, Wasserman, Ken Kendrick, Montgomery doesn’t, Seong Kim, Mike Shildt, Kim, J.P, Crawford, Jeff McNeil, Nico Hoerner, Orlando Arcia, Gleyber Torres, Torres, Tyler O’Neill, Bob DeChiara, Cody Bellinger —, O’Neill, Andrew Benintendi, Ian Happ, Yusei Kikuchi, Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, Brandon Lowe, Lowe, Brandon Drury, Jorge Polanco, Nick Martinez, Martinez, Charlie Morton, Frankie Montas, Joc Pederson, Rhys Hoskins, Mitch Garver, Justin Turner, Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Estévez, Gregory Fisher, Estévez, Dave Dombrowski, Jeff Hoffman, Kendall Graveman, José Alvarado, Joe Jiménez, Ryan Pressly, Taylor Rogers, Luis Severino, Zach Eflin, Lucas Gioloto, Marcus Stroman, Reynaldo López, Jose Quintana, Tyler Mahle, Blake Treinen, Emilio Pagán, Wandy Peralta, Alex Verdugo, Mark Canha, Manuel Margot, Hunter Renfroe, Jose Iglesias, Chris Sale, Iglesias, Isiah Kiner, Miguel Rojas, Goldschmidt, Josh Bell, Hoskins, Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Chris Martin, Matthew Boyd, Boyd, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Dan Goldfarb, Mary DeCicco, Daniel Shirey Organizations: MLB, eventual, The Athletic, Baseball, OF, Boras, Yankees, American League, New York, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, Nationals, Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, Chiba Lotte Marines, NPB, Diamondbacks, Angels, Kansas City, Braves, FIP, Star, Mariners, Astros, Giants, Rockies, Cardinals, Cy Young, Brewers, Milwaukee, Anthony Santander, RF, Santander, Reds, Adames, Rays, Cubs, Pirates, Cy, Guardians, Padres, Tigers, NL Cy, Twins, Yomiuri Giants, of Famers, Royals, Excel, Marlins, NL, The Diamondbacks, Montgomery, Sox, Tampa Bay, White Sox, Atlanta, Talent Sports, Apex, Athletics, Getty Locations: Bronx, Japan, New York, Houston, Walker, Seattle, Bledsoe, Tampa, Philadelphia, Fiume

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The race to add two-way baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani in a blockbuster free agency deal is off to a clandestine start. “Special player, that’s all I’ll say,” said Chris Young, general manager of the World Series champion Texas Rangers. “We may ask some questions, but I can’t tell you we’re diving all in,” Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said. Privately, they're surely discussing the developing Ohtani sweepstakes, which could cost the winning team upward of $500 million. “You have to have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, so on and so forth.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, ”, Chris Young, “ We’re, Brian Cashman, “, Dana Brown, they're, “ There's, Perry Minasian, We've, Tommy John, Nathan Eovaldi, Jameson Taillon, Daniel Hudson, Jason Isringhausen, Walker Buehler —, TJ, —, Ohtani, He’s, There’s, he’s, Brown, ” Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Tim Anderson, Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mike Trout, ” Minasian, We're, Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto, ” Dipoto Organizations: Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, ” Houston Astros, Major League Baseball, Privately, Los Angeles Angels, ” Angels, He’s, MLB, Current Dodgers, Astros GM, Cubs, Former Angels, Seattle Mariners, Seattle GM, Mariners Locations: SCOTTSDALE, Ariz, Scottsdale, ”, Arizona

Gallen took a no-hitter into the seventh before giving up an opposite-field single to World Series MVP Corey Seager, whose weak grounder found a hole. Political Cartoons View All 1230 ImagesGarver was 1 for 17 at the plate in the World Series before his huge hit. Then Texas got its revenge against Houston, winning a hard-fought series in seven games that brought them to the World Series. THEN THERE WERE FIVENow that the Rangers have finally won their World Series title, there are only five franchises remaining without a championship: Colorado, Milwaukee, San Diego, Seattle and Tampa Bay. The Diamondbacks won their only title in 2001.

Persons: — Nathan Eovaldi, Mitch Garver, Marcus Semien, Zac Gallen, Bruce Bochy, Gallen, Corey Seager, Evan Carter —, —, Garver, grounder, Seager, ”, “ Gallen, Corey, Paul Sewald, Eovaldi, Aroldis Chapman, Josh Sborz, “, Jacob deGrom, righty, Nathaniel Lowe, Geraldo Perdomo, Christian Walker, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Josh Jung’s, Casey Stengel, Joe McCarthy, Connie Mack, Walter Alston, Joe Torre, Jon Gray, ___ Organizations: PHOENIX, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Rangers, Giants, San, Texas, outlasting, Diamondbacks, Washington Senators, Louis Cardinals, AL West, Houston, The Rangers, Seattle, AL, Tampa, Then Texas, Brewers, Dodgers, Phillies, National League, of Fame, Mets, Yankees, Padres, The Diamondbacks Locations: Texas, San Francisco, ” Semien, Tampa Bay, Then, Semien, Cooperstown, Colorado, Milwaukee, San Diego, Seattle

☆ Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers shoot for World Series clincher
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

November 1 - PHOENIX -- The Texas Rangers are one win away from their first World Series title, and they will ask Nathan Eovaldi to finish off the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 on Wednesday. The Rangers took the 48,388 fans out of the game early with five-run innings in the second and third. Texas, which is a record 10-0 on the road in the postseason, will look to complete a perfect away run behind Eovaldi. Eovaldi allowed five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in Game 1, which Texas won 6-5 in 11 innings. The Rangers will have to go the rest of the World Series without injured slugger Adolis Garcia, who racked up eight home runs and 22 RBIs in the postseason.

Persons: Nathan Eovaldi, Marcus Semien, Eovaldi, Zac Gallen, Gallen, I'm, Adolis Garcia, Travis Jankowski, Ezequiel Duran, Garcia, Max Scherzer, Brock Burke, Burke, Bruce Bochy, Jose M, Romero Organizations: Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, . Texas, The Rangers, Diamondbacks, Texas, Eovaldi, Arizona bullpen, Rangers, American League, Baltimore Orioles, Thomson Locations: Texas

Seager’s third two-run homer of the Series capped the second, Semien’s drive punctuated the third and Jonah Heim added an eighth-inning shot. Forty-two of 49 previous teams to take 3-1 leads have gone on to win the World Series. After leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to the 2020 title, he could join Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson and Reggie Jackson as the only two-time World Series MVPs. After a World Series opened with three errorless games for the first time, Arizona’s defense cracked at an inopportune time. TWO-OUT THUNDEROnly the Boston Red Sox scored more runs with two outs in a World Series game, getting 11 in the 2007 opener against Colorado.

Persons: — Marcus Semien's, Corey Seager, Jonah Heim, Nathan Eovaldi, Zac Gallen, Miguel Castro's, Christian Walker —, Seager, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Travis Jankowski, Adolis García, “ We’re, ” Seager, ” Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Chris Stratton, Tommy Pham, Gabriel Moreno, Torey Lovullo, Josh Jung, Joe Mantiply, Castro, Jung, Kyle Nelson's, Nathaniel Lowe, Luis Frías, Heim, Walker, Jankowski, Ryne Nelson, Ketel Marte, Max Scherzer, Ezequiel Durán, LHP Brock Burke, Burke, “, Evan Carter, Gallen, ___ Organizations: PHOENIX, Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Diamondbacks, Senators, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland, Texas, AL, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona, Chase Field, Semien, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Locations: Texas, Arizona, Semien, Friday’s

This one won an extended Game 1 of the World Series for the Texas Rangers. If I did that, I’d be screaming, too,” Texas second baseman Marcus Semien said. “It's going to be a really good series,” García said. He became the first position player in MLB history to appear in a World Series 15 years after first playing in the Fall Classic. He also became the fourth player with a World Series hit at both age 23 or younger AND 38 or older.

Persons: Adolis García, Corey Seager's, mobbed, “, Josh Jung, ” Miguel Castro, El Bombi, Corbin Carroll, García, Max Muncy, Nathan Eovaldi —, ” García, Evan Carter's, Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Seager, Paul Sewald’s, Leody, Bruce Bochy, ” José Leclerc, that's, we’ve, Torey Lovullo, ” Seager’s, Tony Beasley, ”, Marcus Semien, ” Seager, Tommy Pham, Ketel, Carroll, Zac Gallen, Mitch Garver, Gallen, Ryan Thompson, Joe Mantiply, Kevin Ginkel, Sewald, “ It's, Evan Longoria’s, Eddie Murray, Pee Wee Reese, Willie Mays, David Freese, Freese, ___ Organizations: Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, ” Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston, Rangers, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Arizona, Diamondbacks, Houston, Star, Marte, NL, Tampa Bay Rays, League, Rays, St, Louis Cardinals, Texas, Kelly Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Texas, Arizona, ” Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Before opening the World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks wanted to recount a series of slights. Overlooked by oddsmakers and angered by analysts, the Diamondbacks find themselves in a Surprise Series against the also unexpected Texas Rangers. Texas starts Nathan Eovaldi, a 33-year-old right-hander and a two-time All-Star who has overcome two Tommy John surgeries. “We weren’t concerned with what people thought of us,” said first-year Rangers manager Bruce Bochy who led San Francisco to three titles from 2010-14. The Diamondbacks have allowed three unearned runs during the postseason and the Rangers one.

Persons: oddsmakers, Torey Lovullo, Paul Sewald, ”, Marcus Semien, Zac Gallen, Nathan Eovaldi, John surgeries, Gallen, Garrett Stubbs, “, Texas hasn't, Bruce Bochy, Chris “, ” Russo, You’ve, ” Lovullo, Howard Stern’s, NATE, Max Muncy's, ” Eovaldi, Lovullo, effusively, “ It’s Organizations: Arizona Diamondbacks, Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball's, ” Diamondbacks, MLB Network, Rangers, New York Yankees, ., Phillies, Philadelphia, Chase, Life, Minnesota Twins, Arizona, Louis Cardinals, Texas, Senators, MLB, Boston, Los Angeles Dodgers, Bochy Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Arizona, . Texas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Midtown Manhattan, Texas

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 26 (Reuters) - The 2023 World Series will pit two gritty wild-card teams that have proved deadly on the road against each other when the Texas Rangers play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Game One on Friday. The Rangers, who are seeking their first World Series championship, started the playoffs red hot, hammering the Tampa Bay Rays in two road games and emerging victorious from the wild card round. They followed that up by sweeping the 101-win Baltimore Orioles in the Division Series before overcoming the Astros in Game Seven of the ALCS to capture the franchise's third pennant. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy will send ace Nathan Eovaldi to the mound for Game One. The Cuban slugger drove in a postseason series record 15 RBI thanks to a Game Six grand slam and two Game Seven homers to walk away with NLCS MVP honors.

Persons: Nathan Eovaldi, Troy, Bruce Bochy, righty Zac Gallen, Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Adolis Garcia, Bochy, Rory Carroll, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Rangers, Houston Astros, American League, The Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Astros, Diamondbacks, Major League Baseball's, Dodgers, NL, Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Bank, The Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Thomson Locations: Houston , Texas, USA, Troy Taormina, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Arizona, Cuban

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers are back in the World Series for the first time since twice being within one strike of winning the 2011 title. And these Rangers won't even be the first team to play in a World Series at Globe Life Field, their retractable-roof stadium that opened in 2020. Freese led off the 11th with a game-ending homer, and the Cards won Game 7 the following night. That 2016 division title is still the last for the Rangers, one of six big league teams without a World Series title. “I came here to get to the World Series, but I came here to win it.”___

Persons: “ We’ve, Chris Young, They're, Bruce Bochy, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis García, Josh Jung, Evan Carter, I’ve, ”, Bochy, “ It’s, Louis, Ron Washington, Seager, David Freese, Nelson Cruz, Lance Berkman, Freese, Texas, Yu Darvish, Darvish, Tommy John, Cole Hamels, Jose Bautista's, Sam Dyson, Cy Young, Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, deGrom, Max Scherzer, Jordan Montgomery, Scherzer, “ Organizations: The Texas Rangers, Texas, Rangers, AL, Lone Star State, Astros, St, Life, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cards, Oakland, Toronto, AL West, Nathan Eovaldi . Texas, New York Mets Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Texas, Houston, San Francisco, St, Baltimore, Semien, Nathan Eovaldi .

HOUSTON (AP) — Max Scherzer is set to pitch another Game 7 in Houston with visiting teams undefeated in the series. Texas also won Games 1 and 2 in Houston. Cristian Javier, the Game 3 winner when the defending World Series champion Astros won 8-5, will pitch again for Houston. The 26-year-old right-hander is 6-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 16 postseason games, winning all four of his starts. You look at matchups and things like that, but they’re all ready to go.”Scherzer will be making his 24th postseason start for five different teams.

Persons: — Max Scherzer, Max, Scherzer, Cy Young, ”, Nathan Eovaldi, “ He’s, Cristian Javier, ” Javier, It’s, Nate, Bruce Bochy, “, David Wells, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Texas Rangers, Washington, Nationals, Astros, The Rangers, Houston, Rangers, New York Mets, ” Rangers, Detroit, Los Angeles Dodgers, Yankees Locations: Houston, Texas, Arlington, Detroit , Washington, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Boston, San Diego

The defending World Series champion Astros were again felled by a subpar start from Framber Valdez and lackluster play at home. But the Rangers got some insurance from an RBI double by Garver with one out in the eighth off Abreu. Josh Sborz walked Alex Bregman to start the Houston eighth and struck out Alvarez before José Abreu singled with one out. Abreu singled on a grounder to right field before Tucker grounded into a force out that left him out at second and sent Alvarez to third. Heim, who had a career-high 18 home runs in the regular season, also homered off Valdez in Game 2 of this series.

Persons: — Nathan Eovaldi, Mitch Garver, Jonah Heim, Adolis García, Eovaldi, Framber Valdez, Valdez, Bryan Abreu, García, Stanek, Yordan Alvarez, Garver, Heim, Mauricio Dubón, Abreu, It’s, Cliff Lee, They’d, José Leclerc, Jose Altuve, Josh Sborz, Alex Bregman, Alvarez, José Abreu, Leclerc, Kyle Tucker, Jon Singleton, Jeremy Peña, Houston’s, Tucker, Dubón, Altuve, Brantley, barehanded, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Jung, Garcia, Bryan Abreu's, John McHale Jr, Rob Manfred, Evan Carter, Adolis Garcia, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Rangers, Astros, The Rangers, Houston, The Astros, Tampa, Eovaldi, Valdez, Major League Baseball Locations: Houston, García, Arlington, Washington, Valdez, Texas, Tampa Bay

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jose Altuve thrives under pressure for the Houston Astros, able to stay calm in the biggest October moments even after another bench-clearing fracas against the Texas Rangers. “This dude is one of the baddest dudes I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some greats.”Baker wasn't in the dugout when Altuve hit his 26th career postseason homer, second in major league history behind Manny Ramirez (29). García, Abreu and Baker were all ejected. “The guy hits a three-run homer; the next time up he gets smoked,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. The 5-foot-6 Altuve, playing in his 101st postseason game for Houston, then pulled an 0-1 changeup over the left-field fence, just beyond the glove of a leaping Evan Carter.

Persons: — Jose Altuve, Altuve’s, Friday, “ He’s, ”, Dusty Baker, I’ve, ” Baker wasn't, Altuve, Manny Ramirez, Adolis García, Bryan Abreu, García, Martín Maldonado —, ” García, “, Abreu, Baker, James Hoye, Bruce Bochy, “ I’d, José Leclerc, Yainer Diaz, Jon Singleton, Evan Carter, You’ve, Alex Bregman, ” Altuve, Cy Young, Justin Verlander, Corey Seager, Carter, Nathaniel Lowe, Ryan Pressly, Pressly, Marcus Semien, Seager flied, Houston, El Bombi, José Abreu, Jordan Montgomery, Seager, Josh Sborz, Verlander, Lowe, Nathan Eovaldi, Framber Valdez, Eovaldi, Valdez, ___ Organizations: Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Astros, Rangers, ” Rangers, Houston, 101st, “, Lone Star State, AL West, Texas, Semien, Monday Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, ” Houston, Houston, Texas, Arlington, Verlander

HOUSTON (AP) — Jonah Heim homered, Nathan Eovaldi pitched six effective innings and the Texas Rangers beat Framber Valdez and Houston Astros 5-4 on Monday for a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series. They swept the Rays in the Wild Card Series and the Orioles in the Division Series, and then posted a 2-0 win at Houston in the ALCS opener. The Astros, who went 39-42 at home in the regular season, continued to struggle at Minute Maid Park. Valdez bobbled a chopper hit by Grossman for an error that allowed him to reach first and Semien to score. Alex Bregman also connected for the Astros, who went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Persons: — Jonah Heim, Nathan Eovaldi, Framber Valdez, Adolis García, Mitch Garver, Nathaniel Lowe, José Leclerc, Yordan Alvarez, Eovaldi, Alvarez, Aroldis Chapman, Leclerc, José Abreu, Michael Brantley, Chas McCormick, Jeremy Peña flied, Yainer Diaz, Jose Altuve flied, Corey Seager, Valdez, Robbie Grossman, Grossman, Seager, García, Garver, Heim, Lowe, Alex Bregman, Brantley, McCormick, Peña, Josh Jung, Diaz, Altuve, Bregman, Max Scherzer, Cy Young, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Valdez, Rangers, Astros, Houston, The Rangers, Rays, Orioles, Minnesota, Max, Texas, Astros haven’t Locations: Texas, Arlington, Valdez, Semien

☆ Astros still confident heading into Game 2 of ALCS vs. Rangers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Participating in their seventh consecutive ALCS, the longest such streak in AL postseason history, the Astros have shown resilience plenty of times previously. Houston won't have to wait long for a chance to even things, as it plays host to the Rangers on Monday in Game 2 of the ALCS. Left-hander Framber Valdez (0-1, 10.38 ERA in postseason) is the scheduled starter for the Astros in Game 2. Valdez is 7-5 with a 2.90 ERA over 16 career appearances (13 starts) against the Rangers. Eovaldi is 3-4 with a 4.42 ERA over 10 career regular-season starts against the Astros.

Persons: Jordan Montgomery, Justin Verlander didn't, Montgomery, Verlander, We've, Framber Valdez, Valdez, Nathan Eovaldi, Eovaldi, Yordan Alvarez, Alvarez, curveballs, Aroldis Chapman, Nathaniel Lowe, Bower Organizations: Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, American League, Astros, Houston, Rangers, Minnesota Twins, AL, Texas, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Eovaldi, Twins, Montgomery, Thomson Locations: HOUSTON, Texas

Montgomery pitched five-hit ball over 6 1/3 scoreless innings and Taveras provided a two-run lead with his solo homer in the fifth. The playoff-tested Astros, in the ALCS for a seventh straight year, had a tough time getting anything going against Montgomery. Jose Leclerc struck out one in a perfect ninth for the save and the Rangers' second shutout of the playoff. John Jung singled with two outs, Taveras walked to load the bases and Verlander limited the damage by retiring Marcus Semien on a fly ball. Heim walked to open the seventh and a two-out single by Taveras chased Verlander.

Persons: — Jordan Montgomery, Leody Taveras, Justin Verlander, Montgomery, Taveras, Evan Carter, Slugger Yordan Alvarez, Verlander, he’s, Cy Young, Josh Sborz, Jose Altuve, Aroldis Chapman, Carter, Alex Bregman, Altuve, Alvarez, Jose Leclerc, Jonah Heim, John Jung, Marcus Semien, Martín Maldonado, Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubónand Jeremy Peña, Montgomery wriggled, Maldonado, Heim, Hector Neris, Bregman, Framber Valdez, Nathan Eovaldi, Eovaldi, Nolan Ryan, “, ” Eovaldi, “ I’m, ” Organizations: HOUSTON, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, The Rangers, Rays, Orioles, Toronto, Astros, Rangers, Verlander, MLB, Houston, Alvin High School, Hall of Fame Locations: Houston, Montgomery, Texas

Now the Rangers get another chance at the Astros when they meet for the first time in the playoffs in a Texas-sized showdown with a trip to the World Series on the line starting Sunday night in Houston. The Astros completed the regular season matchup against the Rangers with a three-game sweep at the beginning of September. But despite the lopsided results this season, both teams say they’ll start with a clean slate for the American League Championship Series. As manager of the San Francisco Giants in 2002, he lost the World Series to the Anaheim Angels. “In California we were in the World Series, two teams, us and the Angels, battling for bragging rights in California,” he said.

Persons: — Houston, Justin Verlander, Josh Jung, Adolis, Nathaniel Lowe, Evan Carter wasn’t, “, Evan, ” Lowe, Dusty Baker, ”, I’ve, Robbie Grossman, Jordan Montgomery, Verlander, Cy Young, Louis, Houston’s Framber Valdez, Nathan Eovaldi, Max Scherzer, Bruce Bochy, Scherzer, “ Max, ” Bochy, “ He’s, we’ll, Chris Young, Bryan Abreu, Abreu, hasn’t, Ryan Pressly, Jim Ross, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Turner, Stephen Hawkins, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Rangers, Astros, The Astros, Houston, American League, AL West, Lone Star, San Francisco Giants, Anaheim Angels, Angels, Mets, Minnesota, Montgomery, Orioles, Detroit, Dodgers, Arlington, Houston Mayor Locations: Texas, Houston, “, California, ”, Montgomery, St, Washington

Won 101, won the American League East. Seager is one of five Texas hitters who started for the AL squad in this year's All-Star Game. Also an All-Star in his first season with the Rangers, Eovaldi has won both of their series-clinching games this postseason. Seager walked five times in Game 2 against Baltimore, the first player in postseason history with five in a single game. The Rangers wait to see if they will be going to Houston or Minnesota for ALCS Game 1 on Sunday.

Persons: — Corey Seager, Adolis García, Nathan Eovaldi, “, Brandon Hyde, ” Seager, Dean Kremer, Seager, Nathaniel Lowe, Lowe, Bruce Bochy, San, Eovaldi, ” Hyde, José Leclerc, Aaron Hicks, Leclerc, Aroldis Chapman, Jordan Westburg, David, Kremer, It’s, Mitch Garver, García, Barry Bonds, ___ Organizations: Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, The Rangers, Seattle, AL West, American League, Baltimore, AL East, Orioles, American League East, Star, Rangers, Life, Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, AL, Tampa Bay, Hamas, NEXT, Los Angeles Angels Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Baltimore, Texas, San Francisco, Israel, Francisco’s, Florida, Sarasota , Florida, Houston, Minnesota

The wild-card Rangers have outscored the Orioles and Tampa Bay — the top two teams in the American League in the regular season — by 25-11. Garver, a backup catcher who hadn't played yet in the 2023 playoffs, hit his grand slam for a 9-2 lead. Garver was in the lineup because it was “just time to get him out there” — to quote Bochy pregame. Corey Seager became the first player to walk five times in a postseason game and scored twice. Tuesday night will be the first home game for the Rangers since Sept. 24 and their first playoff game at Globe Life Field.

Persons: Mitch Garver, Bruce Bochy, San Francisco, Gunnar Henderson, Aaron Hicks, haven't, They're, Hicks, Garver's, Grayson Rodriguez, Garver, hadn't, Bochy, Corey Seager, Leody Taveras, Marcus Semien, Ryan Mountcastle, Seager, Rodriguez —, Adolis García, Jonah Heim, Rodriguez, Danny Coulombe, Bryan Baker, Jacob Webb, Cody Bradford, Jordan Montgomery, Jorge Mateo, Henderson's, Mateo, Nathan Eovaldi, Brandon Hyde, Baltimore Organizations: BALTIMORE, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, AL, Rangers, Orioles, Tampa, American League, National League, AL East, Baltimore, . Texas, The Rangers, Camden Yards, Kansas City, Toronto, Texas, Life Locations: . Texas, Texas

BALTIMORE (AP) — For the first time this postseason, the maligned Texas bullpen had to protect a slim lead in the late innings. The late innings weren't all that stressful in the Wild Card Series against Tampa Bay, as Texas outscored the Rays 11-1 for a two-game sweep. Kyle Bradish struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings for the Orioles but allowed two runs in the fourth to take the loss. Orioles: Baltimore had to leave LHP John Means — who was a possible candidate to start Game 3 — off the roster because of elbow soreness. UP NEXTMontgomery is set to start Game 2 for the Rangers on Sunday against Baltimore rookie Grayson Rodriguez.

Persons: Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman, José Leclerc wobbled, Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning, “, Bruce Bochy, Josh Jung, Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer —, they've, Heaney, Dunning, Will Smith, Sborz, Chapman, Leclerc, Jung, snagged Anthony Santander's, Ryan Mountcastle, Gunnar Henderson, Jonah Heim, Henderson, Brandon Hyde didn't, ” Hyde, Kyle Bradish, Jordan Montgomery, Nathan Eovaldi, it's, Adam Jones, Joan Jett, Bradish, García, Evan Carter, Heim, Carter, Mountcastle, Aaron Hicks, Adam Frazier, Cedric Mullins, Ryan O'Hearn, ”, Marcus, Adley, he's, ” Jung, hasn't, LHP John Means —, Grayson Rodriguez, Montgomery, Rodriguez, ___ Organizations: BALTIMORE, Texas, Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, AL, Orioles, Rays, Tampa Bay, Santander, ., Scherzer, The Orioles, AL East, Camden Yards, Baltimore, Montgomery, Sunday Locations: Baltimore, . Texas, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Texas, Marcus Semien . Texas, Henderson

☆ MLB roundup: Wild-card series all end in sweeps
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Arizona overcame a 2-0 deficit to complete a sweep of the best-of-three series, having escaped a 3-0 hole to win the opener 6-3 Tuesday. The Diamondbacks will open the NL Division Series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Twins 2, Blue Jays 0Carlos Correa went 2-for-3 with an RBI and Minnesota held on for a win over Toronto in Minneapolis to complete a sweep in a best-of-three AL wild-card series. The Twins will face the Houston Astros in the AL Division Series. Realmuto homered and doubled and host Philadelphia defeated Miami to sweep a National League wild-card series.

Persons: Zac Gallen, Marte, Peralta, Tommy Pham, Abner Uribe, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, blooped, Nathan Eovaldi, Evan Carter, Adolis Garcia, Zach Eflin, Carlos Correa, Sonny Gray, Jose Berrios, Bryson Stott, Realmuto, Aaron Nola, Josh Bell, Braxton Garrett Organizations: Arizona Diamondbacks, National League, Milwaukee Brewers, Wednesday, Wednesday . Arizona, Diamondbacks, NL, Los Angeles Dodgers, Gallen, NL Central, Rangers, Rays, American League, Orioles, AL, Tampa, Blue Jays, Minnesota, Toronto, Houston Astros, Oakland, Phillies, Marlins, Philadelphia, Miami, Braves, NL Division Locations: Wednesday ., Texas, Tampa Bay, St . Petersburg, Fla, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Atlanta

☆ MLB roundup: J.P. Crawford belts slam as M's blast Rangers
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

Yandy Diaz hit a two-run homer for the Rays, who have clinched the first AL wild-card berth. It was a costly defeat for the Cubs, who have lost four in a row to see their National League wild-card hopes fade. Zach McKinstry blasted a two-run homer, Spencer Torkelson hit a solo homer and Parker Meadows contributed a two-run triple. Wilmer Flores had a solo homer and an RBI single for the Giants. Closer Josh Hader allowed a solo homer in the ninth but regrouped to earn his 33rd save.

Persons: J.P, Crawford, Steven Bisig, Ty France, Josh Rojas, Brock Burke, Trent Thornton, Nathan Eovaldi, Alejandro Kirk, Bo Bichette, Tampa Bay . Brandon Belt, Matt Chapman, Yusei Kikuchi, Yandy Diaz, Aaron Civale, Jose Abreu, Jose Urquidy, Alex Bregman, Gabriel Moreno, Zac Gallen, Carlos Santana, Blake Perkins, William Contreras, Caleb Boushley, Jose Cuas, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, Whitlock, Trevor Story, Jordan Westburg's, Ryan Mountcastle's, Tyler Freeman, Bo Naylor, Brayan Rocchio, Cal Quantrill, Emmanuel Clase, Miguel Cabrera, Zach McKinstry, Spencer Torkelson, Parker Meadows, Ryan Jeffers, Max Kepler, Michael A, Taylor, Trevor Larnach, Kyle Farmer, Kody Funderburk, Alan Trejo, Brendan Rodgers, Elehuris Montero, Nolan Jones, Charlie Blackmon, Sean Bouchard, Josh Bell, Jake Burger, Jazz Chisholm, Huascar Brazoban, Tanner Scott, Endy Rodriguez, Colin Selby, Carter Kieboom, Dominic Smith, Lane Thomas, Keibert Ruiz, Jake Alu, Ozzie Albies, Forrest Wall, Martinez, Kai Correa, Gabe Kapler, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Lance Lynn, Wilmer Flores, Keaton Winn, Nick Martinez, Josh Hader, Trent Grisham, Xander Bogaerts, Yoan Moncada, Carlos Perez, Dylan, Nick Martini, Christian Encarnacion, Strand, Louis, Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson socked, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, Brandon Williamson, Carson Spiers, Carlos Rodon, Maikel Garcia, Salvador Perez, Perez, Kyle Isbel, Jordan Lyles, Aaron Judge, Austin Wells, Mickey Moniak, Davis Daniel, Connie Mack, Chase Silseth, Oakland's Ken Waldichuk Organizations: Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Mobile, American League West, Mariners, Rangers, Houston Astros, Seattle, Blue Jays, Rays, Toronto, Tampa, American League, Astros, Diamondbacks, Arizona, Phoenix, Houston, AL West, National League, Miami, Brewers, Cubs, Milwaukee, Chicago, Red Sox, Orioles, Boston, Baltimore, American League East, Tigers, Cleveland, Detroit, Rockies, Minnesota, Colorado, The American League Central, Twins, Marlins, Pirates, Pittsburgh, League, Nationals, Braves, Washington, National League East, Minnesota Twins, Dodgers, Giants, San Francisco, Padres, White Sox, San Diego, Chicago . White Sox, Reds, Cardinals, Cincinnati, St, Miami Marlins, Royals, Yankees, Kansas City, New, Athletics, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia A's, of Fame, Angels, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, Texas, Tampa Bay . Brandon, Houston, Toronto, Detroit, Cleveland, Denver, Colorado, Miami, Atlanta, Angeles, San, San Diego, New York, pinstripes, Anaheim , Calif

☆ Corey Seager powers Rangers to sweep of Blue Jays
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

September 15 - Corey Seager went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and three RBIs as the visiting Texas Rangers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-2 on Thursday night to sweep a four-game series. Jonah Heim added a solo home run for the Rangers to finish with eight RBIs in the series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run for the Blue Jays, who are 3-4 on their 10-game homestand. Seager opened the scoring with his 31st homer of the season, a drive to right-center with one out in the first. After an intentional walk to Seager, Nathaniel Lowe hit a two-run single.

Persons: Corey Seager, Jonah Heim, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Kevin Gausman, Nathan Eovaldi, Cody Bradford, Seager, Bo Bichette, Guerrero, Ezequiel Duran's, Marcus Semien's, Whit Merrifield, Heim, Duran, Trevor Richards, Evan Carter, Nathaniel Lowe, Taveras, Yimi Garcia, Robbie Grossman, Josh H, Smith, Mitch Garver, Matt Chapman, Nathan Lukes, Chapman Organizations: Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, The Rangers, Mariners, American League, Blue Jays, Seattle, Rangers, Toronto, Texas, Triple, Thomson Locations: Toronto, Texas, Semien

The run ended with a groundout against Dunning in the fifth. Houston's star second baseman homered twice in the series opener, giving him consecutive multi-homer games for the first time in his career. 9 and leadoff spots twice in the series opener with Mauricio Dubón and Altuve. DEJA VU FOR HISTORYAustin Hedges became the first position player in Texas Rangers history to pitch in consecutive games. The move came a day after Sborz allowed six runs while getting just one out in the 13-6 loss in the series opener.

Persons: — Jose Altuve, Nathan Eovaldi, Altuve, Altuve —, Dane Dunning, Martín Maldonado, Yordan Alvarez, hasn't, Dunning, Richard Hidalgo, Mauricio Dubón, Framber Valdez, José Abreu, Chas McCormick, Eovaldi hadn't, Eovaldi, HISTORY Austin Hedges, Ryne Stanek, Josh Sborz, Sborz, Cy Young, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, ___ Organizations: Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Altuve, Rangers, Astros, Rangers . Texas, AL West, Houston, AL, Tampa Bay, HISTORY Austin Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Texas

☆ MLB roundup: D-backs best Braves in 29-run game
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Emmanuel Rivera homered and Ketel Marte had three hits and three RBIs for Arizona, which snapped a four-game losing streak. The D-backs prevailed in the wild contest despite the efforts of Atlanta's Austin Riley, who homered twice and had a career-high seven RBIs. Arizona tied the game at 13-13 with two outs in the eighth when Dominic Canzone delivered an RBI single for his first career hit. Jonathan India homered and fell just a triple shy of the cycle for the Reds, who lost their fifth straight game. Rockies 4, Astros 3Kris Bryant and Ryan McMahon hit consecutive home runs in the first inning and Colorado beat Houston in Denver.

Persons: Christian Walker, Brett Davis, Geraldo Perdomo, Emmanuel Rivera, Ketel Marte, Miguel Castro, Kevin Ginkel, Atlanta's Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia, Sean Murphy, Dominic Canzone, Perdomo, Raisel Iglesias, Marte, Alex Kirilloff, Bailey Ober, Edouard Julien, Kyle Farmer, Carlos Correa, Eugenio Suarez, Bryan Woo, Wilmer Flores, Flores, Monday's, Barry Bonds, Joey Votto, Jake Fraley, Will Benson, Christian Encarnacion, Strand, Joc Pederson, Pederson, Brett, Michael Conforto, Ian Gibaut, Tyler Rogers, Camilo Doval, Jonathan India, Ryan Noda, JJ Bleday, Luis Medina, Sam Long, Shintaro Fujinami, Sam Moll, Trevor May, Joe Jacques, Noda, Aledmys Diaz, Bleday, Patrick Wisdom's tiebreaking, Seiya Suzuki, Suzuki, Miguel Amaya, Mike Tauchman, Nico Hoerner, Miles Mastrobuoni, Lane Thomas, Corey Dickerson's, Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, DJ Stewart, Jeff McNeil, Tommy Pham, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Jake Burger, Tim Anderson, Josh Naylor, Josh Bell, Logan Allen, Amed Rosario, Myles Straw, Allen, Connor Joe, Mitch Keller, Kyle Schwarber, Bryson Stott, Schwarber, Julio Teheran's, Aaron Nola, Andruw Monasterio, Brice Turang, Mickey Moniak, Patrick Sandoval, Shohei Ohtani, Domino, Gleyber Torres, Juan Soto, Joe Musgrove, Manny Machado, Gary Sanchez, Trent Grisham, Musgrove, Bo Bichette, Alek Manoah, Jason Heyward, Michael Grove, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Aaron Hicks, Tyler Wells, Baltimore's, Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, Louis, Jordan Montgomery, JoJo Romero, Edward Cabrera, Jon Berti, Dairon Blanco, Maikel Garcia, Edward Olivares, Spencer Torkelson, Javier Baez, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Nathan Eovaldi, Taj Bradley, Travis Jankowski, Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Kris Bryant, Ryan McMahon, McMahon, Fernando Abad, Justin Lawrence, Alex Bregman Organizations: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, USA, Arizona, Mariners, Minnesota, Seattle, Twins, Giants, Reds, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Athletics, Red Sox, Oakland, Boston, Cubs, Nationals, Chicago, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington, Mets, White Sox, New, Pirates, Cleveland pummeled, Guardians, Phillies, Brewers, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Yankees, Padres, Blue Jays, Diego, Toronto, Dodgers, Orioles, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Marlins, Cardinals, Royals, Tigers, Kansas City outslugged, Rangers, Rays, Texas, Tampa Bay, Astros, Colorado, Houston, Rockies, Thomson Locations: Atlanta , Georgia, USA, Truist, Arizona, Seattle, Francisco, San Francisco, Medina, Washington, New York, Cleveland pummeled Pittsburgh, Angeles, Anaheim , Calif, Sandoval, St, Miami, Kansas City outslugged Detroit, Arlington , Texas, Semien, Denver

☆ MLB roundup: 10th-inning blast lifts Tigers over Rockies
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Phillies starter Zack Wheeler (7-4) allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings. Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (7-3) allowed five runs, seven hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish (4-4) nearly matched Ober, giving up one run on seven hits over six innings. Burnes (6-5) gave up two runs and one hit in seven innings, with seven strikeouts and two walks. Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (1-3) allowed three runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Persons: Zach McKinstry, Jonathan Schoop, Schoop, Pierce Johnson, Eric Haase, McKinstry, Kris Bryant's, Alex Lange, Ryan McMahon, Lange, C.J . Cron, Ezequiel Tovar, Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler, Schwarber's, Dominic Smith, Tyler Wade, Elvis Andrus, Kendall Graveman, JJ Bleday, Andrus, Bleday, Wade, Shintaro Fujinami, Eloy Jimenez, Juan Soto, Manny Machado, San Diego, Michael Wacha, Fernando Tatis Jr, Elly De La Cruz, Brandon Williamson, Williamson, Paul Goldschmidt, Louis, Goldschmidt, Jack Flaherty, Luis Severino, DJ LeMahieu's, Jake Bauers, Rafael Devers, Justin Turner, Kutter Crawford, Matt Chapman, George Springer, Bo Bichette, Yusei Kikuchi, Bailey Ober, Joey Gallo, Ober, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Kyle Bradish, Nathan Eovaldi, Will Smith, Hunter Brown, Brown, Yelich, Raimel Tapia, Corbin Burnes, Jesse Winker, Victor Caratini, Jack Suwinski, Tucupita Marcano, Jared Triolo, Josh Palacios, Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies, phenom Eury Perez, Perez, Charlie Morton, Morton, Justin Verlander, Francisco Alvarez, Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor, Thairo Estrada, Davis, Julio Urias, Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia, Yonny Hernandez's, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, George Kirby, Crawford, Luke Raley, Paul Sewald, Tyler Glasnow, Tanner Bibee, Marcus Stroman, Bibee, Jose Ramirez, Amed Rosario, Stroman, Anthony Volpe, Isiah Kiner, Falefa, Gleyber Torres, Michael King, Matthew Liberatore, Lars Nootbaar, Ryne Nelson, Gabriel Moreno, Moreno, Emmanuel Rivera, Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani Organizations: Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Denver, Rockies, Detroit, Colorado, Phillies, Nationals, Philadelphia, Washington, Athletics, White Sox, Oakland, Chicago, Padres, Reds, San, The Reds, Cardinals, Yankees, New York, DJ, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Boston, Toronto, Orioles, Minnesota, Baltimore, Rangers, Astros, Houston, Brewers, Pirates, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Braves, Marlins, Atlanta, Miami, The Braves, Mets, Giants, New, J.D, San Francisco's, Royals, Dodgers, Kansas City, Mariners, Rays, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Kirby, Cubs, Cleveland, St, Diamondbacks, Los Angeles, Angels, Thomson Locations: C.J, Washington, Cincinnati, New York, Baltimore, Ober, Houston, Texas, Arlington , Texas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Arizona, Anaheim, Calif, Nelson

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