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☆ Can MLB save the starting pitcher? The search for solutions to baseball’s ‘existential crisis’
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jayson Stark | Ken Rosenthal | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +20 min

Ten active major-league starting pitchers have won a Cy Young Award — and nine of them have spent time on the injured list in 2024. The issue is not only the health of the modern starting pitcher, but the role those starters play in the sport these days. “You’ve got to get the starting pitcher back. But has the starting pitcher crisis risen to that level? If you’re a dominating starting pitcher in this era, it probably means you throw harder than the average pitcher.

Persons: Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, ’, Cy Young, Baltimore’s Corbin Burnes, Yu Darvish, Justin Steele, ”, Max Scherzer, “ You’ve, Patrick Mahomes, isn’t, that’s, weren’t, here’s, It’s, they’d, you’re, they’re, David Ortiz, Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright, they’ve, “, North America aren’t, I’ve, you’ve, ” Scherzer, Corbin Burnes, Patrick Smith, Rob Manfred, we’re, “ You’re, wouldn’t, it’s, “ that’s, He’s, Manfred, Eamonn Dalton, Conrad Williams , Jr, Matthew Grimes Jr Organizations: Cy, Wrigley, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Cubs, Padres, Major League Baseball, Texas Rangers, NFL, Athletic, MLB, American League, of Fame, didn’t, Atlantic League, Red Sox, National League, North America, Orioles, Newsday, Getty Images, Atlanta Braves, Getty

On the day they held their first official workout, the Baltimore Orioles announced pitcher Kyle Bradish will open the season on the injured list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament. Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Bradish received a platelet-rich plasma injection to treat the injury. “He’s going to start his throwing progression tomorrow, but that progression is going to be something that takes some time. Bradish’s injury is particularly notable because the Orioles already are unsure about left-hander John Means’ status for the start of the season. MANUEL RETURNSFormer Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel made his first visit to the ballpark since he suffered a stroke in September.

Persons: Kyle Bradish, Mike Elias, Bradish, “, ” Elias, “ He’s, I’m, ” Bradish, Justin Verlander, Cy Young, ’ ’ Verlander, John Means, Corbin Burnes, Gunnar Henderson, Elias, MANUEL, Charlie Manuel, Manuel, Francisco Lindor, Buck Showalter, Billy Eppler, Nobody, ”, Dan Gelston, Marc Berman, Chris Nelsen, ___ Organizations: Baltimore Orioles, Orioles, AL East, Houston Astros, Cy, Milwaukee Brewers, “, Former Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, NL East, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia, New York Yankees, Fame, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Mets, Diamondbacks, Rangers Locations: Cleveland, Clearwater , Florida

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jim Leyland left his living room in Thornburg, Pennsylvania, and had gone upstairs to lie down, convinced the call to Cooperstown wasn't coming. Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark was on the line and Leyland had been voted in, two weeks shy of his 79th birthday. Leyland coached in the Tigers minor league system, then started managing with Bristol of the Appalachian Rookie League in 1971. The Pirates sank from there following the departures of Bonds and ace pitcher Doug Drabek as free agents, and Leyland left after Pittsburgh’s fourth straight losing season in 1996. But the Marlins sold off veterans and tumbled to 54-108 in 1998, and Leyland left for the Rockies.

Persons: Jim Leyland, “, ”, Pat, Jane Forbes Clark, ” Leyland, Leyland, Joe McCarthy, Clark Griffith, Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, Larry Walker, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, they're, Lou Piniella, Bill White, Cito Gaston, Davey Johnson, Joe West, Ed Montague, Hank Peters, Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer, Chase Utley, David Wright, José Bautista, Matt Holliday, Holdovers, Todd Helton, Billy Wagner, Tony La Russa’s, Jim Who, I'm, Francisco Cabrera’s, Doug Drabek, ″ Leyland, Alan Trammell, Louis Organizations: Cooperstown, Leyland, Florida Marlins, Baseball Writers ’ Association of America, Jan, Tigers, Bristol, Appalachian Rookie League, Chicago White Sox, Pirates, Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, The Pirates, Marlins, White Sox, Red Sox, Angels . Florida, Rockies, St, Louis Cardinals, American League Locations: Tenn, Thornburg , Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh , Florida , Colorado, Detroit, Toledo , Ohio, Perrysburg, San Francisco, Cooperstown

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their manager, according to a person familiar with the decision. Mendoza spent the past four seasons across town as Aaron Boone's bench coach with the Yankees. He replaces Buck Showalter, fired by the Mets at the end of last season after holding the job for two years. Political Cartoons View All 1234 ImagesMendoza becomes the fifth Mets manager since Terry Collins’ seven-year tenure ended in 2017. Showalter took over in December 2021 and led the Mets to a 101-61 record and a playoff berth in 2022, when he was voted NL Manager of the Year.

Persons: Carlos Mendoza, Mendoza, Aaron Boone's, Buck Showalter, David Stearns, Steve Cohen, Terry Collins ’, — Carlos Beltrán, Craig Counsell, Stearns, Counsell, David Ross, hadn't, Stephen Vogt, Terry Francona, Showalter, Cy Young, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, ___ Organizations: New York Mets, Yankees, Associated Press, Mets, Venezuelan Winter League, NL East, Major League, Houston Astros, hometown Brewers, NL Central, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, New Locations: Atlanta, . New York, Milwaukee, New York, San Diego

HOUSTON (AP) — Coming a win shy of reaching the World Series would be considered a successful season for most teams. “We overcame a lot of stuff… so you hold your head up high, and you think about what you’ve accomplished versus what you’ve lost,” he said. Political Cartoons View All 1218 ImagesAfter coasting to the AL West title in the previous two seasons, the Astros spent most of this season chasing Texas in the standings. The Astros beat Minnesota in four games in the AL Division Series to reach the ALCS for a seventh straight season. Still dealing with this.”The Astros came on late to win the division despite dealing with a spate of injuries.

Persons: Martín Maldonado, “, Dusty Baker, you’ve, ”, Justin Verlander, Cy Young, Verlander, “ That’s, “ There’s, Jose Altuve didn’t, Slugger Yordan Alvarez, Houston, Luis Garcia, Tommy John, José Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr, Baker, Alvarez, Garcia, hadn’t, A.J, Hinch, I’m, You’ve, Alex Bregman Organizations: HOUSTON, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, AL West, Astros, Texas, Rangers, Houston, Minnesota, AL, Verlander, Mets, Star, New York Yankees Locations: Texas, Arlington, New York, . New York, Houston

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

That includes their 8-5 win in Game 3 of the first postseason series between the instate AL West rivals. Seager was MVP in both the NLCS and World Series. He hit five homers in that seven-game NLCS, two in the World Series and has two here this postseason. OPEN ROOFA game was played at Globe Life Field with the roof open for the first time in nearly five months. The roof was open for 13 of the 16 neutral-site postseason games in 2020, including three of the six World Series games.

Persons: — José Abreu, Alvarez's, Corey Seager's, Adolis García, hasn't, Jose Altuve, Alvarez, Chas McCormick, Dane Dunning, Martin Maldonado, Mauricio Dubón, Alex Bregman, Cody Bradford, Abreu, Ryne Stanek, Mitch Garver's, Altuve, Andrew Heaney, Bregman, Dunning, Seager, José Urquidy, Stanek, Marcus Semien’s, Abreu snagged Corey Seager’s, Jordan Baker, SEAGER DINGERS Seager, Jordan Montgomery, Cy Young, Justin Verlander, Urquidy, ___ Organizations: Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Rangers, Tampa Bay, Life, Astros, Texas, Globe, instate AL West, The Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mets Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Houston, Texas, Baltimore, Tampa, UP, New York

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The streaky Texas Rangers are suddenly headed the wrong way again. The Rangers won the first two in Houston and matched the Astros' 7-0 start in the playoffs last year, when Houston won its second championship. That up-and-down stretch began with Houston sweeping Texas at Globe Life Field, hitting 16 homers while outscoring the Rangers 39-10. Texas played six of its first seven games on the road this postseason, winning twice in Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Houston. Houston has never rallied from a 2-0 deficit, and will have Justin Verlander on the mound for the final game of the series in Arlington.

Persons: Andrew Heaney, Corey Seager's, José Abreu's, Houston, Justin Verlander, It's, Jordan Montgomery, ___ Organizations: streaky Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Texas, Astros, Life, instate AL West, The Rangers, Houston, Rangers, Globe Life Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Texas, Houston, Tampa Bay , Baltimore, Arlington

☆ Welcome to the American League Championship Series, Presented by Steve Cohen
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Jared Diamond | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/justin-verlander-max-scherzer-steve-cohen-astros-rangers-mets-f95df035

Persons: Dow Jones, justin, cohen Organizations: astros

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Max Scherzer has pitched only once since a miserable night in early September that saw the Houston Astros complete an overwhelming three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers. The Rangers acquired the 39-year-old right-hander from New York in a deadline deal in hopes of starts just like this. Scherzer was dealing with forearm tightness six weeks ago when he allowed seven runs — all on three homers — over three innings in the Astros' 12-3 win. This time, the Astros need to win at least two of three games to extend the series and get back home. “The way we look at it, we were one hit in each game away from winning those games.

Persons: — Max Scherzer, Cy Young, ” Scherzer, “, That’s, Scherzer, Bruce Bochy, “ He's, ” Bochy, Justin Verlander, ” Cristian Javier, Martín Maldonado, Javier, Dusty Baker, we’re, ” Organizations: Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Rangers, Astros, Detroit, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, The Rangers, Houston, Texas, AL, Minnesota, MLB, Kansas City, Royals, San Francisco, AL West, Life, Labor, Yankees, ” Astros Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, ” Texas, Detroit , Washington, New York, Toronto, Texas, Arlington

☆ Rangers blank Astros in Game 1 of ALCS for 6th straight postseason win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Montgomery worked seven shutout innings in a 4-0 win in Game 1 of the AL wild-card series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Taveras finished 2-for-2 with a walk batting in the nine-hole against Astros right-hander Justin Verlander. He drilled a 1-2 slider from Verlander 398 feet into the right field seats with one out in the fifth to double the Rangers' lead. Montgomery dominated his matchup with Astros left-handed slugger Yordan Alvarez, recording inning-ending strikeouts of Alvarez in the first, third and fifth innings. Jose Leclerc retired the Astros in order in the ninth for his second save as Texas claimed its sixth consecutive postseason win.

Persons: Jordan Montgomery, Leody Taveras, Montgomery, Taveras, Justin Verlander, Jonah Heim, Evan Carter, Carter, Alex Bregman, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jose Altuve, Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Alvarez, Bregman, Martin Maldonado, Maldonado, Jose Leclerc, Bower Organizations: Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, American League, Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Rangers, Texas, Thomson Locations: HOUSTON, Montgomery, Texas

☆ 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

☆ MLB roundup: D-backs blast Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) hits a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning for game one of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsOctober 8 - The visiting Arizona Diamondbacks made a statement Saturday, using a six-run first inning against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw to pave the way for an 11-2 victory in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly (1-0), who does not have a win in 16 regular-season starts against Los Angeles, went 6 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the postseason victory. Anthony Santander had a homer, single, walk and scored twice for Baltimore, the top seed in the AL playoffs. Phillies 3, Braves 0Seven pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout as Philadelphia blanked host Atlanta in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Persons: Gabriel Moreno, Jayne Kamin, Clayton Kershaw, Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Tommy Pham, Pham, Merrill Kelly, Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Josh Jung, Evan Carter, Carter, Anthony Santander, Yordan Alvarez, Justin Verlander, Alvarez, Royce Lewis, Bryce Harper, Jeff Hoffman, Craig Kimbrel, Spencer Strider Organizations: Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger, National League, Diamondbacks, NL, Rangers, Orioles, Baltimore, American League, Texas, AL, Astros, Houston, Minnesota, Twins, Phillies, Braves, Seven, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, USA, Arizona, Los Angeles, Texas

It was the first home win for the Twins in the playoffs since Game 1 of the ALCS in 2002 at the Metrodome. He wore a Johan Santana jersey to the ballpark, a nod to not only his Venezuelan boyhood hero but the last Twins pitcher to win a postseason game. Political Cartoons View All 1196 ImagesGausman's day for the Blue Jays was more bumpy, finishing four innings with three hits and three walks. The Blue Jays carried their own October angst into this series, having not won a postseason game since the 2016 ALCS. Twins: RHP Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA) will take the mound Wednesday for the first postseason start for the 11-year veteran since 2017 in Game 4 of the ALDS for the Yankees.

Persons: — Royce Lewis, Lewis, Kevin Gausman, Jhoan Duran, —, Pablo López, Johan Santana, Gausman, Kevin Kiermaier’s, Bo Bichette, Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Michael A, Taylor, Alejandro Kirk, Matt Chapman, Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Carlos Correa, ROYCE ROLLS Lewis, Evan Longoria, Gary Gaetti, Justin Verlander, José Berríos, “, ” Berríos, Sonny Gray, ___ Organizations: Toronto Blue Jays, AL, Twins, North, Minnesota, Blue Jays, Rays, Tigers, Yankees, Jays Locations: MINNEAPOLIS, North American, Venezuelan, Minnesota, Bo, Toronto

☆ MLB roundup: Astros, D-backs punch tickets to postseason
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

Verlander (13-8) allowed two hits in five scoreless innings, while Kelly (12-8) went seven innings and allowed five hits and one run. Marlins 7, Pirates 3Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered and added an RBI single for visiting Miami, which beat Pittsburgh to clinch an NL wild-card spot. Josh Bell added a two-run double and sacrifice fly, and Bryan De La Cruz an RBI single for the Marlins. Endy Rodriguez and Bryan Reynolds each hit an RBI single for the Pirates. Joey Meneses followed with an RBI single and scored on Luis Garcia's double.

Persons: Miami Marlins Luis Arraez, Xavier Edwards, Jazz Chisholm, Charles, Saturday's, Houston's Justin Verlander, Arizona's Merrill Kelly, Verlander, Phil Maton, Kelly, Jose Abreu, Chisholm, Josh Bell, Bryan De La Cruz, Endy Rodriguez, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew Heaney, Jonah Heim, Eugenio Suarez, Spencer Strider, Marcell Ozuna, John Smoltz, Strider, CJ Abrams, Joey Meneses, Luis Garcia's, Andy Ibanez, Akil Baddoo, Carson Kelly, Miguel Cabrera's, Cabrera, Beau Brieske, Triston McKenzie, Taylor, Megill, Edmundo Sosa, Brandon Marsh, Weston Wilson, Brooks Raley, Adam Ottavino, Frankie Montas, Estevan Florial, Gleyber Torres, Yan Gomes, Gomes, Willy Adames, William Contreras, Blake Perkins, Carlos Santana, Michael Wacha, Profar, Ji Man Choi, Juan Soto, Lenyn Sosa, Anthony Santander's, Kyle Gibson, Bruce Zimmermann, Adam Duvall, Kutter Crawford, Lars Nootbaar, Jose Fermin, Louis, Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, Luken Baker, Masyn Winn, Noelvi Marte, Connor Phillips, Francisco Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, Johan Rojas, Trevor Larnach, Edouard Julien, Matt Wallner, Max Kepler, Christian Vazquez, Chris Paddack, Brenton Doyle, Sean Bouchard, Elehuris Montero, Nolan Jones, Alan Trejo, Karl Kauffmann, Tristan Beck, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Fitzgerald, Kai Correa, Max Muncy, Kershaw, Shea Langeliers, Joe Boyle, Zack Gelof, Boyle, Brandon Drury, Mike Moustakas Organizations: Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park, Miami, Astros, Diamondbacks, American League, Arizona, National League, Cincinnati Reds, St, Louis Cardinals, Marlins, Pirates, Pittsburgh, Rangers, Mariners, Texas, Seattle, Houston, Braves, Washington, Keibert, Tigers, Detroit, Guardians, AL, Blue Jays, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Rays, Mets, Phillies, NL, Yankees, Royals, New York, Kansas City, Cubs, Brewers, Chicago, Milwaukee, NL Central, Padres, White Sox, San, Orioles, Red Sox, Baltimore, Boston, Cardinals, Reds, Cincinnati, New, Philadelphia, Twins, Rockies, Minnesota clobbered, Minnesota, Colorado, Giants, Dodgers, San Francisco, Los, Athletics, Oakland, Los Angeles, Detroit Tigers, Thomson Locations: Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, USA, Arizona, Houston, Phoenix . Houston, Texas, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Chicago, Cincinnati, Minnesota clobbered Colorado, Denver, Los Angeles, Los, Anaheim , Calif

☆ Justin Verlander carries Astros past M's in series opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/40] Sep 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) fist bumps teammates en route to the dugout after warming up before a game against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park. The Astros remain 2 1/2 games behind the American League West-leading Texas Rangers (88-68), who beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 in Anaheim, Calif., on Monday. Josh Rojas led off with a double into the right field corner, ending Verlander's bid for his first complete game since Sept. 1, 2019. It appeared Castillo might escape the inning unscathed as he got Chas McCormick to ground out to second and struck out Jeremy Pena. Verlander induced an inning-ending double play to get out of the jam, then retired the next 15 batters in a row before Rojas' double in the ninth.

Persons: Luis Castillo, Joe Nicholson, Justin Verlander, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, AL Cy Young, Josh Rojas, Bryan Abreu, J.P, Crawford, Rojas, Julio Rodriguez lofted, Abreu, Jose Abreu, Castillo, Chas McCormick, Jeremy Pena, Mauricio Dubon, Martin Maldonado, Jose Altuve, Alvarez, Dominic Canzone, Rodriguez, Verlander, Tucker Organizations: Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Mobile, USA, Astros, Mariners, American League West, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, AL Cy, Cal, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, Anaheim , Calif, Cal Raleigh

☆ MLB roundup: Justin Verlander shines as Astros top M's
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Sep 25, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. The 40-year-old right-hander, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, was charged with one run on three hits and one walk in eight-plus innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits over six innings, with one walk and eight strikeouts. Giants 2, Padres 1Logan Webb survived a pitchers' duel with Blake Snell, Michael Conforto delivered a two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning and host San Francisco essentially dealt a lethal blow to San Diego's postseason hopes. Yankees 6, Diamondbacks 4Estevan Florial hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth inning as host New York rallied three times to beat Arizona.

Persons: Justin Verlander, Joe Nicholson, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, AL Cy Young, Luis Castillo, Logan Webb, Blake Snell, Michael Conforto, Webb, Snell, Robert Suarez, Adolis Garcia, Mitch Garver, Nathaniel Lowe, Jon Gray, Marcus Semien, Gray, Logan O'Hoppe, Michael Stefanic, Nolan Schanuel, Estevan Florial, Kevin Ginkel, Oswald Peraza, Florial, Austin Wells, Everson Pereira, Miguel Castro, Corbin Carroll Organizations: Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Mobile, USA, Astros, Mariners, Houston, AL West, Texas Rangers, AL Cy, Giants, Padres, Rangers, Los, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Estevan, New York, Arizona, Chicago Cubs, National League, Miami Marlins, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, Francisco, Texas, Los Angeles, Anaheim , Calif, Marcus

☆ Astros, Mariners continue battle for playoff spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Mariners (84-72) dropped 1 1/2 games behind Houston (86-71) in the chase for the American League's third and final wild-card playoff berth with a 5-1 loss to the visiting Astros on Monday night. The Mariners have lost four games in a row overall, and they lost the past 10 games they played against teams with winning records. Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker went deep for the Astros, who snapped Mariners ace Luis Castillo's streak of eight consecutive victories. Javier went seven innings and allowed three runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and two walks in the Astros' 6-4 victory. Kirby is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in two career starts against the Astros.

Persons: Scott Servais, J.P, Crawford, We've, Justin Verlander, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Luis Castillo's, Houston's Cristian Javier, Seattle's George Kirby, Javier, didn't, Kirby Organizations: Seattle Mariners, The Mariners, Houston, Astros, AL West, Texas Rangers, Mariners, Seattle, Kansas City Royals, Texas, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland, Thomson Locations: Seattle, Houston

HOUSTON (AP) — Cedric Mullins hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning to rally the Baltimore Orioles past the Houston Astros 8-7 on Monday night in a matchup of American League division leaders. Mullins then hit his 15th homer into the seats in right field to put the Orioles on top. Pinch-runner Jake Meyers advanced when José Abreu lined out to right field, but held at third when Kyle Tucker grounded out to second. Henderson singled to start the seventh and scored on a double by Rutschman to get the Orioles within one. Henderson tripled to right field with one out in the third and scored on a sacrifice fly by Rutschman to tie it.

Persons: — Cedric Mullins, Houston, Ryan Pressly, Ryan O’Hearn, Austin Hays, Mullins, Yordan Alvarez, Ramón Urías, Jake Meyers, José Abreu, Kyle Tucker, Cionel Pérez, Yennier Cano, Chas McCormick, Gunnar Henderson, O’Hearn, Mike Baumann, Adley Rutschman, Abreu, Danny Coulombe, Martin Maldonado, Baumann, Tucker, McCormick, Shintaro Fujinami, Jeremy Peña, Fujinami, Jacob Webb, Mauricio Dubón, Maldonado, Jose Altuve, Henderson, Rutschman, Rafael Montero’s, Justin Verlander, John Means, Tommy John, Altuve, Jorge Mateo, Ryan Mountcastle, Brandon Hyde, Mountcastle, Ryne Stanek, Dusty Baker, Kyle Gibson, Hunter Brown, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, American League, Orioles, AL East, Houston, Texas, Boston, Astros, Baltimore, Triple, NEXT Baltimore Locations: Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Rutschman

☆ MLB roundup: Adam Wainwright beats Brewers for 200th win
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsSeptember 19 - Adam Wainwright scattered four hits over seven innings and earned his 200th career victory as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 on Monday. Starter Freddy Peralta (12-9) allowed one run on four hits in six innings for the Brewers (84-66). Ty Blach (3-2) yielded seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. The Nationals dropped the opener of their final homestand of the season, giving them six defeats in the past seven games. Woo (4-4) started a major league game in Oakland for the first time, miles from where he starred at Alameda High School.

Persons: Adam Wainwright, Jeff Curry, Wainwright, Bob Gibson, Jesse Haines, John King, Ryan Helsley, Willson Contreras, Freddy Peralta, Zack Wheeler, Wheeler, Johan Rojas, Bryce Harper, Realmuto, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Wright, Cedric Mullins socked, Mullins, Ryan Pressly, Ryan O'Hearn, Austin Hays, O'Hearn, Jason Verlander, John Means, Garrett Cooper, Luis Campusano, Eguy Rosario, Brenton Doyle flied, Josh Hader, Michael Wacha, Ty Blach, Nolan Jones, Brendan Rodgers, Jones, Martinez, Miguel Rojas, Lance Lynn, Jake Rogers, Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Waters, Trevor Stephan, Waters, Jackson Kowar, James McArthur, Andres Gimenez, Gabriel Arias, Connor Phillips, Phillips, Royce Lewis, Alex Kirilloff, Jeff McNeil slugged, Rob Refsnyder's, Rafael Devers, Bobby Dalbec, Luis Urias, Urias, Kutter Crawford, Josh Winckowski, Crawford, Marcus Semien, Will Smith, Mike Clevinger, Luis Robert Jr, Dominic Smith's, Joan Adon, Bryan Woo, Jose Caballero, Woo, JP Organizations: Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Busch, USA, Cardinals, Brewers, Phillies, Braves, Atlanta, Philadelphia, League, Orioles, Astros, Baltimore, Houston, Rangers, Mariners, American League West, AL East, Tampa Bay Rays, Padres, Rockies, Colorado, The Padres, The Rockies, Dodgers, Tigers, Detroit, National League West, Royals, Kansas City, Cleveland, De, Guardians, Reds, Twins, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Triple, The Twins, American League Central, Cleveland Guardians, Mets, Marlins, Miami, National League, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Red Sox, Texas, White Sox, Nationals, Chicago, Washington, Athletics, Seattle, Oakland, Alameda High School, JP Sears, Thomson Locations: Louis , Missouri, USA, Philadelphia, Arizona, Baltimore, Houston, Diego, Los Angeles, De Los Santos, Kansas, Louisville, New York, Boston, Arlington, Oakland

☆ D-backs look to avoid another series loss to Mets
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

September 14 - The New York Mets' three-game sweep at Arizona in early July helped send the Diamondbacks into a spiral that nearly ruined their season. The visiting Diamondbacks will look to salvage an important split of a four-game series Thursday afternoon when they face the Mets in the final clash of the season between the teams. "We can't do anything other than come out and win a baseball game (Thursday) and split the series," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. The nine-game skid completed a 7-25 stretch dating back to July 2 -- two days before the Mets earned an 8-5 win in the opener of a three-game series in Phoenix. Senga also didn't factor into the decision on Friday after giving up two runs over six innings in the Mets' 5-2 loss at Minnesota.

Persons: Merrill Kelly, Senga, Joey Lucchesi, Pete Alonso, Torey Lovullo, we've, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Lucchesi, Jose Butto, Ronny Mauricio, Francisco Alvarez, Mark Vientos, Vientos, Kelly Organizations: New York Mets, Diamondbacks, Mets, Arizona, Detroit Tigers, Reds, National League, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, NL, New, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota, Thomson Locations: Arizona, Phoenix ., New

☆ Astros hope loss to A's represents wakeup call
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

September 12 - Just because the schedule over the coming two weeks aligned perfectly for the Houston Astros doesn't mean there were guarantees for success. The Astros averaged 11 runs per game in their previous 10 wins, a surge that propelled them to the top of the American League West. If the Astros had designs on coasting against inferior opposition, those thoughts were quickly shelved. Verlander improved to 5-2 with a 3.43 ERA over seven starts with the Astros following his acquisition from the New York Mets. Sears is 0-1 with a 5.52 ERA across three career appearances (two starts) against the Astros.

Persons: Mason Miller, Ken Waldichuk, Waldichuk, Miller, Trevor May, Dusty Baker, Justin Verlander, Verlander, JP Sears, Sears, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Ryan Noda, Rooker, We've Organizations: Houston Astros, Astros, Oakland Athletics, Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Oakland, American League West, Houston, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Sears, AL West, Seattle Mariners, Royals, Thomson Locations: Houston, Verlander, Oakland, Houston , Texas, Texas, Seattle

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Semien is at the top of the Texas Rangers lineup every game, and always impressing the American League hitting leader who bats right after him. Semien was hitting .281 with 24 homers and 87 RBIs while leading the AL with 166 hits and 109 runs scored. After hitting 45 homers in his only season with the Blue Jays in 2021, Semien signed a $175 million, seven-year contract with Texas. Semien set a Rangers franchise record Sunday with his AL-best eighth leadoff homer this season. With 20 games left over the final three weeks of the regular season, they trailed AL West leader Houston by three games.

Persons: — Marcus Semien, “, ”, Corey Seager, Eugenio Suárez, Seager, Houston, Cy Young, Justin Verlander, “ There’s, Semien, he’s, Bruce Bochy, He’s Organizations: Texas Rangers, American League, Rangers, Blue Jays, Seattle, Texas, AL, Oakland, Toronto, AL West, Astros Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Semien, Toronto, ” Semien, ” Texas

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