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Arozarena's mom throws first pitch, watches son in MLB for 1st time at Rays-Rangers Game 1
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 3 - 2:17 p.m. | Save Story
The mother of Tampa Bay's Randy Arozarena joined her son on the field Tuesday to throw a ceremonial first pitch before the Rays opened their AL Wild Card Series against the Texas Rangers. Sandra Gonzalez made the trip to Tropicana Field from Mexico to watch Arozarena play in person for the first time as a major leaguer. She only recently obtained a visa and arrived in Florida on Monday. Gonzalez played catch with the All-Star outfielder near the home dugout before taking the mound and tossing a strike to Arozarena, who was squatting in a catcher's position behind the plate.
Growing pains almost completely behind them, the Pittsburgh Pirates eye contending in 2024
Will Graves, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 3 - 12:59 p.m. | Save Story
The Pittsburgh Pirates believe they've closed the gap on the teams they're chasing following a 14-win improvement in 2023. Pittsburgh finished 76-86 this season, the franchise's best record since 2018. General manager Ben Cherington says the team has definitely gotten better in several areas, but work remains to be done if the Pirates want to return to the playoffs. Pittsburgh has several areas of need heading into the offseason, including at first base and in the starting rotation.
Dodgers lost most days to injuries in MLB this season. Overall days lost rise 6.1%
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 3 - 12:31 p.m. | Save Story
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost the most days of players on the injured list this season at 2,465, while the San Francisco Giants had the most placements at 46. The number of days lost on the injured list rose 6.1% to 44,461 from 41,916, in the season that ended Sunday, but placements dropped 0.7% to 848 from 854. There were 983 placements for 43,513 lost days in 2021, the first full season following a schedule curtailed to 60 games because of the pandemic. The Dodgers had 33 placements.
Terry Francona steps away as Cleveland's winningest manager, 2 World Series titles with Boston
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 3 - 12:25 p.m. | Save Story
Terry Francona of the Cleveland Guardians is stepping away after 23 seasons as a major league manager. Francona won two World Series titles in Boston and had an 11-year run in Cleveland, where he became a beloved figure and the franchise's winningest manager. The 64-year-old has dealt with serious health issues in recent years and Francona will now have time to get healthy as well as play with his grandchildren. Guardians president Chris Antonetti says Francona will have a role with the team moving forward. Francona says he doesn't foresee managing again.
Woodruff's shoulder injury leaves Brewers down a starter against Diamondbacks in Wild Card Series
John Marshall, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 3 - 10:27 a.m. | Save Story
One of Milwaukee's biggest strengths just got a little weaker on the eve of the postseason. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff, slated as a potential Game 3 starter, will miss the NL Wild Card Series with a shoulder injury, leaving the Brewers without one of the top arms against the Arizona Diamondbacks. When Milwaukee and Arizona last met, the Diamondbacks were atop the AL West and the Brewers were scuffling, barely above .500 at 38-36. That was June. The Brewers found the right gear and went 54-34 the rest of the way to win the NL Central by eight games. The Diamondbacks went through a few difficult stretches after the series in Milwaukee, finally clinching their first playoff appearance since 2017 on the final weekend of the regular season.
Lorenzen, Hernández out for Wild Card Series, Siri, Bush on rosters
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 3 - 9:57 a.m. | Save Story
Michael Lorenzen, who pitched a no-hitter for Philadelphia in August, was left off the Phillies' roster for their Wild Card Series and reliever Jonathan Hernández was dropped because of an injury by the Texas Rangers, who made the surprise inclusion of former top draft pick Matt Bush. Tampa Bay included outfielder Jose Siri, who missed the final three weeks with a broken hand. Lorenzen no-hit Washington on Aug. 9. He then went 2-2 with a 7.96 ERA in his next five starts and was dropped from the Phillies' rotation. His last four appearances were out of the bullpen.
Acuña wins Baseball Digest player of the year; Cole and Bautista also honored
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 3 - 9:26 a.m. | Save Story
Ronald Acuña Jr. has been selected major league player of the year by Baseball Digest and eBay after hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases for the Atlanta Braves. The outfielder beat out two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, who didn't play after Sept. 3 because of injuries. New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was chosen pitcher of the year and Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista was the top reliever in awards announced Tuesday. Acuña received 13 first-place votes in balloting by a 23-member panel of baseball writers and broadcasters that included several former players, managers and executives. Ohtani got nine first-place votes, and the other one went to Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts, who finished third.
Rays, Rangers face off in AL Wild Card Series after looking at points like best teams in baseball
Fred Goodall, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 7:27 p.m. | Save Story
The Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers both looked like they might be the best teams in baseball for significant stretches of a long season in which they now find themselves facing each other in an AL Wild Card Series. The Rays got off to a historic 13-0 start and led the American League East by as many as 6½ games before a horrendous July cost them their stranglehold on first place and left them playing catch-up the rest of the season to eventual division champion Baltimore. Texas, meanwhile, is back in the playoffs two years after losing 102 games. A dominant offense carried the Rangers much of the season, enabling them to weather injuries and remain in prime position to win the AL West until their potent bats faltered in the closing days of the regular season.
Phil Nevin won't return as Angels' manager after 2nd losing season
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 5:34 p.m. | Save Story
Phil Nevin will not return as the Los Angeles Angels' manager next season. The Angels announced Monday that they have declined their option on Nevin's contract for the 2024 season. Los Angeles will have its fourth manager in six years since the departure of Mike Scioscia, who held the job for 19 years. Nevin went 119-149 in his first major league managerial job while both of his teams missed the playoffs. He was promoted to the Angels' top job in June 2022 when Joe Maddon was fired in the middle of a 14-game losing streak.
Early Red Sox offseason means start of search for new baseball boss, planning to remember Wakefield
Jimmy Golen, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 4:49 p.m. | Save Story
Red Sox president Sam Kennedy says the person who replaces fired Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom could have a very different role. It might even be more than one person. Kennedy says "you'd be irresponsible not to consider all options." Bloom was fired with less than three weeks left in the season after failing to meet his mandate to shed payroll while still winning in the major leagues and building a successful farm system at the same time. The only thing that seems certain is that Alex Cora will be back as manager – for 2024 and likely beyond. Although the Red Sox skipper had mentioned wanting to have a front office role at some point, he says he's content in his current job.
Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff will miss Wild Card Series with shoulder injury
Rich Rovito, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 4:34 p.m. | Save Story
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff will miss this week's Wild Card Series against Arizona because of a right shoulder injury. Woodruff is dealing with what manager Craig Counsell described as a capsular injury. He had been expected to start Game 2 for the NL Central champions, following Corbin Burnes. Counsell said Woodruff is seeking a second opinion and likely won't have the results until the end of the week.
MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 3:52 p.m. | Save Story
The average time of a nine-inning major league game dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes in the first year of the pitch clock, a 24-minute decrease in a season of change that resulted in a spike in batting average and the most stolen bases in nearly 40 years. Left-handed hitters benefitted from the new restrictions on defensive shifts, runners took advantage of the slightly decreased distance between bases, and average fastball velocity set another record. The average game time dropped to its 1985 level after passing 3 hours for the first time in 2016.
Mets and Yankees wrap up nightmare New York seasons and head into uncertain winter
Mike Fitzpatrick, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 3:02 p.m. | Save Story
the highly anticipated 2023 season shaped up as one of the most exciting in the city's history. But by August, all anyone in the Big Apple was talking about was football, as both tattered teams played out the string in front of empty seats. Now, the Mets and Yankees have critical decisions to make heading into an uncertain offseason.
David Stearns introduced as president of baseball operations by New York Mets, his hometown team
Mike Fitzpatrick, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 2:55 p.m. | Save Story
David Stearns has been formally appointed the first president of baseball operations in New York Mets history, taking over the hometown team he cheered for as a child. The former Milwaukee Brewers boss was introduced by owner Steve Cohen at a Citi Field news conference on the heels of a hugely disappointing season. Despite championship aspirations and a record $355 million payroll on opening day, New York dropped out of playoff contention by midsummer and finished fourth in the NL East. Stearns says he has "plenty of work to do." The 38-year-old executive was placed above general manager Billy Eppler and under owner Steve Cohen in a working structure fairly common around baseball but new to the Mets.
Mom of Nathaniel and Josh Lowe battling cancer, won't attend Rangers-Rays playoff series
Fred Goodall, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 2:50 p.m. | Save Story
The mother of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Josh Lowe and Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe will not make the trip to Tropicana Field for this week's AL Wild Card Series featuring her sons because she is battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Younger brother Josh said he called his mother, Wendy, on Monday to ask if she would mind him discussing her situation publicly in advance of the start of the best-of-three matchup that begins Tuesday. She granted her permission, and the 25-year-old outfielder mentioned it briefly during interviews before the workout.
Barksdale, Hoye, Iassogna and Porter will be the umpire crew chiefs for Wild Card Series
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 11:36 a.m. | Save Story
Lance Barksdale, James Hoye, Dan Iassogna and Alan Porter will be the umpire crew chiefs for baseball's Wild Card Series this week. Their crews include Sean Barber, Adam Beck, Edwin Moscoso and Alex Tosi, who will be making their postseason debuts. Ryan Blakney, Rob Drake, Nick Mahrley and Brennan Miller will be the replay umpires at the video center in the commissioner's office. The games are scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and St. Petersburg, Florida.
Melvin, Preller appear to be safe with the big-spending yet underwhelming Padres
Bernie Wilson, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 11:29 a.m. | Save Story
Manager Bob Melvin and general manager A.J. Preller appear to be safe in their jobs with the big-spending yet underwhelming San Diego Padres after owner Peter Seidler said in a statement that the current leadership team "continues to have my full support." The announcement came less than 24 hours after the Padres finished the most disappointing season in franchise history at 82-80. They were eliminated from playoff contention on Friday night, a bitter result for a team that came into the season with World Series expectations after making a stirring run to the NL Championship Series last fall and then increasing their payroll to around $250 million, the third highest in baseball.
MLB draws 70.75 million fans, first time over 70 million since 2017
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 11:29 a.m. | Save Story
Major League Baseball attendance topped 70 million for the first time in six years. Total attendance of 70.75 million was up 9.6% from last year's 64.56 million and the average of 29,295 was up 9.1% from last year's 26,843. The total and average were the highest since MLB drew 72.67 million in 2017 for an average of 30,042. MLB set its attendance record in 2007 with a total of 79.5 million and an average of 32,785. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred credited the pitch clock, balanced schedule and expanded postseason for part of the increase, the largest in a season since expansion in 1993.
MLB playoffs guide: Openers Tuesday at Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Philadelphia
David Brandt, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 8:20 a.m. | Save Story
will lead the Braves as they try to win their second title in three years.
MLB playoffs guide: Openers Tuesday at Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Philadelphia
David Brandt, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 8:20 a.m. | Save Story
will lead the Braves as they try to win their second title in three years.
With a carefree sense of ease, Miguel Cabrera made hitting excellence look like a breeze
Noah Trister, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 4:10 a.m. | Save Story
Hitting a baseball is widely accepted as one of the hardest tasks in sports. Miguel Cabrera made it look easy. Now the likely Hall of Famer has wrapped up his career. He retires as one of seven players who have reached both 3,000 hits and 500 homers. At .307, Cabrera has the highest career batting average of that bunch. Cabrera steps away with a resume full of accolades. He was part of some memorable teams in a great baseball city in Detroit. He played until he was 40. By almost any standard, he fulfilled his considerable potential.
Rangers falter in season finale in 1-0 loss to Seattle, allowing Houston to win AL West
Tim Booth, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 9:26 p.m. | Save Story
George Kirby allowed only three hits in six innings, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 1-0 and allowed Houston to win the American League West title. A day after clinching the ninth postseason berth in franchise history, Texas only needed a win over the Mariners to wrap up the AL West. But the loss opened the door for Houston to grab the division title thanks to holding the tiebreaker over the Rangers. The Astros beat Arizona 8-1. Texas will begin the postseason as a wild-card team and face Tampa Bay. The Rangers couldn't solve Kirby, who closed the regular season with 12 scoreless innings over his final two starts against Houston and Texas.
Miguel Cabrera and Terry Francona close careers as Tigers beat Guardians 5-2
Larry Lage, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 8:17 p.m. | Save Story
Miguel Cabrera made a backhanded stop, stepped on first base and smiled in the eighth inning on the final play of his career after walking in his last at-bat and the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 Sunday. The game also marked the end of Terry Francona's career, Cleveland's manager, who led Boston to a pair of World Series titles and Philadelphia. Francona said the day belonged to Cabrera. It most certainly did. The only player to win the Triple Crown in more than a half-century went 0 for 3 with a walk, but that didn't diminish the celebration.
Blackmon can earn up to $15 million in 2024 deal with Rockies
The Associated Press | Posted Oct. 1 - 7:54 p.m. | Save Story
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon can earn $2 million in performance bonuses as part of his 2024 contract with the Colorado Rockies, which would raise his pay to $15 million. Blackmon could earn the bonuses based on plate appearances: $500,000 each for 425, 450, 475 and 500. The 37-year-old hit .279 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 413 plate appearances over 96 games this year. He was sidelined between June 10 and Aug. 14 by a broken bone in his right hand, an injury sustained when he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City's Daniel Lynch on June 3.
Buck Showalter fired as New York Mets manager
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 7:50 p.m. | Save Story
Buck Showalter was fired as New York Mets manager after a disappointing season in which baseball's highest-spending team tumbled from contention by midsummer. The 67-year-old Showalter said before Sunday's game against Philadelphia that he will not return next year, and a few minutes later the fourth-place Mets said the team had decided on the change. New York entered 74-86 and 29 1/2 games behind NL East champion Atlanta. The Mets are expected to hire David Stearns as president of baseball operations above general manager Billy Eppler, and Showalter's departure with a year remaining on his three-year contract clears the way for Stearns to pick the next manager. Showalter's exit leaves the Mets searching for a new manager for the fifth time in six years.
Playoff-bound Phillies rout Mets 9-1 in Buck Showalter's finale as New York manager
Jerry Beach, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 7:46 p.m. | Save Story
told him they were "going to go in a different direction with the manager next year." Showalter's exit after two seasons, the shortest of his five big league stints, clears the way for Stearns to pick the next manager.
Tim Wakefield, who revived his career and Red Sox trophy case with knuckleball, has died at 57
Jimmy Golen, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 7:37 p.m. | Save Story
drawing an outpouring of support for Wakefield. The Red Sox confirmed an illness at the time but did not elaborate, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.
Braves tie season record with 307 homers as Ozuna hits pair in 10-9 loss to Nationals
Charles Odum, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 7:18 p.m. | Save Story
Marcell Ozuna homered twice as the Atlanta Braves tied the major league season record of 307 but lost their regular-season finale 10-9 to the Washington Nationals as Jacob Young drove in two runs with a go-ahead single in the ninth. Ozuna reached 40 homers with a ninth-inning drive off Kyle Finnegan in the ninth. Atlanta matched the season record set by the 2019 Minnesota Twins. The Braves set a major league record with a .501 slugging percentage, Michael Tonkin blew an 8-7 lead in the ninth, issuing a bases-loaded walk to Drew Milas that tied the score.
Blue Jays clinch from couch, will face Minnesota in AL wild-card series
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 6:55 p.m. | Save Story
Most of the Toronto Blue Jays were watching from the couch at home when their team clinched a playoff spot Saturday night. Toronto earned an AL wild card for the second straight season when Seattle lost 6-1 to Texas. "It was great," said All-Star closer Jordan Romano, who was at home with his wife. "It was like, 'Wow, for one day in the past six months I can get a good night of sleep, no stress.' It felt great. All the boys were texting, they were super happy. It was a good night." Toronto will play at AL Central champion Minnesota in a best-of-three playoff beginning Tuesday.
Rays beat Blue Jays 12-8 in game 162 to help set up wild card series against Rangers
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:58 p.m. | Save Story
Jonathan Aranda hit his first career grand slam and drove in six runs, Tampa Bay homered three times to set a single-season team record and the Rays roughed up the Toronto Blue Jays 12-8 on the final day of the regular season, helping to set up a wild card meeting with the Texas Rangers. Toronto's loss and Houston's win at Arizona means the Rays will host the Rangers while the Blue Jays visit Minnesota in the AL wild card series beginning Tuesday. Junior Caminero hit his first career home run and Manuel Margot also connected as the Rays set a team record for homers in a season with 230.
Doyle scores from 2nd on wild pitch by outfielder-turned-pitcher Luplow in 11th, Rox beat Twins 3-2
Pat Graham, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:53 p.m. | Save Story
Brenton Doyle scored from second base on a wild pitch in the 11th inning by outfielder-turned-pitcher Jordan Luplow and the Colorado Rockies rallied for a 3-2 win over the playoff-bound Minnesota Twins on Sunday in the regular-season finale. With Doyle starting the inning on second, Luplow went from outfielder to emergency reliever and delivered a 63-mph slider to Brendan Rodgers that got through the pads of Ryan Jeffers. A hustling Doyle slid head first into home. The AL Central-champion Twins open the postseason against Toronto on Tuesday at Target Field. Sean Bouchard tied the game in the eighth with a two-out solo homer.
Profar drives in winning run in 11th as Padres beat 101-loss White Sox 2-1
Sarah Trotto, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:37 p.m. | Save Story
Jurickson Profar had two hits and drove in the go-ahead run in the 11th, leading the San Diego Padres over the Chicago White Sox 2-1 to complete their season with a sweep after missing the playoffs. Profar singled off Declan Cronin to score automatic runner José Azocar to put the Padres ahead in the 11th. Rich Hill allowed an unearned run and two hits in two innings for the Padres, who were eliminated from playoff contention Friday. Zach Remillard had three hits for the White Sox, who reached 100 losses Saturday for the fifth time.
Wainwright strikes out in cameo to end career as Cardinals beat Reds 4-3. Votto ejected
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:33 p.m. | Save Story
Adam Wainwright made one final appearance in his 18-year big league career, striking out as a pinch hitter in the St. Louis Cardinals' 4-3 season-ending win over the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto, playing perhaps his final game with the Reds, struck out in the first inning, then was ejected before the top of the second by plate umpire Shane Livensparger. Wainwright, a 42-year-old right-hander, went 200-128 with a 3.53 ERA in 18 major league seasons, all with the Cardinals. He got his 200th win in in his final pitching appearance against Milwaukee on Sept. 18.
Mariners Cal Raleigh apologizes for comments after Seattle eliminated from postseason race
Tim Booth, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:21 p.m. | Save Story
Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh apologized to his teammates and coaches for his strong comments about the team's commitment to winning after the Mariners were eliminated from postseason contention. Raleigh spoke for about 90 seconds and did not take questions a day after Seattle lost to Texas and was eliminated from the American League playoff picture. Raleigh expressed his frustration with Seattle falling short after Saturday's 6-1 loss to Texas. The Mariners snapped a 21-year playoff drought last season and entered this year with the expectation of making it two playoff appearances in a row. Raleigh seemed mostly concerned with making sure his comments weren't taken the wrong way by teammates.
Luis Arraez, Yandy Díaz win batting titles while sitting out on final day
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:15 p.m. | Save Story
Miami's Luis Arraez joined DJ LeMahieu as the only players with undisputed batting titles in both leagues, winning the National League crown as Yandy Díaz sat out Tampa Bay's season finale and overtook Corey Seager for the American League championship. Arraez took the NL title at .354, a year after winning the AL crown at .316 for Minnesota. LeMahieu won with Colorado in 2016 and the New York Yankees in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Ed Delahanty hit .410 for the Philadelphia Phillies to win the NL batting championship in 1899 and is credited by some researchers with the 1902 AL crown at .376, while others accept Nap Lajoie as winning that title at .378 despite lacking the plate appearances required in more modern times.
Votto ejected after 1st inning of what may be final game with Reds
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:13 p.m. | Save Story
Joey Votto was ejected by plate umpire Shane Livensparger after the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in what might have been the 40-year-old first baseman's final game with the Cincinnati Reds. Votto was given a brief ovation during his at-bat in the top half, struck out on a foul and returned to the dugout without argument. Before the top of the second, Votto came onto the field trailed by Bell and had a conversation with Livensparger, joined by third base umpire Phil Cuzzi. Votto returned to the dugout and headed to the clubhouse after his 15th ejection.
Taylor homers, Houser pitches NL Central champion Brewers past Cubs 4-0 in final playoff tune-up
Rich Rovito, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 5:04 p.m. | Save Story
Tyrone Taylor homered and Adrian Houser pitched five sharp innings as the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 4-0 in their final playoff tune-up. After wrapping up their third division title in six years last week, the Brewers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-three postseason series beginning Tuesday. Chicago heads home for the winter after falling short down the stretch in a crowded NL wild-card race. Cody Bellinger and the Cubs were eliminated from contention Saturday night, despite a 10-6 win over the Brewers, when Miami finished its 7-3 victory at Pittsburgh to secure a wild card.
Brandon Drury's 2 homers send Angels past Athletics 7-3 in season finale
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:57 p.m. | Save Story
Brandon Drury homered twice, doubled and drove in three runs, and the Los Angeles Angels wrapped up their eighth consecutive losing season with a 7-3 victory over the major league-worst Oakland Athletics. Shohei Ohtani was in the dugout again, cheering on his teammates for the final two games of what could be the two-way superstar's final weekend with the Angels. Brent Rooker hit his career-best 30th homer and doubled and singled for the A's. Esteury Ruiz stole his 67th base of the season in the third inning, breaking the AL single-season record for a rookie set by Kenny Lofton in 1992.
Hernández hits three-run homer as Dodgers beat Giants 5-2 in Crawford's likely final game
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:53 p.m. | Save Story
Brandon Crawford came off the injured list to play what might have been his final game after 13 seasons all with the Giants, and Kiké Hernández spoiled the veteran shortstop's likely farewell hitting a three-run homer to lead the division champion Los Angeles Dodgers past San Francisco 5-2. Dodgers slugger Freddie Freeman fell one double short of becoming the first player with 60 or more doubles since Charlie Gehringer (60) and Joe Medwick (64) in 1936.
Marlins lose to Pirates 3-0 in last game before postseason
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:52 p.m. | Save Story
Miguel Andujar hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the playoff-bound Miami Marlins 3-0 in the regular-season finale for both teams. The Marlins needed to win to assure themselves of gaining the second National League wild card and the fifth seed in the NL playoffs over Arizona. The Diamondbacks were hosting Houston and loss by Arizona would still give Miami the fifth seed and a matchup at Philadelphia in a best-of-three wild-card series beginning Tuesday. If Miami is seeded sixth, it would play a best-of-three series at NL Central champion Milwaukee starting Tuesday.
Zack Greinke pitches Royals to 5-2 win over Yankees in what could be his career finale
Dave Skretta, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:47 p.m. | Save Story
Zack Greinke threw four-hit ball into the sixth inning and, backed by a trio of home runs, helped the Royals beat the Yankees 5-2 on Sunday. It was quite possibly the end of the six-time All-Star's career and Greinke left to a standing ovation. He earned only his second win of the season after beating Baltimore in May. Michael King took the loss for New York, allowing a trio of homers among eight hits that yielded four runs in four innings. The Royals went 56-106, matching the franchise record for losses in a season. The Yankees finished 82-80, their worst record since going 76-86 in 1992.
Houck leads Red Sox past AL East champion Orioles 6-1 in finale
Todd Karpovich, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:34 p.m. | Save Story
Tanner Houck threw six innings of one-hit ball and the last-place Boston Red Sox earned a split in the four-game series against the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles with a 6-1 victory in the regular-season finale. The Orioles have home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs and will host a Division Series opener starting Oct. 7. Houck did not allow a hit Sunday until Anthony Santander singled up the middle with two outs in the sixth. Houck had six strikeouts and three walks on 87 pitches. Boston finished 78-84, the same record as last year.
Adam Wainwright promised his kids a puppy when he retired. Cardinals delivered on final day
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 3:36 p.m. | Save Story
Adam Wainwright promised his children he would get a family dog when he retired from baseball. He didn't have to. The St. Louis Cardinals presented the Wainwrights a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy during a 35-minute ceremony before the 42-year-old pitcher's final game with the team on Sunday. Wainwright's wife Jenny named the puppy Louie. The Wainwrights have four daughters: Baylie Grace, Addison, Macy James and Sadee Faith along with 4-year-old son Caleb Adam.
Twins place veteran left-hander Dallas Keuchel on 15-day injured list with strained right calf
Pat Graham, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 12:55 p.m. | Save Story
Minnesota left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right calf on the day the playoff-bound Twins finished the regular season. Keuchel said he will soon undergo an MRI. To take his place on the roster, the Twins returned right-hander Jorge Alcala from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list. Alcala was placed on the IL on May 16 with a strained right forearm. Keuchel, the 2015 AL Cy Young, appeared in 10 games this season for the Twins, making six starts. He was 2-1 with a 5.97 ERA since being signed in June.
The Miami Marlins have spent decades as an afterthought. Now they're heading to the playoffs
Will Graves, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 1 - 11:26 a.m. | Save Story
The Miami Marlins are capping off their breakthrough season with a playoff berth. Miami is heading to the postseason for the fourth time in franchise history after clinching one of the National League's wild-card spots. General manager Kim Ng says her team's surge through September was the culmination of three years of hard work by people throughout the organization. Star centerfielder Jazz Chisholm credited Ng for helping create a family-type atmosphere that has let the unheralded Marlins thrive.
Kershaw loses for first time since May 21 as Giants beat Dodgers 2-1
Eric He, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:48 p.m. | Save Story
Clayton Kershaw lost for the first time since May, allowing the go-ahead run when Max Muncy misplayed a potential inning-ending double-play grounder in a 2-1 defeat to the San Francisco Giants that left the Los Angeles Dodgers one win shy of 100 going into their season finale. Kershaw had been 7-0 with a 1.96 ERA in 13 starts since a May 21 loss at St. Louis. Facing the Giants for the 59th time, he allowed a third-inning homer to Tyler Fitzgerald and gave up two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Rangers wrap up first playoff berth since 2016, help eliminate Mariners with 6-1 victory
Tim Booth, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:42 p.m. | Save Story
The Texas Rangers are back in the postseason for the first time since 2016, beating the Seattle Mariners 6-1 to clinch a playoff spot in the American League. Texas can claim the AL West title with a victory over Seattle in the regular-season finale or a Houston loss on the final day. The Rangers put together a four-run third inning off Seattle ace Luis Castillo, highlighted by two-out hits from Nathaniel Lowe, Jonah Heim and Leody Tavares that all plated runs. The loss plus Houston's win over Arizona eliminated the Mariners from the playoff race.
A year after ending playoff drought, Mariners left frustrated about falling short
Tim Booth, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 30 - 10:36 p.m. | Save Story
Through his play on the field and actions in the clubhouse, catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a voice willing to speak out about what's happening with the Seattle Mariners. It happened at midseason when he called out his teammates for how the Mariners were playing. And it happened when Raleigh called out management after Seattle was eliminated from playoff contention with a 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers. While Texas was celebrating a playoff berth in the opposing clubhouse, Raleigh made strong comments to Seattle's front office and the need to improve the Mariners' roster if they want to compete with the Rangers, Houston and other teams in the American League.
Chisholm homers and the surprising Miami Marlins grab an NL wild-card spot with 7-3 win over Pirates
Will Graves, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:35 p.m. | Save Story
The Miami Marlins are heading back to the playoffs for just the second time in 20 years. Jazz Chisholm hit his 19th home run of the season and Miami grabbed a wild-card spot in the National League with a 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Josh Bell drove in three runs for Miami, which relied on seven pitchers to reach the postseason at the end of a 162-game season for the first time since 2003.
Shea Langeliers' 8th-inning homer sends A's past Angels 7-3 after Joe Boyle's no-hit bid broken up
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:26 p.m. | Save Story
Shea Langeliers hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the Athletics' five-run eighth inning and led Oakland to a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Zack Gelof homered and added two late RBI singles for the 111-loss A's, who earned their fourth victory in 16 games on the penultimate day of their franchise's worst season since 1916. Logan O'Hoppe hit a two-run homer in the Angels' three-run seventh off Joe Boyle. He had thrown six hitless innings for Oakland in his third big league appearance. But the Angels' bullpen promptly blew a two-run lead, capped by Langeliers' 22nd homer.
Verlander leads Astros over D-backs 1-0, and both teams clinch postseason spots
David Brandt, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:23 p.m. | Save Story
The Houston Astros won. The Arizona Diamondbacks lost. But everybody left Chase Field with a ticket to the postseason. Justin Verlander threw five innings, José Abreu hit a run-scoring double and the Astros beat the Diamondbacks 1-0 as both teams clinched spots in the upcoming playoffs. Houston gets a chance to defend its World Series title after fighting through a tight American League wild-card race for the past several weeks. The Diamondbacks return to the postseason for the first time since 2017, backing into the bracket with the Reds' 15-6 loss at St. Louis.
Larnach's grand slam leads Twins to 14-6 win over Rockies
Michael Kelly, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 10:07 p.m. | Save Story
Trevor Larnach hit his first career grand slam, one of Minnesota's four home runs, and the playoff-bound Twins beat the Colorado Rockies 14-6. Edouard Julien had three hits, including his 16th home run, and Max Kepler and Matt Wallner also went deep for AL Central Division champion Minnesota. Elehuris Montero, Sean Bouchard and Brenton Doyle homered for the Rockies (58-103), who will not win at least 60 games for the first time in the club's 31-season history. Chris Paddack gave up two hits and struck out four in three complete innings for the win. Karl Kauffmann (2-5) was roughed up for seven hits and eight runs over 4 1/3 innings.
Álvarez has 6 RBIs and Megill unveils American Spork as Mets sweep Phillies 4-3 and 11-4
Jerry Beach, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:54 p.m. | Save Story
Francisco Álvarez drove in a career-high six runs with his first big league grand slam and a two-run homer, powering the New York Mets to an 11-4 win and a doubleheader sweep of the playoff-bound Philadelphia Phillies. Mets right-hander Tylor Megill unveiled his attempt at throwing Kodai Senga's Ghost Fork in the opener, when he threw a career-high 7 1/3 innings in a 4-3 victory. Álvarez, who sat out the opener, hit a two-run homer off the signage along the second deck in left field to cap a three-run second against Michael Plassmeyer.
Reds eliminated in game 161 during 15-6 loss to Cardinals
Warren Mayes, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:51 p.m. | Save Story
The Cincinnati Reds' bid to become just the third team to make the playoffs following a 100-loss season ended in game No. 161 when they were eliminated during the seventh inning of a 15-6 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals. Elly De La Cruz had just grounded out for the final out of the top of the seventh when the Marlins (84-76) finished a 7-3 win at Pittsburgh to clinch a wild-card berth. Any drama of scoreboard-watching dissipated when the Reds fell behind 11-0 by the third inning.
Cubs' playoff hopes vanish before they complete 10-6 victory over Brewers
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:31 p.m. | Save Story
Yan Gomes hit a grand slam, but the Chicago Cubs were eliminated from postseason contention during a 10-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago's game was going into the eighth inning when Miami finished its 7-3 victory at Pittsburgh, securing an NL wild card and knocking the Cubs out of the playoff race. It looked as if the Cubs were in good shape for a wild card when they improved to 78-67 with a 5-4 victory at Colorado on Sept. 11. But they dropped 11 of their next 15 games. Before the victory at Milwaukee, they had lost four in a row by a total of five runs. They also had dropped nine straight road games.
Ozuna hits go-ahead, 3-run homer, Strider gets 20th win as Braves beat Nationals 5-3
George Henry, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:23 p.m. | Save Story
in five innings. Ronald Acuña Jr. doubled to begin the fifth and scored on Ozzie Albies' single. Ozuna followed with his 38th homer, which set a career high and sailed 432 feet to center field to put the Braves up 5-3.
Mountcastle leads AL East champion Orioles over last place Red Sox 5-2 for 101st win
Rich Dubroff, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 30 - 9:20 p.m. | Save Story
Ryan Mountcastle hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the seventh inning and scored on an infield hit to lead the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles to their 101st victory of the season, 5-2 over the last-place Boston Red Sox 5-2. Baltimore (101-60), which hosts an AL Division Series starting Oct. 7, is finishing its winningest season since going 102-57 in 1979. After Boston's Kutter Crawford allowed one hit in six innings, Josh Winckowski (4-4) gave up a single to Adley Rutschman leading off the seventh. Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo stole second standing up, and Mountcastle doubled to right with two outs for a 1-0 lead.
Kim has 4 hits, Padres beat White Sox 6-1 to hand Chicago 100th loss
Sarah Trotto, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:09 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago White Sox lost 100 games for the first time since 2018 as Ha-Seong Kim had four hits to lead the San Diego Padres to a 6-1 win. Michael Wacha (14-4) struck out seven, walked one and allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings as the Padres, who were eliminated from playoff contention Friday, moved to above .500 (81-80) for the first time since May 10. Jurickson Profar had two hits and drove in four runs and Ji Man Choi added a pair of hits, his first with San Diego. Chicago's Mike Clevinger (9-9) was roughed up for six runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Montas wins season debut and Yankees clinch 31st winning season by beating Royals 5-2
Dave Skretta, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 9:06 p.m. | Save Story
Frankie Montas earned the win out of the bullpen in his season debut as the Yankees beat the Royals 5-2 on Saturday night. Gleyber Torres drove in a pair of runs during a go-ahead sixth inning for New York. Oswaldo Cabrera, Everson Pereira and Estevan Florial also drove in runs for the Yankees, who improved to 82-79 to clinch their 31st straight winning season with one game to spare. That's the second-longest streak in Major League history behind their own 39-year run from 1926-64. Kansas City fell to 55-106 and matched the 2005 team for the most losses in a season in club history. Alec Marsh allowed three runs over 4 1/3 innings to take the loss for the Royals.
