MLB

AP Baseball WriterKershaw's relief appearance brings back fond LA memoriesBy NOAH TRISTERClayton Kershaw entered Dodgers lore Thursday night, right alongside the last ace to lead the franchise to a World Series title.In 1988, Orel Hershiser came out of the bullpen for the final out of Game 4 of the...

Associated PressPitchless intentional walks could start this weekBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Pitchless intentional walks could start in spring training games this week.Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said the change, which the players' association has said it will agree to for 2017, is among the rule changes...

ATLANTA (AP) A baseball fan has been given emergency medical treatment and taken to a hospital after falling from the upper deck into the lower-level stands at Turner Field during a game between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.There was no immediate word on the man's condition...

Indians recall Nick Goody, option Shawn ArmstrongCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Indians, forced to use infielder Michael Martinez as a pitcher in Thursday's loss to the Chicago White Sox, have recalled right-hander Nick Goody from Triple-A Columbus.Right-hander Shawn Armstrong, one of six pitchers used in the 10-4 defeat, was...

AP Sports WriterPhillies finalize deal $9M deal with Michael SaundersBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Michael Saunders have finalized a $9 million, one-year contract.Saunders will earn $8 million this season, and the Phillies have a 2018 option worth $10.5 million with a $1 million buyout.The...

AP Sports WriterMarlins acquire RHP Straily from Reds for 3 minor leaguersBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Replacing Jose Fernandez will be a collective task for the Miami Marlins, with 14-game winner Dan Straily joining the effort Thursday.Miami obtained Straily from the Cincinnati Reds for three minor leaguers, including right-handers...

Associated PressHome runs remain a problem for Marlins' ChenBy CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) The same issue that plagued Wei-Yin Chen during his first season with the Miami Marlins continues to trouble him.Chen allowed two more homers in Miami's 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The...

Cubs put Zobrist on disabled list, call up La StellaPITTSBURGH (AP) The Chicago Cubs have put switch-hitter Ben Zobrist on the 10-day disabled list because of an inflamed right wrist.The move was made prior to Friday night's game against Pittsburgh and was retroactive to June 13. Zobrist, who...

Mike Fiers and Astros agree to $3.45 million, 1-year dealHOUSTON (AP) Right-hander Mike Fiers and the Houston Astros have avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a $3.45 million, one-year contract.The deal Thursday avoided a hearing next month. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Fiers settled at the midpoint...

LEADING OFF: Betts, Bogaerts on a tear; Urias, Carrasco backBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Thursday:---RED-HOT RED SOXMookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts are on a tear for the Boston Red Sox in Baltimore. Betts homered three times Tuesday and went deep in his...

Contreras homers for Cubs with his first pitch in majorsBy The Associated PressCHICAGO (AP) Prized prospect Willson Contreras crushed the first pitch he saw in Major League Baseball for a two-run home run as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-5 on Sunday.Contreras, called up from the...

AP Sports WriterLongoria optimistic Rays can be better in 2017By FRED GOODALLPORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) Evan Longoria is sporting a new look in spring training and feeling better about what the Tampa Bay Rays have done in hopes of giving themselves a better chance to win.The 31-year-old third...