MLB

Associated PressAstros' McCullers pitches for 1st time since '18, fans GoldyBy BY CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Lance McCullers spun a curveball that Paul Goldschmidt swung over for strike three, then looked toward the Houston dugout.That was enough on this day.So McCullers smiled, bounced the ball in...

Orioles hire Roger McDowell as their pitching coachBALTIMORE (AP) The Baltimore Orioles have hired Roger McDowell to be their pitching coach.The 55-year-old McDowell replaces Dave Wallace, who retired after the 2016 season.McDowell was pitching coach of the Atlanta Braves for 11 years before being fired in October. From...

AP Baseball WriterBullpens looming large again for this year's postseasonBy NOAH TRISTERAround this time last year, the Cleveland Indians were providing a preview of the American League postseason.Manager Terry Francona was using newly acquired reliever Andrew Miller in all sorts of situations, and for more than one inning if...

The Baltimore Orioles will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Friday when they take on the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. The Orioles will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Jo-Jo Reyes in this game. Reyes has a 6-9 record and a 5.33 ERA this...

Associated PressTwins' Max Kepler retraces steps in trip back to GermanyBy CIAR??N FAHEYBERLIN (AP) When Max Kepler makes an acrobatic catch for the Minnesota Twins, perhaps he owes a bit to his parents.Back in his hometown of Berlin, the 26-year-old outfielder paid tribute to his parents, professional ballet...

Associated PressNova will start opener, might not finish season with PiratesBy JOHN PERROTTOBRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Ivan Nova will be the Pirates' opening-day starting pitcher at Detroit in March 29. It is unclear whether he will remain with Pittsburgh through the entire season.Following the offseason trades 2013 NL MVP...

MLB, players' union donate to Bahamas relief on Clemente DayNEW YORK (AP) Major League Baseball and the players' union have made a joint donation of $210,000 to help with relief and recovery in the Bahamas after the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian.The donation was made Wednesday, recognized as...

Associated PressBrewers reliever Knebel having elbow surgery, out this yearBy CHARLES F. GARDNERMILWAUKEE (AP) Brewers reliever Corey Knebel says he will have Tommy John surgery and miss the season, a major setback for the NL Central champions.Knebel revealed his decision Friday before Milwaukee played St. Louis.The 27-year-old right-hander...

Slugger Mark Reynolds says he's retiring after 13-year runPHOENIX (AP) Slugger Mark Reynolds is retiring after hitting 298 homers over 13 seasons with eight teams.The 36-year-old made the announcement Thursday on SiriusXM Radio. When the free agent was asked whether he still was pursuing a new team, Reynolds...

Brewers going with lefty Gio Gonzalez in Game 1 of NLCSMILWAUKEE (AP) Gio Gonzalez will start for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.The Brewers have chosen Wade Miley to start in Game 2 on Saturday,...

AP Sports WriterAwestruck Ted Simmons marvels at the Baseball Hall of FameBy JOHN KEKISCOOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) Ted Simmons just had to stop and soak it all in.''It's totally overwhelming and humbling, to say the very least,'' Simmons said Thursday as he gazed at the Baseball Hall of Fame's...

AP Baseball WriterAll those wins add up: Under new rule, Dodgers host Game 7By BEN WALKERLOS ANGELES (AP) All you fans who hated the rule that linked the All-Star Game to home-field advantage in the World Series, guess what?This is your year.The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Houston...