MLB

AP Sports WriterLast-minute deal sends Verlander to HoustonBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) When Houston manager A.J. Hinch called to welcome Justin Verlander to the team, the pitcher's first question was when he'd make his debut for the Astros.The answer is Tuesday at Seattle after the Astros orchestrated a last-minute...

AP Sports WriterTexas teams' plans upended by Hurricane HarveyBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers won't travel to Houston as planned after their games Sunday in California because of torrential floodwaters that have engulfed the city in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.The Rangers had been...

AP Sports WriterCubs activate RHP Grimm from 10-day DLBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Dillon Maples called his father last year and told him he was thinking about quitting baseball for good.This time, he called to say he was headed for the majors.Maples was promoted to the Chicago Cubs on...

Cubs ace Arrieta exits with apparent injury to right legPITTSBURGH (AP) Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta left in the third inning of Monday's start against the Pittsburgh Pirates with an apparent injury to his right leg.Arrieta seemed to be in discomfort after throwing a pitch to Pittsburgh's Josh...

D-backs clinch wild-card berth when Cards, Brewers losePHOENIX (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched their first postseason berth since 2011 when St. Louis and Milwaukee both lost Sunday.Arizona was trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning against Miami when the Diamondbacks were assured of one of the NL's two wild...

AP Baseball WriterRebuilding begins in earnest for 98-loss TigersBy NOAH TRISTERDETROIT (AP) The bottom finally fell out for the Detroit Tigers this season.After years of spending lavishly and chasing a World Series title, the Tigers are now firmly in a rebuilding mode after finishing tied for the worst...

LEADING OFF: Granderson joins Dodgers, trio goes for No. 15By The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Saturday:---DODGERS LOADING UPCurtis Granderson could join the Dodgers at Detroit after the veteran outfielder was acquired from the New York Mets late Friday night. Los Angeles is running...

Pujols passes Sosa on HR list, Angels beat Rangers 10-1ANAHEIM, California (AP) For Albert Pujols, the home runs keep coming and the records keep falling.The Angels slugger hit a three-run homer Tuesday night, the 610th of his career, breaking a tie for eighth on the career list with...

Dodgers activate Adrian Gonzalez from disabled listDETROIT (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the disabled list, and he's set to start Friday night against Detroit.The 35-year-old Gonzalez has missed over two months because of a herniated lumbar disk. He last played for...

Ex-college player who inspired ice bucket challenge honoredBOSTON (AP) A Massachusetts man who inspired the ice bucket challenge has been honored for helping to raise millions of dollars for Lou Gehrig's disease research.Boston Mayor Martin Walsh on Tuesday declared Sept. 5 Pete Frates (FRAY'-tees) Day as the former...

Red Sox INF Nunez limps out of game after infield hitBOSTON (AP) Red Sox utility infielder Eduardo Nunez left Saturday night's game against Tampa Bay in the second inning after he came up limping running out an infield hit.Nunez had missed Friday's victory with lower back spasms and...

Associated PressStreak on: Indians beat Orioles for 18th win in a rowBy STEVE HERRICKCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Indians stretched their franchise-record winning streak to 18 games, beating the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 Sunday night behind homers from Francisco Lindor and Roberto Perez.Cleveland's streak is the longest in the majors...