MLB

LEADING OFF: Will Romine play 9? Plus Marlins return homeBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---ROAMING ROMINE?Tigers manager Brad Ausmus says he may play Andrew Romine at all nine positions during one of Detroit's games this week against Oakland. Romine has played everywhere...

Red Sox fined for stealing signs, Yanks docked lesser amountNEW YORK (AP) The Boston Red Sox have been fined by Major League Baseball for using electronic equipment to steal signs given by a Yankees catcher this season, and New York has been fined a lesser amount for improper...

AP Sports WriterRed Sox return home looking to avoid being swept by AstrosBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) If the Boston Red Sox are nervous about the possibility of being swept out of the playoffs for the second straight year, they were trying hard not to show it on Saturday.A...

Padres sign pitcher Clayton Richard to $6M, 2-year contractSAN DIEGO (AP) The rebuilding San Diego Padres and left-hander Clayton Richard agreed to a $6 million, two-year contract Wednesday that runs through 2019.The 34-year-old Richard is the oldest player on the team, which doesn't envision being competitive until 2019...

AP Sports WriterIncredible Indians romp, roll on 17-game winning streakBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Over two hours before the game's first pitch, the mood inside the clubhouse of baseball's hottest team is almost fraternity-house loose.Championship-level chill.In one corner, All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor smiles while peeling off his backpack and...

AP Sports WriterGirardi takes blame, 'feels horrible' for Yanks' Game 2 lossBy JAKE SEINERNEW YORK (AP) After a crushing loss, Yankees manager Joe Girardi spent the night pondering his decision not to challenge a critical hit-by-pitch call during a game-changing sixth inning.His verdict?''I screwed up.''Girardi took the blame...

AP Sports WriterIndians' Encarnacion "much better," eyeing postseason returnBy JAKE SEINERNEW YORK (AP) Even on their days off, things keep going right for the Cleveland Indians.Slugger Edwin Encarnacion is hoping to play again this postseason after spraining his right ankle during a frightening moment in Game 2 of...

LEADING OFF: Indians go for 18, Brewers can sweep CubsBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Sunday:---SUNDAY NIGHT STREAKINGThe Indians will play for their 18th straight victory in a nationally televised game against the Orioles. Francisco Lindor homered to help Cleveland win its franchise-record...

Associated PressBell's homer sends Pirates to sweep of OriolesBy ALAN SAUNDERSPITTSBURGH (AP) With four games remaining in their season, the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely finish next-to-last in the majors in home runs.But rookie first baseman Josh Bell is a sign for hope in the future. Bell hit a...

AP Sports WriterReports: Otani likely to sign with MLB in costly moveBy JIM ARMSTRONGTOKYO (AP) Shohei Otani is likely to leave Japan and sign with a Major League Baseball team after this season, multiple reports in Japanese media said Wednesday, a move that would cost the 23-year-old pitcher...

Flores leaves game after fouling ball off faceHOUSTON (AP) New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores left Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros after fouling a ball off his face.Flores was batting in the fourth inning when he fouled a ball from pitcher Brad Peacock and it...

Associated PressCardinals: Cupboard isn't bare after missing playoffs againBy WARREN MAYESST. LOUIS (AP) Despite another winning record in St. Louis, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina summed up his feelings about the season simply.''No matter what happens, if you don't make the (playoffs) it's not a good year,'' said Molina,...