MLB

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...

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...

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 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 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...

LEADING OFF: Cubs-Brewers meet in NL Central showdownBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening around Major League Baseball on Thursday:---NL CENTRAL SHOWDOWNIf the surprising Brewers are going to catch Chicago in the NL Central, this is probably the best chance they have left to make a big move....

AP Sports WriterMarlins' McKeon told he will not be retained by Jeter groupBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) As part of the Miami Marlins' ownership change, Jack McKeon is out.The team's 86-year-old executive said Friday he was told he will not be retained by the new ownership group that includes...

AP Sports WriterThe turnaround Twins are closing in on a postseason clinchBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins could only watch and wince when their All-Star closer and newly acquired veteran starting pitcher were both traded in the last two days before the non-waiver deadline.Three weeks later, their...

Hamels tames Mariners, Rangers stay close in wild-card huntSEATTLE (AP) Cole Hamels has a long history of winning down the stretch, and he gave the Texas Rangers exactly what they needed Thursday night.Hamels dominated for eight innings, Adrian Beltre and South Korea's Shin-Soo Choo went deep, and the...

Owner of Cubs World Series ring puts it up for saleCHICAGO (AP) At least one individual associated with the Chicago Cubs doesn't appear to be the sentimental type. The person is selling an official 2016 World Series ring commemorating the Cubs' historic championship last season, ending their 108-year...

AP Sports WriterSpeedy DeShields helps pace Rangers in 5-3 win over MarinersBy STEPHEN HAWKINSARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Delino DeShields can make good things happen for the Texas Rangers with his small ball. The speedy outfielder also has a little pop in his bat.DeShields homered after taking a speedier trip...

Dodgers celebrate Tommy Lasorda's 90th birthdayLOS ANGELES (AP) Shortly before the Los Angeles Dodgers tried to clinch the NL West on Friday night, they threw a party.One to celebrate Tommy Lasorda's 90th birthday.During a pregame ceremony, the Hall of Fame manager was surrounded by more than a dozen...