MLB

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...

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...

MLB's schedule opens March 29, earliest regular startNEW YORK (AP) The 2018 Major League Baseball season will begin on March 29, the earliest start in the sport's history excluding international openers.All teams will play on opening day for the first time since 1968, the last year before the...

LEADING OFF: Indians still rolling, Dodgers still reelingBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Monday:---...AND COUNTINGThe Indians can win their 19th straight game when they open a series against Detroit. Cleveland is two victories shy of the 2002 ''Moneyball'' Athletics for the longest streak...

AP Sports WriterMarlins luminaries Conine, Dawson, Perez part of sale purgeBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Jeff Conine, who goes by the nickname Mr. Marlin, is part of the purge of Miami Marlins executives before the sale of the team to Derek Jeter's investment group.Conine said Saturday he was told...

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....

LEADING OFF: Astros home for 1st time since Hurricane HarveyBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Saturday:---HOMECOMINGThe Houston Astros play their first game at Minute Maid Park since Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding. The AL West leaders had a home series earlier this week...

AP Sports WriterBlackjack!: Indians set AL record with 21st straight winBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Indians hit baseball blackjack - 21!Making history almost every time they take the field, the Indians won their 21st straight game on Wednesday, 5-3 over the Detroit Tigers, to set an American...

AP Baseball WriterPerson familiar with matter to AP: MLB review of umpire hitBy BEN WALKERNEW YORK (AP) Major League Baseball is reviewing how an umpire got hit this week by a pitch that a catcher missed in a game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians, a person...

Baseball HOF getting ready for its annual film festivalCOOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) The National Baseball Hall of Fame is getting ready for its annual film festival.A screening of ''Million Dollar Arm'' kicks off the 12th annual celebration of the national pastime Friday in Cooperstown. The 2014 Walt Disney Pictures...

AP Sports WriterPowered up: Encarnacion back for Indians in ALDS Game 5By TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Indians' lineup is at full power for Game 5. Edwin Encarnacion is back.After missing two games with a sprained right ankle, Cleveland's cleanup hitter is in the lineup Wednesday night as the...

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...