MLB

AP Sports WriterColumn: MLB needs to protect its fans at every ballparkBy PAUL NEWBERRYATLANTA (AP) There's always a surge of excitement when a foul ball comes your way, mixed with a sense of dread.It's a thrilling souvenir to take home from the ballpark.Yet too many fans have been...

Puig powers Dodgers to 8-5 win over D-backs, 2-0 series leadBy The Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) Yasiel Puig had three hits and drove in two runs, Austin Barnes added a key two-run double as the Los Angeles Dodgers used another relentless offensive performance to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks...

NEW YORK (AP) Just when they'd been designated automatic outs, pitchers are making an impact at the plate in the National League playoffs.Clayton Kershaw singled to start a three-run rally for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jacob deGrom dropped down a flawless bunt that set up the New York...

Rays sign pitcher Michael Wacha to $3 million, 1-year dealST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a $3 million, one-year contract on Friday to fill a void in the rotation with the departure of Charlie Morton.The 29-year old Wacha...

AP Sports WriterShohei Ohtani back on Big A mound in Angels' intrasquad gameBy GREG BEACHAMANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Shohei Ohtani threw competitive pitches off the mound at Angel Stadium on Tuesday for the first time in two years.Ohtani struggled with his control in the Los Angeles Angels' intrasquad game,...

AP Sports WriterIndians' Ramírez has surgery, not ruled out for postseasonBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Jose Ramirez's regular season is over. The postseason remains in play - if the Indians can make it without him.Cleveland's hard-hitting third baseman is expected to need five to seven weeks to recover after...

Brewers join other clubs in extending protective nettingMILWAUKEE (AP) The Milwaukee Brewers have plans to extend the protective netting on the field level at Miller Park.The netting will now run to the outer edge of each dugout.The Brewers' plans are in line with other clubs that will expand...

TV viewers drop 10 percent from 2016 for World Series Game 2LOS ANGELES (AP) Viewers for the second game of the World Series dropped 10 percent from last year, less than the 21 percent decline for the opener.Houston's 7-6, 11-inning win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday...

AP Sports WriterAstros dynamo Altuve looks to build off MVP seasonBy KRISTIE RIEKENWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) After winning American League MVP last season with another great performance in a stellar young career, many wonder what Jose Altuve will do for an encore.The Astros aren't among those with...

AP Sports WriterPadres acquire Moreland from Red Sox for 2 prospectsBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) The San Diego Padres picked up slugger hitter Mitch Moreland in a trade Sunday with Boston.In exchange, the Red Sox acquired a pair of prospects from San Diego, outfielder Jeisson Rosario and infielder Hudson...

Associated PressRays rally in 9th, beat Mariners 7-6 to avoid sweepBy MARK DIDTLERST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays struggled during a six-game homestand against a pair of last-place teams but were able to break even due to three walk-off wins.Kevin Kiermaier drove in four runs, including...

AP Sports WriterAstros pick up Baker's contract option for 2021 seasonBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros have picked up the option for the 2021 season on manager Dusty Baker's contract.Baker was hired in January to replace AJ Hinch, who was fired by the team after he and...