MLB

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The Houston Astros are looking for a link between the leadoff excellence of Jose Altuve and the business of scoring enough runs to win.George Springer, the free-spirited, free-swinging outfielder who hit 20 home runs in 78 games as a rookie, welcomes the assignment.''First of all,...

Associated PressYankees reliever Betances to start season on injured listBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Yankees reliever Dellin Betances has inflammation in his right shoulder and will start the regular season on the injured list.New York general manager Brian Cashman said an MRI was done on Betances on Tuesday...

Associated PressTanaka says he isn't thinking about ability to opt outBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka says he is not thinking about his opt-out provision.Tanaka's $155 million, seven-year contract allows him to terminate the deal after this season, give up a $23 million...

The ST LOUIS and the DETROIT will both be gunning for a victory on 9/7/2018 at 7:10 PM when they meet in a game matchup. GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (78-62) at Detroit Tigers (57-83) DATE/TIME: Friday, September 07 - 7:10 PM EST WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan ROT TEAM PS OU RL 979 ST LOUIS 9 (140) (135) 9 (-110) -145 135 980 DETROIT TV: 7:10 PM LINE: 135 PREDICTION: DETROIT ,...

Mets to return Tuesday with doubleheader against MarlinsNEW YORK (AP) The New York Mets will resume play Tuesday after no additional members tested positive for COVID-19 since the team learned of two infections that caused four games to be postponed last week, Major League Baseball said.The league said...

AP Sports WriterRockies acquire outfielder Kevin Pillar from Red SoxBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) The Colorado Rockies added outfield depth by acquiring Kevin Pillar from Boston in a trade-deadline deal Monday.In exchange, the Red Sox received a player to be named or cash along with international amateur signing bonus...

AP Baseball WriterCleveland planning to start rookie Merritt in Game 4 or 5By NOAH TRISTERTORONTO (AP) The Cleveland Indians plan to start rookie left-hander Ryan Merritt in the AL Championship Series.Merritt is slated to pitch either Game 4 or 5, depending on how Trevor Bauer's injured finger holds...

AP Baseball WriterMLB ballparks will remain eerily empty on 'opening day'By STEPHEN HAWKINSARLINGTON, Texas (AP) There will be no hot dogs on the grill, no beer on tap, no vendors in the stands selling peanuts and Cracker Jack.The shiny new stadium deep in the heart of Texas will...

Cardinals pitcher Jordan Schafer headed for elbow surgeryJUPITER, Fla. (AP) St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jordan Schafer will have surgery this week on his left elbow and could ultimately need a Tommy John operation.The 30-year-old Schafer is one of the more intriguing stories across spring training. He spent six...

Rangers put Perez on DL after LHP hurts right thumb at hotelNEW YORK (AP) Martin Perez has been placed on the 10-day disabled list after injuring the thumb on his non-pitching hand in an accident at the team hotel, the latest setback for a depleted Texas Rangers rotation.The...

Fantasy Sports NetworkFANTASY PLAYS: Players to pick up, stream this week in MLBBy MICHAEL WATERLOOIt's been a week full of injuries, as more and more pitchers hit the disabled list, making arms a premium once again for Fantasy owners.He's not a pitcher, but Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez headlines the...

Fantasy Sports NetworkFANTASY PLAYS: Shortstop position youthful in fantasyBy NANDO DI FINOThe 2017 crop of fantasy shortstops can't really be summed up in your typical terms like ''stacked,'' ''terrible,'' ''shallow'' or ''deep.''It's a true mixed bag - a handful of studs, some late-round sleepers, the usual assortment of defensive...