MLB

AP Sports WriterEpstein: No trade talks for Cubs despite Machado speculationBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) The idea of Manny Machado joining Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo in a powerhouse lineup sure is a tantalizing one.Whether that happens or not, the Chicago Cubs are banking on the players they have...

Hanley Ramirez designated for assignment by Red SoxBOSTON (AP) Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 remaining on his contract but avoided him triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.Boston made the move Friday to clear a roster...

Brewers demote Orlando Arcia, acquire Kratz from YankeesMILWAUKEE (AP) The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned slumping shortstop Orlando Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves.The Brewers will send a player to be named...

AP Baseball WriterMLB panel says baseballs getting extra lift, cause unknownBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Baseballs really are getting extra lift, and it's not from the exaggerated upper cuts batters are taking, according to a 10-person committee of researchers hired by the commissioner's office.But a panel that includes...

Welington Castillo of White Sox banned 80 games for EPO testNEW YORK (AP) Chicago White Sox catcher Welington Castillo was suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.The commissioner's office cited use of EPO. Erythropoietin is a hormone...

Sano rejoins Twins, missed 24 games with hamstring injuryMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have reinstated third baseman Miguel Sano from the disabled list after he missed the last 24 games with a strained left hamstring.The Twins sent outfielder Jake Cave on Thursday to Triple-A Rochester.Sano went 6 for...

Welington Castillo of White Sox banned 80 games for EPO testNEW YORK (AP) - Chicago White Sox catcher Welington Castillo was suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.The commissioner's office cited use of EPO. Erythropoietin is a hormone...

Welington Castillo of White Sox banned 80 games for EPO testNEW YORK (AP) Chicago White Sox catcher Welington Castillo was suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.The commissioner's office cited use of EPO. Erythropoietin is a hormone...

Associated Press2B Pedroia returns from bad knee, rejoins Red Sox on FridayBy DICK SCANLONST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia will be activated by the Red Sox on Friday after missing Boston's first 50 games while recovering from knee surgery.Manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Pedroia...

Rays plan to start relievers in all 3 games against OriolesST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen day is now a three-day affair.Rays manager Kevin Cash announced Thursday that reliever Sergio Romo is scheduled to start Friday night and Sunday against Baltimore, and Ryne Stanek is...

Angels push back Ohtani's next outing as starting pitcherTORONTO (AP) The Los Angeles Angels are pushing back Shohei Ohtani's next outing as a starting pitcher to manage the workload of the two-way rookie, meaning he'll miss a much-anticipated showdown at Yankee Stadium against Masahiro Tanaka.Angels manager Mike Scioscia...

Associated PressTrout and Pujols hit solo HRs, Angels beat Blue Jays 8-1By IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) After a brief offensive drought, Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels are starting to swing the bats a lot better.Trout and Albert Pujols each hit solo home runs, Shohei Ohtani doubled twice...