MLB

LEADING OFF: Cubs and Twins can clinch, Harper getting closeBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---PARTY TIMEThe Cubs can clinch the NL Central for a second straight year with a win against St. Louis or a loss by Milwaukee. Jake Arrieta (14-9, 3.43...

Hall of Fame Barry Larkin not a candidate for Reds managerCINCINNATI (AP) Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin is not a candidate to become the Cincinnati Reds manager.President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams said Tuesday that Larkin prefers to remain in his current role of helping develop minor...

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Brian Dozier participated in Minnesota's first full-squad workout on Sunday. Yup, he was a little surprised, too. Dozier set career highs with 42 homers and 99 RBIs last season, one of the few bright spots in a 103-loss season for the Twins. The second baseman was rumored...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber pitched three innings in a minor league rehab start on Thursday, the most significant outing since a line drive broke his right forearm three months ago. Kluber, who was hit May 1 in Miami, allowed two home runs and threw 41 pitches...

Associated PressPa. won't allow Blue Jays to play at Pittsburgh's PNC ParkBy MARC LEVY, ROB GILLIES and WILL GRAVESTORONTO (AP) The state of Pennsylvania won't allow the Toronto Blue Jays to play at PNC Park in Pittsburgh amid the coronavirus pandemic, health officials announced Wednesday.''In recent weeks, we...

Ryne Stanek, Astros agree to $1.1 million, 1-year contractHOUSTON (AP) Right-hander Ryne Stanek and the Houston Astros agreed Thursday to a $1.1 million, one-year contract.Stanek spent last season with the Marlins, and he made $223,778 prorated from his $604,200 salary. He became a free agent he wasn't offered...

AP Sports WriterMuncy, Pederson return to Dodgers lineup for Game 4By CHARLES ODUMATLANTA (AP) Max Muncy is starting at first base and Joc Pederson is in left field for the Los Angeles Dodgers against Atlanta Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz in Monday's Game 4 of the NL Division Series.Each...

AP Baseball WriterCéspedes says he'll be ready to start season with MetsBy MIKE FITZPATRICKNEW YORK (AP) Yoenis Cespedes is sure he'll be ready to start the pandemic-delayed season with the New York Mets.Out of the lineup for almost two years, the 34-year-old slugger said Saturday he finally is...

Mets' Canó limps off after straining left hamstringPITTSBURGH (AP) New York Mets star Robinson Cano limped off the field after straining his left hamstring while rounding first base.Cano grabbed at the back of his leg and pulled up after lining a hit to right in the fourth inning...

AP Sports WriterMariners sign Japanese left-handed pitcher Yusei KikuchiBy TIM BOOTHSEATTLE (AP) ??? The Seattle Mariners have signed Japanese left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a four-year deal just ahead of the deadline for him to sign with a major league club or be forced to return to Japan for...

Associated PressMets' Syndergaard prepared to start opening dayBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) New York Mets manager Terry Collins has not officially revealed his opening day starter yet, waiting instead for a spring training announcement.The worst-kept secret around the Mets is that it will be Noah Syndergaard...

Rays preparing to use 4-man pitching rotationPORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Rays intend to use a four-man rotation while filling a fifth starter's role with a combination of multi-inning relievers this season.Manager Kevin Cash delivered the surprising news Wednesday, saying the club thinks it has enough...