MLB

NEW YORK (AP) Joe Maddon and Jeff Banister were a huge hit in their new jobs. Now, immediate team success has reaped individual rewards.Maddon won his third Manager of the Year award Tuesday and Banister his first after each guided an unexpected run to the playoffs.In his initial...

Associated PressHinch: McCullers Jr. unlikely to rejoin Astros rotationBy DAN GREENSPANANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch does not expect Lance McCullers Jr. to rejoin the starting rotation this season when he returns from a forearm injury.Hinch said Sunday it is unlikely McCullers, who is 10-6 with...

Dodgers' Kershaw to start opening day for 9th timeGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Clayton Kershaw will start the Los Angeles Dodgers' opener against the visiting San Francisco Giants on March 26.Manager Dave Roberts announced the decision on Monday.Kershaw will extend his franchise record for opening day starts to nine. His...

AP Sports WriterMega deal: Indians trade star Lindor, Carrasco to MetsBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Francisco Lindor's moving to a new city and a new team that is willing to meet his salary demands.The four-time All-Star shortstop was traded Thursday along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York...

Mariners, Athletics to play next season's opener in JapanNEW YORK (AP) The Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners will play an opening two-game series in Tokyo on March 20 and 21, the fifth time Major League Baseball will start its season in Japan.Major League Baseball said Tuesday that Oakland...

AP Sports WriterShowalter fired as Orioles manager after 115-loss seasonBy DAVID GINSBURGBALTIMORE (AP) Buck Showalter has been fired as manager of the Orioles, who made three playoff appearances under his guidance but this year staggered through the worst season since the team moved to Baltimore in 1954.Showalter confirmed...

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...

AP Baseball WriterTrick or treat: For Astros kids, costumes before curveballsBy RONALD BLUMLOS ANGELES (AP) With Game 6 of the World Series being played on Halloween, costumed children of the Houston Astros gathered in the lobby of the team hotel.''The trick-or-treating in the hotel (had to) suffice, because...

Associated PressBraun's grand slam lifts Brewers past Cardinals 7-6By STEVE OVERBEYST. LOUIS (AP) Ryan Braun hit a go-ahead grand slam off Junior Fernandez with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-6 Sunday to keep up their playoff push by...

Indians acquire right-hander Carlos Frias from DodgersCLEVELAND (AP) The Indians have acquired right-hander Carlos Frias in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash.Frias has gone 6-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 33 games over the past three seasons for the Dodgers, who signed the Dominican Republic...

Marlins part with pitching coach Nieves, 3 other coachesMIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins are parting with pitching coach Juan Nieves and three other coaches after their 98-loss season.Also not returning in 2019 will be first base coach Perry Hill, assistant hitting coach Frank Menechino and strength and conditioning...

AP Baseball WriterWho's on second? All-Star Game set to trot out free runnersBy BEN WALKERCLEVELAND (AP) Picture this, baseball fans.All-Star Game tied 4-all Tuesday night at Progressive Field, flamethrower Aroldis Chapman set to face rookie sensation Pete Alonso to start the top of the 10th inning.But, wait! Before...