MLB

Astros owner declines comment on sign stealing investigationARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Houston Astros owner Jim Crane has declined to comment on Major League Baseball’s investigation into allegations of sign stealing.While walking through the lobby of the hotel where owners were meeting Wednesday, Crane stopped briefly when approached by reporters....

Cubs 1B Rizzo sidelined by back tightnessCHICAGO (AP) Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is out of the starting lineup because of tightness in his back.Rizzo left Saturday's 7-2 loss to Washington in the fifth inning. Rizzo has a history of back issues, but manager Joe Maddon says the...

Associated PressEx-slugger David Ortiz had counted on fans to protect himBy MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN and MARTIN JOSÉ ADAMES ALCANTARASANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) Beloved in his hometown, David Ortiz traveled the dangerous streets of Santo Domingo with little or no security, trusting in his fans to protect him.Big Papi's...

The Latest: Astros' McCullers starts Game 3, Morton Game 4LOS ANGELES (AP) The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers (all times local):4:35 p.m.Lance McCullers Jr. will start Game 3 of the World Series for the Houston Astros on...

Associated PressMets OF Conforto has tear in shoulder, injured taking swingBy SCOTT ORGERANEW YORK (AP) Mets outfielder Michael Conforto dislocated his left shoulder and suffered a tear while swinging at a pitch Thursday, and will go the disabled list.Hours after New York lost to Arizona 3-2, the team...

Harper hand X-rays negative, Phils star still gets day offNEW YORK (AP) Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is being held out of the lineup a night after taking a pitch off his right hand.X-rays were negative and manager Gabe Kapler was confident there were no fractures in the...

AP Sports WriterShort story: Indians' Lindor set to smile, sparkle in SeriesBy TOM WTHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Born in November, Francisco Lindor is an October baby this year.You'd never know these are his first steps on baseball's pressure-packed postseason stage.Cleveland's dazzling shortstop, who can illuminate a ballpark with his swing...

Hits top strikeouts in MLB in May, reversing trend in AprilNEW YORK (AP) Hits exceeded strikeouts across Major League Baseball in May after a historic number of whiffs in April.This marks a return to form. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there were 7,033 hits and 6,971 strikeouts...

Orioles star Machado makes seamless transition to shortstopSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) This spring training has been a glorious one for Manny Machado. The new Baltimore Orioles shortstop has made a seamless transition from third base to his new position and is hitting .373 with three home runs and 16...

AP Baseball WriterChris Sale's shouts rally Red Sox to brink of titleBy RONALD BLUMLOS ANGELES (AP) Chris Sale stood in the back of the dugout as the World Series was slipping away and started screaming.''He's got two pitches!'' the Boston Red Sox ace hollered to his left among...

Associated PressMazara, Guzman homer, Rangers beat Mariners 11-4By CHRIS TALBOTTSEATTLE (AP) The pitching staff of the Texas Rangers isn't sold on the idea of using an opener instead of a traditional starting pitcher - yet.The evidence continued to mount in favor or using an opener for the Rangers...

AP Sports WriterPolice: Pirates' Vázquez attempted to have sex with minorBy WILL GRAVESGREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez was being held Wednesday in a Pennsylvania jail on multiple felony charges after allegedly telling investigators he attempted to have sex with an underage girl during a meeting...