PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Gabe Kapler wants the opportunity to lead the Philadelphia Phillies back to the postseason after consecutive collapses in September.It's still uncertain whether he'll get another chance.A season that began with high expectations following the arrival of Bryce Harper and other high-profile players ended the same as the previous seven years: without October baseball.The Phillies finished 81-81, a one game improvement from Kapler's rookie season as manager. Frustrated fans want to see change but management hasn't announced a decision either way."I love managing that group of players," Kapler said after the season ended Sunday. "I love working with that staff. I love working with this front office. They give me all sorts of autonomy. I have felt supported by our ownership group. Our ownership group has done everything in their power to put a winning product on the field. I'm proud to be a Philadelphia Phillie and will do it as long as I'm able."The Phillies were only two... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:HOT SEATThe day after the regular season can be dicey for managers — a lot of teams like to make changes.A couple of clubs got a head start on their winter plans Sunday, with the Cubs announcing Joe Maddon wouldn't be back and the Pirates firing Clint Hurdle. That makes five openings — San Francisco's Bruce Bochy and Kansas City's Ned Yost stepped away after previously saying they would retire, and San Diego's Andy Green was fired on Sept. 21.Philadelphia's Gabe Kapler and the New York Mets' Mickey Callaway are thought to be in danger of losing their jobs this week.Kapler's Phillies have gone 161-163 over two seasons, including 81-81 this year after signing Bryce Harper to a $330 million, 13-year contract, also adding Andrew McCutchen and David Robertson and trading for star catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Jean Segura.Callaway's Mets are 163-161, including 86-76 this year after first-year general manager Brodie Van Wagenen proclaimed... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have lost pitchers Jake Arrieta and David Robertson for the rest of the season, and outfielder Roman Quinn was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.Arrieta will have surgery to remove bone chips in his pitching elbow. The 33-year-old right-hander was 8-8 with a 4.64 ERA in 24 starts, and had been trying to pitch through the injury for the last month.Robertson, a right-handed reliever, had Tommy John surgery on Thursday and will likely miss all of the 2020 season as well. Signed to a two-year, $23 million contract in the offseason, he was able to pitch just 6 2/3 innings this year.Quinn strained his right groin trying to beat out a grounder in the eighth inning of the Phillies' 8-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Friday night. He is batting .213 with three doubles, four homers and 11 RBIs in 44 games.Philadelphia activated right-handed reliever Jared Hughes after claiming him off waivers from Cincinnati earlier this week. Hughes went 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA in 47 games with the Reds this season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies bolstered their beleaguered rotation.Left-hander Jason Vargas was acquired from the New York Mets on Monday for Double-A catcher Austin Bossart.The 36-year-old is 6-5 with a 4.01 ERA, winning his last three starts. He became expendable when the Mets acquired right-hander Marcus Stroman from Toronto on Sunday night for a pair of pitching prospects."Jason Vargas is battle-tested and has been relatively effective for the better part of a decade now," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "He gives his team a chance to win the game every time he takes the ball. I like the fact it's a different look. He's a soft-tossing lefty. We have a lot of hard-throwing righties. He's a good complement to our pitching staff."Vargas is expected to start this weekend against the Chicago White Sox. Zach Eflin, who is scheduled to pitch Friday, has a 10.46 ERA in his last six starts. Vargas could take that spot on regular four days' rest.Vargas is owed $2,666,667... [More]

Using the search engine at Baseball-Reference.com, The Associated Press evaluated each team's draft performance from 1996 through 2018, adding up wins above replacement (WAR) figures for drafted players.For each pick, the player's career WAR was added to the appropriate total for the team, depending on whether or not the player signed with the team after being drafted. Some players had their WAR totals included multiple times, if they were drafted more than once.Stats are through May 25. Compensation picks were considered part of the first round where applicable.___ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKSTotal WAR for all drafted players: 581.8 (MLB rank: 4th)Total WAR for drafted players who signed: 440.1 (rank: 5th)Total WAR for drafted players who did not sign: 141.7Impact players (10 WAR or more) drafted: 17 (rank: tie-9th)Impact players drafted and signed: 13 (rank: 12th)Most recent impact player drafted and signed: Trevor Bauer, 2011, first round, pick No. 3 (15.2 WAR)Lowest pick for impact player drafted... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies manager Gable Kapler could have draped a stethoscope around his neck in his office that seemed more fit for an urgent care."I have notes on injury stuff," Kapler said Wednesday, not long before Philadelphia's scheduled game against St. Louis went into a rain delay. "There's some stuff to report."Just a few notes.One reliever had surgery. Another went on the injured list. Three more relievers may not return until some time in June.The next call to the bullpen could come on the trade market. Who has a number for Craig Kimbrel?General manager Matt Klentak knows the Phillies will have to strengthen their bullpen for a serious shot at their first playoff berth since 2011."I know that Matt is always looking for help," Kapler said. "Matt is diligent about improving our roster all the time. My job is to always stay focused on the roster. The guys that we have in our organization, my job is to know them well, not just the guys at the major league level but the guys at... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies reliever David Robertson was told by Dr. James Andrews not to throw for three weeks to allow the flexor strain in his right elbow time to heal.Robertson hasn't pitched since April 14. Philadelphia does not have a timetable for his return, but he is expected to miss at least another month.Robertson signed a $23 million deal in the offseason. The 34-year-old right-hander was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances.He was an All-Star with the Yankees in 2011 and has 137 saves in 12 seasons.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle injury,... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies reliever David Robertson has been placed on the 10-day injured list because of a sore right elbow.Right-hander Drew Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Robertson's spot. The moves were announced before Monday night's game against the New York Mets.Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Robertson will have an MRI on Tuesday.Robertson worked two scoreless innings in Philadelphia's 3-1, 14-inning victory at Miami on Sunday. He has a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances but hasn't allowed a run in his last four.The Phillies signed Robertson to a $23 million, two-year contact in the offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Robertson forced home the game-ending run with a ninth-inning walk to Jake Noll, a rookie without a hit in his two previous major league at-bats, and the Nationals beat the previously unbeaten Phillies 9-8 Wednesday as Washington's fans again booed Bryce Harper.Noll was sent to the minors after the game to make room for utilityman Howie Kendrick to come off the injured list Thursday.Robertson (0-1) gave up a leadoff single to Anthony Rendon, then walked three batters in a row.Nationals closer Sean Doolittle (2-0) worked the ninth.Philadelphia fell to 4-1 — it had been the last team in the majors without a loss. Making his second appearance against his former team since signing a $330 million, 13-year deal with the Phillies, Harper hit a pair of singles and was walked three times, twice intentionally.RED SOX 6, ATHLETICS 3OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mookie Betts' two-out grounder hit the third base bag and popped into the outfield for a tiebreaking, two-run double in the... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Robertson forced home the game-ending run with a ninth-inning walk to Jake Noll, a rookie without a hit in his two previous major league at-bats, and the Nationals beat the previously unbeaten Phillies 9-8 Wednesday as Washington's fans again booed Bryce Harper.Noll was sent to the minors after the game to make room for utilityman Howie Kendrick to come off the injured list Thursday.Robertson (0-1) gave up a leadoff single to Anthony Rendon, then walked three batters in a row.Nationals closer Sean Doolittle (2-0) worked the ninth.Philadelphia fell to 4-1 — it had been the last team in the majors without a loss. Making his second appearance against his former team since signing a $330 million, 13-year deal with the Phillies, Harper hit a pair of singles and was walked three times, twice intentionally.PADRES 4, DIAMONDBACKS 1SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado hit his first home run for San Diego, a two-run drive in the seventh off former Padres farmhand Matt Andriese.... [More]

April 71925 — Babe Ruth collapsed in a railroad station in Asheville, N.C. He would be hospitalized in New York and operated on 10 days later for an ulcer.1964 — Shea Stadium in New York opened for the first regular season game. The Mets lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3.1969 — The Yankees spoiled the managerial debut of Ted Williams by defeating the Senators 8-4 in the opener at Washington's RFK Stadium. President Nixon and a crowd of 45,000 attended.1970 — Three weeks after moving from Seattle to Milwaukee, the former Pilots played their first game as the Brewers and lost 12-0 to the visiting California Angels.1973 — Cleveland set an attendance record for day games and opening-day games by attracting 74,420 fans. The Indians beat the Detroit Tigers, 2-1.1977 — The expansion Toronto Blue Jays began their major league odyssey with a 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium. Al Woods, pinch hitting for Steve Bowling in the fifth inning, became the 11th pinch... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:FOR OPENERSBryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and everyone else is set to play, at last. All 30 teams are in action, with opening day on deck at Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and ballparks in between. The forecast is pretty good in most places, with no snow or frosty temps expected, although rain is a possibility in Kansas City and Oakland.Chris Sale starts for the World Series champion Red Sox when they visit red-hot Seattle — well, the Mariners have started out 2-0 after sweeping the A's last week at the Tokyo Dome.CY AND SIGHJacob deGrom and Blake Snell get an early chance to defend their Cy Young Awards — first-time winners last year, they're pitching against the guys who were the runner-ups.DeGrom (10-9, MLB-leading 1.70 ERA) starts for the Mets when they face three-time Cy winner Max Scherzer (18-7, MLB-high 300 strikeouts) at Nationals Park. Snell (21-5, 1.89 ERA) starts for the Rays vs. Justin Verlander (16-9, AL-best 290 Ks)... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:FOR OPENERSBryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and everyone else is set to play, at last. All 30 teams are in action, with opening day on deck at Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and ballparks in between. The forecast is pretty good in most places, with no snow or frosty temps expected, although rain is a possibility in Kansas City and Oakland.Chris Sale starts for the World Series champion Red Sox when they visit red-hot Seattle — well, the Mariners have started out 2-0 after sweeping the A's last week at the Tokyo Dome.CY AND SIGHJacob deGrom and Blake Snell get an early chance to defend their Cy Young Awards — first-time winners last year, they're pitching against the guys who were the runner-ups.DeGrom (10-9, MLB-leading 1.70 ERA) starts for the Mets when they face three-time Cy winner Max Scherzer (18-7, MLB-high 300 strikeouts) at Nationals Park. Snell (21-5, 1.89 ERA) starts for the Rays vs. Justin Verlander (16-9, AL-best 290... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — This is the Ichiro effect.Richard Snitzer had never been to Japan. What finally drove the Japanese-American to travel here from his home in Hayward, California, was Ichiro Suzuki; not family ties, not pure wanderlust, but a chance to see a player he called "simply the best."And get this. He's not even a Mariners fan, which he's advertised by wearing his A's jersey around the Tokyo Dome.He'll be there Wednesday when Major League Baseball opens the 2019 season with Seattle facing Oakland to start a two-game series. The 45-year-old Ichiro is expected to play in both. What happens next? Ichiro isn't saying.One thing is sure. It will be great theater."I'll have my phone ready to go, and I'll shoot and stand up and applaud when he bats," Snitzer said. "I just hope he doesn't get the winning hit against the A's. If he hits a home run that doesn't affect the game, I'll be thrilled."A's pitcher Liam Hendriks probably spoke for both teams."We're just happy to be along for the ride,"... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — For years, the NL East has been soft as a bunt single.Not anymore.Even before Bryce Harper decided to stay inside the division, four of the five teams spent this offseason swinging for the fences. In addition to defending champion Atlanta, the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals all have enough firepower to potentially contend for the playoffs."This is probably going to be the stiffest competition in a division race in my career," Nationals ace Max Scherzer said at spring training.It's certainly a noticeable transformation.In the past eight seasons, the NL East has won a grand total of two playoff series and produced one pennant winner — with the 2015 Mets responsible for the entirety of that October success.Two years ago, Washington finished a whopping 20 games in front, and no other team in the division was better than 77-85.Last season, Atlanta rolled to a surprise title at 90-72, the fewest wins of any postseason participant. No... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — For years, the NL East has been soft as a bunt single.Not anymore.Even before Bryce Harper decided to stay inside the division, four of the five teams spent this offseason swinging for the fences. In addition to defending champion Atlanta, the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals all have enough firepower to potentially contend for the playoffs."This is probably going to be the stiffest competition in a division race in my career," Nationals ace Max Scherzer said at spring training.It's certainly a noticeable transformation.In the past eight seasons, the NL East has won a grand total of two playoff series and produced one pennant winner — with the 2015 Mets responsible for the entirety of that October success.Two years ago, Washington finished a whopping 20 games in front, and no other team in the division was better than 77-85.Last season, Atlanta rolled to a surprise title at 90-72, the fewest wins of any postseason participant. No... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper sounded like a typical Philadelphian talking about a goal every Phillies fan will endorse."I want to be on Broad Street on a frickin' boat or bus or whatever it is and hold a (World Series) trophy over my head," the six-time All-Star said Saturday after putting on his new No. 3 jersey.The Phillies are counting on Harper to help them win only the third championship in franchise history. Philadelphia gave Harper a 13-year contract, the largest deal in baseball history at $330 million. His arrival has fans scurrying to the box office. The team said 180,000 tickets were sold in less than two days after the agreement was reported Thursday afternoon."He's a magnetic personality and he plays the game with his heart on his sleeve and Philadelphia loves that," Phillies owner John Middleton said. "They love people who leave a little skin on the grass."Harper was greeted by the Phillie Phanatic as he walked onto the first base dugout at the team's spring training... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper has the Philadelphia Phillies thinking October baseball before even arriving in camp.The six-time All-Star outfielder and the Phillies agreed Thursday to a $330 million, 13-year contract, the largest deal in baseball history. Now a team that hasn't had a winning record since 2011 is talking about winning championships."Everybody talks about this picture behind us," slugger Rhys Hoskins said on Friday about a photo hanging outside the clubhouse that captures the moment the team won the 2008 World Series. "There's rally towels waving around, can't see an empty seat, can't see a place where people can stand. I don't want to hear about it anymore. I want to feel it. I think we're on our way and Bryce gives us a chance to be there."The Phillies already liked their chances in the NL East after adding All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, two-time All-Star shortstop Jean Segura and reliever David Robertson to a club that won 80 games... [More]