A look at what's happening around baseball today: ___ MAJOR DAY FOR MINOR LEAGUES From the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks. Much has changed since the end of the 2019 campaign — the pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated 40 affiliates, and Commissioner Rob Manfred instituted experimental rules changes that will differ by level in an effort to speed up play and improve player safety. Of course, the charms of minor league ball remain plentiful. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways and outlandish team branding remain key pillars of the experience. As does the chance for thousands of players to pursue their big-league dreams. “If you have young guys that need to play baseball, they’ve been void of it for almost two years now, they’ve got to get out there and play,” Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon... [More]

A look at what's happening around baseball Tuesday: ___ MAJOR DAY FOR MINOR LEAGUES From the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks. Much has changed since the end of the 2019 campaign — the pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated 40 affiliates, and Commissioner Rob Manfred instituted experimental rules changes that will differ by level in an effort to speed up play and improve player safety. Of course, the charms of minor league ball remain plentiful. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways and outlandish team branding remain key pillars of the experience. As does the chance for thousands of players to pursue their big-league dreams. “If you have young guys that need to play baseball, they’ve been void of it for almost two years now, they’ve got to get out there and play,” Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon... [More]

A look at what's happening around baseball Tuesday: ___ MAJOR DAY FOR MINOR LEAGUES From the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks. Much has changed since the end of the 2019 campaign — the pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated 40 affiliates, and Commissioner Rob Manfred instituted experimental rules changes that will differ by level in an effort to speed up play and improve player safety. Of course, the charms of minor league ball remain plentiful. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways and outlandish team branding remain key pillars of the experience. As does the chance for thousands of players to pursue their big-league dreams. “If you have young guys that need to play baseball, they’ve been void of it for almost two years now, they’ve got to get out there and play,” Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert couldn’t put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field Sunday. A day later, the news was no less painful for the White Sox or their promising young center fielder. Robert could miss the remainder of the season after a scan Monday showed he has a torn right hip flexor, another major blow for a team eyeing a deep playoff run. General manager Rick Hahn said their will be more consultations with specialists in the next few days to determine whether Robert needs surgery. Either way, Hahn said Robert won’t resume baseball activities for three to four months at least. It’s not clear if he will play again this year. “It hasn’t been ruled out,” Hahn said. “It just all depends on the healing timeframe here. And unfortunately, none of us are smart enough to know exactly how his body will respond to whatever’s next. We’ll just have to wait and see.” The White Sox were already without slugging outfielder Eloy Jiménez, who is expected to miss most of the season... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert is headed to the injured list after he exited Sunday’s 5-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians with a strained right hip flexor. Robert fell to the ground after beating out an infield single to third base in the first inning. He was helped off the field while putting no weight on his right leg. X-rays were negative, and he will be evaluated Monday. “It seemed like he tripped, and as he tried to regain his balance, something in his quad or his hip,” manager Tony La Russa said. Adam Eaton replaced Robert as a pinch-runner and moved to right field while Leury García took over in center. The 23-year-old Robert is batting .316 this season. The White Sox are already without slugging left fielder Eloy Jiménez, who is expected to miss five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a leaping grab during an exhibition game March 24 against Oakland. He underwent surgery March 30. Outfielder Adam Engel also is on the injured list with a strained right hamstring. La Russa said the White Sox will avoid rushing back Engel. “We’ll have somebody playing that position and step up, and you’ve just got to deal with it,” La Russa said. “We’re deep enough to cover.” Outfielder Luis González will likely be called up, La Russa said.

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert exited Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Indians with a strained right hip flexor. Robert fell to the ground after beating out an infield single to third base in the first inning. He was helped off the field while putting no weight on his right leg. X-rays were negative, and he will be evaluated Monday. Adam Eaton replaced Robert as a pinch-runner and moved to right field while Leury García took over in center. The 23-year-old Robert is is batting .316 this season. The White Sox are already without slugging left fielder Eloy Jiménez, who is expected to miss five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a leaping grab during an exhibition game March 24 against Oakland. He underwent surgery March 30. Outfielder Adam Engel also is on the injured list with a strained right hamstring. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game. Jiménez needs surgery to repair the injury, putting his season in jeopardy. General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know more when he begins the rehab process. “Obviously a difficult loss for us, important part of our offense, and one that is a bit of a shock to the system,” Hahn said Thursday on a video conference call, a day after Jiménez was hurt. “At the same time, if there was one area of this team that perhaps could withstand a significant blow, it would arguably be on the offensive side of things," he said. Even before the diagnosis, the injury immediately led to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field — where he has gotten hurt a couple times since his big league debut in 2019. “Our biggest concern is Eloy. He’s... [More]

Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game. Jiménez needs surgery to repair the injury, putting his season in jeopardy. General manager Rick Hahn said the team will know when he begins the rehab process. “Obviously a difficult loss for us, important part of our offense, and one that is a bit of a shock to the system,” Hahn said Thursday on a video conference call, a day after Jiménez was hurt. “At the same time, if there was one area of this team that perhaps could withstand a significant blow, it would arguably be on the offensive side of things," he said. Even before the diagnosis, the injury immediately led to another round of questions about whether Jiménez might be better suited for designated hitter than left field — where he has gotten hurt a couple times since his big league debut in 2019. Chicago is looking for a deep postseason... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Adam Engel agreed Wednesday to a $1.375 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The 29-year-old Engel hit .295 with three homers and 12 RBIs last season. He recorded the final out of Lucas Giolito's no-hitter against Pittsburgh on Aug. 25 when he extended on the run to catch Erik Gonzalez’s slicing drive toward the right-field line. Engel started all three games of Chicago's wild-card series against Oakland and homered in the opener. Chicago has three players remaining eligible for arbitration — Giolito and fellow right-handers Reynaldo López and Evan Marshall. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract on Thursday that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-16 and was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the December 2016 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, right-hander Dane Dunning and pitcher Reynaldo López. That trade was made one a day after the White Sox dealt former ace Chris Sale to Boston for infielder Yoán Moncada and pitcher Michael Kopech, launching a rebuild that helped vault Chicago to the playoffs last season. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. They declined their option on him after he hit .226 in 41 games last season. Eaton replaces Nomar Mazara, who struggled last season after being acquired from Texas. Eaton figures to play alongside Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert, with slugger Eloy Jiménez... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract on Thursday that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-16 and was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the December 2016 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, right-hander Dane Dunning and pitcher Reynaldo López. That trade was made one a day after the White Sox dealt former ace Chris Sale to Boston for infielder Yoán Moncada and pitcher Michael Kopech, launching a rebuild that helped vault Chicago to the playoffs last season. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. They declined their option on him after he hit .226 in 41 games last season. Eaton replaces Nomar Mazara, who struggled last season after being acquired from Texas. Eaton figures to play alongside Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert, with slugger Eloy Jiménez... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox have reunited, finalizing a one-year contract on Thursday that guarantees $8 million. Eaton gets $7 million next season, and the White Sox have an $8.5 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-16 and was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the December 2016 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, Dunning and pitcher Reynaldo López. That trade was made one a day after the White Sox dealt former ace Chris Sale to Boston for infielder Yoán Moncada and pitcher Michael Kopech, launching a rebuild that helped vault Chicago to the playoffs last season. Eaton helped the Nationals win the World Series in 2019. They declined their option on him after he hit .226 in 41 games last season. Eaton replaces Nomar Mazara, who struggled last season after being acquired from Texas. Eaton figures to play alongside Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert, with slugger Eloy Jiménez in left and Adam Engel likely the fourth outfielder. Eaton would get $100,000 for winning the MVP award, $90,000 for second, $80,000 third, $70,000 for fourth and $60,000 for fifth. He would earn $100,000 for World Series MVP, $75,000 for League Championship Series MVP, $25,000 for Gold Glove, $15,000 for Silver Slugger, $25.000 for All-Star election, $15,000 for All-Star selection and $50,000 for making The Sports News all-star team. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox reunited with outfielder Adam Eaton and finalized a trade with the Texas Rangers for workhorse starter Lance Lynn on Tuesday. Eaton agreed to a one-year deal that guarantees him $8 million and fills Chicago's hole in right field, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced. Eaton's salary for next season is $7 million. The White Sox hold an $8.5 million option for 2022, with a $1 million buyout. The signing of Eaton comes one day after the White Sox agreed to acquire Lynn from Texas for pitchers Dane Dunning and Avery Weems. That trade was announced on Tuesday. Eaton played for Chicago from 2014-2016. He was dealt to the Washington Nationals at the 2017 winter meetings for current ace Lucas Giolito, Dunning and pitcher Reynaldo López. That trade happened a day after the White Sox sent former ace Chris Sale to Boston for infielder Yoán Moncada and pitcher Michael... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Lucas Giolito dazzled in his postseason debut, stymieing the Oakland Athletics through six perfect innings and sending the Chicago White Sox to a 4-1 victory in the opener of their best-of-three wild-card series Tuesday. Giolito (1-0), who pitched a no-hitter against Pittsburgh on Aug. 25, didn’t allow a baserunner to the AL West champions until Tommy La Stella’s single up the middle to start the seventh. Giolito gave up one run on two hits over seven innings, struck out eight and walked one before giving way to Evan Marshall after a stellar 100-pitch outing. Giolito got plenty of support: José Abreu hit a two-run homer and Adam Engel also connected for Chicago against Jesus Luzardo (0-1). Yasmani Grandal homered in the eighth. Alex Colome, Chicago’s third reliever, worked the ninth for a save in the 2-hour, 53-minute game. Now, Oakland must win Game 2 on Wednesday at home to avoid another early playoff exit. The A’s are in the postseason for a third straight year,... [More]

White sox first. Tim Anderson singles to shallow infield. Yoan Moncada flies out to left field to Eddie Rosario. Yasmani Grandal flies out to left field to Eddie Rosario. Jose Abreu singles to shallow right field. Tim Anderson to third. Eloy Jimenez singles to right center field. Jose Abreu to second. Tim Anderson scores. James McCann strikes out swinging.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. White sox 1, Twins 0.Twins third. Byron Buxton homers to center field. Ryan Jeffers called out on strikes. Max Kepler flies out to deep right field to Adam Engel. Josh Donaldson strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 1, White sox 1.White sox third. Yasmani Grandal walks. Jose Abreu singles to shallow left field. Yasmani Grandal to third. Throwing error by Jorge Polanco. Eloy Jimenez strikes out swinging. James McCann doubles to right center field. Jose Abreu to third. Yasmani Grandal scores. Luis Robert singles to second base. James McCann scores. Jose Abreu scores. Adam Engel... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Dinelson Lamet outpitched Clayton Kershaw, and rookie Jorge Oña hit a go-ahead double in a five-run seventh inning to lead the San Diego Padres to their eighth straight win, 7-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night in the opener of a series between the NL’s top teams.The Padres cut the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West to 1½ games. Trent Grisham added some spice to the rivalry when he hit a tying home run off Kershaw in the sixth and said something to the Dodgers’ dugout as he headed for home. The Padres have won 12 of 14.Lamet (3-1) got the victory thanks to a seventh-inning outburst that chased Kershaw (5-2). Lamet matched his season high with 11 strikeouts while holding the Dodgers to one run and three hits.WHITE SOX 3, TWINS 1CHICAGO (AP) — Adam Engel delivered a tiebreaking pinch-hit single in the eighth inning, and the White Sox increased their lead in the AL Central.Chicago opened its pivotal four-game set against Minnesota with its ninth win in 10 games. The... [More]

White sox second. Yoan Moncada walks. Luis Robert grounds out to shallow infield, Jose Berrios to LaMonte Wade Jr.. Yoan Moncada to second. Nomar Mazara called out on strikes. Nick Madrigal singles to right field. Yoan Moncada scores. Tim Anderson singles to left field. Nick Madrigal to second. Yasmani Grandal hit by pitch. Tim Anderson to second. Nick Madrigal to third. Jose Abreu reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Yasmani Grandal out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 4 left on. White sox 1, Twins 0.Twins fifth. Ehire Adrianza walks. Max Kepler singles to center field. Ehire Adrianza to second. Josh Donaldson grounds out to shortstop. Max Kepler out at second. Ehire Adrianza to third. Nelson Cruz is intentionally walked. Jorge Polanco singles to shallow center field. Nelson Cruz to second. Ehire Adrianza scores. LaMonte Wade Jr. walks. Jorge Polanco to second. Nelson Cruz to third. Byron Buxton flies out to deep right field to Nomar Mazara.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left... [More]

White sox first. Tim Anderson singles to right field. Yoan Moncada flies out to Jorge Bonifacio. Yasmani Grandal walks. Tim Anderson to second. Jose Abreu singles to center field. Yasmani Grandal to third. Tim Anderson scores. Eloy Jimenez doubles to right field. Jose Abreu to third. Yasmani Grandal scores. Edwin Encarnacion singles to center field. Eloy Jimenez to third. Jose Abreu scores. Luis Robert pops out to Jeimer Candelario. Nomar Mazara strikes out swinging.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. White sox 3, Tigers 0.White sox third. Jose Abreu singles to shallow center field. Eloy Jimenez singles to shallow left field. Jose Abreu to second. Edwin Encarnacion flies out to center field to Victor Reyes. Luis Robert pops out to shallow infield to Grayson Greiner. Nomar Mazara doubles to left center field. Eloy Jimenez scores. Jose Abreu scores. Nick Madrigal lines out to center field to Victor Reyes.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 5, Tigers 0.White sox fourth. Tim Anderson... [More]

White sox first. Tim Anderson doubles to deep center field. Yasmani Grandal strikes out swinging. Jose Abreu homers to left field. Tim Anderson scores. Eloy Jimenez grounds out to shallow left field, Adalberto Mondesi to Ryan O'Hearn. Yoan Moncada called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 2, Royals 0.Royals third. Bubba Starling homers. Cam Gallagher lines out to left center field to Eloy Jimenez. Whit Merrifield grounds out to first base to Yasmani Grandal. Hunter Dozier called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 2, Royals 1.White sox fifth. James McCann reaches on error to shallow left field, advances to 2nd. Fielding error by Maikel Franco. Adam Engel flies out to right field to Hunter Dozier. Nick Madrigal grounds out to second base, Adalberto Mondesi to Ryan O'Hearn. James McCann to third. Tim Anderson singles to third base. James McCann scores. Yasmani Grandal homers to center field. Tim Anderson scores. Jose Abreu flies out to deep... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield lines out to center field to Luis Robert. Hunter Dozier homers to center field. Ryan O'Hearn lines out to deep right center field to Luis Robert. Maikel Franco grounds out to third base, Yoan Moncada to Jose Abreu.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Royals 1, White sox 0.White sox second. Edwin Encarnacion homers to left field. Yoan Moncada lines out to first base to Hunter Dozier. Luis Robert walks. Danny Mendick singles to right field. Luis Robert to second. Adam Engel singles to right field. Danny Mendick to second. Luis Robert to third. Tim Anderson walks. Adam Engel to second. Danny Mendick to third. Luis Robert scores. Eloy Jimenez strikes out swinging. Yasmani Grandal walks. Jose Abreu doubles to deep left center field. Yasmani Grandal out at home. Tim Anderson scores. Adam Engel scores.5 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 5, Royals 1.White sox fourth. Adam Engel pops out to Hunter Dozier. Tim Anderson homers to center field. Eloy Jimenez grounds... [More]