A look at what's happening around the majors Sunday:BRONX TALESOld-Timers' Day is always a special occasion at Yankee Stadium, and this year's festivities are set to feature Hall of Famers Whitey Ford and Reggie Jackson, along with first-timers Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi and current Yankees manager Aaron Boone. The fun begins before New York takes on Tampa Bay. The Yankees are the only team in the majors that regularly holds these events, and this marks the 72nd annual Old-Timers' Day in the Bronx — Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were among those in attendance at the very first one on Sept. 28, 1947, two days before the Yankees hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series opener.ASCENDING ASTROSHouston has won 10 in a row overall, and the World Series champions aim to finish off a 10-0 road trip when Lance McCullers Jr. starts against the Royals. Coincidentally, the Astros had an 11-game winning streak end in Kansas City last year.OUCH!The Indians expect to know more about Carlos Carrasco, a... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Yovani Gallardo has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers, who owe the 32-year-old right-hander $483,871 in termination pay rather than his $2 million salary.Milwaukee made the move Monday, two days after manager Craig Counsell said Gallardo had been told he would not be on the opening-day roster."I wouldn't describe him as a long shot to make the team, but he had to make the team," Counsell said.Gallardo reached the major leagues with Milwaukee in 2007 and spent eight years with the Brewers, starting their 2014 opener. He was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA for Seattle last year and agreed in December to a one-year contract that was not guaranteed.He had a 4.73 ERA in 13 1/3 innings over eight spring training appearances, allowing three home runs."We're at difficult decision point for sure," Counsell said. "When you get there it was not an easy decision. It ended up being we wanted a little flexibility in some spots in the bullpen. It's important as we go through the season to have that. I think we're going to end up using it this year. We're going to have players there that we feel like we can have a little more flexibility."___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

PHOENIX (AP) — Yovani Gallardo has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers, who owe the 32-year-old right-hander $483,871 in termination pay rather than his $2 million salary.Milwaukee made the move Monday, two days after manager Craig Counsell said Gallardo had been told he would not be on the opening-day roster.Gallardo reached the major leagues with Milwaukee in 2007 and spent eight years with the Brewers, starting their 2014 opener. He was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA for Seattle last year and agreed in December to a one-year contract that was not guaranteed.He had a 4.73 ERA in 13 1/3 innings over eight spring training appearances, allowing three home runs.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned Junior Guerra, their opening day starter a year ago, to Triple-A Colorado Springs.Guerra has made five spring starts and is scheduled to pitch Sunday's Cactus League finale against the Chicago White Sox. The 33-year-old right-hander, who had a groin injury in the opener at Cincinnati last year, was hampered all season and finished with a 5.12 ERA in 70 1-3 innings. He has a 3.15 ERA in 20 spring innings.Manager Craig Counsell said that pitcher Yovani Gallardo also has been told he will not make the team. Gallardo, 32, came up with Milwaukee in 2007 and spent eight years with the Brewers, starting the 2014 opener. He was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA for Seattle last year.Chase Anderson goes on opening day on Thursday against the Padres, and Zach Davies was already scheduled to start the Brewers' home opener April 2 against St. Louis.Counsell said that Jhoulys Chacin and lefty Brent Suter will start the final two games of the opening series in San Diego. The fifth starter will be Brandon Woodruff, but he will work out of the bullpen in San Diego, Counsell said.Counsell said Woodruff will start in the home series against the Chicago Cubs, who follow the Cardinals to Miller Park.Outfielders Keon Broxton and Brett Phillips also have been optioned to the minors.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona ace Zack Greinke's start against Cincinnati was cut short Wednesday after one inning because of right groin tightness.Greinke had been scheduled to throw five innings. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner retired Ben Revere on a groundout, allowed Jesse Winkler's single, then struck out Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett.Albert Suarez relieved to start the second.Greinke was making his just second big league exhibition appearance this year. The 34-year-old right-hander pitched 1 2/3 innings against Milwaukee on Feb. 25, then made a pair of appearances in "B'' games.RED SOX 2, TWINS 1Chris Sale pitched five shutout innings of two-hit ball and struck out seven, lowering his ERA to 1.00. Mitch Moreland homered in the third off Tyler Duffey, who gave up two runs — one earned — and four hits in three innings. Mookie Betts, batting .130, singled and drove in a run. Miguel Sano doubled.CARDINALS 3, ASTROS 1Adam Wainwright allowed one run and four hits in five innings... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have picked right-hander Chase Anderson to start on opening day on March 29 at San Diego.The 30-year-old Anderson had the best season of his four-year career in 2017, going 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts. He will be making his first career opening day start when he takes the mound in San Diego.Anderson will be the fifth different opening day starter for the Brewers in the last five seasons. Junior Guerra got the honor last year, and he was preceded by Wily Peralta, Kyle Lohse and Yovani Gallardo.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

PHOENIX (AP) — Spring training has arrived for the Milwaukee Brewers.Pitchers and catchers have reported to the team's spring complex in Phoenix, with the first workouts scheduled for Thursday.There are spots up for grabs in the starting rotation after Zach Davies, Chase Anderson and free agent signee Jhoulys Chacin. Right-hander Jimmy Nelson is out for at least the first couple months of the regular season as he recovers from partially torn labrum and strained rotator cuff.Left-hander Brent Suter, along with righties Junior Guerra and Brandon Woodruff are among the returnees who are candidates for the two spots open to start the year. Yovani Gallardo, who returned to the team this offseason, is also in the mix.Milwaukee could also add another starter via trade or free agency.The first full-team workout is Tuesday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

A team-by-team look at the National League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Chicago CubsManager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.Park: Sloan Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Going campin': Chicago is coming off three consecutive NLCS appearances, and it looked a little tired when its title defense came to an end with a lopsided playoff loss to Los Angeles last year. The bullpen was hit hard by the Dodgers in the NLCS, and the Cubs batted just .168 in 10 postseason games. The roster returns mostly intact, but the bullpen and coaching staff each has a new look. Morrow replaces Davis at closer after agreeing to a $21 million, two-year contract. Jim... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The rebuilding plan for the Milwaukee Brewers is a smashing success, so much so that they're not really rebuilding anymore.Bold moves to trade for Christian Yelich and sign free agent Lorenzo Cain sent a message."We decided winning in 2018 was as important as to win in 2020," owner Mark Attanasio said.A surprising 2017 season that left Milwaukee a win short of the playoffs raised hopes in what was supposed to be just the second full season of a rebuild. Rising expectations accompanied the acquisitions of Yelich and Cain.Those NL Central meetings with the two-time division champion Chicago Cubs should be fun this year."Last year, I got asked where we were and if we were ahead of schedule," Attanasio said at the team's winter fan event in downtown Milwaukee. "I think we can say now we're ahead of schedule."Some things to watch ahead of the start of spring training:NEW LOOK: The slick-fielding Cain and Yelich improve the outfield defense, which should help the pitching staff... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The rebuilding plan for the Milwaukee Brewers is a smashing success, so much so that they're not really rebuilding anymore.Bold moves to trade for Christian Yelich and sign free agent Lorenzo Cain sent a message."We decided winning in 2018 was as important as to win in 2020," owner Mark Attanasio said.A surprising 2017 season that left Milwaukee a win short of the playoffs raised hopes in what was supposed to be just the second full season of a rebuild. Rising expectations accompanied the acquisitions of Yelich and Cain.Those NL Central meetings with the two-time division champion Chicago Cubs should be fun this year."Last year, I got asked where we were and if we were ahead of schedule," Attanasio said at the team's winter fan event in downtown Milwaukee. "I think we can say now we're ahead of schedule."Some things to watch ahead of the start of spring training:NEW LOOK: The slick-fielding Cain and Yelich improve the outfield defense, which should help the pitching staff... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Lorenzo Cain felt comfortable back at Miller Park even if his new Milwaukee Brewers uniform seemed to fit a bit snugly over his dress shirt and tie.The former Kansas City Royals outfielder has returned to the organization that drafted him, his future secure after a quieter-than-expected start to free agency.Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee general manager David Stearns acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects."You definitely don't want to be out there too long. It's definitely chilly out there," Cain said. "But Milwaukee was in on me from the get-go — other teams as well - and once I got a phone call from David, this was the spot I wanted to be in."A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Lorenzo Cain felt comfortable back at Miller Park even if his new Milwaukee Brewers uniform seemed to fit a bit snugly over his dress shirt and tie.The former Kansas City Royals outfielder has returned to the organization that drafted him, his future secure after a quieter-than-expected start to free agency.Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee general manager David Stearns acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects."You definitely don't want to be out there too long. It's definitely chilly out there," Cain said. "But Milwaukee was in on me from the get-go — other teams as well - and once I got a phone call from David, this was the spot I wanted to be in."A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Free agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects.A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins the Brewers, who dramatically remaking their outfield as they seek to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.Cain's deal is the highest for a free agent this offseason and the second-highest overall behind outfielder Justin Upton's $106 million, five-year agreement to remain with the Los Angeles Angels."Lorenzo is a multifaceted player and proven winner who we are pleased to welcome back to Milwaukee," general manager David Stearns said in a statement. "His combination of speed, fielding prowess and ability to hit for average will be a... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal, according to person familiar with the negotiations.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.Cain is a former Brewers farmhand who will join Christian Yelich as part of a dramatic outfield makeover for a team hoping to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.The 31-year old Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City, where he was part of the core of a Royals team that won the World Series in 2015. Cain hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.Cain's deal is the highest for a free agent this offseason and the second-highest overall behind outfielder Justin Upton's $106 million, five-year agreement to remain with the Los Angeles Angels. The Athletic first reported Cain's agreement and ESPN first reported terms.Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2004 before... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers and free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain have agreed to a five-year, $80 million deal, according to person familiar with the negotiations.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.Cain is a former Brewers farmhand who will join Christian Yelich as part of a dramatic outfield makeover for a team hoping to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.The 31-year old Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City, where he was part of the core of a Royals team that won the World Series in 2015. Cain hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.The Athletic first reported the agreement. ESPN.com first reported terms of the deal.Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2004 before being traded to Kansas City as part of a deal that sent Zack Greinke to Milwaukee before the 2011 season. The career .290 hitter is also known for his defense, as is Yelich, who was... [More]

RHP Yovani Gallardo agreed to a deal with the Brewers on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The 31-year-old veteran enjoyed the best years of his career with the Brewers by going 89-64 with a 3.69 ERA between 2007-14, but he is now looking to rediscover his form after back-to-back poor seasons.Gallardo was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA in 28 appearances (22 starts) with the Seattle Mariners last season, and the club declined to pick up his $13 million option for 2018. He went 6-8 with a 5.42 ERA in 23 starts for the Baltimore Orioles in 2016.Gallardo won 12 or more games in five consecutive seasons with the Brewers. He won a career-high 17 games in 2011 and followed up with 16 in 2012.

RHP Yovani Gallardo, 5-10 with a 5.79 ERA, has been removed from the rotation for the second time this season. The 31-year-old lost his starting role in late June and made his first three relief appearances since his rookie season of 2007. Gallardo was 0-3 with a 7.46 ERA in five starts in August, then lasted three innings in his last start. His ERA this season is almost two runs higher than his career mark of 3.93.

RHP Yovani Gallardo dropped his third straight start Saturday when he allowed four earned runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed his 11th homer in his last seven starts when CF Jacoby Ellsbury hit a 1-0 pitch into the right field seats in the fourth for a three-run homer.