A look at what's happening around the majors Sunday:THE BIG 2-0Justin Verlander tries to become a 20-game winner for the second time in his career when he starts for the playoff-bound Astros at home against the Angels. He reached the mark in 2011, going 24-5 for Detroit and winning the AL MVP and Cy Young Award.Verlander (19-6, 2.50 ERA) leads the majors in victories. A couple other big, round numbers are on his radar as the 36-year-old righty makes his second-to-last start of the regular season — he needs 11 strikeouts to reach 3,000 for his career, and he's 17 shy of his first 300-strikeout year.Verlander has dominated since the All-Star break, going 9-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 13 starts while striking out 130 and walking just 13.WINDY CITY WIND DOWNThe Cubs have lost five in a row, pushing themselves out of playoff position. They've dropped four straight games by one run for the first time since 1972, according to STATS — their latest defeat came Saturday, when closer Craig Kimbrel gave up... [More]

Angels first. David Fletcher homers to left field. Andrelton Simmons walks. Albert Pujols flies out to deep center field to Myles Straw. Andrelton Simmons to second. Kole Calhoun singles to left field. Andrelton Simmons to third. Kevan Smith grounds out to second base, Jose Altuve to Yuli Gurriel. Kole Calhoun to second. Andrelton Simmons scores. Taylor Ward singles to left field, advances to 2nd. Kole Calhoun scores. Justin Bour grounds out to first base, Yuli Gurriel to Wade Miley.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Angels 3, Astros 0.Angels second. Michael Hermosillo hit by pitch. Kaleb Cowart singles to right field. Michael Hermosillo to third. David Fletcher singles to shallow right field. Kaleb Cowart to second. Michael Hermosillo scores. Andrelton Simmons pops out to Yuli Gurriel. Albert Pujols pops out to shallow right field to Jose Altuve. Kole Calhoun strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Angels 4, Astros 0.Astros second. Yordan Alvarez homers to left field.... [More]

Indians first. Francisco Lindor reaches on error. Throwing error by Jean Segura. Oscar Mercado strikes out swinging. Francisco Lindor steals second, advances to third. Throwing error by J.T. Realmuto. Carlos Santana singles to left field. Francisco Lindor scores. Yasiel Puig called out on strikes. Jordan Luplow singles to right field. Carlos Santana to second. Franmil Reyes singles to center field. Jordan Luplow to third. Carlos Santana scores. Kevin Plawecki lines out to deep left center field to Brad Miller.2 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 2 left on. Indians 2, Phillies 0.Phillies second. Jean Segura doubles to deep left field. Brad Miller flies out to center field to Oscar Mercado. Scott Kingery pops out to Carlos Santana. Adam Haseley doubles to deep left center field. Jean Segura scores. Cesar Hernandez lines out to deep center field to Oscar Mercado.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 2, Phillies 1.Indians second. Yu Chang flies out to deep center field to Adam Haseley. Ryan Flaherty... [More]

Nationals second. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to shortstop, Miguel Rojas to Neil Walker. Victor Robles grounds out to shortstop, Miguel Rojas to Neil Walker. Yan Gomes doubles to deep left field. Stephen Strasburg singles to center field. Yan Gomes scores. Trea Turner flies out to right field to Harold Ramirez.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 1, Marlins 0.Nationals fifth. Trea Turner doubles to deep center field. Adam Eaton strikes out swinging. Anthony Rendon walks. Juan Soto called out on strikes. Asdrubal Cabrera singles to left field. Anthony Rendon to second. Trea Turner scores. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to shortstop, Miguel Rojas to Neil Walker.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Nationals 2, Marlins 0.Nationals eighth. Asdrubal Cabrera singles to center field. Ryan Zimmerman singles to right field. Michael A. Taylor to second. Victor Robles singles to center field. Ryan Zimmerman to third. Michael A. Taylor scores. Yan Gomes reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop.... [More]

Royals second. Hunter Dozier grounds out to shortstop, Luis Arraez to Marwin Gonzalez. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Ryan McBroom singles to right field. Alex Gordon to second. Ryan O'Hearn doubles to deep right field. Ryan McBroom to third. Alex Gordon scores. Meibrys Viloria out on a sacrifice fly to left center field to Eddie Rosario. Ryan McBroom scores. Brett Phillips strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 0.Twins third. Jason Castro flies out to deep center field to Brett Phillips. LaMonte Wade Jr homers to center field. Luis Arraez singles to left field. Jorge Polanco strikes out on a foul tip. Nelson Cruz grounds out to third base, Hunter Dozier to Ryan O'Hearn.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 1.Twins fifth. LaMonte Wade Jr triples to deep center field. Luis Arraez doubles to right field. LaMonte Wade Jr scores. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz singles to center field. Jorge Polanco to second. Luis Arraez scores. Eddie Rosario pops... [More]

Pirates first. Kevin Newman flies out to center field to Lorenzo Cain. Bryan Reynolds grounds out to shallow infield, Zach Davies to Eric Thames. Adam Frazier singles to deep right field. Jose Osuna singles to center field. Adam Frazier to second. Colin Moran reaches on error. Jose Osuna to second. Adam Frazier scores. Fielding error by Keston Hiura. Elias Diaz flies out to deep left field to Ryan Braun.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Pirates 1, Brewers 0.Brewers first. Trent Grisham grounds out to first base to Jose Osuna. Yasmani Grandal singles to center field. Mike Moustakas lines out to deep right field to Kevin Kramer. Keston Hiura homers to center field. Yasmani Grandal scores. Ryan Braun grounds out to third base, Colin Moran to Jose Osuna.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Pirates 1.Brewers fourth. Ryan Braun singles to left field. Eric Thames hit by pitch. Ryan Braun to second. Lorenzo Cain singles to center field. Eric Thames to second. Ryan Braun scores. Orlando... [More]

Rays third. Austin Meadows singles to right field. Tommy Pham strikes out swinging. Ji-Man Choi walks. Austin Meadows to second. Travis d'Arnaud singles to center field. Ji-Man Choi to third. Austin Meadows scores. Nate Lowe grounds out to first base to Mitch Moreland. Travis d'Arnaud to second. Matt Duffy hit by pitch. Joey Wendle singles to shallow right field. Matt Duffy to second. Travis d'Arnaud out at home. Ji-Man Choi scores.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Rays 2, Red sox 0.Red sox fourth. Xander Bogaerts homers to left field. J.D. Martinez strikes out swinging. Mitch Moreland strikes out swinging. Brock Holt lines out to third base to Matt Duffy.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Rays 2, Red sox 1.Rays seventh. Kevin Kiermaier strikes out swinging. Willy Adames homers to center field. Austin Meadows singles to center field. Tommy Pham reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Austin Meadows out at second. Ji-Man Choi flies out to deep left field to Brock Holt.1 run, 2 hits,... [More]

White sox fifth. Leury Garcia grounds out to shortstop, Willi Castro to Jeimer Candelario. Tim Anderson homers to center field. Jose Abreu singles to left field. Eloy Jimenez singles to center field. Jose Abreu to second. Yoan Moncada triples to deep left center field. Eloy Jimenez scores. Jose Abreu scores. James McCann strikes out swinging. Welington Castillo called out on strikes.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. White sox 3, Tigers 0.Tigers fifth. Jake Rogers singles to left center field. Willi Castro doubles to right center field. Jake Rogers to third. Victor Reyes grounds out to second base, Tim Anderson to Jose Abreu. Willi Castro to third. Jake Rogers scores. Brandon Dixon out on a sacrifice fly to Jose Abreu. Willi Castro scores. Harold Castro flies out to left field to Eloy Jimenez.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. White sox 3, Tigers 2.White sox eighth. Welington Castillo flies out to right field to Travis Demeritte. Yolmer Sanchez singles to second base. Adam Engel strikes... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — One year ago, just winning the NL East was enough for the rebuilding Atlanta Braves.Now manager Brian Snitiker and general manager Alex Anthopoulos expect more.Even as players celebrated their second straight division title with beer and bubbly on Friday night, focus shifted."Our first goal was to win the East and we did, and I think now that's not good enough," Snitker said Saturday. "I think our guys know they're capable of a lot more than that. The goal now is the big prize. We feel like we have a team that can do that. We are deep enough, strong enough. I think that is a realistic goal, not just to want to get in but to win the whole thing."After Friday night's clinching 6-0 win over the Giants, Anthopoulos stood outside the clubhouse doors while the rowdy celebration continued inside.The GM didn't allow himself to be sprayed. He was looking ahead to the Division Series starting Oct. 3."Kind of by design," Anthopoulos said when asked how he stayed dry. "Hopefully we're... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone clashed Saturday with another rookie umpire, and this time, veteran crew chief Joe West stepped in.Boone was ejected by West, umpiring at third base, for arguing balls and strikes during a 7-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton struck out looking at three low strikes from rookie T.J. Zeuch for the final out of the first inning. Stanton argued briefly with plate umpire Jeremie Rehak — an injury replacement from Triple-A — before heading back to the dugout.Boone, meanwhile, shouted profanities from the bench, and West signaled his ejection from across the field. Rehak also booted Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames during the exchange."I was just upset within an at-bat where G's coming back and I felt like there were a few in there in his at-bat where it kind of got taken away, so I just got animated," Boone said. "The bottom line is I probably wasn't going to get thrown out from Jeremie. I was starting to walk away... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Andy Green was fired as manager of the San Diego Padres on Saturday morning, about 12 hours after one of their worst losses this season seemed to sum up their second-half collapse.General manager A.J. Preller said Green, in his fourth season, was fired because the team had regressed in the second half.San Diego was 45-45 at the All-Star break but has played poorly since. The Padres have lost eight of their last nine, including an ugly, mistake-filled 9-0 loss to Arizona on Friday night that dropped them to 69-85. They became the first team to change managers this season."We feel like we've got a young talented group that has a chance to be competitive," Preller told The Associated Press. "We made some progress in the earlier part of season, but as the second half went on we didn't see the team getting into a spot where we could see continual improvement."We feel like a different person in that chair has a chance to take a young, talented group into a different spot."Green... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected by crew chief Joe West in the first inning of New York's game against Toronto for arguing balls and strikes.Boone yelled from the dugout Saturday at plate umpire Jeremie Rehak after Giancarlo Stanton struck out looking against Blue Jays starter T.J. Zeuch to end the inning. West tossed Boone from third base, and Rehak — a recent call-up from Triple-A — ejected Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames.Stanton watched three called strikes near the bottom of the strike zone and then exchanged words near home plate with Rehak. As Stanton walked off, Boone shouted profanities from the dugout, prompting his ejection. He then came out and argued with West near third base during the inning break.The ejection was Boone's fifth of the season. He memorably called his players "savages" during a tirade aimed at rookie umpire Brennan Miller in July. He wasn't as lively jawing with West on Saturday.The Yankees already were peeved with West over his strike zone Friday night, when Brett Gardner argued animatedly after a called strike in the ninth. There were no ejections Friday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres have fired Andy Green in the midst of a season-ending collapse.General manager A.J. Preller announced the firing Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Padres played one of their worst games of the season in a 9-0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.Green was 274-366 since being before the 2016 season.Although the Padres were rebuilding, the season started with promise after the signing of slugger Manny Machado to a $300 million contract and top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. was named to the opening day roster.San Diego was 45-45 at the All-Star break but collapsed in the second half. They've lost eight of their last nine.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected by crew chief Joe West in the first inning of New York's game against Toronto for arguing balls and strikes.Boone yelled from the dugout Saturday at plate umpire Jeremie Rehak after Giancarlo Stanton struck out looking against Blue Jays starter T.J. Zeuch to end the inning. West tossed Boone from third base, and Rehak — a recent call-up from Triple-A — ejected Yankees hitting coach Marcus Thames.Stanton watched three called strikes near the bottom of the strike zone and then exchanged words near home plate with Rehak. As Stanton walked off, Boone shouted profanities from the dugout, prompting his ejection. He then came out and argued with West near third base during the inning break.The ejection was Boone's fifth of the season. He memorably called his players "savages" during a tirade aimed at rookie umpire Brennan Miller in July. He wasn't as lively jawing with West on Saturday.The Yankees already were peeved with West over his strike zone Friday night, when Brett Gardner argued animatedly after a called strike in the ninth. There were no ejections Friday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Red sox seventh. Gorkys Hernandez strikes out swinging. Brock Holt doubles to deep left field. Mitch Moreland homers to center field. Brock Holt scores. Jackie Bradley Jr. strikes out swinging. Marco Hernandez grounds out to first base, Ji-Man Choi to Oliver Drake.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Red sox 2, Rays 0.Rays seventh. Ji-Man Choi strikes out swinging. Travis d'Arnaud singles to center field. Jesus Aguilar pinch-hitting for Kevin Kiermaier. Jesus Aguilar walks. Travis d'Arnaud to second. Mike Brosseau pinch-hitting for Avisail Garcia. Mike Brosseau walks. Guillermo Heredia to second. Travis d'Arnaud to third. Nate Lowe pinch-hitting for Matt Duffy. Nate Lowe reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Mike Brosseau out at second. Guillermo Heredia to third. Travis d'Arnaud scores. Willy Adames doubles to deep right field. Nate Lowe to third. Guillermo Heredia scores. Joey Wendle flies out to shallow center field to Jackie Bradley Jr..3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rays... [More]

Twins first. Mitch Garver walks. Jorge Polanco doubles to deep right field. Mitch Garver to third. Nelson Cruz out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Erick Mejia. Jorge Polanco to third. Mitch Garver scores. Eddie Rosario pops out to Hunter Dozier. Miguel Sano triples to deep right center field. Jorge Polanco scores. Marwin Gonzalez flies out to right center field to Erick Mejia.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 0.Royals sixth. Jorge Soler singles to left center field. Hunter Dozier grounds out to shallow infield, Mitch Garver to C.J. Cron. Jorge Soler to second. Alex Gordon doubles to deep right field. Jorge Soler scores. Ryan McBroom called out on strikes. Erick Mejia strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 1.Twins sixth. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz flies out to right field to Whit Merrifield. Eddie Rosario reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Jorge Polanco out at second. Miguel Sano walks. Eddie Rosario to second.... [More]

Astros first. Jose Altuve homers to left field. Michael Brantley flies out to deep right center field to Kole Calhoun. Alex Bregman homers to left field. Yordan Alvarez singles to shallow center field. Carlos Correa homers to center field. Yordan Alvarez scores. Aledmys Diaz doubles to deep left center field. Josh Reddick singles to left center field. Aledmys Diaz scores. Robinson Chirinos strikes out on a foul tip. Jake Marisnick flies out to left center field to Michael Hermosillo.5 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 5, Angels 0.Angels third. Kevan Smith homers to center field. Matt Thaiss singles to shallow center field. Michael Hermosillo strikes out swinging. David Fletcher called out on strikes. Brian Goodwin strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 5, Angels 1.Astros third. Yordan Alvarez grounds out to shallow infield, Jaime Barria to Jared Walsh. Carlos Correa homers to center field. Aledmys Diaz singles to center field. Josh Reddick pops out to shallow... [More]

White sox second. Eloy Jimenez triples to deep left center field. Zack Collins doubles to deep right center field. Eloy Jimenez scores. James McCann singles to left field. Zack Collins to third. Daniel Palka lines out to second base to Jordy Mercer. Adam Engel strikes out swinging. Yolmer Sanchez singles to left field. James McCann to third. Zack Collins scores. Fielding error by Christin Stewart. Tim Anderson strikes out swinging.2 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. White sox 2, Tigers 0.White sox third. Jose Abreu singles to third base, advances to 2nd. Throwing error by Ronny Rodriguez. Yoan Moncada homers to center field. Jose Abreu scores. Eloy Jimenez strikes out swinging. Zack Collins flies out to deep left center field to Victor Reyes. James McCann grounds out to shortstop, Jordy Mercer to Jeimer Candelario.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 0 left on. White sox 4, Tigers 0.Tigers third. Travis Demeritte walks. Victor Reyes grounds out to first base to Jose Abreu. Travis Demeritte to second.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is getting set to close his career as a reliever.New York manager Aaron Boone said before Friday night's game against Toronto that Sabathia will work out of the bullpen next week as the AL East champions prepare for the playoffs.The 39-year-old lefty has pitched in relief just once in his 19-season career, going 1 1/3 innings in a deciding Game 5 loss to Detroit in the 2011 AL Division Series.Sabathia's other 583 appearances have all come as a starter. He is 5-8 in 22 starts with a 4.99 ERA this season and has dealt with knee trouble.Sabathia has said this will be his last year playing in the majors.The Yankees are still figuring out their rotation for the postseason, which begins Oct. 4 with the best-of-five Division Series. Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxson, J.A. Happ and Luis Severino are among the candidates to start.Severino came back from a lat injury and made his season debut with four shutout innings in a start Tuesday. Domingo Germán, the... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:POPPIN'Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Braves are poised to break out the bubbly, with a magic number of one to clinch their second straight NL East title. They can celebrate when Mike Foltynewicz (7-5, 4.80 ERA) starts at SunTrust Park against San Francisco. A win by Atlanta or a loss by second-place Washington at Miami will seal it.At 21, Acuña will be able to take part in a champagne toast. The star outfielder with 40 home runs wasn't yet of legal age when the Braves won the division a year ago."They wouldn't let me drink because I was a minor," Acuña recalled, breaking into a big smile. "This year, it's going to be different. I'm looking forward to it."CHICAGO BLUESThe Cubs have fallen to third place in the NL Central for the first time since April, but they can fix that as they continue a four-game set against first-place St. Louis. The Cardinals regrouped after blowing a late lead in the opener, winning on Matt Carpenter's 10th-inning homer... [More]