WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited a four-run rally with the go-ahead, two-run double, and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.Acuña's double down the left-field line off reliever Fernando Rodney added fuel to a dramatic seventh inning for the Braves (93-57), who reduced their magic number to four to clinch their 19th division title.Earlier in the seventh, Charlie Culberson was struck directly on the right cheekbone by a 91-mph fastball on Rodney's first pitch of the game.Culberson remained on his back for several minutes as trainers pressed a towel to his face. He was eventually helped to his feet and onto the back of a cart.The Braves have won the last 11 games started by Mike Foltynewicz (7-5), who pitched six solid innings.Wander Suero (5-8) was charged with the loss as the Washington bullpen gave up nine runs over the final four innings. The Nationals saw their lead in the NL wild card race... [More]

Mets eighth. Robinson Cano strikes out swinging. Todd Frazier hit by pitch. Juan Lagares strikes out swinging. Brandon Nimmo hit by pitch. Todd Frazier to second. Amed Rosario walks. Brandon Nimmo to second. Sam Haggerty to third. Rajai Davis pinch-hitting for Seth Lugo. Rajai Davis doubles to left field. Amed Rosario scores. Brandon Nimmo scores. Sam Haggerty scores. Jeff McNeil strikes out swinging.3 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mets 3, Dodgers 0.

Mets second. Todd Frazier homers to center field. Juan Lagares flies out to right field to Jarrod Dyson. Tomas Nido called out on strikes. Marcus Stroman lines out to third base to Jake Lamb.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mets 1, Diamondbacks 0.Mets third. Amed Rosario strikes out on a foul tip. Pete Alonso reaches on error to shortstop, advances to 2nd. Throwing error by Nick Ahmed. Robinson Cano grounds out to second base, Eduardo Escobar to Christian Walker. Pete Alonso to third. J.D. Davis singles to left field. Pete Alonso scores. Michael Conforto singles to center field. J.D. Davis to third. Todd Frazier walks. Michael Conforto to second. Juan Lagares homers to center field. Todd Frazier scores. Michael Conforto scores. J.D. Davis scores. Tomas Nido pops out to shallow center field to Nick Ahmed.5 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 0 left on. Mets 6, Diamondbacks 0.Mets fifth. Robinson Cano homers to center field. J.D. Davis flies out to deep left field to Josh Rojas. Michael Conforto walks.... [More]

Mets first. Jeff McNeil grounds out to second base, Cesar Hernandez to Rhys Hoskins. Pete Alonso homers to center field. Michael Conforto lines out to left field to Corey Dickerson. Wilson Ramos grounds out to second base, Cesar Hernandez to Rhys Hoskins.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mets 1, Phillies 0.Phillies second. Brad Miller homers to center field. Cesar Hernandez strikes out swinging. Scott Kingery singles to left field. Adam Haseley walks. Scott Kingery to second. Zach Eflin lines out to left field to Jeff McNeil. Corey Dickerson singles to shallow right field. Adam Haseley to third. Scott Kingery scores. J.T. Realmuto grounds out to second base, Joe Panik to Pete Alonso.2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 2 left on. Phillies 2, Mets 1.Mets eighth. Todd Frazier singles to right field. Brandon Nimmo pinch-hitting for Juan Lagares. Brandon Nimmo walks. Luis Guillorme pinch-hitting for Paul Sewald. Luis Guillorme out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Brad Miller to Cesar Hernandez.... [More]

Phillies fifth. Adam Haseley singles to right center field. Aaron Nola out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Zack Wheeler to Pete Alonso. Adam Haseley to second. Corey Dickerson singles to right field. Adam Haseley to third. J.T. Realmuto out on a sacrifice fly to center field to Michael Conforto. Adam Haseley scores. Bryce Harper walks. Corey Dickerson to second. Rhys Hoskins singles to left field. Bryce Harper to second. Corey Dickerson out at home.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Phillies 1, Mets 0.Mets seventh. J.D. Davis walks. Joe Panik singles to right field. J.D. Davis to second. Amed Rosario pops out to shortstop to Jean Segura. Todd Frazier hit by pitch. Joe Panik to second. J.D. Davis to third. Wilson Ramos pinch-hitting for Rene Rivera. Wilson Ramos singles to center field. Todd Frazier to second. Joe Panik to third. J.D. Davis scores. Rajai Davis lines out to shortstop to Jean Segura. Jeff McNeil pops out to shallow left field to Scott Kingery.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors,... [More]

Indians second. Yasiel Puig called out on strikes. Jose Ramirez flies out to left field to J.D. Davis. Jason Kipnis homers to right field. Roberto Perez walks. Greg Allen pops out to Pete Alonso.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Indians 1, Mets 0.Mets second. Michael Conforto strikes out swinging. Wilson Ramos singles to left center field. J.D. Davis homers to center field. Wilson Ramos scores. Todd Frazier strikes out swinging. Juan Lagares flies out to center field to Greg Allen.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mets 2, Indians 1.Indians fourth. Yasiel Puig reaches on error. Fielding error by Todd Frazier. Jose Ramirez singles to center field. Yasiel Puig to second. Jason Kipnis singles to shallow center field. Jose Ramirez to second. Yasiel Puig scores. Roberto Perez flies out to deep left field to J.D. Davis. Greg Allen reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jason Kipnis out at second. Jose Ramirez to third. Shane Bieber called out on strikes.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 left... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets reliever Robert Gsellman has a partially torn lat muscle that puts the rest of his season in jeopardy, a significant blow to New York's improved bullpen as the team chases a playoff berth.Gsellman was placed on the 10-day injured list last weekend, retroactive to Aug. 14, with tightness in his right triceps. But an MRI showed a partial tear of his right lat, a similar injury to the one that sidelined teammate Noah Syndergaard for more than 4½ months in 2017."We don't know how long this is going to last, so it didn't really change our view on timeline or anything like that. It's just unfortunate that he isn't going to be available to us," manager Mickey Callaway said.The announcement was made Tuesday before the Mets opened a pivotal homestand against Cleveland. They began the night two games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second NL wild card."Very frustrating," Gsellman said. "With the way the team's playing, I want to be with them. But I'm still going to be here. I'm... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets reliever Robert Gsellman has a partially torn lat muscle that puts the rest of his season in jeopardy, a significant blow to New York's improved bullpen as the team chases a playoff spot.Gsellman was placed on the 10-day injured list last weekend, retroactive to Aug. 14, with tightness in his right triceps. But the Mets say an MRI showed a partial tear of his right lat, a similar injury to the one that sidelined teammate Noah Syndergaard for more than 4½ months in 2017.The announcement was made Tuesday before the Mets opened a pivotal homestand against Cleveland. They began the night two games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second NL wild card.Gsellman is 2-3 with a 4.66 ERA and one save in 52 appearances covering 63 2/3 innings. The right-hander has struck out 60 and walked 23.New York selected the contract of veteran outfielder Rajai Davis from Triple-A Syracuse, bringing him back to the majors for the second time this season. Right-hander Walker Lockett was optioned to Syracuse and right-handed reliever Brooks Pounders, who was in the minors, was designated for assignment.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

June 301908 — At 41 years, 3 months, Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox pitched the third no-hitter of his career, an 8-0 win over the New York Highlanders.1948 — Cleveland's Bob Lemon pitched a 2-0 no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers for the first American League no-hitter at night.1962 — Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers struck out 13 New York Mets en route to the first of four career no-hitters, a 5-0 victory at Dodger Stadium.1970 — Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was dedicated, but Henry Aaron spoiled the show for the crowd of 51,050 with a first-inning homer off Jim McGlothlin as Atlanta beat the Reds 8-2.1978 — Willie McCovey became the 12th player in major league history to hit 500 home runs. His milestone shot off Atlanta's Jamie Easterly wasn't enough, as the Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 10-5 in the second game of a doubleheader at Fulton County Stadium.1995 — Eddie Murray of the Cleveland Indians became the second switch-hitter and the 20th player in baseball history... [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]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have activated outfielder Michael Conforto from the seven-day injured list and put him in the starting lineup against the Detroit Tigers.Conforto cleared Major League Baseball's concussion protocol and was batting third and playing right field on Sunday.The Mets designated outfielder Rajai Davis for assignment.Conforto suffered a concussion when he collided with teammate Robinson Cano chasing a flyball on May 16. Manager Mickey Callaway says Conforto is "full go" with no limitations.The 26-year-old Conforto is batting .271 with nine home runs and 21 RBIs.Davis connected for a pinch-hit, three-run homer Wednesday in his first at-bat for the Mets. He had been called up from Triple-A Syracuse that day, arrived at Citi Field during the game and then homered. Davis went 2 for 7 with New York.Callaway said the Mets hope that no other team claims the 38-year-old Davis and that he remains in the organization. He said it was a tough decision to cut Davis, and that the Mets wanted to take a longer look at newly acquired outfielder Aaron Altherr."I signed here to play here," Davis said as he packed his bag inside the clubhouse."I'm playing," he said. "Nothing wrong with me."___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Switching into stretch-run mode even before Memorial Day, the New York Mets will start using All-Star closer Edwin Díaz more often in the eighth inning.New York began Wednesday with a 22-25 record, 5½ games back of NL East-leading Philadelphia. Manager Mickey Callaway said he was willing to go against the trend of limiting closers to three outs in most situations."We're doing this earlier than we would like, but you might see Díaz for four outs," Callaway said. "If we're not going to be where we want to be at this point, how can we expect to be there and hold off on doing that with Díaz? So we got to win some games. We're going to approach this like it's the playoffs because we feel like we need to."Callaway announced the decision shortly before the Mets made a series of roster moves. They placed outfielder Brandon Nimmo on the 10-day injured list because of a stiff neck, a move retroactive to Tuesday, selected the contract of 38-year-old outfielder Rajai Davis from Triple-A... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Switching into stretch-run mode even before Memorial Day, the New York Mets will start using All-Star closer Edwin Díaz more often in the eighth inning.New York began Wednesday with a 22-25 record, 5½ games back of NL East-leading Philadelphia. Manager Mickey Callaway said he was willing to go against the trend of limiting closers to three outs in most situations."We're doing this earlier than we would like, but you might see Díaz for four outs," Callaway said. "If we're not going to be where we want to be at this point, how can we expect to be there and hold off on doing that with Díaz? So we got to win some games. We're going to approach this like it's the playoffs because we feel like we need to."Callaway announced the decision shortly before the Mets made a series of roster moves. They placed outfielder Brandon Nimmo on the 10-day disabled list because of a stiff neck, a move retroactive to Tuesday, selected the contract of outfielder Rajai Davis from Triple-A Syracuse... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets cut five players from major league camp Saturday and informed catcher Devin Mesoraco that he won't be on the opening day roster.The Mets re-assigned outfielders Carlos Gomez and Rajai Davis, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, and pitchers Ryan O'Rourke and Hector Santiago to minor league camp. All six players were offered $100,000 retention bonuses.The moves trimmed New York's spring roster to 30, with five days to get that number to 25. The toughest calls appear to be at the catching and pitching positions.Catcher Travis d'Arnaud and infielders Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie could be placed on the injured list prior to the Mets' season opener at Washington.D'Arnaud is working back from Tommy John surgery last April, and it's uncertain if he or Tomas Nido will break camp as the backup to Wilson Ramos. New York has been careful with the 30-year-old d'Arnaud, who caught eight innings over two games Thursday and Friday and has played eight spring games."We... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets cut five players from major league camp Saturday and informed catcher Devin Mesoraco that he won't be on the opening day roster.The Mets re-assigned outfielders Carlos Gomez and Rajai Davis, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, and pitchers Ryan O'Rourke and Hector Santiago to minor league camp. All six players were offered $100,000 retention bonuses.The moves trimmed New York's spring roster to 30, with five days to get that number to 25. The toughest calls appear to be at the catching and pitching positions.Catcher Travis d'Arnaud and infielders Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie could be placed on the injured list prior to the Mets' season opener at Washington.D'Arnaud is working back from Tommy John surgery last April, and it's uncertain if he or Tomas Nido will break camp as the backup to Wilson Ramos. New York has been careful with the 3-year-old d'Arnaud, who caught eight innings over two games Thursday and Friday and has played eight spring games."We... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets said they'll give $100,000 retention bonuses to six players at spring training with minor league contracts, assuring depth by keeping outfielders Carlos Gomez, Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco, left-hander Hector Santiago, catcher Devin Mesoraco and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.Just three other players received the retention bonus offers before Saturday's noon EDT deadline: Chicago White Sox right-hander Ervin Santana, San Diego catcher Chris Stewart and Toronto right-hander Bud Norris.Players will receive the bonus by April 15 and can start the season in the minor leagues. A player has until May 28 to ask for his release if not added to the 40-man roster by June 1.The deadline was Saturday for teams to make decisions on players who exercised free agency rights after the World Series and then agreed to minor league deals. Teams could inform the player they will be added to the big league roster by opening day next Thursday, offer the retention bonus or release... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets said they'll give $100,000 retention bonuses to six players at spring training with minor league contracts, assuring depth by keeping outfielders Carlos Gomez, Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco, left-hander Hector Santiago, catcher Devin Mesoraco and shortstop Adeiny Hecnavarria.Just three other players received the retention bonus offers before Saturday's noon EDT deadline: Chicago White Sox right-hander Ervin Santana, San Diego catcher Chris Stewart and Toronto right-hander Bud Norris.Players will receive the bonus by April 15 and can start the season in the minor leagues. A player has until May 28 to ask for his release if not added to the 40-man roster by June 1.The deadline was Saturday for teams to make decisions on players who exercised free agency rights after the World Series and then agreed to minor league deals. Teams could inform the player they will be added to the big league roster by opening day next Thursday, offer the retention bonus or release... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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:___Atlanta BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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:___Atlanta BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The timetable for Yoenis Cespedes' return to the New York Mets will remain an unanswered question until after opening day.The 33-year-old outfielder was limited to 38 games last year. Dr. Robert Anderson operated to remove bone calcification from Cespedes' right heel on Aug. 2 and from the left on Oct. 26.New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, Cespedes' former agent, has said it is too early to prognosticate when the All-Star slugger will be back in the lineup."I don't think we'll have an idea during spring training," Van Wagenen said on a sun-splashed, spring-like Monday while watching the team's equipment truck leave for spring training. "I think that our expectation is that he can make progress every day, that we build him up in a smart fashion, that we're not taxing him too soon, and we want to make sure that he's 100 percent healthy when he comes back, whenever that day is."Originally acquired from Detroit at the 2015 trade deadline, Cespedes hit .287 with 17... [More]