The Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to open the season in familiar fashion: with Mad Bum on the mound. Madison Bumgarner was tabbed by manager Torey Lovullo to make his second straight opening day start for the Diamondbacks on Thursday at San Diego. The 31-year-old four-time All-Star struggled last season — his first in Arizona — going 1-4 with a 6.48 ERA. He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. But Bumgarner, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract before last season, will still lead off a Diamondbacks rotation that includes Merrill Kelly, Caleb Smith, Taylor Widener and Luke Weaver. This will be the seventh opening day start in Bumgarner's career after doing so five times with San Francisco. The Yankees also are setting their rotation, announcing Sunday that Corey Kluber will follow ace Gerrit Cole against Toronto. Kluber, who signed a one-year, $11 million contract with New York, has thrown one inning in... [More]

The Arizona Diamondbacks are ready to open the season in familiar fashion: with Mad Bum on the mound. Madison Bumgarner was tabbed by manager Torey Lovullo to make his second straight opening day start for the Diamondbacks on Thursday at San Diego. The 31-year-old four-time All-Star struggled last season — his first in Arizona — going 1-4 with a 6.48 ERA. He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. But Bumgarner, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract before last season, will still lead off a Diamondbacks rotation that includes Merrill Kelly, Caleb Smith, Taylor Widener and Luke Weaver. This will be the seventh opening day start in Bumgarner's career after doing so five times with San Francisco. The Yankees also are setting their rotation, announcing Sunday that Corey Kluber will follow ace Gerrit Cole against Toronto. Kluber, who signed a one-year, $11 million contract with New York, has thrown one inning in... [More]

Shohei Ohtani figured he’d be careful in his return to the mound after two injury-spoiled seasons. A few batters in, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation reached back for a little extra — and brought back some of the buzz that surrounded his major league debut three years ago. Ohtani reached 100 mph with his fastball and showed off his signature splitter while striking out five over 1 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 7-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday. The right-hander allowed a run, three hits and two walks, struggling to command his slider but showcasing the arm strength and stuff that allowed him to dominate in the majors before Tommy John surgery in 2018. “Since this was my first game, I wasn’t planning on letting it go in the beginning, especially early in counts,” Ohtani said via translator. “As the game went on, I felt better and I started throwing harder, but I think that led to me cutting the ball a couple times, so it’s something I have to work on.” The 26-year-old Japanese... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American 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: ___ Minnesota Twins Manager: Rocco Baldelli (third season). 2020: 36-24, first place, lost to Houston in first round of playoffs. Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida. Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex. First Workout: Feb. 19/23. He’s Here: SS Andrelton Simmons, RHP Alex Colomé, LHP J.A. Happ, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Shaun Anderson, RHP Ian Hamilton, OF Keon Broxton, LHP Andrew Albers. He’s Outta Here: LF Eddie Rosario, RHP Sergio Romo, RHP Trevor May, RHP Jake Odorizzi, INF/OF Marwin Gonzalez, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Tyler Clippard, RHP Matt Wisler, INF Ehire Adrianza, C Alex Avila. Going campin’: The Twins return largely the same team that won the last two AL Central titles, aiming to end their major league-record 18-game postseason losing streak. The pitching staff was superb... [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 Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (sixth season). 2020: 35-25, first place, lost to Dodgers in NL Championship Series. Training Town: North Port, Florida. Park: CoolToday Park. First Workout: Feb. 18/23. He’s Here: RHP Charlie Morton, LHP Drew Smyly, RHP Carl Edwards, SS Ehire Adrianza, RHP Victor Arano. He’s Outta Here: OF Nick Markakis, OF Adam Duvall, INF Charlie Culberson, RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Mark Melancon, C Tyler Flowers, RHP Shane Greene, RHP Darren O’Day, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Adeiny Hechavarria, LHP Cole Hamels. Going campin’: The key offseason move was re-signing left fielder Marcell Ozuna to a four-year, $65 million deal. Morton and Smyly add experience to the rotation. The team can take a cautious approach with 2020 opening day starter Mike Soroka’s return from... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Avila finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday with the Washington Nationals, who are expected to use him as the primary backup to starting catcher Yan Gomes. Avila, who turned 34 last week, was a free agent after playing in 2020 for the Minnesota Twins, batting .184 in 49 at-bats during the coronavirus-shortened season. His deal calls for a $500,000 signing bonus that is protected against a shortened season and a $1 million guaranteed salary. While he hasn't had any detailed discussions about his role with manager Dave Martinez or GM Mike Rizzo, Avila said: "Whenever Davey needs me in the lineup, I’ll be ready to go.” He has played 12 years in the majors for five clubs and has a .235 career batting average with a .348 on-base percentage, 104 homers and 388 RBIs. “I don't think I'm going to be hitting fourth for this team,” joked Avila, who has thrown out 14 of 32 runners trying to steal over the past two seasons. He has caught current Nationals starters... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Avila finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday with the Washington Nationals, who are expected to use him as the primary backup to starting catcher Yan Gomes. Avila, who turned 34 last week, was a free agent after playing in 2020 for the Minnesota Twins, batting .184 in 49 at-bats during the coronavirus-shortened season. While he hasn't had any detailed discussions about his role with manager Dave Martinez or GM Mike Rizzo, Avila said: "Whenever Davey needs me in the lineup, I’ll be ready to go.” He has played 12 years in the majors for five clubs and has a .235 career batting average with a .348 on-base percentage, 104 homers and 388 RBIs. “I don't think I'm going to be hitting fourth for this team,” joked Avila, who has thrown out 14 of 32 runners trying to steal over the past two seasons. He has caught current Nationals starters Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin and Jon Lester in previous stops. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, was the first... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Avila finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday with the Washington Nationals, who are expected to use him as the primary backup to starting catcher Yan Gomes. Avila, who turned 34 last week, was a free agent after playing in 2020 for the Minnesota Twins, batting .184 in 49 at-bats during the coronavirus-shortened season. He has played 12 years in the majors for five clubs and has a .235 career batting average with a .348 on-base percentage, 104 homers and 388 RBIs. Avila has thrown out 14 of 32 runners trying to steal over the past two seasons. His father, Al, is general manager of the Detroit Tigers. Alex Avila's addition is the latest in a flurry of moves by Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo after the team tied for last place in the NL East. Washington has brought in lefty starter Jon Lester, lefty reliever Brad Hand, first baseman Josh Bell and left fielder Kyle Schwarber, and re-signed first baseman Ryan Zimmerman after he sat out 2020. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins declined Wednesday to offer a 2021 contract to Eddie Rosario, their regular left fielder for the last six seasons. The Twins also decided to non-tender reliever Matt Wisler prior to MLB's deadline. They reached one-year deals with five of their arbitration-eligible players: José Berríos ($500,000 signing bonus and $5.6 million salary), center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000), reliever Tyler Duffey ($2.2 million), catcher Mitch Garver ($1,875,000) and reliever Caleb Thielbar ($650,000). Rosario cleared waivers this week, another sign of the economic uncertainty around the industry. “We very much appreciate everything Eddie has done up to this point. He’s been a big part of this team over the last number of years. So those are always difficult decisions. But he was a pro about it,” president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. Though Rosario and Wisler were the only players on the 40-man roster not offered new contracts, Falvey said the team remains... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins declined Wednesday to offer a 2021 contract to Eddie Rosario, their regular left fielder for the last six seasons. The Twins also decided to non-tender reliever Matt Wisler prior to MLB's deadline. They reached one-year deals with five of their arbitration-eligible players: José Berríos ($6.1 million), center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000), reliever Tyler Duffey ($2.2 million), catcher Mitch Garver ($1,875,000) and reliever Caleb Thielbar ($650,000). Rosario cleared waivers this week, another sign of the economic uncertainty around the industry. “We very much appreciate everything Eddie has done up to this point. He’s been a big part of this team over the last number of years. So those are always difficult decisions. But he was a pro about it,” president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. Though Rosario and Wisler were the only players on the 40-man roster not offered new contracts, Falvey said the team remains open to negotiating with them... [More]

Twins second. Eddie Rosario homers to right field. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging. Byron Buxton flies out to deep right field to Nomar Mazara. Marwin Gonzalez walks. Ehire Adrianza grounds out to shallow infield, Lucas Giolito to Yasmani Grandal.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 1, White sox 0.Twins fourth. Eddie Rosario walks. Miguel Sano flies out to right field to Nomar Mazara. Byron Buxton homers to center field. Eddie Rosario scores. Marwin Gonzalez called out on strikes. Ehire Adrianza lines out to shallow right field to Nick Madrigal.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 3, White sox 0.White sox fourth. Jose Abreu homers to left field. Eloy Jimenez pops out to shallow infield to Alex Avila. Yoan Moncada flies out to center field to Byron Buxton. James McCann strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 3, White sox 1.Twins eighth. Josh Donaldson walks. Nelson Cruz grounds out to shallow infield, Yoan Moncada to Yasmani Grandal. Josh Donaldson to second. Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging. Miguel Sano homers to center field. Josh Donaldson scores. Byron Buxton grounds out to third base, Yoan Moncada to Yasmani Grandal.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 5, White sox 1.

Tigers first. Victor Reyes triples to deep right center field. Jonathan Schoop strikes out swinging. Miguel Cabrera singles to shallow left field. Victor Reyes scores. Jeimer Candelario flies out to center field to Jake Cave. Niko Goodrum strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Tigers 1, Twins 0.Twins second. Luis Arraez lines out to deep center field to JaCoby Jones. Marwin Gonzalez walks. LaMonte Wade Jr. pops out to Grayson Greiner. Alex Avila singles to left center field. Marwin Gonzalez to third. Max Kepler strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 1, Tigers 1.Twins third. Jorge Polanco homers to right field. Nelson Cruz hit by pitch. Miguel Sano called out on strikes. Jake Cave hit by pitch. Nelson Cruz to second. Luis Arraez reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Jake Cave to second. Nelson Cruz out at third. Marwin Gonzalez strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 2, Tigers 1.Tigers fourth. Jeimer Candelario homers... [More]

Tigers second. Jeimer Candelario singles to shortstop. Niko Goodrum singles to right field. Jeimer Candelario to second. JaCoby Jones grounds out to shortstop. Niko Goodrum out at second. Jeimer Candelario to third. Christin Stewart doubles to deep left field. Jeimer Candelario scores. Austin Romine strikes out swinging.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Tigers 1, Twins 0.Twins third. Max Kepler reaches on error to right field, advances to 2nd. Fielding error by Jeimer Candelario. Alex Avila strikes out swinging. Jorge Polanco out on a sacrifice fly to deep right field to Victor Reyes. Max Kepler scores. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging.1 run, 0 hits, 1 error, 0 left on. Twins 1, Tigers 1.Tigers third. Willi Castro singles to second base. Victor Reyes singles to center field. Willi Castro to third. Jonathan Schoop singles to shallow right field. Victor Reyes to second. Willi Castro scores. Miguel Cabrera grounds out to third base. Jonathan Schoop out at second. Victor Reyes to third. Jeimer... [More]

Twins first. Max Kepler homers to right field. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz grounds out to third base. Jorge Polanco out at second. Eddie Rosario singles to right field. Marwin Gonzalez singles to right field. Eddie Rosario out at third.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 1, Indians 0.Twins second. Luis Arraez lines out to left field to Greg Allen. Miguel Sano doubles to deep left field. LaMonte Wade Jr. singles to center field. Miguel Sano scores. Alex Avila strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 2, Indians 0.Indians third. Delino DeShields singles to shallow left field. Cesar Hernandez walks. Jose Ramirez homers to right field. Cesar Hernandez scores. Delino DeShields scores. Francisco Lindor grounds out to shallow right field to Miguel Sano. Carlos Santana strikes out swinging. Franmil Reyes grounds out to third base, Marwin Gonzalez to Miguel Sano.3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Indians 3, Twins 2.Twins seventh. Ehire Adrianza pinch-hitting for... [More]

Twins first. Max Kepler doubles to right field. Jorge Polanco singles to second base. Max Kepler to third. Eddie Rosario homers to right field. Jorge Polanco scores. Max Kepler scores. Marwin Gonzalez flies out to left field to Alex Gordon. Jake Cave singles to shallow center field. Miguel Sano called out on strikes. Luis Arraez grounds out to third base, Maikel Franco to Ryan McBroom.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 3, Royals 0.Twins fourth. Miguel Sano homers. Luis Arraez grounds out to shortstop, Adalberto Mondesi to Ryan McBroom. LaMonte Wade Jr. grounds out to shallow center field, Adalberto Mondesi to Ryan McBroom. Alex Avila called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 4, Royals 0.Royals fifth. Maikel Franco called out on strikes. Alex Gordon homers to center field. Adalberto Mondesi grounds out to first base to Miguel Sano. Cam Gallagher singles to shallow center field. Whit Merrifield singles to left field. Cam Gallagher to second. Nicky Lopez doubles... [More]

Twins fifth. Luis Arraez doubles to deep center field. Miguel Sano doubles to left center field. Luis Arraez scores. Byron Buxton pops out to shallow infield to Keston Hiura. Alex Avila strikes out on a foul tip. Max Kepler walks. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Twins 1, Brewers 0.Twins seventh. Miguel Sano doubles to left field. Byron Buxton pops out to shallow infield to Justin Smoak. Alex Avila walks. Max Kepler pops out to shallow left field to Eric Sogard. Jorge Polanco singles to right field. Alex Avila to third. Ehire Adrianza scores. Nelson Cruz grounds out to shallow infield, Keston Hiura to Justin Smoak.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 2, Brewers 0.Twins eighth. Eddie Rosario walks. Marwin Gonzalez called out on strikes. Eddie Rosario steals second. Luis Arraez walks. Ehire Adrianza singles to shallow infield. Luis Arraez to second. Eddie Rosario scores. Byron Buxton grounds out to shallow infield. Ehire Adrianza... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox tied a major league record with four consecutive home runs, all against Roel Ramirez in his major league debut, and went on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday. Ramirez is the first pitcher to allow four straight homers in his debut. Yoán Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez connected during a six-run fifth inning.It was the 10th time in major league history a team hit four straight homers. The only other time the White Sox did it was on Aug. 14, 2008, against Kansas City, when Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe connected.The White Sox got another solid start from Dallas Keuchel (3-2) and won for just the third time in 11 home games.St. Louis right-hander Dakota Hudson (0-2) allowed one run in four innings in his first start since July 26.INDIANS 8, TIGERS 5DETROIT (AP) — Franmil Reyes homered twice, and the Indians beat the Tigers for the 20th straight time, nearing the major league record for most consecutive... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox tied a major league record with four consecutive home runs, all against Roel Ramirez in his major league debut, and went on to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday. Ramirez is the first pitcher to allow four straight homers in his debut. Yoán Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez connected during a six-run fifth inning.It was the 10th time in major league history a team hit four straight homers. The only other time the White Sox did it was on Aug. 14, 2008, against Kansas City, when Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe connected.The White Sox got another solid start from Dallas Keuchel (3-2) and won for just the third time in 11 home games.St. Louis right-hander Dakota Hudson (0-2) allowed one run in four innings in his first start since July 26.INDIANS 8, TIGERS 5DETROIT (AP) — Franmil Reyes homered twice, and the Indians beat the Tigers for the 20th straight time, nearing the major league record for most consecutive... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield grounds out to shallow infield, Marwin Gonzalez to Miguel Sano. Nicky Lopez called out on strikes. Hunter Dozier homers to right field. Jorge Soler strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Royals 1, Twins 0.Royals second. Ryan O'Hearn flies out to deep left center field to Eddie Rosario. Maikel Franco grounds out to shortstop, Jorge Polanco to Miguel Sano. Alex Gordon homers to right field. Adalberto Mondesi grounds out to second base, Luis Arraez to Miguel Sano.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Royals 2, Twins 0.Twins third. Alex Avila walks. Max Kepler pops out to shallow center field to Adalberto Mondesi. Jorge Polanco grounds out to shallow right field to Ryan O'Hearn. Alex Avila scores. Nelson Cruz singles to center field. Eddie Rosario grounds out to first base to Ryan O'Hearn.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 1.Twins fifth. Alex Avila walks. Max Kepler homers to right field. Alex Avila scores. Jorge Polanco flies out... [More]

Twins third. Alex Avila strikes out swinging. Max Kepler grounds out to shallow infield, Gabe Speier to Ryan McBroom. Jorge Polanco singles to deep right center field, advances to 2nd. Fielding error by Whit Merrifield. Nelson Cruz homers to left field. Jorge Polanco scores. Eddie Rosario called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 0 left on. Twins 2, Royals 0.Twins fourth. Marwin Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Miguel Sano singles to third base. Luis Arraez singles to right center field. Miguel Sano to third. Byron Buxton out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Alex Gordon. Miguel Sano scores. Alex Avila called out on strikes.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 3, Royals 0.Royals fifth. Ryan McBroom doubles. Maikel Franco homers to left field. Ryan McBroom scores. Alex Gordon lines out to deep right field to Max Kepler. Adalberto Mondesi strikes out swinging. Nicky Lopez grounds out to shallow center field, Luis Arraez to Miguel Sano.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 3, Royals 2.Twins fifth. Max Kepler flies out to left center field to Alex Gordon. Jorge Polanco flies out to deep center field to Whit Merrifield. Nelson Cruz doubles to deep left field. Eddie Rosario doubles. Nelson Cruz scores. Marwin Gonzalez grounds out to shallow infield, Adalberto Mondesi to Ryan McBroom.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 4, Royals 2.