PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have declined the 2020 options for second baseman Wilmer Flores and left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland.The 28-year-old Flores hit a career-high .317 with nine homers in 89 games during his only season with the D-backs. Flores was due to make $6 million in 2020 but instead will get a $500,000 buyout.The 30-year-old McFarland pitched the past three seasons for the D-backs and threw in 51 games with a 4.82 ERA in 2019. He was due $1.85 million in 2020.Additionally, the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Abraham Almonte and left-handed pitcher Robby Scott to Triple-A Reno. They also announced infielder Kevin Cron had right knee surgery this month and is expected to be ready for spring training.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — The shutdown that shook baseball paid off for Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals.It just took seven seasons.Strasburg was voted MVP of the World Series following the Nationals' 6-2 win over the Houston Astros in Game 7 on Wednesday night, the first title in the 51 seasons of the Washington/Montreal Expos franchise.Ending the most prolific of 10 big league seasons for the 31-year-old right-hander, Strasburg went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts and one relief appearance, including victories in Games 2 and 6 of the Series.Long after Strasburg was shut down because of an innings limit following Tommy John surgery, he helped lead the Nationals to the championship."I slept like a baby when we made the decision," Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday. "I knew more information than the people criticizing. I've got a pretty thick skin being in the game this long."Selected by Washington with the first pick in the 2009 amateur draft, Strasburg... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch had options.There was Zack Greinke, a veteran ace showing his first signs of fatigue. Out in the bullpen, Gerrit Cole was watching. And of course, Will Harris was warming.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years."It's a decision I'll have to live with," he said.After Greinke allowed a homer to Anthony Rendon and walked Juan Soto, Hinch handed a 2-1 lead to Harris in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7. On Harris' second pitch, Howie Kendrick drove a two-run, go-ahead homer off the right field foul pole screen — a haymaker that stunned Houston in a 6-2 defeat that cost them the chance at a second title in two years."It's every reliever's nightmare that I get a chance to live," Harris said, his eyes red-rimmed from the emotional ending.Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner who joined the Astros from Arizona at the trade deadline, had looked strong all night. He threw only 80 pitches, was just starting his third turn through the order,... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch had options.There was Zack Greinke, a veteran ace showing his first signs of fatigue. Out in the bullpen, Gerrit Cole was watching. And of course, Will Harris was warming.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years."It's a decision I'll have to live with," he said.After Greinke allowed a homer to Anthony Rendon and walked Juan Soto, Hinch handed a 2-1 lead to Harris in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7. In Harris' first at-bat, Howie Kendrick drove a two-run, go-ahead homer off the right field foul pole screen — a haymaker that stunned Houston in a 6-2 defeat that cost them the chance at a second title in two years.It was the second straight night Harris surrendered a home run after Rendon took him deep for two runs in Houston's 7-2 loss in Game 6. Harris hadn't allowed a run this postseason before that shot.Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner who joined the Astros from Arizona at the trade deadline, had looked strong all night.... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The shutdown that shook baseball paid off for Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals.It just took seven seasons.Strasburg was voted MVP of the World Series following the Nationals' 6-2 win over the Houston Astros in Game 7 on Wednesday night, the first title in the 51 seasons of the Washington/Montreal Expos franchise.Ending the most prolific of 10 big league seasons for the 31-year-old right-hander, Strasburg went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in five postseason starts and one relief appearance, including victories in Games 2 of 6 of the Series.Seven years after Strasburg was shut down because of an innings limit following Tommy John surgery, he helped lead the Nationals to the championship."I slept like a baby when we made the decision," Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday. "I knew more information than the people criticizing. I've got a pretty thick skin being in the game this long."Selected by Washington with the first pick in the 2009 amateur draft, Strasburg... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Astros manager AJ Hinch had options.There was Zack Greinke, a veteran ace showing his first signs of fatigue. Out in the bullpen, Gerrit Cole was watching. And of course, Will Harris was warming.What came next, Hinch will contemplate for years."It's a decision I'll have to live with," he said.After Greinke allowed a homer to Anthony Rendon and walked Juan Soto, Hinch handed a 2-1 lead to Harris in the seventh inning of World Series Game 7. In Harris' first at-bat, Howie Kendrick pulled a two-run, go-ahead homer off the right field foul pole screen — a haymaker that stunned Houston in a 6-2 defeat that cost them the chance at a second title in two years.It was the second straight night Harris surrendered a home run after Rendon took him deep for two runs in Houston's 7-2 loss in Game 6. Harris hadn't allowed a run this postseason before Rendon's shot.Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner who joined the Astros from Arizona at the trade deadline, had looked strong all night.... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren is among those who have interviewed for the San Francisco Giants managerial position that was left vacant when Bruce Bochy retired following the season.Geren met with the team last week, and former Phillies manager Gape Kapler and Astros bench coach Joe Espada also are under consideration. Two people with direct knowledge of the search, speaking on condition of anonymity because the names weren't made public, confirmed those men had been considered. In addition, Giants coaches Ron Wotus and Hensley Meulens received interviews and so did Oakland Athletics coach Mark Kotsay.The 44-year-old Kapler was fired Oct. 10 after two seasons in Philadelphia and a 161-163 record. With Bryce Harper their blockbuster acquisition, the Phillies finished 81-81 for their first non-losing season since 2012.Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi is very familiar with Geren, who managed the A's from 2007 through part of 2011 while Zaidi was with Oakland. Zaidi later departed for the Dodgers in 2014.Geren had a 334-376 record with the A's.Bochy managed the Giants to World Series championships in 2010, '12 and '14. San Francisco went 77-85 in his final year and with four more wins than in 2018, and the club could look quite different heading into 2020 with lefty ace and 2014 World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner among baseball's top free agents.___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on Game 7 of the World Series (all times local):5:00 p.m.Houston manager AJ Hinch said Game 6 starter Justin Verlander won't be available for Game 7 against the Washington Nationals.After taking the loss in Game 6 to fall to 0-6 in seven career World Series starts, Verlander said he would be available on Wednesday if Hinch needed him. But Hinch shut that down."All hands on deck means most hands on deck," Hinch said.While Verlander is out while Houston tries to win a second championship in three seasons, fellow ace Gerrit Cole could be used out of the bullpen.Cole got the win in Game 5 on Sunday. Hinch said he'll talk to him before the game about how he might use him on Wednesday."It would be in a limited capacity if I ask him to do anything," Hinch said.___3:45 p.m.Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki is back in Washington's lineup for the deciding Game 7 of the World Series against the Houston Astros.Suzuki hadn't played the last three games while dealing with a hip... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to hire former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the decision. The deal has not yet been signed. But the move could be announced Thursday because it would not conflict with a World Series game. Major League Baseball tries to avoid such announcements during its showcase event.Kapler was fired after an injury-depleted team went 81-81 despite significant offseason additions highlighted by Bryce Harper's arrival. He was 161-163 in his two seasons. The Phillies also interviewed Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter.Girardi was one of the most prominent candidates to fill vacant managerial spots across baseball. He led New York to its 27th World Series title, beating the Phillies in six games in 2009.He succeeded Joe Torre after the 2007 season and spent a decade in pinstripes. He also managed the Marlins one season and was NL Manager of the Year after going 78-84 in 2006. His record with the Yankees was 910-710, the sixth most wins in team history.The 55-year-old Girardi hit .267 as a catcher for 15 seasons in the majors. He won three championships with the Yankees in the 1990s and was an All-Star for the Cubs in 2000.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia Phillies are hiring former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team has not announced the decision.Kapler was fired after an injury-depleted team went 81-81 despite significant offseason additions highlighted by Bryce Harper's arrival. He was 161-163 in his two seasons. The Phillies also interviewed Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter.Girardi was one of the most prominent candidates to fill vacant managerial spots across baseball. He led New York to its 27th World Series title, beating the Phillies in six games in 2009.He succeeded replaced Joe Torre after the 2007 season and spent a decade in pinstripes. He also managed the Marlins one season and was NL Manager of the Year after going 78-84 in 2006. His record with the Yankees was 910-710, the sixth most wins in team history.The 55-year-old Girardi hit .267 as a catcher for 15 seasons in the majors. He won three championships with the Yankees in the 1990s and was an All-Star for the Cubs in 2000.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The "Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo" earworm might just be coming to a World Series near you, if Washington Nationals backup outfielder Gerardo Parra heads to the plate during one of his team's home games against the Houston Astros.A walk-up song that showed up months ago as a sweet tribute to the musical taste of Parra's 2-year-old daughter has become a rallying cry of sorts for spectators at Nationals Park — who sing and clap along by the thousands, arms fully extended in a chomping motion — and his teammates — who do their own shark-inspired hand gestures after each hit, including pinching together an index finger and thumb after singles.Some players work out wearing headbands sporting a cartoon shark. Some fans wear full-body shark costumes. There's even a little blue stuffed-animal shark that Parra placed in the netting in front of the home dugout at Nationals Park.All of the zaniness could be on display for a global TV audience as the Fall Classic shifts to... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — The "Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo" earworm might just be coming to a World Series near you, if Washington Nationals backup outfielder Gerardo Parra heads to the plate during one of his team's home games against the Houston Astros.A walk-up song that showed up months ago as a sweet tribute to the musical taste of Parra's 2-year-old daughter has become a rallying cry of sorts for spectators at Nationals Park — who sing and clap along by the thousands, arms fully extended in a chomping motion — and his teammates — who do their own shark-inspired hand gestures after each hit, including pinching together an index finger and thumb after singles.Some players work out wearing headbands sporting a cartoon shark. Some fans wear full-body shark costumes. There's even a little blue stuffed-animal shark that Parra placed in the netting in front of the home dugout at Nationals Park.All of the zaniness could be on display for a global TV audience as the Fall Classic shifts to... [More]

A list of players who hit home runs in their first World Series at-bat:Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals, 2019Eduardo Nunez, Boston Red Sox, 2018Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers, 2018Chris Taylor, Los Angeles Dodgers, 2017Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies, 2008Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox, 2007Bobby Kielty, Boston Red Sox, 2007Geoff Blum, Chicago White Sox, 2005Mike Lamb, Houston Astros, 2005David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, 2004Troy Glaus, Anaheim Angels, 2002Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants, 2002x-Andruw Jones, Atlanta Braves, 1996Fred McGriff, Atlanta Braves, 1995Ed Sprague, Toronto Blue Jays, 1992Eric Davis, Cincinnati Reds, 1990Bill Bathe, San Francisco Giants, 1989Jose Canseco, Oakland Athletics, 1988Mickey Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1988Jim Dwyer, Baltimore Orioles, 1983Bob Watson, New York Yankees, 1981Amos Otis, Kansas City Royals, 1980Doug DeCinces, Baltimore Orioles, 1979Jim Mason, New York Yankees, 1976x-Gene Tenace, Oakland Athletics, 1972Don Buford, Baltimore Orioles, 1969Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers, 1968Jose Santiago, Boston Red Sox, 1967Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, 1966Don Mincher, Minnesota Twins, 1965Roger Maris, New York Yankees, 1960Elston Howard, New York Yankees, 1955Dusty Rhodes, New York Giants, 1954George Selkirk, New York Yankees, 1936Mel Ott, New York Giants, 1933George Watkins, St. Louis Cardinals, 1930Joe Harris, Washington Senators, 1925Chick Fewster, New York Yankees, 1921___x-homered first two at-bats

HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan Zimmerman has come full circle, with a trot around the bases for the Washington Nationals.The first amateur player ever drafted by the Nationals in 2005, and the only person to wear their jersey during all 15 seasons the team has existed, Zimmerman hit their first World Series home run."First at-bat, to hit a home run and run around the bases, you're kind of almost floating around the bases," Zimmerman said. "To be able to do that is obviously what you work for. Not only you sacrifice for, but I think what your family sacrifices for. That's why you play the game, to play on the biggest stage."With his deep blast to center field with two outs in the second inning Tuesday night — Houston Astros starter Gerrit Cole immediately threw his right arm up knowing the ball was long gone — the 35-year-old Zimmerman also scored the team's first-ever run in the World Series."I'll be honest with you, my eyes got a little watery for him," manager Dave Martinez said. "He waited a long... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Gerrit Cole trudged slowly off the mound, wiped the sweat from his upper lip and took a handshake and pat on the backside from manager AJ Hinch.Walking away without a lead — not something Cole and the Houston Astros are used to. Certainly not what they expected in the World Series opener."He's been so good for so long that there builds this thought of invincibility and that it's impossible to beat him," Hinch said. "So when it happens it is a surprise to all of us."The Washington Nationals roughed up Cole for five runs in seven innings Tuesday night, beating Houston 5-4 to jump ahead in the best-of-seven series.Cole suffered his first loss since May 22. Set to cash in as a free agent this offseason, he had won a single-season record 19 consecutive decisions. His postseason prior to Tuesday was nearly perfect: 3-0 record, one run allowed, and 32 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.In his first World Series appearance and ninth postseason game, the 29-year-old right-hander gave up... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Gerrit Cole trudged slowly off the mound, wiped the sweat from his upper lip and took a handshake and pat on the backside from manager AJ Hinch.Walking away without a lead — not something Cole and the Houston Astros are used to. Certainly not what they expected in the World Series opener.The Washington Nationals roughed up Cole for five runs in seven innings Tuesday night, beating Houston 5-4 to jump ahead in the best-of-seven series.Cole suffered his first loss since May 22. Set to cash in as a free agent this offseason, he had won a single-season record 19 consecutive decisions. His postseason prior to Tuesday was nearly perfect: 3-0 record, one run allowed, and 32 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.In his first World Series appearance and ninth postseason game, the 29-year-old right-hander gave up his most runs since the White Sox tagged him for six in that May 22 loss."He's been so good for so long that there builds this thought of invincibility and that it's impossible to... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — He could have been Mad Max on a night his best was missing. Instead, he fenced and fought, shuffled and juggled.And so did the Washington Nationals bullpen.As the Houston Astros kept clawing within one big hit of a comeback, Scherzer and the Nationals just held on.Scherzer got through five innings of Max-imum effort for a 5-4 victory in Tuesday night's opener, becoming the first pitcher to win a World Series game for a Washington team since Earl Whitehill against the New York Giants in 1933.Unable to overwhelm, Scherzer threw a bit of the ol' razzle dazzle that included 112 pitches, nine full counts and six stranded runners.Nationals manager Dave Martinez followed the once-unconventional and now by-the-postseason-book method of tapping starters for big-moment relief, bringing in Patrick Corbin for the sixth, the first of four heartburn-inducing relievers.A three-time Cy Young Award winner and seven-time All-Star, Scherzer is seeking his first Series ring at age 35. His only... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan Zimmerman has come full circle, with a trot around the bases for the Washington Nationals.The first amateur player ever drafted by the Nationals in 2005, and the only person to wear their jersey during all 15 seasons the team has existed, Zimmerman hit their first World Series home run.With his deep blast to center field with two outs in the second inning Tuesday night — with Houston Astros starter Gerrit Cole immediately throwing his right arm up knowing the ball was long gone — the 35-year-old Zimmerman also scored the team's first-ever run in the World Series.Washington trailed when Zimmerman homered but 20-year-old Juan Soto tied the game with an impressive homer of his own leading off the fourth and added a two-run double an inning later and the Nationals held on for a 5-4 victory.The only players older than Zimmerman to homer in their first World Series plate appearances were a 38-year-old Barry Bonds in 2002 and Bob Watson in 1981, when he was also 35 but still... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The starting rotations for the World Series between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals are filled with former Cy Young winners and first-round draft picks.Game 1 featured a pair of starting pitchers who were first-round draft picks — and so will Game 2. Two of the hurlers were No. 1 overall selections.Gerrit Cole, a first-round pick both out of high school and then first overall out of college, was on the mound for the Houston Astros in the World Series opener Tuesday night against Washington. Three-time Cy Young winner and 2006 first-round pick Max Scherzer started for the Nationals.Cole was picked 28th overall by the New York Yankees in 2008 but opted to go to UCLA and was selected first overall by Pittsburgh three years later. Scherzer was picked 11th overall by Arizona in 2006. He won the 2013 AL Cy Young before twice winning the NL award (2016-17).Game 2 on Wednesday features 2011 AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, the second overall pick by Detroit in 2004... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The starting rotations for the World Series between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals are filled with former Cy Young winners and first-round draft picks.Game 1 featured a pair of starting pitchers who were first-round draft picks — and so will Game 2. Two of the hurlers were No. 1 overall picks.Gerrit Cole, a first-round pick both out of high school and then first overall out of college, was on the mound for the Houston Astros in the World Series opener Tuesday night against Washington. Three-time Cy Young winner and 2006 first-round pick Max Scherzer started for the Nationals.Cole was picked 28th overall by the New York Yankees in 2008 but opted to go to UCLA and was selected first overall by Pittsburgh three years later. Scherzer was picked 11th overall by Arizona in 2006. He won the 2013 AL Cy Young before twice winning the NL award (2016-17).The second game Wednesday features 2011 AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, the second overall pick by Detroit in 2004... [More]