HOUSTON (AP) — Amid criticism from Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros on Thursday defended the team's decision to deny a newspaper reporter access to the clubhouse until after ace pitcher Justin Verlander finished his postgame session with the media.MLB said Wednesday night's incident violated its media guidelines and the Detroit Free Press said barring its reporter, Anthony Fenech, was "intolerable."Verlander, who played for Detroit for 13 seasons, had just pitched a two-hitter in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers. The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. As the rest of the media was allowed to enter, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed in at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech approached Verlander, who said: "I'm not answering your questions."Verlander addressed the situation... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Amid criticism from Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros on Thursday defended the team's decision to deny a newspaper reporter access to the clubhouse until after ace pitcher Justin Verlander finished his postgame session with the media.MLB said Wednesday night's incident violated its media guidelines and the Detroit Free Press said barring its reporter, Anthony Fenech, was "intolerable."Verlander, who played for Detroit for 13 seasons, had just pitched a two-hitter in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers. The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. As the rest of the media was allowed to enter, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed in at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech approached Verlander, who said: "I'm not answering your questions."Verlander addressed the situation... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates are parting ways with veteran catcher Francisco Cervelli, who's worked his way back from another concussion and is hoping to catch on with a contender.The Pirates announced Thursday they had requested unconditional release waivers on the 33-year-old Cervelli. He's played 34 games this season, hitting .193 with one home run and five RBIs.Cervelli has suffered several concussions in his career, and hasn't played in the majors since his most recent one on May 25.Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington says the club wants give Cervelli — who recently completed a rehabilitation assignment — an opportunity to sign with another team rather than sit the bench.The last-place Pirates have split the catching duties between Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings. Cervelli is in the final season of a three-year, $31 million contract.Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said there was a plan in place to have Cervelli return this season."We started talking about different opportunities,"... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Amid criticism from Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros on Thursday defended the team's decision to deny a newspaper reporter access to the clubhouse until after ace pitcher Justin Verlander finished his postgame session with the media.MLB said Wednesday night's incident violated its media guidelines and the Detroit Free Press said barring its reporter, Anthony Fenech, was "intolerable."Verlander, who played for Detroit for 13 seasons, had just pitched a two-hitter in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers. The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. As the rest of the media was allowed to enter, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed in at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech approached Verlander, who said: "I'm not answering your questions."Verlander addressed the situation... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Amid criticism from Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros on Thursday defended the team's decision to deny a newspaper reporter access to the clubhouse until after ace pitcher Justin Verlander finished his postgame session with the media.MLB said Wednesday night's incident violated its media guidelines and the Detroit Free Press said barring its reporter, Anthony Fenech, was "intolerable."Astros vice president of communications Gene Dias said beat writer Fenech was blocked at the request of Verlander, who played for Detroit for 13 seasons and had just pitched a two-hitter in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers.The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. As the rest of the media was allowed to enter, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed in at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — A reporter for the Detroit Free Press was denied access to the Houston Astros clubhouse on Wednesday night until Justin Verlander finished his postgame media session.According to the Free Press, Astros vice president of communications Gene Dias said beat writer Anthony Fenech was blocked at the request of Verlander. According to Dias, Verlander said he would not speak to any credentialed media while Fenech was present.The incident came after Verlander, who played for the Detroit Tigers for 13 seasons, pitched a two-hitter as the Astros lost 2-1.The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. and as the rest of the assembled media was allowed to enter the clubhouse, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed into the clubhouse at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech approached... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates are parting ways with veteran catcher Francisco Cervelli, who has been hampered by multiple concussions this season.The club announced Thursday it requested unconditional release waivers for the 33-year-old Cervelli. He's played just 34 games this season.Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington says the club wants give Cervelli — who recently completed a rehabilitation assignment — an opportunity to sign with another team rather than sit the bench.The last-place Pirates have split the catching duties between Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings. Cervelli is in the final season of a three-year, $31-million contract extension he signed in 2016.He spent four-plus seasons with Pittsburgh after being acquired in 2014 in a trade with the New York Yankees. He hit .295 in 130 games in 2015 for a team that won 98 games and reached the National League playoffs for the third straight year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — A reporter for the Detroit Free Press was denied access to the Houston Astros clubhouse on Wednesday night until Justin Verlander finished his postgame media session.According to the Free Press, Astros vice president of communications Gene Dias said beat writer Anthony Fenech was blocked at the request of Verlander. According to Dias, Verlander said he would not speak to any credentialed media while Fenech was present.The incident came after Verlander, who played for the Detroit Tigers for 13 seasons, pitched a two-hitter as the Astros lost 2-1.The Astros opened their clubhouse at 9:35 p.m. and as the rest of the assembled media was allowed to enter the clubhouse, Fenech, who has a credential issued by the Baseball Writers' Association of America was stopped by three Astros security officials.Fenech contacted MLB vice president of communications Mike Teevan and was allowed into the clubhouse at 9:41 p.m., after Verlander had concluded his media session. Fenech approached... [More]

Rangers second. Hunter Pence strikes out swinging. Willie Calhoun homers to center field. Nick Solak doubles to deep left field. Logan Forsythe lines out to deep right field to Kole Calhoun. Delino DeShields doubles to deep left field. Nick Solak scores. Jeff Mathis strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 2, Angels 0.Angels fourth. Kole Calhoun grounds out to first base to Danny Santana. Albert Pujols doubles to deep right field. Brian Goodwin doubles to center field. Albert Pujols scores. Luis Rengifo singles to left field. Brian Goodwin to third. Wilfredo Tovar grounds out to second base, Nick Solak to Danny Santana. Luis Rengifo to second. Brian Goodwin scores. Max Stassi grounds out to shortstop, Elvis Andrus to Danny Santana.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Angels 2, Rangers 2.Rangers fourth. Willie Calhoun singles to right field. Nick Solak doubles to deep left field. Willie Calhoun scores. Logan Forsythe grounds out to third base, David Fletcher to Albert... [More]

Tigers fifth. Harold Castro flies out to right center field to George Springer. Dawel Lugo grounds out to shortstop, Jack Mayfield to Yuli Gurriel. Ronny Rodriguez homers to right field. Jordy Mercer pops out to Yuli Gurriel.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Tigers 1, Astros 0.Astros seventh. Robinson Chirinos homers to left field. Jake Marisnick strikes out swinging. Jack Mayfield lines out to right field to Travis Demeritte. Myles Straw flies out to deep right field to Travis Demeritte.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Tigers 1, Astros 1.Tigers ninth. John Hicks homers to left field. Gordon Beckham flies out to shallow center field to George Springer. Victor Reyes lines out to first base to Yuli Gurriel. Travis Demeritte strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Tigers 2, Astros 1.

A look at what's happening around the majors today:KLUBOT POWERS BACK DOWNIndians ace Corey Kluber has been shut down for two weeks with an abdominal strain, an injury he sustained during his comeback from a broken arm. Kluber was pulled from a minor league start for Triple-A Columbus at Charlotte on Sunday after one inning because of abdominal tightness. He returned to Cleveland and the team said imaging tests confirmed the strain. The Indians said the two-time Cy Young winner will not throw for two weeks before he's re-examined and a plan is formulated. The right-hander hopes to be part of Cleveland's playoff push.QUEENS CRUNCH TIMEThe Mets are back on a roll, and it's a well-timed one with a string of playoff contenders on the schedule. New York beat Cleveland 9-2 on Tuesday night for its fourth win in five games, and that pushed the club to 25-10 since the All-Star break. Marcus Stroman is slated to make his fourth start since being traded to the Mets prior to the trade deadline, and... [More]

Rangers fifth. Logan Forsythe pops out to shallow infield to David Fletcher. Nick Solak homers to right field. Scott Heineman grounds out to second base, Luis Rengifo to Albert Pujols. Jose Trevino doubles to left field. Shin-Soo Choo walks. Danny Santana singles to left field. Shin-Soo Choo to second. Jose Trevino scores. Elvis Andrus strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Rangers 2, Angels 0.Angels eighth. Kole Calhoun pinch-hitting for Max Stassi. Kole Calhoun strikes out swinging. David Fletcher singles to center field. Mike Trout strikes out swinging. Shohei Ohtani doubles to right field. David Fletcher scores. Justin Upton called out on strikes.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 2, Angels 1.Angels ninth. Albert Pujols strikes out swinging. Brian Goodwin homers to right field. Luis Rengifo flies out to center field to Delino DeShields. Matt Thaiss pinch-hitting for Wilfredo Tovar. Matt Thaiss strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Angels 2, Rangers 2.Rangers eleventh. Elvis Andrus grounds out to third base, Matt Thaiss to Albert Pujols. Delino DeShields singles to right field. Rougned Odor strikes out swinging. Logan Forsythe walks. Nick Solak reaches on error. Logan Forsythe to second. Delino DeShields scores. Fielding error by Albert Pujols.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Rangers 3, Angels 2.

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:KLUBOT POWERS BACK DOWNIndians ace Corey Kluber has been shut down for two weeks with an abdominal strain, an injury he sustained during his comeback from a broken arm. Kluber was pulled from a minor league start for Triple-A Columbus at Charlotte on Sunday after one inning because of abdominal tightness. He returned to Cleveland and the team said imaging tests confirmed the strain. The Indians said the two-time Cy Young winner will not throw for two weeks before he's re-examined and a plan is formulated. The right-hander hopes to be part of Cleveland's playoff push.QUEENS CRUNCH TIMEThe Mets are back on a roll, and it's a well-timed one with a string of playoff contenders on the schedule. New York beat Cleveland 9-2 on Tuesday night for its fourth win in five games, and that pushed the club to 25-10 since the All-Star break. Marcus Stroman is slated to make his fourth start since being traded to the Mets prior to the trade deadline,... [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

Angels first. David Fletcher grounds out to third base, Danny Santana to Scott Heineman. Mike Trout singles to center field. Shohei Ohtani reaches on catcher interference. Mike Trout to second. Interference error by Jose Trevino. Justin Upton doubles to deep left center field. Shohei Ohtani to third. Mike Trout scores. Kole Calhoun singles to right field. Justin Upton to third. Shohei Ohtani scores. Albert Pujols homers to left field. Kole Calhoun scores. Justin Upton scores. Luis Rengifo pops out to Jose Trevino. Wilfredo Tovar singles to right field. Max Stassi called out on strikes.5 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Angels 5, Rangers 0.Rangers first. Shin-Soo Choo walks. Danny Santana grounds out to shallow infield, Max Stassi to Albert Pujols. Shin-Soo Choo to second. Elvis Andrus lines out to first base to Albert Pujols. Hunter Pence singles to right field. Shin-Soo Choo to third. Rougned Odor walks. Hunter Pence to second. Nomar Mazara reaches on error. Rougned Odor to second. Hunter... [More]

Rockies fourth. Trevor Story called out on strikes. Nolan Arenado strikes out swinging. Daniel Murphy walks. Raimel Tapia singles to left field. Daniel Murphy to second. Ryan McMahon walks. Raimel Tapia to second. Daniel Murphy to third. Tony Wolters walks. Ryan McMahon to second. Raimel Tapia to third. Daniel Murphy scores. Garrett Hampson strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3 left on. Rockies 1, Diamondbacks 0.Diamondbacks sixth. Carson Kelly singles to center field. Josh Rojas pinch-hitting for Zac Gallen. Josh Rojas flies out to left field to Raimel Tapia. Jarrod Dyson strikes out swinging. Ketel Marte homers to center field. Carson Kelly scores. Eduardo Escobar lines out to right field to Charlie Blackmon.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Diamondbacks 2, Rockies 1.Rockies eighth. Daniel Murphy singles to right field. Raimel Tapia strikes out swinging. Ryan McMahon singles to left center field. Daniel Murphy to third. Tony Wolters singles to right field. Ryan McMahon to... [More]

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Carlos Carrasco shook off some nerves and returned to the mound.Two months after being diagnosed with leukemia, everything felt mostly normal for the Indians right-hander."It was really special today," Carrasco said. "Just coming back today out of the bullpen, it feels great."Carrasco, who still hopes to pitch for Cleveland again this season, threw one inning of relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. It was his first outing since being diagnosed in June with chronic myeloid leukemia, a treatable form of cancer.When he jogged in from the bullpen, Carrasco received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. He got another one after striking out his final batter to end the inning.Carrasco admitted having some jitters beforehand. But once he threw his first pitch, the butterflies were gone."Right away I looked back to the scoreboard because I just wanted to find out what was that pitch, and it was 97 (mph)," Carrasco said. "It feels great."The 32-year-old... [More]

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has returned to the mound in the minor leagues as he tries to come back after being diagnosed with leukemia.Carrasco came on in relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. He received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. It was Carrasco's first appearance in a game since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in June.He finished his first inning with a strikeout.The 32-year-old is scheduled to pitch again for Akron on Thursday, and he and the Indians will then decide his next step. Carrasco wants to return and help the Indians this season.The Indians have rallied around Carrasco. During the All-Star Game in July, Carrasco appeared on the field during Major League Baseball's "Stand Up To Cancer" tribute, and "I Stand With Cookie" T-shirts have become popular around town.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has returned to the mound in the minor leagues as he tries to come back after being diagnosed with leukemia.Carrasco came on in relief Monday night for Double-A Akron against Harrisburg. He received a standing ovation from fans at Canal Park. It was Carrasco's first appearance in a game since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in June.He finished his first inning with a strikeout.The 32-year-old is scheduled to pitch again for Akron on Thursday, and he and the Indians will then decide his next step. Carrasco wants to return and help the Indians this season.The Indians have rallied around Carrasco. During the All-Star Game in July, Carrasco appeared on the field during Major League Baseball's "Stand Up To Cancer" tribute, and "I Stand With Cookie" T-shirts have become popular around town.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Twins slugger Nelson Cruz was reinstated from the injured list on Monday after the minimum 10-day stay and will play through a ruptured tendon in his left wrist.Cruz ruptured the tendon on Aug. 8, and the Twins feared he would miss significant time. But the team later learned he could play with the injury, and he has told the team he is pain-free."We haven't really had a hint of a discussion related to discomfort, related to anything associated with his wrist," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He's seemingly in great shape. He's ready to play. He's been adamant about that."The 39-year-old Cruz is hitting .294 with 32 homers and 76 RBIs for AL Central-leading Minnesota.The Twins optioned right-handed reliever Zack Littell to Triple-A Rochester to make room for Cruz on the roster.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports