NEW YORK (AP) — Monument Park has a new addition that celebrates diversity.A plaque behind the center field fence at Yankee Stadium was dedicated Tuesday night to commemorate the Stonewall Inn uprising 50 years ago, which sparked a pivotal rebellion in the LGBTQ rights movement.The marker was unveiled before New York played the Toronto Blue Jays. It is located on a wall alongside tablets honoring Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela for their work fighting prejudice, breaking barriers and creating equality."It's incredible. It means everything. It really symbolizes human rights," said Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and CEO of Stonewall Gives Back Initiative. "Stonewall Inn is part of that human rights story, but it is overwhelming to see it next to Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela."Steps away sit monuments and plaques that salute Yankees greats from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.New York pitchers CC Sabathia and Dellin Betances, along with general... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — A plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium has been dedicated to commemorate the Stonewall Inn uprising 50 years ago, which sparked a pivotal rebellion in the LGBTQ rights movement.The plaque was unveiled Tuesday night before New York played the Toronto Blue Jays. It is located on a wall alongside tablets honoring Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela for their work fighting prejudice, breaking barriers and creating equality.Steps away sit monuments and plaques that celebrate Yankees greats from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.New York pitchers CC Sabathia and Dellin Betances, along with general manager Brian Cashman, were on hand for the ceremony.In the wee hours of June 28, 1969, a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, gave rise to a series of riots that fueled the LGBT rights movement.The Yankees celebrated the 50th anniversary and "New York's legacy of pride" on Tuesday night with ceremonies that also highlighted the team's Yankees-Stonewall Scholars Initiative.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — Steven Wright knows that postseason baseball will not be in his future this year.The veteran knuckleballer still remains focused on helping put his Boston Red Sox teammates in the best position possible for another World Series run.Wright is ineligible to pitch in the playoffs after testing positive for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) last offseason and serving an 80-game suspension. The 34-year-old right-hander was activated before Tuesday's game against the White Sox despite not seeing any game action since last September.A former starter who earned an All-Star selection in 2016, Wright will pitch out of the bullpen with hopes of helping to keep the defending champion Red Sox in the playoff picture after an underwhelming start."Obviously I think it's going to be hard when the time comes to where the playoffs come around," Wright said. "All I can do now is just try to do whatever I can to help them get there. When the time does come, when the playoffs start, I'll... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — The Texas Rangers have activated outfielder Joey Gallo from the injured list, and he's in the lineup for their game at Detroit.Gallo has missed over three weeks with a left oblique strain, but he still leads the Rangers with 17 home runs. Texas created an open roster spot when it optioned left-hander Kyle Bird to Triple-A Nashville after Sunday's game.Gallo is set to start in center field and bat fifth in the series opener against the Tigers on Tuesday night.Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Hunter Pence (right groin strain) is unlikely to be activated when he's eligible Thursday. Woodward said the veteran outfielder is more likely to return after the team's series at Tampa Bay this coming weekend.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Kendrys Morales has been cut by the New York Yankees.The veteran designated hitter and first baseman was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and designated for assignment. New York also recalled left-hander Stephen Tarpley from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Tarpley replaces struggling reliever Jonathan Holder in the bullpen. Holder was optioned to Triple-A after Monday night's 10-8 victory over Toronto.Morales, who turned 36 last week, was acquired May 14 from Oakland for a player to be named or cash. At the time, an injury-depleted Yankees team was looking for someone who could provide pop and temporary help at DH and first base. But since then, Edwin Encarnación was obtained from Seattle and Giancarlo Stanton came off the injured list — along with several other Yankees regulars. Morales became expendable.The switch-hitter from Cuba batted .177 with a homer and five RBIs in 19 games for the Yankees. He got three hits against the Mets in his last game June 11 but was placed on the injured list two days later with a strained left calf.Morales is a .265 career hitter with 213 home runs in 13 major league seasons.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:HOMER HAPPYAaron Judge, Gary Sánchez, Edwin Encarnación and the New York Yankees try to set the major league record for most consecutive games with a home run.The Yankees homered in their 27th straight game Monday night, matching the mark set by Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro and the 2002 Texas Rangers.Next up, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres and their New York teammates take on Toronto lefty Clayton Richard (0-3, 7.46 ERA) at Yankee Stadium. Richard has allowed five homers in 25 1/3 innings this season.SAY WHAT?Catchers Willson Contreras and Tyler Flowers aim to keep cool, a day after things got testy between them at Wrigley Field, prompting the Cubs and Braves to clear the benches.Contreras homered for Chicago in the second inning Monday night, turned around to look at Flowers and then thumped his chest rounding first. Contreras shouted at Flowers after crossing the plate, and the dugouts emptied. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and Flowers... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mickey Callaway needed two news conferences to issue one apology.After the New York Mets fined their manager and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter following a weekend loss, Callaway stopped short of saying he was sorry for the incident during his first meeting with the media on Monday.Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the cramped Wrigley Field clubhouse after a 5-3 loss on Sunday. There was no physical contact.Two hours after Callaway initially met with a large group of media members and 70 minutes before first pitch in Philadelphia, Callaway clarified his remarks."In my meeting with Tim, I apologized for my reaction," Callaway said. "I regret it. I regret the distraction that it's caused to the team.... It's something I'm not proud of. I'm not proud of the distraction. I'm not proud of what I did to Tim. For that, I'm definitely sorry."General manager Brodie... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:HOMER HAPPYAaron Judge, Gary Sánchez, Edwin Encarnación and the New York Yankees try to set the major league record for most consecutive games with a home run.The Yankees homered in their 27th straight game Monday night, matching the mark set by Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro and the 2002 Texas Rangers.Next up, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres and their New York teammates take on Toronto lefty Clayton Richard (0-3, 7.46 ERA) at Yankee Stadium. Richard has allowed five homers in 25 1/3 innings this season.SAY WHAT?Catchers Willson Contreras and Tyler Flowers aim to keep cool, a day after things got testy between them at Wrigley Field, prompting the Cubs and Braves to clear the benches.Contreras homered for Chicago in the second inning Monday night, turned around to look at Flowers and then thumped his chest rounding first. Contreras shouted at Flowers after crossing the plate, and the dugouts emptied. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and Flowers... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mickey Callaway needed two news conferences to issue one apology.After the New York Mets fined their manager and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter following a weekend loss, Callaway stopped short of saying he was sorry for the incident during his first meeting with the media on Monday.Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the cramped Wrigley Field clubhouse after a 5-3 loss on Sunday. There was no physical contact.Two hours after Callaway initially met with a large group of media members and 70 minutes before first pitch in Philadelphia, Callaway clarified his remarks."In my meeting with Tim, I apologized for my reaction," Callaway said. "I regret it. I regret the distraction that it's caused to the team.... It's something I'm not proud of. I'm not proud of the distraction. I'm not proud of what I did to Tim. For that, I'm definitely sorry."General manager Brodie... [More]

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Chris Woodward loves that the expectations are higher for the Texas Rangers.They are certainly higher than they were when the first-time manager took over a team coming off consecutive losing seasons."Whether that lasts and we sustain that, it's totally on us," Woodward said. "Do we have a team that we feel like can win every game? We do, and they truly believe that."After 21 games in 20 days, the Rangers got to their first day off in three weeks Monday. The are 42-36 and have lost only one of their last 12 series since a five-game losing streak that dropped them five games under .500 in mid-May.While three games shy of the midpoint of Woodward's first season, and still a bit early to talk about playoffs, the Rangers were only a half-game behind the American League's second wildcard."There's no question there's a lot of room for growth in every player in that locker room, but the overall belief is that we're going to win a game every time we step on the field," he... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The New York Mets have fined manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas for their expletive-filled confrontation with a reporter after a weekend loss at Wrigley Field.General manager Brodie Van Wagenen made the announcement before the Mets played Monday night in Philadelphia. He did not disclose the amount of the fines.Callaway cursed at Newsday beat reporter Tim Healey and Vargas had to be restrained from charging him in the clubhouse after a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. There was no physical contact.Callaway called it a "misunderstanding," Vargas said it was "an unfortunate distraction" and Van Wagenen said it was "regrettable on many levels."Van Wagnenen said Callaway's status as manager remains unchanged. The Mets are 37-41.In a story published by Newsday on Sunday night, Healey said Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon called him "to apologize on behalf of the organization."___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers needed a one-game playoff to win the NL West last year.That appears to have been an aberration.After six straight victories, the Dodgers now lead the division by 13 games, and that's a little more in line with their norm of late. Los Angeles has won the last six NL West titles, and twice the final margin was in double digits. Now the Dodgers own the best record in baseball and are in the middle of another midseason surge.The Dodgers are 15-6 this June, after going 17-9 in that month last year and 21-7 in 2017. Their last three games have been particularly pulsating, each of them won on a walk-off home run by a rookie. Will Smith, Matt Beaty and Alex Verdugo delivered those dramatic swings against Colorado, the team that took the division race with Los Angeles down to the 163rd game last season.The Dodgers seem eager to make sure it doesn't come to that in 2019. Their 3.16 team ERA is the best in the major leagues, and they lead the National League in on-base percentage... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Rodriguez had to make some adjustments when he switched from shortstop to third base after signing with the New York Yankees. He is having the same type of learning curve as a game analyst.Rodriguez said he is happy with the improvements he has made in his second year in the booth for ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball," but he is looking to get better during the second half of the season."I certainly feel better than I did last year. I think the flow between all of us is improving," Rodriguez said last week while in Los Angeles, where he called a pair of Dodgers games.Rodriguez was a pleasant surprise when he joined Fox's studio team in 2015, but studio work involves a finite amount of time and isn't happening while the game is taking place. A game has plenty of ebbs and flows over three hours and can be a challenge when a three-person booth is involved.Rodriguez said the biggest challenge has been learning when to join into the conversation with Matt Vasgersian and... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johan Camargo had a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday to win their fifth straight series.Overcoming an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka, the Braves used the long ball and their bullpen to win the deciding matchup of a three-game set between NL East rivals.Camargo connected off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, and Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.Josh Donaldson and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for the first-place Braves.Juan Soto homered for the Nationals, who have lost two in a row following a five-game win streak.A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.ASTROS 9, YANKEES 4NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a leadoff homer, rookie Yordan Alvarez connected again and Houston ended its first seven-game skid in four years.New York had... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Pete Alonso has hit his 27th home run, passing Darryl Strawberry for the New York Mets rookie record in just his 77th game.Alonso hit a solo drive against Chicago Cubs starter Cole Hamels in the fourth inning at Wrigley Field on Sunday. The 24-year-old slugger entered the day second in the majors in home runs, trailing NL MVP Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers with 29.Strawberry won NL Rookie of the Year by hitting 26 homers in 122 games in 1983. He issued a statement via the Mets congratulating Alonso, saying "what he's done in a short period of time is most impressive. No goal seems out of reach."___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals outfielder Victor Robles left the game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday with symptoms of dehydration in the second inning.The Nationals said Robles was receiving intravenous fluid.Robles went down to a knee in center during Nick Markakis' at-bat Saturday, and manager Dave Martinez and an athletic trainer soon jogged to the outfield. Robles, who walked off the field, was not involved in any fielding plays in the first two innings, and had yet to take a turn at the plate.The rookie is hitting .243 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He was replaced in center by Michael A. Taylor.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — David Ortiz's wife says he has moved out of intensive care.Tiffany Ortiz said in a statement distributed by the Red Sox on Saturday that the ex-Boston slugger remains hospitalized and in good condition, almost two weeks after he was shot in the back while at a club in the Dominican Republic.Ortiz was flown to Boston the next day for treatment.Dominican prosecutors say Ortiz was attacked in a case of mistaken identity by a gunman who was hired to kill an auto shop owner.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — David Ortiz's wife says he has moved out of intensive care.Tiffany Ortiz said in a statement distributed by the Red Sox on Saturday that the ex-Boston slugger remains hospitalized and in good condition, almost two weeks after he was shot in the back while at a club in the Dominican Republic.Ortiz was flown to Boston the next day for treatment.Dominican prosecutors say Ortiz was attacked in a case of mistaken identity by a gunman who was hired to kill an auto shop owner.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have designated outfielder Leonys Martin for assignment on Saturday.Martin, who overcame a life-threatening bacterial infection last summer, batted .199 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs in 65 games.Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said the decision to part ways with Martin was difficult but he felt it was the right move for the team.Cleveland acquired Martin from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline last season, but he played only six games before becoming ill and missed the rest of the season.Antonetti said the move had nothing to do with the dugout argument Martin had with star shortstop Francisco Lindor after the center fielder didn't make a catch at the wall Wednesday against Texas.The Indians purchased the contract of right-hander Aaron Civale from Triple-A Columbus to start Saturday against Detroit.Antonetti said pitcher Carlos Carrasco has been going through treatment and is making progress from the blood disorder that sidelined him earlier this month.

NEW YORK (AP) — Looking for a big start, the New York Yankees found an unorthodox spot for Aaron Judge in his long-awaited return to the lineup.After missing two months with a left oblique injury, Judge was back Friday night against Houston and batted leadoff for the first time in his major league career."I loved it. More at-bats. That's the best part about it," Judge said after going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in a 4-1 victory. "Every time I came up it felt like there was somebody on base somewhere, so it's a good little spot. Hope it was not my last time doing it."Normally the team's No. 2 hitter, the 6-foot-7, 282-pound slugger was moved to the top spot as manager Aaron Boone toys with how best to arrange his power-packed batting order. Regular leadoff man DJ LeMahieu was rested."I'm just trying to get my best players up there as much as possible," Boone said.Judge received a boisterous ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd when No. 99 was introduced with a "Welcome back!" from public... [More]