A look at what's happening around the majors today:PEN PALSThe Cubs will try a closer-by-committee approach down the stretch after learning Pedro Strop is out for the rest of the regular season because of a strained left hamstring. Strop, who had posted 11 saves since closer Brandon Morrow went on the disabled list in July, hurt himself trying to beat out a double-play grounder this week.On Friday night, Jorge De La Rosa worked around a double and walk in the ninth inning for his first career save, preserving a 3-2 win over Cincinnati at Wrigley Field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he envisions calling on veterans including Steve Cishek, Justin Wilson and Jesse Chavez to finish games.ONE MOREMike Clevinger starts at Progressive Field as Cleveland tries to clinch its third straight AL Central title. The Indians have a magic number of one — they can wrap up the division with a win over Detroit, or a loss by Minnesota at Kansas City.RATS!The New York Mets had an unwelcome visitor to their dugout... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:PEN PALSThe Cubs will try a closer-by-committee approach down the stretch after learning Pedro Strop is out for the rest of the regular season because of a strained left hamstring. Strop, who had posted 11 saves since closer Brandon Morrow went on the disabled list in July, hurt himself trying to beat out a double-play grounder this week.On Friday night, Jorge De La Rosa worked around a double and walk in the ninth inning for his first career save, preserving a 3-2 win over Cincinnati at Wrigley Field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he envisions calling on veterans including Steve Cishek, Justin Wilson and Jesse Chavez to finish games.ONE MOREMike Clevinger starts at Progressive Field as Cleveland tries to clinch its third straight AL Central title. The Indians have a magic number of one — they can wrap up the division with a win over Detroit, or a loss by Minnesota at Kansas City.RATS!The New York Mets had an unwelcome visitor to their... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees star Aaron Judge took another step in his return from a broken right wrist when he played right field for a couple of innings Friday night.The Yankees activated him from the disabled list before the game against Toronto. The team said he is limited for now to defense and pinch running — still no hitting for the slugger.Judge got a big ovation when he trotted to the outfield for the top of the eighth inning. He had not played since July 26, when he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City's Jakob Junis.The Yankees initially expected Judge to return in about three weeks."With the roster, it makes some sense to have him available to, if there's a spot where we can get him in, to run the bases or play some defense," New York manager Aaron Boone said before the start of New York's final regular-season homestand. "He's getting real close to being an option for us."Judge on Monday took his first on-field batting practice since the injury. Boone said Friday the team is a couple... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge took another small step in his return from a broken right wrist when the New York Yankees activated him from the disabled list on Friday but said he is limited for now to playing in the outfield and pinch running.Judge has not played since July 26, when he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City's Jakob Junis. The Yankees initially expected Judge to return in about three weeks."With the roster, it makes some sense to have him available to, if there's a spot where we can get him in, to run the bases or play some defense," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the start of New York's final regular-season homestand. "He's getting real close to being an option for us."Judge on Monday took his first on-field batting practice since the injury. Boone said Friday the team is a couple days from making a decision on at-bats for Judge in a simulated game, a step before he will hit in a game. Judge has to take more swings and face higher velocity before he hits in a game."It's... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees are activating Aaron Judge from the disabled list but for now only intend to use him in the outfield and as a baserunner.Judge has not played since July 26 because of a broken right wrist sustained when hit by a pitch from Kansas City's Jakob Junis. The Yankees initially had expected Judge to return in about three weeks.Manager Aaron Boone said Friday the team is a couple days from making a decision on at-bats for Judge in a simulated game, a step before he will hit in a game. The Yankees want Judge to get any rust off before the postseason.Judge is hitting .285 with 26 home runs and 61 RBIs.Injured closer Aroldis Chapman is to throw another bullpen session Saturday, a simulated game on Monday and then could be activated in the middle of next week, Chapman has not pitched in a game since Aug. 21 because of left knee tendinitis.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A surprising first half and a surge in early August had the Philadelphia Phillies in prime position to reach the postseason.Then they fell apart.Since completing a four-game sweep over the Miami Marlins on Aug. 5, the Phillies (74-71) are 11-23 and 0-10-1 in those series. They went from 1 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta in the NL East to 7 1/2 games behind with only 17 games to play.Philadelphia was only one game behind the Cubs for best record in the National League before the tailspin began. Now, finishing with a winning mark will be a challenge.Manager Gabe Kapler's positive approach hasn't wavered, but even he can't find a way to sugarcoat this collapse."There's no question that we can play better baseball," Kapler said. "We are more talented and more prepared than the outcomes that we're getting, the losses we've racked up recently."So, what happened?"It's not one thing," Kapler said. "It's a collection of many, many things. And to try to boil it down to one thing doesn't... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unusual scheduling spawned even more atypical travel attire for Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.The three-time All-Star wore a uniform, complete with a blue jersey and gray pants, on the Cubs' early Thursday morning flight for a makeup game against the Washington Nationals, then arrived in the clubhouse with the same outfit."It's all I got," Rizzo said.The Cubs returned to Washington for the second time in a week after Sunday's game was postponed. The four-day series, which included another rainout Friday and a doubleheader Saturday, featured nearly 11 hours in rain delays.Thursday's game was scheduled on the only remaining common day off for the teams before the end of the regular season, and it split up what was to be a six-game homestand for the Cubs. It also came after a state of emergency was declared in Washington in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Florence.The makeup date also extended the Cubs' streak of 23 consecutive scheduled game dates to... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A surprising first half and a surge in early August had the Philadelphia Phillies in prime position to reach the postseason.Then they fell apart.Since completing a four-game sweep over the Miami Marlins on Aug. 5, the Phillies (74-71) are 11-23 and 0-10-1 in those series. They went from 1½ games ahead of Atlanta in the NL East to 7½ games behind with only 17 games to play.Philadelphia was only one game behind the Cubs for best record in the National League before the tailspin began. Now, finishing with a winning mark will be a challenge.Manager Gabe Kapler's positive approach hasn't wavered, but even he can't find a way to sugarcoat this collapse."There's no question that we can play better baseball," Kapler said. "We are more talented and more prepared than the outcomes that we're getting, the losses we've racked up recently."So, what happened?"It's not one thing," Kapler said. "It's a collection of many, many things. And to try to boil it down to one thing doesn't... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Clay Buchholz was scratched from Thursday's start because of tightness in his right arm.Matt Koch started in his place.Buchholz, who signed a minor league deal with Arizona on May 4, is 7-2 with a 2.01 ERA. He is 5-1 with a 1.66 ERA in nine starts since returning from the disabled list on July 24.Koch made his 12th start of the season, but left after allowing four runs and eight hits in three innings.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:GETAWAY DAYWith both teams chasing an NL West title, the Diamondbacks and Rockies wrap up their pivotal four-game series. Colorado leads the division by 1½ games over the Dodgers, while Arizona is 3½ back. Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.01 ERA) makes his first career start at Coors Field against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (14-7, 2.91), who is 8-2 at home this season. Colorado won 5-4 Wednesday night on DJ LeMahieu's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning off Yoshihisa Hirano. It was LeMahieu's first career walk-off homer. "Just a great moment," he said. "That was awesome."NO DAYS OFFClinging to a one-game lead in the NL Central, the Cubs have a one-day pit stop in Washington to make up Sunday's rainout. They're not happy about breaking up their homestand and losing a scheduled day off, because it means going 30 straight days without one. "Playing 30 consecutive days is the difficult part," manager Joe Maddon said. "For me, I don't... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:GETAWAY DAYWith both teams chasing an NL West title, the Diamondbacks and Rockies wrap up their pivotal four-game series. Colorado leads the division by 1½ games over the Dodgers, while Arizona is 3½ back. Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.01 ERA) makes his first career start at Coors Field against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (14-7, 2.91), who is 8-2 at home this season. Colorado won 5-4 Wednesday night on DJ LeMahieu's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning off Yoshihisa Hirano. It was LeMahieu's first career walk-off homer. "Just a great moment," he said. "That was awesome."NO DAYS OFFClinging to a one-game lead in the NL Central, the Cubs have a one-day pit stop in Washington to make up Sunday's rainout. They're not happy about breaking up their homestand and losing a scheduled day off, because it means going 30 straight days without one. "Playing 30 consecutive days is the difficult part," manager Joe Maddon said. "For me, I don't... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality.Horwitz recalled how he spilled a can of orange juice on general manager Frank... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality. %href_on(file:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality. %href_on(file:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality. %href_on(file:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality. %href_on(file:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins pitcher Jake Odorizzi has given up an RBI double to Greg Bird with one out in the eighth inning, ending the right-hander's bid for a no-hitter against the New York Yankees.After a walk to Luke Voit, Bird lined the next pitch deep into the left-center gap. It was the 120th pitch for Odorizzi on Wednesday night, matching his career high.He was immediately removed from the game by Twins manager Paul Molitor and tipped his cap to the crowd as he walked off the field to a standing ovation.Odorizzi struck out five and walked three. Minnesota leads 3-1.Odorizzi is in his first season with the Twins after pitching for Tampa Bay the past five years. The 28-year-old righty entered 5-10 with a 4.57 ERA.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees are set to achieve their goal of coming under baseball's luxury tax threshold for the first time since the penalty started in 2003.Boston and Washington remain the only teams on track to pay the tax his year, according to Aug. 31 figures compiled by the commissioner's office for clubs and obtained by The Associated Press.The Yankees' updated luxury tax payroll is $192.1 million, an increase from $178.8 million at the season's start. Even with possible performance bonuses of $500,000 for pitcher CC Sabathia and $125,000 for infielder Neil Walker, plus the addition of nearly $3,000 a day for each September call-up on expanded 40-man active rosters, the Yankees are set to finish below this year's $197 million threshold.New York has paid the tax in 15 straight years, a total of $341 million.Boston is on track to pay $11.3 million and Washington could end up paying $2.1 million.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are transferring longtime media relations boss Jay Horwitz to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon announced Horwitz's job change Wednesday at a press conference that was more of a roast by former players, coaches and executives. Horwitz has been with the team for nearly 40 years, and figures from throughout his tenure attended.Among them: Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Keith Hernandez, John Franco, Joe Torre, Terry Collins, Steve Phillips and Omar Minaya. A number of current Mets also attended, including captain David Wright.Horwitz will work in his new role to aid next season's 50-year anniversary of the Mets 1969 World Series championship, and also on further connecting the club's alumni.The 73-year-old Horwitz has been beloved by players for his bumbling but loyal personality. %href_on(file:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell has a no-hitter through six innings in Wednesday's game against the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians.Snell, who is seeking a major league-leading 19th win, has struck out eight batters and walked two. He has thrown 82 pitches.The lefty retired his first seven batters before walking Roberto Perez on a 3-2 pitch with one out in the third. Snell also issued a fourth-inning walk to Edwin Encarnacion, who stared and shook his head toward the mound earlier in the plate appearance after a high-and-inside pitch.Snell made a nice defensive play in the fifth, fielding Melky Cabrera's comebacker and throwing out the Cleveland right fielder at first base.The Rays lead 2-0 on Ji-Man Choi's two-run homer in the first.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports