NEW YORK (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have designated former top prospect Blake Swihart for assignment, shaking up their situation at catcher.The team announced the move before the opener of a two-game series against the New York Yankees. Catcher Sandy León has been promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket to back up Christian Vázquez, and right-hander Erasmo Ramirez also was brought up Tuesday.The 27-year-old Swihart was a first-round pick by Boston in 2011 and quickly became one of the club's most promising young players. The switch hitter hasn't delivered at the plate, batting .255 with nine homers and a .679 OPS in 203 games, and he's a less reliable defender than León and Vázquez.The Red Sox would have to place Swihart on waivers before re-assigning him to the minor leagues.León caught 87 games for the World Series champions last year. He's a favorite among the team's pitchers for his defense and game calling, but still was sent to Triple-A to open the season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Major League Baseball is investigating racist messages sent to Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. on Instagram this month.Theo Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, calls the language "reprehensible" and says it "cannot be tolerated in our game or society."Lee Long, Edwards' agent, says the racist messages came from a couple different people. He says no player "should be expected to bear such personal attacks especially based on the color of their skin." Edwards is African American.The Athletic first reported the investigation.Edwards was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after he had trouble with his motion and got off to a tough start this season. The 27-year-old right-hander went 3-2 with a career-low 2.60 ERA in 58 games last year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Major League Baseball is investigating a racist message sent to Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. on social media this month.Theo Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, calls the language "reprehensible" and says it "cannot be tolerated in our game or society." He says the team supports Major League Baseball's effort "to identify the person responsible." The Athletic first reported the investigation.Edwards was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after he had trouble with his motion and got off to a tough start this season. The 27-year-old right-hander went 3-2 with a career-low 2.60 ERA in 58 games last year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle injury,... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:RIVALRY RENEWEDMookie Betts tries to get going at the plate when the Red Sox (6-11) visit the Yankees (6-9) in the first meeting this season between the longtime rivals. Boston knocked New York out of the playoffs last year on the way to a World Series championship, but both clubs are off to surprisingly slow starts in 2019. Same is true of Betts, who is batting .222. "Basically, what I'm doing is unacceptable," the AL MVP said. "I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team." Yankees left-hander James Paxton (1-2, 6.00 ERA) gets his first taste of the bitter rivalry when he faces struggling Boston ace Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00) in the opener of a two-game set. Paxton told reporters he thought he was tipping pitches in Houston last Wednesday during an 8-6 loss.LINDOR LIMBERS UPIndians shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. Lindor is working back from a left ankle... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his first game since being traded to Cincinnati.He turned up with a bang once the game began.Puig hammered a two-run homer in the first inning off Clayton Kershaw, who was making his season debut for the Dodgers.Puig was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers as he rounded the bases to put the Reds ahead 2-0.The Dodgers honored Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer in a pregame video that highlighted their time in LA. Puig, Kemp and Farmer doffed their caps in appreciation. Wood just rejoined the Reds after being injured.Puig, from Cuba, awed fans with his cannon of an arm and infuriated management with his inconsistent efforts on the field during his six years with the Dodgers.He missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to Kemp, Wood and Farmer during an informal gathering outside the visitors'... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Old habits apparently die hard when Yasiel Puig is back in Los Angeles.He was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his return to the city where he awed fans with his cannon of an arm and infuriated management with his inconsistent efforts on the field.The Cuban star who now plays for the Cincinnati Reds missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the visitors' clubhouse."Just the six of us sharing some stories, saying hello and more so us thanking them for what they did to help us accomplish what we accomplished last year and wishing them well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.Asked about missing the gathering, Puig said, "He can send the ring to my locker or give it to me at batting practice. He can give it to me in person, I don't care."Roberts chuckled... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium Monday in his return to Los Angeles for the first time since being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.The Cuban star missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the Reds clubhouse."Just the six of us sharing some stories, saying hello and more so us thanking them for what they did to help us accomplish what we accomplished last year and wishing them well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.Asked about missing the gathering, Puig said, "He can send the ring to my locker or give it to me at batting practice. He can give it to me in person, I don't care."Roberts chuckled when asked if he was happy to be on the other team now when Puig's name comes up."Yeah, I am happy," he said, smiling.Roberts said he and Puig "are good,"... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been sent to Triple-A to begin a rehab assignment as the All-Star is moving closer to rejoining the big league club after being slowed by a left ankle injury.The Indians announced the move Monday before starting a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland also activated second baseman Jason Kipnis from the 10-day injured list and designated for assignment veteran infielder Brad Miller.The switch-hitting Lindor was making steady progress from a right calf injury when he rolled his ankle while caught in a rundown during a minor league scrimmage in Arizona. Lindor batted .277 last season with 38 home runs, 92 RBIs and 25 steals.Lindor was hopeful of playing Monday night with Columbus but travel delays pushed his first game back to Tuesday. Cleveland manager Terry Francona didn't have a set number of games for Lindor to play before rejoining the Indians."It's going to depend on how he feels and the last thing we want to do is slow him down," Francona said. "But we want to set him up for success. We want to make sure he's OK."Kipnis opened the season on the injured list after suffering a calf strain late in spring training. He played just 10 games in spring because of hip, quad and calf injuries and appeared in six games at Triple-A during his rehab assignment.Miller hit .250 in 13 games for the Indians.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yasiel Puig was late arriving to Dodger Stadium in his return to Los Angeles for the first time since being traded to the Cincinnati Reds.The Cuban star missed receiving his National League Championship Series ring in person from Dodgers owner Mark Walter and other front-office personnel on Monday.They presented the jewelry to former Dodgers Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer during an informal gathering outside the Reds clubhouse.Puig showed up 70 minutes late to a scheduled news conference with local media.He was part of a seven-player deal with Cincinnati in December that included Kemp, Wood and Farmer.Turner Ward, the former Dodgers hitting coach who is employed in the same role for the Reds, was working in the batting cage and also didn't visit with Walter, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, team president Stan Kasten and manager Dave Roberts.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Trout is easing his way back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup, returning as the designated hitter and skipping at least one night in center field after missing three games because of a right groin strain.Trout was listed second in the batting order for the Angels' series opener Monday night at Texas. The two-time AL MVP said he expects to be back in center field during this three-game set."I think just being in the lineup is huge for me," Trout said. "I'm confident I'll be back there in the outfield tomorrow or the next day. I got to play it by ear. I got to see how it comes out after the game and see how I feel."After missing a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs , Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles for the second time in three days Sunday. The team said ultrasound images showed further improvement to his groin and that Trout reported continued improvement.The two-time AL MVP has five home runs this season, all of those coming in a four-game home... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been sent to Triple-A to begin a rehab assignment as the All-Star is moving closer to rejoining the big league club after being slowed by a left ankle injury.The Indians announced the move Monday before starting a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland also activated second baseman Jason Kipnis from the 10-day injured list and designated for assignment veteran infielder Brad Miller.The switch-hitting Lindor was making steady progress from a right calf injury when he rolled his ankle while caught in a rundown during a minor league scrimmage in Arizona. Lindor batted .277 last season with 38 home runs, 92 RBIs and 25 steals.Kipnis opened the season on the injured list after suffering a calf strain late in spring training. He played just 10 games in spring because of hip, quad and calf injuries and appeared in six games at Triple-A during his rehab assignment.Miller hit .250 in 13 games for the Indians.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies reliever David Robertson has been placed on the 10-day injured list because of a sore right elbow.Right-hander Drew Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Robertson's spot. The moves were announced before Monday night's game against the New York Mets.Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said Robertson will have an MRI on Tuesday.Robertson worked two scoreless innings in Philadelphia's 3-1, 14-inning victory at Miami on Sunday. He has a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances but hasn't allowed a run in his last four.The Phillies signed Robertson to a $23 million, two-year contact in the offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Trout is back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup after missing three games because of a right groin strain.Trout was listed as the designated hitter and batting second for the Angels' series opener Monday night at Texas.After missing a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs, Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles for the second time in three days Sunday. The team said ultrasound images showed further improvement to his groin and that Trout reported continued improvement.The two-time AL MVP has five home runs this season, all of those coming in a four-game home series April 4-8 against the Rangers. He is hitting .406 and also has 12 RBIs in his 12 games.Trout, who signed a record $426.5 million, 12-year contract near the end of spring training, first felt discomfort after working out before last Tuesday's home game against Milwaukee. The injury flared up while he was running to second base in the second inning that night___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:JACKIE ROBINSON DAYMajor League Baseball observes Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks all over the country. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and other on-field personnel will wear Robinson's retired No. 42. Members of Robinson's family are expected to be at Dodger Stadium for the opener of a three-game series between the Reds and Dodgers.HE'S BACKSpeaking of Los Angeles, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes his first start of the season after being sidelined by left shoulder inflammation. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus Cincinnati. He likely will face former teammate Yasiel Puig in his return to LA after he was traded to the Reds in December. Puig spent his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers. Kershaw will be opposed by Luis Castillo, who has a sparkling 0.92 ERA over his first three starts this year.PATRIOTS'... [More]

Now, this is an impressive opening for the Tampa Bay Rays.Last year, the Rays pioneered the idea of an "opener" — a pitcher who would work an inning or two at the beginning of the game, facing some of the toughest hitters instead of having a traditional starter do it. Tampa Bay has still used that strategy on occasion in 2019, but that's just part of the Rays' strong start to the season.Tampa Bay (12-4) has baseball's best record and best run differential. The Rays lead the AL East by 5 ½ games, and if the gap stays that big for a few more days, a home series next weekend against defending champion Boston could start to feel a little more significant than a normal April meeting.The Rays have baseball's best ERA at 2.44 — and the starters are even better at 1.47. Tampa Bay has used the opener a bit — Ryan Stanek has made three starts that totaled five scoreless innings — but it's the other four starters who have really shined.Tyler Glasnow, acquired from Pittsburgh last year in a trade for... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — German Marquez pitched a one-hitter, nicked only by Evan Longoria's single with one out in the eighth inning, and the Colorado Rockies ended an eight-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 4-0 Sunday.Marquez (2-1) struck out nine and walked none while throwing 105 pitches in the first complete game in the majors this season. It was the first-ever complete game for Marquez in 156 pro starts, including 69 in the big leagues.Marquez had allowed just one runner, hitting Kevin Pillar with a pitch to begin the sixth inning, and was in complete control heading into the eighth. Brandon Crawford opened the eighth with a hard, one-hopper that deflected off third baseman Nolan Arenado's glove. Arenado quickly grabbed the ball out of the air and zipped a throw to retire Crawford.Longoria followed with a grounder in the hole, just beyond Arenado's dive. The Gold Glover took off his mitt and slammed it to the ground, shouting in frustration that the no-hit bid had... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:JACKIE ROBINSON DAYMajor League Baseball observes Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks all over the country. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and other on-field personnel will wear Robinson's retired No. 42. Members of Robinson's family are expected to be at Dodger Stadium for the opener of a three-game series between the Reds and Dodgers.HE'S BACKSpeaking of Los Angeles, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes his first start of the season after being sidelined by left shoulder inflammation. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus Cincinnati. He likely will face former teammate Yasiel Puig in his return to L.A. after he was traded to the Reds in December. Puig spent his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers. Kershaw will be opposed by Luis Castillo, who has a sparkling 0.92 ERA over his first three starts this... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — German Marquez pitched a one-hitter, nicked only by Evan Longoria's single with one out in the eighth inning, and the Colorado Rockies ended an eight-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 4-0 Sunday.Marquez (2-1) struck out nine and walked none while throwing 105 pitches in the first complete game in the majors this season. It was the first-ever complete game for Marquez in 156 pro starts, including 69 in the big leagues.Marquez had allowed just one runner, hitting Kevin Pillar with a pitch to begin the sixth inning, and was in complete control heading into the eighth. Brandon Crawford opened the eighth with a hard, one-hopper that deflected off third baseman Nolan Arenado's glove. Arenado quickly grabbed the ball out of the air and zipped a throw to retire Crawford.Longoria followed with a grounder in the hole, just beyond Arenado's dive. The Gold Glover took off his mitt and slammed it to the ground, shouting in frustration that the no-hit bid had... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays simply couldn't touch Toronto reliever Thomas Pannone.Pannone became the 89th different pitcher in major league history to strike out the side on nine pitches, setting down the Rays in the fifth inning Sunday.The 24-year-old lefty fanned a swinging Avisail Garcia, then caught Brandon Lowe and Daniel Robertson looking at strike three.Pannone became the third Toronto pitcher to accomplish the feat, joining Roger Clemens (1997) and Steve Delabar (2013).Pannone wound up pitching three innings and struck out four without allowing a runner in Toronto's 8-4 loss.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports