MIAMI (AP) — Former three-time All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp has been released by the New York Mets.Kemp signed a minor league contract with the Mets on May 24 and played in eight games for Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .235 with one home run and three RBIs."We're going to exhaust every effort we can to find the best players we can and we've got a couple of veteran guys we have tried out, some work, some don't," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said.The 34-year-old Kemp made the NL All-Star team last season in his second stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, finishing with a .290 batting average, 21 home runs and 85 RBIs.He was traded to Cincinnati in the offseason as part of a deal with Yasiel Puig and appeared in 20 games for the Reds this season, hitting .200 with one home run and five RBIs before sustaining a broken rib after colliding into the outfield wall during a game in San Diego on April 21."I like Matt," said Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly, who was Kemp's manager for four seasons... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels all wore Tyler Skaggs' No. 45 jerseys as they stood solemnly on the field while his mother, Debbie, delivered a heartbreakingly perfect strike with her first pitch.Three incredible hours later, the Angels walked back onto the Angel Stadium field, some with tears in their eyes. One by one, they removed those No. 45 jerseys and spread them over the mound until nearly all of the dirt was covered in red.In between those two melancholy, magical moments, the Angels played their heavy hearts out in their first home game since their beloved pitcher's death.Their 13-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday was a combined no-hitter by Taylor Cole and Félix Peña. Mike Trout contributed six RBIs, including a 454-foot homer on the first pitch he saw.On the day before what would have been Skaggs' 28th birthday, these astonishing Angels played a practically perfect game with his memory in their minds."Tonight was in honor of him," Trout said. "He was... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels all put on Tyler Skaggs' No. 45 jerseys and stood solemnly on the field while his mother, Debbie, delivered a heartbreakingly perfect strike on the first pitch.The Angels then proceeded to play their heavy hearts out in their first home game since their beloved pitcher's death.Two Angels pitchers combined to throw the 11th no-hitter in franchise history, and Mike Trout drove in six runs in a stunning 13-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.On the day before what would have been Skaggs' 28th birthday, these astonishing Angels played a practically perfect game with his memory in their minds."Tonight was in honor of him," Trout said. "He was definitely looking over us tonight. He's probably up there saying we're nasty. What an unbelievable game to be a part of. I'm speechless. This is the best way possible to honor him tonight. It was pretty crazy."This tribute ended up exceeding all logic and expectation. Still reeling from the... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels put on Tyler Skaggs' No. 45 jerseys and stood solemnly on the field while his mother, Debbie, delivered a heartbreakingly perfect strike on the first pitch.The Angels then proceeded to play their heavy hearts out in their first home game since their beloved pitcher's death.Two Angels pitchers combined to throw the 11th no-hitter in franchise history, and Mike Trout drove in six runs in a stunning 13-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.On the day before what would have been Skaggs' 28th birthday, these astonishing Angels played a practically perfect game with his memory in their minds."Tonight is about him," injured Angels infielder Zack Cozart said before the game. "We're going to do what we can to honor him and keep his legacy going."This tribute ended up exceeding all logic and expectation, however.Still reeling from the loss of their left-handed starter early last week in Texas, the Angels somehow excelled in every aspect... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels put on Tyler Skaggs' No. 45 jerseys and stood solemnly on the field while his mother, Debbie, delivered a heartbreakingly perfect strike on the first pitch.The Angels then proceeded to play their heavy hearts out in their first home game since their beloved pitcher's death.Two Angels pitchers combined to throw the 11th no-hitter in franchise history, and Mike Trout drove in six runs in a stunning 13-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.On the day before what would have been Skaggs' 28th birthday, these astonishing Angels played a practically perfect game with his memory in their minds."Tonight is about him," injured Angels infielder Zack Cozart said before the game. "We're going to do what we can to honor him and keep his legacy going."This tribute ended up exceeding all logic and expectation, however.Still reeling from the loss of their left-handed starter early last week in Texas, the Angels somehow excelled in every aspect... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Angels throw a combined no-hitter in first home game since death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bubba Starling finally reached his goal of getting to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals.It was a long, hard trek.The three-sport star from nearby Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.) High School was taken by the Royals in the first round of the 2011 draft. While many people in his hometown expected him to be patrolling the outfield and hitting home runs for the big-league club very quickly, it took 7 1/2 seasons in the minor league system before he was called up and inserted in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers."It's very special. I dreamed about it as a little guy coming to the ballgames in Kansas City," said Starling, who will turn 27 on Aug. 3. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. Ever since I was a kid coming to the stadium."Starling donned uniform No. 11 and was in center field and batting seventh for his major league debut.He was greeted by a standing ovation from the crowd of 25,059. He walked in his first at-bat in the second... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jonathan Lucroy can't remember what happened after he reached out to catch the throw at the plate in Houston last week.The Los Angeles Angels catcher is recovering from the third diagnosed concussion of his baseball career after that nasty collision with the Astros' Jake Marisnick.Lucroy isn't sure when he'll be ready to return to action, but he is grateful his injuries weren't even more serious."The last thing I remember is inching up the line and waiting for the baseball," Lucroy said Friday. "The first thing I remember after that is they put me on the golf cart. He knocked me out."Lucroy also got a broken nose and a black eye in the collision, and he was placed on the seven-day concussion list Friday. Marisnick received a two-game suspension for the dangerous play.Despite his latest concussion and his more visible injuries, Lucroy was remarkably upbeat about his prospects before the Angels' first game back from the All-Star break. Lucroy, a 10-year major league... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Tyler Skaggs' jersey hangs in his untouched locker in the Los Angeles Angels' clubhouse, his pristine cleats and gloves ready for a ballgame.The big stereo system in the room's center is silent because the affable left-hander who controlled the Angels' musical choices is no longer here.And on the far wall of the clubhouse, two photos of Skaggs now flank his competitive catchphrase printed in tall letters: "WE'RE NASTY."The pitcher's grieving teammates returned to Angel Stadium on Friday night for the first time since Skaggs was found in his hotel room in Texas nearly two weeks ago. On the day before what would have been Skaggs' 28th birthday, every Los Angeles player wore Skaggs' No. 45 jersey as they faced the Seattle Mariners."He's still a part of the team, even though he's not here," Angels manager Brad Ausmus said.During a poignant pregame ceremony, both teams lined the basepaths as Skaggs' family took the mound led by his mother, Debbie, the longtime softball... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bubba Starling has finally reached his goal of getting to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals.It was a long, hard trek.The three-sport star from nearby Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.) High School was taken by the Royals in the first round of the 2011 draft. While many people in his hometown expected him to be patrolling the outfield and hitting home runs for the big-league club very quickly, it took 7 1/2 seasons in the minor league system before he was called up and inserted in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers."It's very special. I dreamed about it as a little guy coming to the ballgames in Kansas City," said Starling, who will turn 27 on Aug. 3. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. Ever since I was a kid coming to the stadium."Starling donned uniform No. 11 and was in center field and batting seventh for his major league debut.The 6-4, 220-pound right-handed hitter has been plagued by subpar performance and injuries throughout... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bubba Starling has finally reached his goal of getting to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals.It was a long, hard trek.The three-sport star from nearby Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.) High School was taken by the Royals in the first round of the 2011 draft. While many people in his hometown expected him to be patrolling the outfield and hitting home runs for the big-league club very quickly, it took 7 1/2 seasons in the minor league system before he was called up and inserted in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers."It's very special. I dreamed about it as a little guy coming to the ballgames in Kansas City," said Starling, who will turn 27 on Aug. 3. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. Ever since I was a kid coming to the stadium."Starling donned uniform No. 11 and was in center field and batting seventh for his major league debut.The 6-4, 220-pound right-handed hitter has been plagued by subpar performance and injuries throughout... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Tyler Skaggs' jersey hangs in his untouched locker in the Los Angeles Angels' clubhouse, his pristine cleats and gloves ready for a ballgame.The big stereo system in the room's center is silent because the affable left-hander who controlled the Angels' musical choices is no longer here.And on the far wall of the clubhouse, two photos of Skaggs now flank his competitive catchphrase written in foot-high letters: "WE'RE NASTY."The late pitcher's grieving teammates returned to Angel Stadium on Friday night for the first time since Skaggs was found in his hotel room in Texas nearly two weeks ago. His presence will be felt at the stadium for the rest of the Angels' season, from his intact locker to a large likeness of the pitcher now displayed prominently on the center field wall."He's still a part of the team, even though he's not here," Angels manager Brad Ausmus said.A memorial created by fans in front of the Big A's main entrance has grown to the size of a pitcher's... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bubba Starling has finally reached his goal of getting to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals.It was a long, hard trek.The three-sport star from nearby Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.) High School was taken by the Royals in the first round of the 2011 draft. While many people in his hometown expected him to be patrolling the outfield and hitting home runs for the big-league club very quickly, it took 7 1/2 seasons in the minor league system before he was called up and inserted in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers."It's very special. I dreamed about it as a little guy coming to the ballgames in Kansas City," said Starling, who will turn 27 on Aug. 3. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. Ever since I was a kid coming to the stadium."Starling donned uniform No. 11 and was in center field and batting seventh for his major league debut.The 6-4, 200-pound right-handed hitter has been plagued by subpar performance and injuries throughout... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bubba Starling has finally reached his goal of getting to the major leagues with the Kansas City Royals.It was a long, hard trek.The three-sport star from nearby Gardner-Edgerton (Kan.) High School was taken by the Royals in the first round of the 2011 draft. While many people in his hometown expected him to be patrolling the outfield and hitting home runs for the big-league club very quickly, it took 7 1/2 seasons in the minor league system before he was called up and inserted in the starting lineup on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers."It's very special. I dreamed about it as a little guy coming to the ballgames in Kansas City," said Starling, who will turn 27 on Aug. 3. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. Ever since I was a kid coming to the stadium."Starling donned uniform No. 11 and was in center field and batting seventh for his major league debut.The 6-4, 200-pound switch-hitter has been plagued by subpar performance and injuries throughout his... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have added to their pitching depth, signing veteran right-hander Shelby Miller to a minor league contract Friday.The 28-year-old Miller signed a one-year, $2 million deal with Rangers last winter. He was released on July 4 after going 1-3 with an 8.59 ERA in 19 appearances, including eight starts. In 44 innings, Miller gave up 58 hits and 29 walks for a 1.977 WHIP."It's another opportunity to see if we can 'unlock' someone who clearly has a lot of talent," Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said. "We'll allow him to go to Triple-A ... get some time in down there, and then we'll see if he can help us at the big league level."Miller was selected with the 19th overall pick by St. louis in the 2009 MLB draft. He made his major league debut a little more than three years later, pitching two scoreless innings in a 6-2 loss to the Mets on Sept. 5, 2012.He went on to appear in 69 games for the Cardinals, starting 63. He had a 26-18 record... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians starter Corey Kluber's broken right arm is healing as hoped, and he could begin throwing bullpen sessions soon.Kluber was struck by a line drive on May 1 in Miami. Indians manager Terry Francona said Friday the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a "good checkup" and doctors are now determining when the right-hander can pitch off a mound.Asked if it could be within weeks, Francona said: "That's probably a decent guess, estimation."Kluber has been able to run and work on his conditioning, and he has been strengthening his arm by playing long toss. Francona said he stretched and threw from 150 feet this week.The Indians hope Kluber might be able to come back this season. Cleveland also is missing right-hander Carlos Carrasco, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Washington Nationals are pushing back Max Scherzer's next start because the ace right-hander is dealing with back soreness.Manager Dave Martinez says an MRI on Scherzer's back came back negative, and the three-time Cy Young Award winner threw from 75 feet on Friday.Scherzer experienced soreness in his middle back after his last start.Anibal Sanchez will start in his place on Sunday against the Phillies in the final game of a three-game series.Scherzer was 7-0 with a 0.84 ERA in his last nine starts before the All-Star break.__More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:SONNY GRAY VS JON GRAYNo Gray area in this pitching matchup Friday — only shades of Gray.Sonny will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds in his first visit to Coors Field and first time facing Colorado. Jon will go for the Rockies as both teams return from the All-Star break.Selected as an NL All-Star, Sonny didn't get into the game Tuesday as the AL beat the NL 4-3. The right-hander is 5-5 with a 3.59 ERA in 17 starts this season. Jon is 9-6 with a 3.92 ERA spanning 19 appearances, including 18 starts.BANGED UP CATCHERThe Cardinals placed catcher Yadier Molina on the injured list with a strained right thumb and activated infielder Matt Carpenter as part of a series of roster moves Thursday. St. Louis also brought up left-hander Chasen Shreve from Triple-A Memphis, optioned left-hander Tyler Webb and outfielder Rangel Ravelo to Memphis, and transferred pitcher Jordan Hicks to the 60-day IL update ahead of their series against Arizona... [More]

July 141916 — St. Louis Browns pitcher Ernie Koob went the distance in a 17-inning 0-0 tie with the Boston Red Sox. Carl Mays went the first 15 innings for the Red Sox and Dutch Leonard finished.1946 — Cleveland player-manager Lou Boudreau hit four doubles and a home run in the first game of a doubleheader against Boston, but Ted Williams connected for three home runs and drove in eight runs for an 11-10 Red Sox victory.1956 — Mel Parnell of the Boston Red Sox pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox for a 4-0 victory at Fenway Park.1967 — Eddie Mathews of the Astros hit his 500th home run off San Francisco's Juan Marichal at Candlestick Park. Houston beat the Giants 8-6.1968 — Hank Aaron got his 500th home run off Mike McCormick as the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2.1968 — Don Wilson of the Houston Astros struck out 18 Reds in a 6-1 victory over Cincinnati in the nightcap of a doubleheader.1969 — Oakland's Reggie Jackson knocked in 10 runs in a 21-7 win over... [More]

First the players, now the ball. Home runs are skyrocketing, and once again Major League Baseball officials claim they don't know the reason why.Then again, it might be that they're just not looking hard enough.Unlike the players, the ball still looks the same. Commissioner Rob Manfred said it tests much the same as before, too, though he conceded there might be less drag on the ball than there was in the past.So why are batters teeing off at a rate nearing three home runs a game, a 19 percent increase from a year before? Why are hitters on a pace to hit 1,000 more home runs than the Steroids Era high mark of 5,693 in 2000?Good question, Manfred says, but it's not because anyone juiced the ball."Manipulation of the baseball is a great conspiracy theory," Manfred said Tuesday at the All-Star Game in Cleveland. "How you manipulate a human-dominated handmade manufacturing process in any consistent way, it's a smarter human being than I."Don't tell that to pitchers like Justin Verlander, who... [More]