ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired journeyman catcher Erik Kratz in a trade with the San Francisco Giants.The 38-year-old Kratz hit .125 (4 for 32) in 15 games for San Francisco. He was designated for assignment on Tuesday.The Giants acquired Kratz in a March 24 trade with Milwaukee for minor league infielder C.J. Hinojosa. He helped the Brewers make it to the NL Championship Series last year, batting .292 with three RBIs in nine playoff games.The Rays got Kratz and cash considerations from the Giants for a player to be named or cash considerations. The deal was announced on Thursday.Kratz broke into the majors with Pittsburgh in 2010. He is a .208 hitter with 31 homers and 101 RBIs in 310 career games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:CHECK HIMArizona ace Zack Greinke is set for an MRI after making an early exit in his last start.Greinke pitched shutout ball into the eighth inning against the Pirates until leaving in the eighth inning because of abdominal tightness."It's not too bad," Greinke said. "Just didn't seem like a good idea to try to push it."Greinke (6-1) has a 1.09 ERA in his last six starts, allowing five earned runs in 41 1/3 innings.STOP THAT!Justin Turner is on a hitting streak that no one would envy.The Dodgers star has been hit by a pitch in four straight games, tied for the longest string in franchise history. He is the first player in team records since Hughie Jennings in 1900 to be plunked in four consecutive games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Carlos Quentin of the Chicago White Sox set the majors' longest streak when he was hit in six straight in 2008."I think at this point it's almost what is going on?" Dodgers teammate Alex Verdugo said.... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Christian Yelich hit his major league-leading 17th and 18th homers to help Zach Davies and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 11-3 Thursday.Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas also went deep as the Brewers won their third in a row.Davies (5-0) allowed three runs — one earned — and four hits in six innings.Yelich homered in the first for a 1-0 lead off Zach Eflin (5-4) and added a solo drive off Edgar Garcia in the eighth to make it 8-3.ATHLETICS 17, TIGERS 3DETROIT (AP) — Jurickson Profar hit his first career grand slam, and Oakland won its 13th straight over Detroit and its ninth in a row at Comerica ParkJosh Phegley had four hits, including one of Oakland's five home runs. Matt Olson and Marcus Semien also homered for Oakland.Detroit has been outscored 41-9 while losing the first four games of a 10-game homestand.Ohio native Chris Bassitt (2-1) pitched eight shutout innings in front of a large group of friends and family.Spencer Turnbull (2-3) allowed... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals pitcher Aníbal Sánchez will go on the injured list after leaving in the second inning of Washington's 7-6 win against the New York Mets on Thursday.Sánchez, a 35-year-old right-hander, is 0-6 with a 5.10 ERA. He was staked to a 4-0 lead that Washington's bullpen failed to hold."Scheduled to get an MRI tomorrow," manager Dave Martinez said. "As of right now he's going to end up on the IL. He'll probably miss a start."After throwing ball four to Brandon Nimmo with one out and a man on first, Sánchez walked to the rear of the mound. Martinez and director of athletic training Paul Lessard went to the mound, and Sánchez soon departed."Last year was the first time that I pulled my hammy, but this one was different — some move that I made to first and twist something on my hamstring and didn't let me stop my body with my landing leg," Sánchez said. "I couldn't stop my body to home plate."No Nationals pitcher has started 0-7 since Jason Marquis in 2010.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Chicago Cubs activated backup catcher Victor Caratini off the injury list for the final game of their series against the Reds.Caratini started at first base Thursday, filling in while Anthony Rizzo got another day to recover from a stiff back.Caratini broke a bone in his left hand during a swing on April 12 and had surgery three days later to remove the hamate. He played nine games at Triple-A Iowa on a rehabilitation assignment.Chicago optioned catcher Taylor Davis to Iowa. He went 3 for 15 with a homer in six games with the Cubs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB (backslash)and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals starter Aníbal Sánchez left in the second inning of Thursday's 7-6 win over the New York Mets because of left hamstring soreness.After delivering ball four to Brandon Nimmo with one out, Sánchez walked to the rear of the mound. Manager Dave Martinez and the trainer came out and Sánchez soon departed.Sánchez (0-6) was staked to a 4-0 lead. He was looking to avoid becoming the first Nationals pitcher to start 0-7 since Jason Marquis in 2010.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mike Clevinger's comeback is speeding along like one of his fastballs.Cleveland's starter has made startling progress from an upper back strain that threatened his season and was expected to sideline him for several months. But the right-hander, who wasn't expected to be able to pick up a ball for at least two months, will throw his second bullpen session on Friday. He got back on the mound last week in Chicago, throwing 20 pitches."He got a ways to go now to get back," Indians manager Terry Francona said before Thursday's series opener against Baltimore. "But my goodness, if you had told me a month ago that he'd be where he is now ... we're pretty fortunate."Clevinger was removed from a start on April 7 after five innings — he struck out 10 — against Toronto with tightness in his back. Initially, he didn't think he'd miss any time, but imaging tests revealed the strain and the Indians feared they'd be without Clevinger until August. He was placed on the 60-day injured... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners have recalled outfielder Mallex Smith after a couple of weeks with Triple-A Tacoma to work on his approach at the plate.Seattle optioned infielder Shed Long back to Tacoma to make room for Smith ahead of Thursday's series opener against Minnesota.Smith was sent to the minors on April 30 after hitting just .165 in 27 games. Smith had just one hit in his final 29 at-bats before being sent down. In his 10 games with Tacoma, Smith hit .333 with three doubles and a home run.Long appeared in three games with the Mariners. He was hitless in nine at-bats and had a pair of walks in his limited opportunities.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SEATTLE (AP) — Relief pitcher Addison Reed has been designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins following a rocky start to his rehabilitation assignment for a sprained thumb on his non-throwing hand that set him back in spring training.The 30-year-old right-hander is getting $8.5 million the second season of a $16.75 million, two-year contract. Reed went 1-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 55 appearances last season with a career-worst strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate of 7.1. For Triple-A Rochester this month, Reed allowed 13 hits, eight runs and four homers in just five innings.The move was made on Thursday before the Twins played at Seattle, making room on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Austin Adams. He was promoted to replace righty Trevor Hildenberger, who was sent down with an 8.36 ERA in 14 innings.___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SEATTLE (AP) — Relief pitcher Addison Reed has been designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins following a rocky start to his rehabilitation assignment for a sprained thumb on his non-throwing hand that set him back in spring training.The 30-year-old right-hander is getting $8.5 million the second season of a $16.75 million, two-year contract. Reed went 1-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 55 appearances last season with a career-worst strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate of 7.1. For Triple-A Rochester this month, Reed allowed 13 hits, eight runs and four homers in just five innings.The move was made on Thursday before the Twins played at Seattle, making room on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Austin Adams. He was promoted to replace righty Trevor Hildenberger, who was sent down with an 8.36 ERA in 14 innings.___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals starter Anibal Sanchez left in the second inning of Thursday's game against the New York Mets with a thigh injury.The team announced Sanchez had soreness in his left hamstring.After delivering ball four to Brandon Nimmo with one out, Sanchez walked to the rear of the mound. Manager Dave Martinez and the trainer came out and Sanchez soon departed.Sanchez (0-6) was staked to a 4-0 lead. He was looking to avoid becoming the first Nationals pitcher to start 0-7 since Jason Marquis in 2010.

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Mets outfielder Jeff McNeil left the game against the Washington Nationals in the third inning due to abdominal tightness.The Mets said the move was precautionary.McNeil singled and was thrown out on a fielder's choice in the top of the third inning on Thursday. He didn't return to the field on defense.Brandon Nimmo shifted to left field and Juan Lagares came in to play center.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals starter Anibal Sanchez left in the second inning of Thursday's game against the New York Mets with an injury.After delivering ball four to Brandon Nimmo with one out, Sanchez walked to the rear of the mound. Manager Dave Martinez and the trainer came out and Sanchez soon departed.There was no immediate announcement on the injury.Sanchez (0-6) was staked to a 4-0 lead. He was looking to avoid becoming the first Nationals pitcher to start 0-7 since Jason Marquis in 2010.

A look at what's happening around the majors today:SMASHING STARTAtlanta prospect Austin Riley was quite a hit in his big league debut, connecting for a home run in his second at-bat. The 22-year-old Riley tagged Michael Wacha in a win over St. Louis.Riley was promoted from Triple-A, where he was leading the International League with 15 homers and 39 RBIs. Normally a third baseman, he started in left field Wednesday night and figures to see time there for a while.His homer came in front of his parents and a group of 40 family and friends who quickly made the drive from his native Mississippi to SunTrust Park.Riley and the Braves wrap up the series against Cardinals star Adam Wainwright.RING, RINGJosh Bell brings his one-man power show to the West Coast when the Pittsburgh Pirates open a series in San Diego. Riding a career-best 15-game hitting streak, the switch-hitting first baseman is batting .333 with 12 homers, 14 doubles and 39 RBIs in a bounce-back season.Nobody else on the Pirates... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:SMASHING STARTAtlanta prospect Austin Riley was quite a hit in his big league debut, connecting for a home run in his second at-bat. The 22-year-old Riley tagged Michael Wacha in a win over St. Louis.Riley was promoted from Triple-A, where he was leading the International League with 15 homers and 39 RBIs. Normally a third baseman, he started in left field Wednesday night and figures to see time there for a while.His homer came in front of his parents and a group of 40 family and friends who quickly made the drive from his native Mississippi to SunTrust Park.Riley and the Braves wrap up the series against Cardinals star Adam Wainwright.RING, RINGJosh Bell brings his one-man power show to the West Coast when the Pittsburgh Pirates open a series in San Diego. Riding a career-best 15-game hitting streak, the switch-hitting first baseman is batting .333 with 12 homers, 14 doubles and 39 RBIs in a bounce-back season.Nobody else on the Pirates... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees third baseman Miguel Andújar will have season-ending surgery to repair a small labrum tear in his right shoulder.New York announced the decision Wednesday night during the second game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.Andújar, last year's AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, initially was sidelined by the injury from April 1 to May 3 and struggled mightily in his return.After going 6 for 47 with no extra-base hits, he went back on the injured list Monday. Manager Aaron Boone had said Andújar was discussing a possible operation with the team and his family."Hurt for him a little bit," Boone said. "But know this is also just the beginning of the road back."Yankees head team physician Christopher Ahmad will perform the surgery Monday at New York Presbyterian Hospital.The 24-year-old Andújar was a major factor in the Yankees' run to a playoff spot last season, hitting .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs."Miggy's beloved in that room and obviously really important to us between the lines and just who he is," Boone said. "Hopefully this is a really good step for him and starting the healing process."Minus Andujar this season, the Yankees have relied on Gio Urshela at third base. Newly acquired slugger Kendrys Morales is likely to pick up the bulk of the DH duties until some of New York's other injured hitters return.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees third baseman Miguel Andújar will have season-ending surgery to repair a small labrum tear in his right shoulder.New York announced the decision Wednesday night during the second game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.Andújar, last year's AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, initially was sidelined by the injury from April 1 to May 3 and struggled mightily in his return.After going 6 for 47 with no extra-base hits, he went back on the injured list Monday. Manager Aaron Boone had said Andújar was discussing a possible operation with the team and his family.Yankees head team physician Christopher Ahmad will perform the surgery Monday at New York Presbyterian Hospital.The 24-year-old Andujar was a major factor in the Yankees' run to a playoff spot last season, hitting .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs.Minus Andujar this season, the Yankees have relied on Gio Urshela at third base.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves gave another top prospect his shot.Austin Riley wasted no time taking advantage of the opportunity.Riley homered on his second at-bat in the big leagues, launching a high fastball from Michael Wacha deep into left-field seats to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead over St. Louis in the fourth inning Wednesday night.The 22-year-old struck out swinging in his first trip to the plate, but he sent his father and about 40 friends and family — many of whom hastily made the trip from his native Mississippi — into a raucous celebration with a 438-foot drive the next time up.Riley was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett after a dominating start in the International League, where he was hitting .299 and leading the circuit with 15 homers and 39 RBIs. A roster spot opened when center fielder Ender Inciarte was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sore back.While normally a third baseman, Riley recently started three straight games in left field for the minor league team. That's where... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bruce Willis was moonlighting for the Philadelphia Phillies.Willis, star of "The Sixth Sense" and "The Fifth Element" threw the first pitch in his No. 19 Phillies jersey before Philadelphia played the Milwaukee Brewers. Willis wasn't within striking distance of the plate — he one-hopped the pitch to Phillies ace Aaron Nola.Willis took his cuts Wednesday in batting practice against coach Dusty Wathan using a bat borrowed from Phillies outfielder Nick Williams. Willis grew up in the southern New Jersey town of Carney's Point and has filmed movies in Philadelphia, including "Glass.""I just like to hit the ball," Willis said in his red pinstripes. "I just like the noise. I grew up with the Phillies."The 64-year-old Willis chatted with Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins and manager Gabe Kapler . Kapler, in his second year, played Scrooge and refused to believe Willis' 1988 classic "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie."I maintain, not a Christmas movie," Kapler said during a lively debate with beat writers in his office. "Aren't most Christmas movies centered around the celebration of Christmas in some way or another?"___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves are giving another top prospect his shot, recalling Austin Riley from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday after a dominating start in the International League.While normally a third baseman, Riley recently started three straight games in left field for the minor league team. That's where he was set to play in his big league debut, batting sixth for Atlanta's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.Riley was hitting .299 and leading the International League with 15 homers and 39 RBIs. A roster spot opened when center fielder Ender Inciarte was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sore back.He realized the logjam he was behind due to third baseman Josh Donaldson and first baseman Freddie Freeman."I had no clue," Riley said before the game. "I was kind of waiting my turn. I hate Ender went down last night, but I'm happy to be here and hopefully I can help out."Ronald Acuña Jr. will move over to play center field, giving Riley a chance to get extensive time in left. He... [More]