CHICAGO (AP) — Hot-hitting Clint Frazier was squeezed out of the New York Yankees' powerful lineup and sent down to the minors Sunday, another frustrating episode in what's been a breakout season for the 24-year-old outfielder.The Yankees got AL home run leader Edwin Encarnación in a late-night trade with Seattle, then made the roster move following a 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. Frazier batted cleanup and went 1 for 5.Frazier is hitting .283 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in 53 games, a key factor in helping the Yankees stay within a half-game of Tampa Bay atop the AL East. He was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre."Yeah, pretty surprised," Frazier said, adding, "It's a tough pill to swallow. It's never fun especially with how much I've felt like I've contributed to this team this year."New York opens a three-game series at home against the Rays on Monday night, with Encarnación set to become the team's designated hitter. Giancarlo Stanton is expected to come off the injured... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Padres and Rockies set a modern-era record by combining for 92 runs in a four-game series, with San Diego pitcher Matt Strahm drawing a pinch-hit, bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning to rally past Colorado 14-13 Sunday.It was just another wacky day at Coors Field, especially in this split series where the Rockies outscored the Padres 48-44 while the teams combined for 131 hits. Colorado's Charlie Blackmon became the first player since at least 1900 with 15 hits in a four-game series, according to STATS. Adding to the zaniness: the finale was delayed once to clean up a big puddle in foul territory despite sunny skies, and again later because of weather.Trailing 13-10 in the ninth, Wil Myers had an RBI single and Greg Garcia promptly tied it with a two-out, two-run triple off closer Wade Davis (1-2). The Rockies brought in starter Jon Gray, who intentionally walked two batters to face Strahm. Gray fell behind 3-1 before throwing a strike. Taking all the way, Strahm watched... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Edwin Encarnación will find himself in a familiar spot after he joins the Yankees in New York on Monday.Manager Aaron Boone plans to use AL home run leader as his team's primary designated hitter once the 36-year-old slugger arrives.The AL East leaders acquired Encarnación for a minor league pitcher in a late-night trade with Seattle. Boone said he expects Encarnación to be available when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.Boone said he'll occasionally play the three-time All-Star at first base."We're talking Edwin Encarnación," Boone said before Sunday's game in Chicago against the White Sox. "When you get a guy of his caliber, that's something we're excited about. He's obviously a great hitter, he has been for a long time and continues to be.""Just looking forward to adding him and just adding some more length to our lineup with not just a feared hitter, but also a good hitter," he said.The Yankees added Encarnación to what could be one of the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets put pitcher Noah Syndergaard on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring, then saw Jason Vargas leave Sunday's start against St. Louis because of a cramp in his left calf.The Mets also activated second baseman Robinson Canó from the IL and put him in the lineup against the Cardinals.Vargas fouled a ball of his foot in the fourth inning. He was visited by Mets manager Mickey Callaway and an athletic trainer and promptly removed from the game. Pitcher Jacob deGrom pinch-hit for Vargas and walked.The 36-year-old Vargas was sidelined from May 6-24 with left hamstring tightness, but has been one of New York's most consistent pitchers since returning from the injured list. Entering the game, Vargas had allowed 11 earned runs over his last 45 innings and had won each of his last two starts.Vargas allowed three runs— two earned— on just one hit over four innings against the Cardinals.Syndergaard reached for his right hamstring after throwing a pitch... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays, who pioneered the pitching strategy of using relievers as openers, are trying another experiment on the mound in the minors — they're stacking two-way players to start games.The focus Saturday night at Triple-A Durham was on two-way prospect Brendan McKay pitching against rehabbing New York Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.McKay entered in the second inning. He followed Jake Cronenworth, an infielder who's also getting regular work as a pitcher."That's where the game is evolving," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said before Sunday's game with the Los Angeles Angels. "I know we're going to continue to explore those options."With most major league teams having only three or four position players on the bench, the two-way players could offer greater flexibility."It can really help your roster," Cash said. "What we're finding out there's a way to manage it. We're probably going to talk a lot more about... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Edwin Encarnación will find himself in a familiar spot after he joins the Yankees in New York on Monday.Manager Aaron Boone plans to use AL home run leader as his team's primary designated hitter once the 36-year-old slugger arrives.The AL East leaders acquired Encarnación and cash for a minor league pitcher in a late-night trade with Seattle. Boone said he expects Encarnación to be available when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.Boone said he'll occasionally play the three-time All-Star at first base."We're talking Edwin Encarnación," Boone said before Sunday's game in Chicago against the White Sox. "When you get a guy of his caliber, that's something we're excited about. He's obviously a great hitter, he has been for a long time and continues to be.""Just looking forward to adding him and just adding some more length to our lineup with not just a feared hitter, but also a good hitter," he said.The Yankees added Encarnación to what could be... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets placed pitcher Noah Syndergaard on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring.The team also activated second baseman Robinson Canó from the IL.Syndergaard reached for his right hamstring after throwing a pitch in the seventh inning of New York's 8-7 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.New York manager Mickey Callaway and an athletic trainer came out to check on the right-hander, who walked off the field with a bit of a limp.Syndergaard (5-4, 4.55 ERA) is scheduled to undergo an MRI. Syndergaard has struggled at times in 2019, allowing four earned runs or more in eight of his 15 starts. The 26-year old entered the season with a 2.93 ERA. Callaway noted that the decision to place Syndergaard was made because "it didn't seem like he would make his next start anyway."Callaway said that the team had options, but declined to indicate who would take Syndergaard's spot in the rotation.Canó, out since June 9 after aggravating a left... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone plans to use AL home run leader Edwin Encarnación as his team's primary designated hitter after the 36-year-old slugger joins the team in New York on Monday.Speaking to reporters before Sunday's game in Chicago against the White Sox, Boone said he expects Encarnación to be available when the Yankees open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. He'll occasionally play the three-time All-Star at first base.The Yankees acquired Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, adding another slugger to what could be one of the most powerful lineups when Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from injuries.Seattle is sending the Yankees $8,397,849, leaving New York to pay $8 million of remaining $16,397,849 Encarnación is guaranteed. New York is sending 19-year-old minor league pitcher Juan Then to Seattle.Encarnación is hitting .241 and is among the league leaders with 49 RBIs and 48 runs scored. He has 401 career home runs, including 18 in 69 games at the new Yankee Stadium.Boone said Stanton could return Tuesday after being sidelined by biceps, shoulder and calf injuries. Judge also is inching closer after he strained his left oblique in April. Both stars are on rehab assignments in Triple-A.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have recalled left-hander Cole Irvin and have activated right-hander Pat Neshek from the injured list.Irvin had been considered a candidate to start on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Instead, Irvin and Neshek will be available to pitch behind Vince Velasquez, who returns to a starting role after pitching in relief in his last nine appearances.Right-hander Edgar García and left-hander Ranger Suárez were optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.Irvin was 2-0 with a 2.44 ERA in eight games, all starts, for Lehigh Valley. He is 2-1 with a 5.48 ERA in four games with Philadelphia this season.Neshek was placed on the injured list on May 25 with a right shoulder strain.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired AL home run leader Edwin Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, adding another feared slugger to what could be baseball's most powerful lineup when Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from injuries.Seattle is sending the Yankees $8,397,849, leaving New York to pay $8 million of remaining $16,397,849 Encarnación is guaranteed. New York is sending 19-year-old minor league pitcher Juan Then to Seattle.Speaking before the trade was announced, New York manager Aaron Boone declined comment. But asked about having room for another power bat, Boone coyly responded, "There's always room for good players."The 36-year-old Encarnación has hit 21 home runs this season and has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years. He is owed $11,397,849 of his $20 million salary this year plus a $5 million buyout of a $25 million club option for 2020.There had been speculation the Yankees would be in the market for a top... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:MAKING A NAMECuban rookie Yordan Alvarez is off to a smashing start for the injury-depleted Houston Astros, becoming just one of four players in major league history to hit four home runs in his first five games.The 21-year-old is 8 for 17 so far. He's driven in eight runs, scored eight times and also drawn six walks.Alvarez hit an upper-deck drive at Minute Maid Park on Saturday and joined Trevor Story, who hit six homers for Colorado in 2016, Yasiel Puig (Dodgers, 2013) and Mike Jacobs (Mets, 2005) for big starts.Alvarez and the Astros take on Toronto.VOYAGING MARINERThe Yankees are expected to say when Edwin Encarnación will join them after getting the slugger in a late-night trade from Seattle.The 36-year-old Encarnación leads the AL with 21 home runs. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven seasons. The first baseman/designated hitter is a three-time All-Star who moved from Cleveland to Seattle last December in a three-team... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired AL home run leader Edwin Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, adding another feared slugger to what could be baseball's most powerful lineup when Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from injuries.The Yankees also got cash in the deal while sending 19-year-old minor league pitcher Juan Then to Seattle. Encarnación is making $20 million this season.Speaking before the trade was announced, New York manager Aaron Boone declined comment. But asked about having room for another power bat, Boone coyly responded, "There's always room for good players."The 36-year-old Encarnación has hit 21 home runs this season. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years.There had been speculation the Yankees would be in the market for a top pitcher as the July 31 approached, but the Bronx Bombers always have room for big boppers."We know Edwin is a really good hitter," Gleyber Torres said after homering for the... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired slugger Edwin Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, looking to boost a power-packed lineup that's been beset by injuries.The Yankees also got cash in the deal while sending 19-year-old minor league pitcher Juan Then to Seattle. The Mariners will save money, too, by trading Encarnación, who was making $20 million this season.The 36-year-old Encarnación leads the AL with 21 home runs. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years.Encarnación was not on the field with the Mariners as they warmed up for Saturday night's game at Oakland."Edwin's been traded," manager Scott Servais said after an 11-2 loss.Encarnación, a first baseman and designated hitter, is hitting .241 and is among the league leaders with 49 RBIs and 48 runs scored. The three-time All-Star moved from Cleveland to Seattle last December in a three-team trade that included Tampa Bay.The Yankees have managed to stay in the AL East race... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Sunday:MAKING A NAMECuban rookie Yordan Alvarez is off to a smashing start for the injury-depleted Houston Astros, becoming just one of four players in major league history to hit four home runs in his first five games.The 21-year-old is 8 for 17 so far. He's driven in eight runs, scored eight times and also drawn six walks.Alvarez hit an upper-deck drive at Minute Maid Park on Saturday and joined Trevor Story, who hit six homers for Colorado in 2016, Yasiel Puig (Dodgers, 2013) and Mike Jacobs (Mets, 2005) for big starts.Alvarez and the Astros take on Toronto.CHECK THEMBraves starter Sean Newcomb was forced to leave Saturday night's start against Philadelphia after being hit in the back of the head by a line drive off the bat of J.T. Realmuto. Newcomb walked off the field under his own power in Atlanta, escorted by two trainers. The ball was clocked at 102 mph and caromed off Newcomb's head and sailed into the netting behind the Phillies' dugout... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees neared a trade for Seattle slugger Edwin Encarnación on Saturday night, looking to boost a power-packed lineup that's been beset by injuries.A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the teams were trying to complete the deal. The person spoke under condition of anonymity because the trade was not finalized.ESPN was the first to report the deal. It was not immediately known what the Yankees might send to the Mariners.The 36-year-old Encarnación began the day leading the AL with 21 home runs in his first season with Seattle. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years.Encarnación was not on the field with the Mariners as they warmed up for Saturday night's game at Oakland.Encarnación, who is a first baseman and designated hitter, is hitting .241 and is among the league leaders with 49 RBIs and 48 runs scored. The three-time All-Star moved from Cleveland to Seattle last December in a three-team trade that included... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Plate umpire Brian O'Nora has left the St. Louis Cardinals-New York Mets game after getting hit in the groin by a foul ball.Matt Carpenter fouled off a pitch from New York starter Noah Syndergaard in the third inning Saturday night, and the ball bounced up and hit O'Nora. He staggered but stayed on his feet, and was checked by a Mets athletic trainer.The 56-year-old O'Nora initially remained in the game following a brief pause to gather himself. But a few pitches later, with Dexter Fowler at the plate, the veteran ump headed for the Mets dugout in discomfort with his hand covering his mouth.Both teams came off the field during a delay that lasted about 10 minutes as first base umpire Chad Whitson went inside to put on protective gear. He moved behind the plate, and the game resumed with three umps.It was the latest in a rash of injuries and health issues for umpires lately.Three games in one day recently were completed with crews short. Mike Muchlinski replaced Jim Wolf... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the New York Yankees are close to getting slugger Edwin Encarnación in a trade with the Seattle Mariners.The person spoke to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because the trade was not complete Saturday.ESPN was the first to report the deal. It was not immediately known what the Yankees might send to the Mariners.The 36-year-old Encarnación began the day leading the AL with 21 home runs in his first season with Seattle. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years.Encarnación was not on the field with the Mariners as they warmed up for Saturday night's game at Oakland.Encarnación, who is a first baseman and designated hitter, would boost what is already a power-packed lineup. The Yankees have managed to stay in the AL East race despite a long list of injuries.Giancarlo Stanton could return next week after being sidelined by biceps, shoulder and calf injuries, and Aaron Judge also is inching closer after he strained his left oblique in April.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds rookie Nick Senzel fouled a pitch off his left eye and came out of a game against the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.The outfielder fouled a pitch from Mike Minor into the dirt, the ball deflecting off his foot and hitting the bill of his helmet and his eye. A trainer applied a towel and helped him off the field.Senzel was the second overall pick in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft out of Tennessee, getting a $6.2 million bonus. Bouts of vertigo and a broken right index finger slowed has ascent. He sprained his right ankle during spring training and made his debut on May 3.Senzel hit three homers in his first four games, a franchise record.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Desperate for help in a failing bullpen, the New York Mets acquired reliever Brooks Pounders from the Cleveland Indians for cash on Saturday.Pounders, who had been pitching at Triple-A Columbus, was immediately added to the major league roster. The Mets (33-36) also recalled right-hander Chris Flexen from Triple-A Syracuse and put him in the bullpen against St. Louis as well.Right-hander Tim Peterson was optioned to Syracuse, and veteran lefty Hector Santiago was designated for assignment.In other news, the Mets signed first-round draft pick Brett Baty, a 19-year-old third baseman out of Lake Travis High School in Texas. He received a $3.9 million bonus, below the slot value of $4,366,400 for being the 12th overall selection.New York began the night 16 for 32 in save chances, the most blown saves in the majors. The bullpen's 5.23 ERA ranked 25th out of 30 teams, and the struggling relief corps was 1-6 with a 9.28 ERA in 16 games since May 27.Dating to May 21, the Mets had... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves starter Sean Newcomb has left the game in a scary scene after being hit in the back of the head by a line drive off the bat of Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto.Newcomb was checked by a trainer and walked off the field under his own power in Atlanta, escorted by two trainers Saturday.The ball was clocked at 102 mph and caromed off Newcomb's head and sailed into the netting behind the Phillies' dugout on the third base side. Realmuto covered his mouth with both hands as he ran to first base on what went as a ground-rule double.The play occurred in the third inning at SunTrust Park. Newcomb turned his head as the ball approached and knelt on the mound immediately after getting hit. Catcher Tyler Flowers had him stay down while a trainer and Braves manager Brian Snitker came out to tend to the left-hander.Touki Toussaint took Newcomb's spot.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports