BOSTON (AP) — Wilson Ramos went deep again and scored on Denard Span's inside-the-park homer, helping the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 12-6 on Saturday for their eighth consecutive victory.It's the longest win streak for Tampa Bay since taking nine in a row in July 2014. The resurgent Rays have won nine of 10 overall to move within one game of .500 at 12-13.Johnny Field and Carlos Gomez also connected for Tampa Bay, and Matt Duffy finished with four hits. Field's three-run drive in the ninth was his first career homer.Ramos belted a two-run shot in the third against David Price (2-3), extending his homer streak to three games.Boston lost for the fifth time in seven games. It also had to replace star outfielder Mookie Betts after the fourth inning due to tightness in his right hamstring.ASTROS 11, ATHLETICS 0HOUSTON (AP) — Lance McCullers threw seven sharp innings, Jose Altuve had four hits and Houston beat Oakland.Altuve hit a towering home run that left the ballpark and doubled.... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A's lefty Sean Manaea pitched the first no-hitter against Boston in 25 years, with an overturned call preserving the gem Saturday night in Oakland's 3-0 win over the sizzling Red Sox.Manaea struck out 10, walked two and threw 108 pitches to finish off Oakland's first no-no since Dallas Braden tossed a perfect game against Tampa Bay in 2010.Manaea got Hanley Ramirez to ground out to complete the first no-hitter versus the Red Sox since Seattle's Chris Bosio did it in 1993.Boston looked as if it had a hit with two outs in the sixth at the Oakland Coliseum. Andrew Benintendi hit a grounder to the right side, slid around first baseman Matt Olson and was ruled safe.After the umpires conferred, Benintendi was ruled out for going wide of the baseline.Sandy Leon reached in the Red Sox fifth when A's shortstop Marcus Semien dropped a popup. The play was scored as an error.Manaea (3-2) had been battered by Boston in three previous starts. But the 26-year-old cooled off a hard-hitting... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A's lefty Sean Manaea pitched the first no-hitter against Boston in 25 years, with an overturned call preserving the gem Saturday night in Oakland's 3-0 win over the sizzling Red Sox.Manaea struck out 10, walked two and threw 108 pitches to finish off Oakland's first no-no since Dallas Braden tossed a perfect game against Tampa Bay in 2010.Manaea got Hanley Ramirez to ground out to complete the first no-hitter versus the Red Sox since Seattle's Chris Bosio did it in 1993.Boston looked as if it had a hit with two outs in the sixth at the Oakland Coliseum. Andrew Benintendi hit a grounder to the right side, slid around first baseman Matt Olson and was ruled safe.After the umpires conferred, Benintendi was ruled out for going wide of the baseline.Sandy Leon reached in the Red Sox fifth when A's shortstop Marcus Semien dropped a popup. The play was scored as an error.Manaea (3-2) had been battered by Boston in three previous starts. But the 26-year-old cooled off a hard-hitting... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — Justin Smoak hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth to rally the Toronto Blue Jays past the New York Yankees 7-4 on Sunday.After connecting off reliever Tommy Kahnle in the seventh, Smoak brought the crowd of 29,091 to its feet with his second career slam, a drive against David Robertson (0-1).Smoak went 3 for 4 with a walk and six RBIs as Toronto gained a series split, winning the final two games.Smoak's other grand slam also came against the Yankees, in 2015.Tyler Clippard (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning, and Seung Hwan Oh finished for his first save.TWINS 7, ORIOLES 0BALTIMORE (AP) — Jose Berrios pitched a three-hitter for his first career complete game, and Minnesota got two home runs from Brian Dozier in a rout of Baltimore.Only one batter reached against Berrios over the first eight innings — No. 9 hitter Chance Sisco, whose third-inning double whisked by the raised glove of left fielder Eddie Rosario at the wall.Berrios then... [More]

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Chicago Cubs2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Manager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Yu Darvish, RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly, C Chris Gimenez.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Projected Lineup: CF Ian Happ (.253, 24 HRs, 68 RBIs, .842 OPS) or Albert Almora Jr. (.298, 8, 46), 3B Kris Bryant (.295, 29, 73, 38 2Bs, 111 runs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109, 91 BBs), C Willson Contreras (.276, 21, 74), LF Kyle Schwarber (.211, 30, 59), SS Addison Russell (.239, 12, 43), RF Jason Heyward (.259, 11, 59), 2B Javier Baez (.273, 23, 75, .796 OPS).Rotation: LH Jon Lester (13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 Ks), RH Kyle Hendricks (7-5, 3.03), RH Yu Darvish (10-12, 3.86, 209 Ks with Rangers and Dodgers), LH Jose Quintana (11-11, 4.15, 207 Ks with White Sox and Cubs), RH Tyler Chatwood (8-15, 4.69 with Rockies).Key Relievers: RH Brandon... [More]

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:___Houston Astros2017: 101-61, first place, won World Series.Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season).He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Hector Rondon.He's Outta Here: DH Carlos Beltran, RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Mike Fiers, RHP Michael Feliz, INF Colin Moran.Projected Lineup: CF George Springer (.283, 34 HRs, 85 RBIs), 3B Alex Bregman (.284, 19, 71, 39 2Bs), 2B Jose Altuve (MLB-best .346, 24, 81, 39 2Bs, 32 SBs, AL MVP), SS Carlos Correa (.315, 24, 84), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.299, 18, 75, 43 2Bs), LF Marwin Gonzalez (.303, 23, 90, 34 2Bs), DH Evan Gattis (.263, 12, 55), RF Josh Reddick (.314, 13, 82, 34 2Bs), C Brian McCann (.241, 18, 62).Rotation: LH Dallas Keuchel (14-5, 2.90 ERA, 251 Ks), RH Justin Verlander (15-8, 3.36, 219 Ks with Tigers and Astros), RH Gerrit Cole (12-12, 4.26, 196 Ks with Pirates), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (7-4, 4.25), RH Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62).Key Relievers: RH Ken... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Joe Musgrove started in the All-Star Futures Games two years ago when he was a Houston Astros' prospect. Now, the Pittsburgh Pirates hope the right-hander can be a big part of their future.Musgrove was the centerpiece of a four-player package the Pirates acquired from the defending World Series champion Astros on Jan. 13 in a trade for right-hander Gerrit Cole.Three of those players are expected to be on Pittsburgh's opening-day roster — Musgrove, right-handed reliever Michael Feliz and third baseman Colin Moran — while outfielder Jason Martin is slated to begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis."It was hard to leave the Astros," Musgrove said. "From a career standpoint, though, this is a really good move for me. I feel like I fit in with what the Pirates are doing."The Pirates are going out of their way not to use the word "rebuild" as they prepare for the 2018 season. They are, however, are at the very least retooling on the heels of back-to-back losing season... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle says it's time for the team to move on as it begins spring training about four weeks after trading away star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole."It's an opportunity for a new era of Pirates baseball," Hurdle said after the team's two-hour opening workout on Wednesday. "That's no disrespect. They're gone. It's a new era. There were men who came before Gerrit and Andrew who also did significant things. Honor the past, own the present. We have an opportunity to create our own future."Four days apart in early January, Cole was traded to the Houston Astros and McCutchen was dealt to the San Francisco Giants. General manager Neal Huntington said his plan is to retool the roster instead of blowing it up entirely.Several of the players the Pirates got in those deals will have chances to play right away.Colin Moran, who hit 18 home runs last year in Triple-A, likely will be the Pirates' opening day third baseman.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Chicago CubsManager: Joe Maddon (fourth season).2017: 92-70, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLCS.Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.Park: Sloan Park.First Workout: Feb. 14/19.He's Here: RHP Brandon Morrow, RHP Tyler Chatwood, RHP Steve Cishek, LHP Drew Smyly.He's Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, C Alex Avila, C Rene Rivera.Going campin': Chicago is coming off three consecutive NLCS appearances, and it looked a little tired when its title defense came to an end with a lopsided playoff loss to Los Angeles last year. The bullpen was hit hard by the Dodgers in the NLCS, and the Cubs batted just .168 in 10 postseason games. The roster returns mostly intact, but the bullpen and coaching staff each has a new look. Morrow replaces Davis at closer after agreeing to a $21 million, two-year contract. Jim... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Gerrit Cole is joining a rotation filled with aces."I was just tremendously excited," Cole said Wednesday, four days after the Houston Astros acquired him from the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I was out with some friends having a good time for my wife's birthday weekend. So, it was a really good phone call. How you can ask for anything more than coming to the World Series champions."Wearing a No. 45 uniform, the 27-year-old right-hander was introduced at Minute Maid Park. He was obtained for right-handed reliever Michael Feliz, right-hander Joe Musgrove, infielder Colin Moran and outfield prospect Jason Martin.Houston ace Dallas Keuchel was joined late last season by Justin Verlander, who helped the Astros win their first championship."I'm certainly happy with the depth of this rotation," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "It's hard to argue the quality we can throw out there every day if we are healthy and if we continue to push forward."Cole was 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA last year, leaving... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Giants found the outfielder they were looking for this winter, acquiring Andrew McCutchen from Pittsburgh on Monday to fill a key void.San Francisco parted with right-hander Kyle Crick, minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds and $500,000 in international signing bonus allocation. The Pirates also sent $2.5 million to the Giants to cover part of McCutchen's $14.75 million salary."It's no secret that we were looking to further add run production to our lineup," said Brian Sabean, Giants executive vice president of baseball operations. "Anytime you have the opportunity to bring aboard someone with such a track record, you have to jump on it."The 31-year-old McCutchen, a former NL MVP and long the face of the Pirates' franchise, became the second star jettisoned by Pittsburgh in three days. Ace Gerrit Cole was traded to Houston on Saturday."Pittsburgh.My Home.My Fans.My City," McCutchen tweeted . "You will 4ever be in my heart."McCutchen added: "Now...I'm a Giant! Ive... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros already had two Cy Young winners on their staff. They're hoping Gerrit Cole can make it three.The World Series champions boosted their rotation with another big arm, acquiring Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a five-player trade Saturday.The Pirates got right-handers Joe Musgrove and Michael Feliz, third baseman Colin Moran and outfielder Jason Martin for their 27-year-old ace.Cole will join All-Stars Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander on a team that just won its first crown. Houston breezed to the AL West title with 101 wins, and went on beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series.Cole went 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA last season, by far the worst ERA of his five-year career. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft was an All-Star in 2015 but hasn't replicated those results the past two seasons. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow thinks pitching coach Brent Strom can help Cole recapture that form."We expect him to bounce back and be a Cy... [More]

RHP Michael Feliz (right shoulder discomfort) was activated Friday from the 10-day disabled list and pitched a scoreless fourth inning in a 9-8 loss to Oakland. Before going on the DL, Feliz was 4-2 with a 5.04 ERA in 42 relief appearances over 44 2/3 innings. He had 65 strikeouts and 20 walks. "It's nice to get Michael back," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "He's a good pitcher who has come back from his injury, and he's had a couple good outings where I think he feels good. His slider's been a little bit better."

RHP Michael Feliz (shoulder), who is rehabbing at Class A Quad Cities, is eligible to come off the 10-day DL, but manager A.J. Hinch said the club is in no hurry for the pitcher to return. "Feliz is eligible any time, be we want to make sure to get a couple of (rehab) outings out of him," Hinch said. "As you can see in our bullpen, we've got as many relievers as I've ever had in the bullpen." Feliz is 4-2 with a 5.04 ERA in 44 2/3 innings with the Astros this season.

RHP Michael Feliz began a rehab assignment with Class A Quad Cities on Monday. Feliz went on the 10-day disabled list on Aug. 1 with a shoulder injury. Feliz is 4-2 with a 5.04 ERA in 44 2/3 innings.

RHP Michael Feliz was sent on a rehab assignment with the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks.Feliz was placed on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 2 with right shoulder discomfort.

RHP Michael Feliz was placed on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder discomfort. Feliz faced one batter Monday night, surrendering a home run to Rays LF Corey Dickerson leading off the eighth inning, before departing. He was recalled from Double-A Corpus Christi earlier Monday after being optioned July 26.

RHP Michael Feliz was recalled from Triple-A Fresno but departed after facing one batter in the eighth inning of Monday night's game against the Rays with right shoulder discomfort. Feliz allowed a home run to the only batter he faced, Corey Dickerson.

RHP Michael Feliz was optioned to Double-A Corpus Christi late Wednesday but manager A.J. Hinch predicts he'll be back with Houston before too long. "I'm not sure it's a decline so much as he's had a bad couple weeks," Hinch said. "His slider usage, he's got to figure out a breaking ball that works for him, be more consistent. His fastball being up in the zone, he's got to get it higher than high if he's going to challenge guys up in the zone. We're going to send him to Double-A and let him exhale. He's very much a part of what we're doing and we expect him back." Feliz had a 9.39 ERA in 7 2/3 innings through eight appearances in July.