INSIDER
Tyler O'Neill homers for record-setting 5th straight opening day as Red Sox top Mariners 6-4
Read full article: Tyler O'Neill homers for record-setting 5th straight opening day as Red Sox top Mariners 6-4Tyler O’Neill homered in his fifth straight opening day game to set a new major league record, this time against the organization that drafted him, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds top prospect Noelvi Marté suspended 80 games by MLB for positive drug test
Read full article: Cincinnati Reds top prospect Noelvi Marté suspended 80 games by MLB for positive drug testNoelvi Marté, a 22-year-old infielder who is the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospect, has been suspended for the first 80 games of the season following a positive test under Major League Baseball’s drug program.
Vintage Verlander silences Seattle as Astros top M’s 5-1 to open key series in playoff race
Read full article: Vintage Verlander silences Seattle as Astros top M’s 5-1 to open key series in playoff raceJustin Verlander took a shutout into the ninth inning, allowing just three hits and worked out of the one jam he faced, and the Houston Astros created some cushion in the AL playoff chase with a 5-1 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Luis Castillo stars as Mariners beat Royals 3-2 to grab sole possession of AL West lead
Read full article: Luis Castillo stars as Mariners beat Royals 3-2 to grab sole possession of AL West leadLuis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 to complete a three-game sweep.
Alvarez homers again, Astros top Mariners 4-2, lead ALDS 2-0
Read full article: Alvarez homers again, Astros top Mariners 4-2, lead ALDS 2-0Yordan Alvarez and his mighty bat did it yet again, launching a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning off Seattle ace Luis Castillo that lifted the Houston Astros over the Mariners 4-2 for a 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series.
Houston Astros take Game 1 of ALDS with walk-off three-run homer by Yordan Alvarez
Read full article: Houston Astros take Game 1 of ALDS with walk-off three-run homer by Yordan AlvarezWhen Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Division Series on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, it will have been almost three years since his last playoff appearance.
Manoah, Blue Jays vs Castillo, Mariners in playoff opener
Read full article: Manoah, Blue Jays vs Castillo, Mariners in playoff openerThere’s a whole lot riding on Alek Manoah’s first career playoff start, but the Toronto Blue Jays All-Star right-hander isn’t the least bit fazed about facing the Seattle Mariners in Friday’s wild-card opener.
Castillo, Mariners agree to $108M, 5-year deal through '27
Read full article: Castillo, Mariners agree to $108M, 5-year deal through '27Right-hander Luis Castillo agreed to a $108 million, five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners that starts next season, giving up a chance to become a free agent after the 2023 World Series.
Santana's homer rallies Mariners for 4-3 win over Yankees
Read full article: Santana's homer rallies Mariners for 4-3 win over YankeesCarlos Santana snapped an 0-for-17 slump with a go-ahead two-run homer during Seattle’s three-run seventh inning, and the Mariners rallied to beat the slumping New York Yankees 4-3.
Lucky 13: Mariners top Yankees in extras for tense 1-0 win
Read full article: Lucky 13: Mariners top Yankees in extras for tense 1-0 winPinch-hitter Luis Torrens singled with one out in the 13th inning to score Eugenio Suárez, and the Seattle Mariners beat the New York Yankees 1-0 in a game dominated by the starting pitching of Gerrit Cole and Luis Castillo.
Judge hits No. 44, Yankees beat Mariners 9-4 to stop skid
Read full article: Judge hits No. 44, Yankees beat Mariners 9-4 to stop skidAaron Judge hit his 44th homer, Josh Donaldson went deep and drove in three runs, and the New York Yankees snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Seattle Mariners 9-4.
Castillo, early power send Mariners past Cole, Yankees 7-3
Read full article: Castillo, early power send Mariners past Cole, Yankees 7-3Luis Castillo pitched five-hit ball into the seventh inning in his Seattle debut, and the Mariners used a fast start to beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees 7-3.
Yankees get Montas, Trivino from A's for 4 prospects
Read full article: Yankees get Montas, Trivino from A's for 4 prospectsThe Yankees have bolstered their pitching for the stretch run and playoffs, obtaining starter Frankie Montas and reliever Lou Trivino from the Oakland Athletics for four prospects.
LEADING OFF: Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx, Kershaw at Coors
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx, Kershaw at CoorsRon Guidry, Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez highlight the Yankees alumni set to appear at Old-Timers’ Day in the Bronx prior to a matchup with the Kansas City Royals.
Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1
Read full article: Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Díaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.
Luis Castillo traded to Mariners by Reds for 4 prospects
Read full article: Luis Castillo traded to Mariners by Reds for 4 prospectsThe Seattle Mariners have acquired perhaps the top starting pitcher on the trade market, getting All-Star Luis Castillo from the payroll-paring Cincinnati Reds for four minor league prospects.
LEADING OFF: Royals down 10 unvaccinated players in Toronto
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Royals down 10 unvaccinated players in TorontoThe Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.
Birthday boy LeMahieu scores in 10th, Yanks beat Reds 7-6
Read full article: Birthday boy LeMahieu scores in 10th, Yanks beat Reds 7-6DJ LeMahieu capped his 34th birthday by sliding across the plate on Alexis Díaz’s second straight wild pitch in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 and stop a three-game losing streak.
Ohtani a 2-way All-Star again; 6 Yankees, 5 Braves, Astros
Read full article: Ohtani a 2-way All-Star again; 6 Yankees, 5 Braves, AstrosLos Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.
Chavis has big hit, Contreras solid as Pirates top Reds 4-2
Read full article: Chavis has big hit, Contreras solid as Pirates top Reds 4-2Michael Chavis hit a tiebreaking two-run double, Diego Castillo homered and rookie Roansy Contreras allowed one run in six innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 in the first game of a doubleheader.
LEADING OFF: Harper healing, Ohtani on mound, Anderson 8-0
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Harper healing, Ohtani on mound, Anderson 8-0Philadelphia slugger Bryce Harper could return to the lineup Wednesday for the finale of a two-game series at Texas after an infected blister on his left index finger sidelined him for two games last weekend at Washington.
Rojas, Diamondbacks rally for 4 runs in 9th, beat Reds 5-4
Read full article: Rojas, Diamondbacks rally for 4 runs in 9th, beat Reds 5-4Josh Rojas hit a go-ahead single during a four-run rally in the ninth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4, earning a split in the four-game series.
McClanahan wins 5th straight start, Rays sweep 3 from Cards
Read full article: McClanahan wins 5th straight start, Rays sweep 3 from CardsShane McClanahan pitched eight superb innings to win his fifth consecutive start and the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2-1 victory.
Greene retires 20 straight in rain-shortened win for Reds
Read full article: Greene retires 20 straight in rain-shortened win for RedsHunter Greene allowed a bunt single to begin the game and then faced the minimum through seven innings, retiring his final 20 batters as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-0 in a rain-shortened game.
Castillo, Votto lead Reds to 1st Fenway win since '75 Series
Read full article: Castillo, Votto lead Reds to 1st Fenway win since '75 SeriesLuis Castillo struck out 10 while pitching six innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Boston 2-1 for their first victory at Fenway Park since Game 7 of the 1975 World Series.
Ramirez slam, 6 RBIs; Kwan, Guardians nick Reds' home opener
Read full article: Ramirez slam, 6 RBIs; Kwan, Guardians nick Reds' home openerJosé Ramírez hit a grand slam and drove in six runs, remarkable rookie Steven Kwan reached base three more times and the Cleveland Guardians spoiled Cincinnati’s home opener by beating the Reds 10-5.
LEADING OFF: Dodgers vs Braves NLCS rematch, Red Sox-Yanks
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Dodgers vs Braves NLCS rematch, Red Sox-YanksDansby Swanson looks to continue his tear at the plate when the Braves host the Dodgers, their first meeting since Los Angeles rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to beat Atlanta in last year’s NLCS.
Reds keep rolling, hit 4 HRs to back Castillo, sweep Pirates
Read full article: Reds keep rolling, hit 4 HRs to back Castillo, sweep PiratesTyler Naquin hit another leadoff home run and the high-scoring Cincinnati Reds kept rolling, backing Luis Castillo to rout the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-4 for their fifth straight win.
Cooper homers, Sanchez dominates, Marlins knock out Cubs 2-0
Read full article: Cooper homers, Sanchez dominates, Marlins knock out Cubs 2-0Miami Marlins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler, left, and catcher Chad Wallach (17) celebrate a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of a National League wild-card baseball series Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – The Miami Marlins didn't need a hand from a fan at Wrigley Field to knock the Chicago Cubs out of the playoffs this time. Led by manager Don Mattingly and CEO Derek Jeter, the Marlins remained unbeaten in all seven postseason series they have played following triumphs in the 1997 and 2003 World Series. The Cubs haven’t advanced since the 2017 team lost in the NLCS. You can make your first half disappear.”BRAVE WORLDThe Marlins lost six of 10 against the Braves, including a 29-9 romp at Atlanta on Sept. 9.
Anderson shines, Braves shut out Reds again to sweep series
Read full article: Anderson shines, Braves shut out Reds again to sweep seriesAtlanta Braves' Marcell Ozuna (20) hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of a National League wild-card baseball series, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – It had been so long since the Atlanta Braves won a postseason series, Marcell Ozuna wanted to make sure he captured the moment. After winning Wednesday’s series opener 1-0 in 13 innings, Atlanta broke open Game 2 on two-run homers by Ozuna and Duvall off Raisel Iglesias in the eighth. Anderson struck out nine in six innings as the Braves snapped their record-tying string of losses in 10 consecutive postseason rounds since their last playoff series win in 2001. Braves: After sitting out the final two regular-season games with a sore quadriceps, Riley had no setback in the series opener.
LEADING OFF: Marlins' Marte hopes to play with broken hand
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins' Marte hopes to play with broken handThe Marlins are hoping center fielder Starling Marte can play through a broken bone in his left hand as they try to eliminate the Cubs at Wrigley Field. To do it, the Braves might need to make a whole lot more contact at the plate than they did Wednesday while beating the Reds 1-0 in 13 innings — the first postseason game to be scoreless after 11. They’ll be up against Luis Castillo (4-6, 3.21), who makes his first career playoff start for the Reds. He was out for a second straight playoff game because of a sprained right foot that kept him out of the final three games of the regular season. Wainwright closed out the Padres at Petco Park in their previous postseason appearance in 2006.
Finally! Freeman, Braves top Reds 1-0 in 13th to open series
Read full article: Finally! Freeman, Braves top Reds 1-0 in 13th to open seriesAtlanta Braves Freddie Freeman (5)runs the to first after hiting a game-winning base hit against the Cincinnati Reds in the 13th inning during Game 1 of a National League wild-card baseball series, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – Freddie Freeman singled home the winning run in the 13th inning, finally ending the longest scoreless duel in postseason history as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 in the opener of their NL wild-card series on Wednesday. The East champion Braves won the first game of a postseason series for the first time since the 2001 NL Division Series and can wrap up the best-of-three series on Thursday. It was historic as the first postseason game to be scoreless after 11 innings, but hardly a masterpiece. He allowed just one hit past the infield, setting a Cincinnati postseason record with 12 strikeouts.
LEADING OFF: NL race down to final day — and maybe Monday
Read full article: LEADING OFF: NL race down to final day — and maybe MondayIf St. Louis loses and San Francisco wins, the Cardinals would make up two games against Detroit on Monday that were postponed this season due to St. Louis' coronavirus outbreak. Brewers (29-30) — Qualify with a victory over St. Louis, or with losses by the Giants and Phillies. If the Giants and Cardinals win, San Francisco needs St. Louis to lose both games against the Tigers on Monday. A career .279 hitter, he had 244 home runs and 942 RBIs for Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Texas. “He had a tremendous career, did a ton for the community in San Francisco and obviously for the San Francisco Giants,” Kapler said.
Reds top Twins 7-2, clinch 1st playoff spot since 2013
Read full article: Reds top Twins 7-2, clinch 1st playoff spot since 2013Mike Moustakas homered twice, Freddy Galvis hit a solo shot and the Reds clinched their first playoff spot since 2013, beating the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins 7-2 on Friday night. “I like this team much more than I liked those teams, and I really liked those teams," Votto said. Twins: RHP Homer Bailey, who spent 12 of his 14 major league seasons with the Reds, was designated for assignment prior to the game. UP NEXTReds: RHP Luis Castillo (4-5, 2.86 ERA) will pitch on Saturday night, seeking his fifth straight win. Twins: RHP Michael Pineda (2-0, 3.18 ERA) pitches the middle game of the series.
LEADING OFF: 9 of 16 playoff spots open going into last week
Read full article: LEADING OFF: 9 of 16 playoff spots open going into last weekSan Diego Padres shortstop Eric Hosmer, center, celebrates after the Padres beat the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in San Diego. The Padres clinched a spot in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
LEADING OFF: 9 of 16 playoff spots open going into last week
Read full article: LEADING OFF: 9 of 16 playoff spots open going into last weekBut going into this last week, a lot of postseason spots are still wide open. Tampa Bay, Oakland, the White Sox and Minnesota also have earned AL spots, and Cleveland, Toronto and Houston have the inside track on the three remaining positions. With six spots in play, it should be an entertaining week with Cincinnati, Milwaukee and San Francisco all at .500. NICE STARTDane Dunning is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in five starts for the White Sox since making his major league debut this season. The White Sox lead second-place Minnesota by 2 1/2 games.
Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1
Read full article: Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber reacts after hitting a grand slam in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI With one massive drive in the ninth inning, Kyle Schwarber made history for the Chicago Cubs. Schwarber, Jason Heyward and Ian Happ became the first starting outfield to hit multiple homers in the same game, and the Cubs pounded the Cincinnati Reds 10-1 on Sunday for a split of their four-game series. Schwarber hit the first and the last of the Cubs' season-high six homers, belting a solo drive in the fourth against Luis Castillo (0-5) and a grand slam off Jos De Len in the ninth. When you have a little piece of history, you always keep that with you.The NL Central-leading Cubs hit 14 homers in the series.
LEADING OFF: Reds eye return after positive test; Rays-Yanks
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Reds eye return after positive test; Rays-YanksPlayers, coaches and other organization members were retested for the coronavirus Saturday and Sunday after one player was sidelined because of a positive result. The Reds made travel plans for Kansas City and expected to start Luis Castillo (0-2) in the series opener, assuming its played. TIGER TRYOUTSDetroit is unleashing a few of its top prospects this week, including left-hander Tarik Skubal. The Braves hope that formula works again with Tomlin, used mostly as a reliever during his two seasons in Atlanta. But, for now, the team has decided not to turn to a pair of top prospects, Ian Anderson and Tucker Davidson.
Tigers celebrate Cabrera milestones, rally 6-4 over Reds
Read full article: Tigers celebrate Cabrera milestones, rally 6-4 over RedsDetroit Tigers' JaCoby Jones reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI Miguel Cabrera passed two superstars with a homer Saturday night, and JaCoby Jones hit a two-run shot in the ninth off Raisel Iglesias, rallying the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The two RBIs boosted Cabrera past Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and into 25th place on the career RBI list with 1,696. Reds: The Reds placed infielder Matt Davidson on the 10-day injured list after he tested positive for COVID-19 and put catcher Tucker Barnhart on the three-day paternity list. Reds: RHP Trevor Bauer (combined 11-13 in 2019 with Cleveland and Cincinnati) makes his 20th career start against Detroit.