ROBINSON CHIRINOS

Ramón Urías hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays also went deep to lift the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Anthony Santander lined a three-run homer in the ninth inning off Lucas Luetge and the Baltimore Orioles avoided a four-game sweep by beating the New York Yankees 9-6.

Lexington Herald-Leader's John Clay believes a former Bob Baffert horse will win the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Which one?

The surging St. Louis Cardinals emphatically matched a team record with their 14th straight win, pounding the Chicago Cubs 12-4 in the second game of a doubleheader behind Tyler O’Neill’s three-run homer and a pair of solo shots by Lars Nootbaar.

Bryan De La Cruz hit a grand slam and Alex Jackson added a three-run homer as the Miami Marlins tied a team record by scoring 11 times in the second inning during a 14-10 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Corey Kluber handcuffed Detroit batters to gain his 100th career win with his most dominant performance since 2018, and the New York Yankees beat the Tigers 2-0 to complete their first series sweep this season and get back to.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone takes a drink of water during a spring training exhibition baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., Tuesday, March 9, 2021. “Just a lot different, honestly,” Boone said before Sunday’s road game against the Toronto Blue Jays. “So I can’t like lift weights like I normally do but that will be hopefully a few more weeks. AdNOTES: Boone said INF-OF Miguel Andújar (sore right hand and wrist) and C Robinson Chirinos (broken right wrist) will both see a hand specialist on Monday. Andújar first felt discomfort taking a swing in a winter league game.

I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.

Free agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)NEW YORK – Free agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. McCann was an All-Star with the White Sox in 2019 when he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs. Last week, the Mets signed free agent reliever Trevor May to a $15.5 million, two-year deal. He was regarded as the second-best catcher on the free agent market behind J.T.

He was like, Youre bothering me, Im trying to hit, recalled Girardi, now manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. I said, Well, Im trying to bother you, Chili.Girardi doesnt think that kind of chatter will happen as much this season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some plate umpires are expected to wear their own face coverings. Im just trying to show that its easy to do and its the right thing to do, Frazier said. Neither is MLB players must use face coverings elsewhere in the ballpark, but not during on-field activities.

From there, the Houston Astros Circle of Trust was born, with a hat tip to Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents ....Now, in that movie, the Circle of Trust was the foundation of a (weird and dysfunctional) relationship between father and son in law. Hence, throughout the ALCS and early World Series, Chirinos was OUT of the Circle of Trust. So, with Game 6 looming tonight, who are the players in my Astros Circle of Trust? OUTFIELDERGeorge SpringerSpringer, like Bregman, is in "just behind Altuve immunity" status, All Springer does in the World Series is hit home runs! THE YORDAN CATEGORYYordan AlvarezNo everyday player's CoT journey has been more volatile than that of young Alvarez.

But as a thought exercise, who among the team is the front-runner for MVP status at this point? That was a must-win game for the Astros, and the first of those RBIs was the winning run for that game. Hard to believe, but the Astros are one win away from another World Series without a single RBI from Altuve. For a rookie to come in and give up only two hits in a World Series start is unfathomable. George Springer:Of course, we have to look at the guy who already has a World Series MVP, right?

HOUSTON - East End Hardware has a special shot for Astros fans to enjoy while watching Game 4 of the World Series. The bar, located at 3005 Leeland St., has a shot inspired by Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos called Churro-inos. For Game 3, the bar served a drink that featured Astros manager A.J. Its Game 1 drink was the Springer Dinger, created with Milagro Anejo tequila, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, agave, lime and pineapple. The bar plans to have a drink inspired by relief pitcher Brad Peacock for Game 5.

WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON (AP) - Astros manager AJ Hinch had so little faith in Robinson Chirinos' bat that he pinch hit for the catcher in a big spot early in the World Series. Chirinos has homered in consecutive games, emerging as a most unlikely slugger for Houston when the team needed it most. Calling pitches in the World Series is a demanding gig. Just the thought of his journey to the World Series brought a big smile to Chirinos' face. "Not many people have the opportunity to play in the World Series," he said.

He has allowed only three more hits since Houston had three consecutive one-out hits in the first. He has thrown 56 of 86 pitches for strikes.Verlander and Strasburg both settled in nicely through four innings. They haven't given up a lot since each gave up two runs in the first.Aiming for his first World Series win, Verlander at least ensured his place on future blooper reels. Even in a tense matchup, it's still a kid's game.Houston threatened in the third inning, putting runners at the corners. He allowed four hits and one walk with four strikeouts.Soto, playing his last game as a 20-year-old, doubled with two outs in the third for the Nationals' fourth hit.

Manager AJ Hinch went the whole season without calling for one but put rookie Juan Soto on with two outs and runners on second and third.It was 3-2 at that point. His five strikeouts have pushed his postseason career total to an MLB-record 201, and he has walked two.Washington starter Stephen Strasburg has six strikeouts without a walk. He has allowed only three more hits since Houston had three consecutive one-out hits in the first. He has thrown 56 of 86 pitches for strikes.Verlander and Strasburg both settled in nicely through four innings. Even in a tense matchup, it's still a kid's game.Houston threatened in the third inning, putting runners at the corners.

He has allowed only three more hits since Houston had three consecutive one-out hits in the first. He has thrown 56 of 86 pitches for strikes.Verlander and Strasburg both settled in nicely through four innings. They haven't given up a lot since each gave up two runs in the first.Aiming for his first World Series win, Verlander at least ensured his place on future blooper reels. Even in a tense matchup, it's still a kid's game.Houston threatened in the third inning, putting runners at the corners. Soto was stranded when Howie Kendrick popped out, dropping the Nationals to 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Shortstop Carlos Correa fielded the hard grounder right near second, stepped on the bag and threw to first.Verlander has thrown 56 of his 83 pitches for strikes. He has allowed only three more hits since Houston had three consecutive one-out hits in the first. He has thrown 56 of 86 pitches for strikes.Verlander and Strasburg both settled in nicely through four innings. Even in a tense matchup, it's still a kid's game.Houston threatened in the third inning, putting runners at the corners. Soto was stranded when Howie Kendrick popped out, dropping the Nationals to 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

That was only followed up by a rough Game 5 at Yankee Stadium in a potential clinch game.So Game 2 should be a successful Verlander start, right? In five appearances in the World Series over his career, he has yet to notch a winning decision. There's just something about George Springer and the World Series. The outfielder homered for the fifth straight World Series game, which is a record for the world championship round.Yordan Alvarez also ripped off two hits on three at-bats. He had entered the series cold at the plate throughout the playoffs.The first pitch is set for 7:08 p.m. Wednesday.

STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series:

STARTING PITCHERSGerrit Cole*Justin VerlanderZack Greinke*RELIEF PITCHERSChris DevenskiWill HarrisJosh James*Roberto Osuna*Brad PeacockRyan Pressly*Hector RondonJoe Smith*Jose Urquidy*CATCHERSRobinson Chirinos*Martin Maldonado*INFIELDERSJose AltuveAlex BregmanCarlos CorreaAledmys Diaz*Yuli GurrielOUTFIELDERSYordan Alvarez*Michael Brantley*Jake Marisnick*Josh ReddickGeorge SpringerKyle Tucker*EMBED >More News Videos As the 'Stros head into the 2019 World Series, we asked some of them if they had any rituals or superstitions before the game. EMBED >More News Videos With Houston facing Washington in the World Series, we asked some of the 'Stros who on the team would be the best president and vice president. EMBED >More News Videos Gerrit Cole is an overpowering force for the Houston Astros, using more than just his baseball skill to help his team. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Go with what got you to the dance, right?Hours before the first pitch of the 2019 World Series, the Houston Astros released a roster they hope will get them another championship.The roster includes 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders and six outfielders. The entire pitching staff is comprised of right-handers.The Astros opted for continuity in their roster, using much of the same lineup from their AL Championship Series team for their matchup with the Washington Nationals.Like the previous series this postseason, the Astros decided to keep Wade Miley, a starter for much of the regular season, off the World Series team.In addition, there will be a number of players making their World Series debut on Tuesday night.Here is the Houston Astros roster for the 2019 World Series:

NJ.com reported insults ranging from talk about 35-year-old's disorder and depression to words about his mother "rained down" on the pitcher while reporters watched for about 20 minutes. Hinch and outfielder Josh Reddick complained about trash including bottles landed on the field during Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, creating a scary situation. Baseballs not involved in gameplay were also hurled across the field, Reddick said. Thursday night Reddick, who thanked Yankees fans for not throwing trash onto the field, was shocked by the reported behavior toward Greinke, telling reporters, "(Yankees fans) are hectic. What do you think about the situation at Yankee Stadium?

Helped by six of their seven total homers, Houston raced to an 11-0 lead after two innings. Chirinos capped the first with a two-run homer and hit a three-run shot in the seventh. Alvarez hit his second solo shot into the third deck in right field in the second inning. TRAINER'S ROOMAthletics: OF Ramn Laureano was out of the lineup a second straight day after leaving Saturday's game with cramps in his right leg. Astros: 1B Yuli Gurriel was out of the lineup for a third straight game with a sore left hamstring, but he took ground balls and ran prior to the game.

George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Robinson Chirinos #28 after hitting a 3-run home run in the fifth inning during a MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)TORONTO - George Springer homered and drove in four runs as Houston beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 Friday night, the Astros' 10th win in 12 games following a five-game losing streak. Blue Jays: RHP Ryan Tepera (right elbow) rejoined the team Friday and is expected to be activated off the injured list when rosters expand Sunday. It was his first victory since June 15, when he allowed two runs in six innings against the Blue Jays. Blue Jays: RHP Clay Buchholz (0-3, 5.87) makes his second start since returning from the injured list last Sunday.

Jake Marisnick of the Astros strikes out in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday in Houston (Bob Levey/Getty Images). HOUSTON - Justin Verlander pitched a two-hitter and lost, allowing homers to John Hicks and Ronny Rodriguez as the Detroit Tigers beat the Houston Astros 2-1 on Wednesday night. Verlander, who spent 13 seasons with the Tigers, did his part. Alexander worked four innings, Buck Farmer (5-4) walked one in a scoreless eighth and Joe Jimenez finished the Tigers' six-hitter for his fourth save. UP NEXTTigers: RHP Jordan Zimmerman (1-8, 6.66 ERA) is scheduled to start for Detroit when the series wraps up on Thursday night.

The Astros will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on March 26-29 for the franchise's 59th season. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will visit Houston early in the season, with the Yanks in town May 15-17 and the Red Sox here May 29-31. The Astros close out the regular season on the road against the Yankees and the Atlanta Braves from Sept. 21-27. For more information on 2020 season tickets, go to www.astros.com/seasontickets. Here's the complete 2020 regular season schedule:Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

HOUSTON - Jose Altuve and George Springer both hit two-run homers to back up another solid start by Justin Verlander and give the Houston Astros a 4-2 win over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. Verlander (13-4) allowed two singles and one run, which was unearned, while striking out 11 in six innings for his third straight win. Roberto Osuna allowed two hits and a run in the ninth before striking out Chris Herrmann for his 23rd save. UP NEXTAthletics: LHP Brett Anderson (9-5, 3.82 ERA) will start for Oakland in the opener of a four-game series against Texas on Thursday night. Astros: Houston is off on Thursday before opening a three-game interleague series at St. Louis on Friday night.

This will be the second consecutive All-Star appearance for Bregman, and his first start, after being named named MVP in last year's game when he hit the go-ahead home run in the 10th inning of the 8-6 American League win. While his average has dropped in recent weeks (.264 on the season), Bregman leads the Astros in home runs (22) and RBIs (52). Springer was named to the All Star Game for the third consecutive year and second time as a starter, having started two seasons ago in 2017. Of the other four Astros on the Starters Election ballot, Reddick and Chirinos were each vying for their first All Star Game, and given their numbers, each might have an outside shot at being selected as a reserve. The All Star Game takes place on Tuesday, July 9 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, and will be carried by FOX.

From left to right: Michael Brantley, George Springer, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Robinson Chirinos, Carlos Correa. HOUSTON - Seven Astros made it to the Starters Election voting phase for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Michael Brantley, Robinson Chirinos, Carlos Correa, Josh Reddick and George Springer were named finalists at their positions in the American League. The Starters Election started Wednesday at 11 a.m. and will end Thursday at 3 p.m. The Astros are hoping for an #AllStrosGame, so be sure to put in a ballot full of your favorite Astros.

Jose Altuve, second basemanAlex Bregman, third basemanMichael Brantley, outfielderRobinson Chirinos, catcherCarlos Correa, shortstopJosh Reddick, outfielderGeorge Springer, outfielderHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- There is a new component to choosing who starts the MLB All-Star Game, but the bottom line is there's a possibility of seven Astros taking the field at the same time.The team announced seven members of the ball club are eligible for the new Starters Election.According to MLB, the top three vote-getters for each infield position and the top nine outfielders from the first round of fan balloting move on to the Starters Election, where each player starts from scratch.Fans can vote in the Starters Election only during a 28-hour period that starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday through 3 p.m. Thursday.The winners will be announced Thursday evening.There are limits, however. Fans can only vote once on the Astros' website and submit up to 17 unique player votes by searching the name of any player on the ballot or "MLB vote" on Google So here's the good news for Astros fans. Seven Astros made it to the Starters Election:The team is pushing fans to make this year's game in Cleveland an #AllStrosGame.