Velocity training has pushed pitchers to their limits. Baseball is grappling with the injury risks
Read full article: Velocity training has pushed pitchers to their limits. Baseball is grappling with the injury risksVelocity training is the rage in baseball from the youth levels up through the majors.
Cristian Javier struggles as Houston Astros lose to Texas Rangers in ALCS Game 7
Read full article: Cristian Javier struggles as Houston Astros lose to Texas Rangers in ALCS Game 7Cristian Javier flopped and the Houston Astros never recovered, losing 11-4 to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
Mad Max starting ALCS Game 7 for Rangers at Houston, just as he did for Nats in 2019 World Series
Read full article: Mad Max starting ALCS Game 7 for Rangers at Houston, just as he did for Nats in 2019 World SeriesMax Scherzer is set to pitch another Game 7 in Houston with visiting teams undefeated in the series.
Altuve and Javier lead Astros to 8-5 win at Rangers as Houston closes to 2-1 in ALCS
Read full article: Altuve and Javier lead Astros to 8-5 win at Rangers as Houston closes to 2-1 in ALCSJose Altuve homered, Cristian Javier worked into the sixth inning of another solid postseason start and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 8-5, closing to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series.
Mad Max returns for Rangers after month away with chance to put them up 3-0 over Astros in ALCS
Read full article: Mad Max returns for Rangers after month away with chance to put them up 3-0 over Astros in ALCSMax Scherzer is getting back on the mound for the Texas Rangers with a chance to put them up 3-0 in the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros.
Astros pound 4 homers, with a pair by Abreu, to rout Twins 9-1 and take 2-1 ALDS lead
Read full article: Astros pound 4 homers, with a pair by Abreu, to rout Twins 9-1 and take 2-1 ALDS leadJosé Abreu hit a three-run homer for Houston in a four-run first inning against Sonny Gray and piled on with a two-run shot in the ninth to power the Astros past the Minnesota Twins 9-1.
Jose Altuve hits 2-run HR to complete 1st cycle of his career, Astros crush Red Sox 13-5
Read full article: Jose Altuve hits 2-run HR to complete 1st cycle of his career, Astros crush Red Sox 13-5Jose Altuve completed the first cycle of his career with a two-run homer over the Green Monster in the eighth inning, and the Houston Astros rolled past the Boston Red Sox 13-5.
Houston's pitchers rave about Maldonado after the veteran catches third no-hitter
Read full article: Houston's pitchers rave about Maldonado after the veteran catches third no-hitterWhen Martín Maldonado caught Framber Valdez’s no-hitter for the Houston Astros against the Cleveland Guardians Tuesday night, it gave him three in his career, tying him for third-most in MLB history.
Shohei Ohtani homers in 9th inning, Angels win 13-12 in 10th on Astros error
Read full article: Shohei Ohtani homers in 9th inning, Angels win 13-12 in 10th on Astros errorShohei Ohtan hit his major league-leading 33rd homer to key the Angels’ tying rally in the ninth inning, and rookie Trey Cabbage scored on rookie Grae Kessinger’s throwing error in the 10th to end Los Angeles’ wild 13-12 victory over the Houston Astros.
Adam 4th Ray in arbitration; Javier, Alvarado reach deals
Read full article: Adam 4th Ray in arbitration; Javier, Alvarado reach dealsReliever Jason Adam became the fourth Tampa Bay player to go to a salary arbitration hearing this year, asking a panel for $1,775,000 while the Rays argued for $1.55 million.
Javier, Astros pitch 2nd no-hitter in World Series history
Read full article: Javier, Astros pitch 2nd no-hitter in World Series historyCristian Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined on just the second no-hitter in World Series history, silencing a booming lineup and boisterous ballpark as the Astros blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 Wednesday night to even the matchup at two games each.
Javier, 'pen hold Phils hitless though 7 innings in Game 4
Read full article: Javier, 'pen hold Phils hitless though 7 innings in Game 4Cristian Javier and Bryan Abreu held the Philadelphia Phillies hitless through seven innings in Game 4 of the World Series, and the Houston Astros led 5-0 after knocking out Aaron Nola in a five-run fifth.
Javier, Astros romp 5-0 over Yanks, Cole, take 3-0 ALCS lead
Read full article: Javier, Astros romp 5-0 over Yanks, Cole, take 3-0 ALCS leadCristian Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined on a three-hitter, Chas McCormick followed a dropped flyball with an early two-run homer and the Astros beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees 5-0 to take a 3-0 AL Championship Series lead.
Astros McCullers OK after being cut by bottle in celebration
Read full article: Astros McCullers OK after being cut by bottle in celebrationHouston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. sustained a small cut to his throwing elbow after being hit with a champagne bottle during the team’s celebration after winning the AL Division Series.
Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 win
Read full article: Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 winShohei Ohtani won his sixth straight start by striking out 12 in six innings and also hit a two-run triple in the Los Angeles Angels’ 7-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
LEADING OFF: Ohtani vs Javier, Gonsolin undefeated
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Ohtani vs Javier, Gonsolin undefeatedShohei Ohtani makes his final start before heading to the All-Star Game and hopes to lead Los Angeles to a better result against Houston’s Cristian Javier, who struck out 14 Angels on July 1.
Javier fans career-high 14 to lead Astros over Angels 8-1
Read full article: Javier fans career-high 14 to lead Astros over Angels 8-1Cristian Javier pitched another gem, striking out a career-high 14 while allowing just one hit in seven innings to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Yankees' Judge walks off Astros for 2nd time in 4 days
Read full article: Yankees' Judge walks off Astros for 2nd time in 4 daysAaron Judge drove a three-run homer in the 10th inning for his second walk-off hit against Houston in four days, and the New York Yankees recovered after nearly being no-hit for the second consecutive game, beating Houston 6-3 to split a four-game series between the AL’s best teams.
Yankees hitless thru 6 innings vs Astros day after no-hitter
Read full article: Yankees hitless thru 6 innings vs Astros day after no-hitterHouston Astros starter José Urquidy has thrown six hitless innings against the Yankees, a day after teammate Cristian Javier and two relivers combined on a no-hitter against baseball’s top team.
Astros' Javier, bullpen combine to no-hit Yanks in 3-0 win
Read full article: Astros' Javier, bullpen combine to no-hit Yanks in 3-0 winCristian Javier, Héctor Neris and Ryan Pressly combined on the first no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 19 years, shutting down the best team in baseball and pitching the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory.
Verlander pitches Astros to 3-1 win, ends Yanks' home streak
Read full article: Verlander pitches Astros to 3-1 win, ends Yanks' home streakJustin Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 3-1 to stop New York’s 15-game home winning streak.
Benches clear in 9th, Servais tossed as Mariners beat Astros
Read full article: Benches clear in 9th, Servais tossed as Mariners beat AstrosMariners manager Scott Servias was ejected for his role in a benches-clearing scuffle in the ninth inning of Seattle’s 7-4 win over the Houston Astros, a game in which Cal Raleigh had a career-high four RBIs and Julio Rodriguez hit a late two-run shot.
Summer castoff Jorge Soler transforms into World Series MVP
Read full article: Summer castoff Jorge Soler transforms into World Series MVPA bit player during the Chicago Cubs’ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston Astros.
The Latest: Siri sparks Astros; Houston evens series at 1-1
Read full article: The Latest: Siri sparks Astros; Houston evens series at 1-1Rookie José Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 7-2 to even the World Series at one game apiece.
Astros scramble after pitchers pounded for 25 runs by Boston
Read full article: Astros scramble after pitchers pounded for 25 runs by BostonHouston’s pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute.
Gomber lifts Rockies 6-3, Astros' 9th loss in 10 games
Read full article: Gomber lifts Rockies 6-3, Astros' 9th loss in 10 gamesAustin Gomber got his first victory for the Colorado Rockies, allowing two hits over six innings to beat the Astros 6-3 on a wintry afternoon and send Houston to its ninth loss in 10 games.
LEADING OFF: Blue Jays play home opener in new Florida nest
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Blue Jays play home opener in new Florida nestThe Toronto Blue Jays are set to become the first team in Major League Baseball history to play home openers in three different cities over three consecutive seasons.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
Read full article: Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgeryI 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.
Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus test
Read full article: Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus testThe two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.
Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards
Read full article: Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards(AP Photo/Eric Gay)Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts could become the second player to win the MVP award in each league, and New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is in the running for his third consecutive NL Cy Young Award. Betts, Freddie Freeman and Manny Machado are the top finishers for NL MVP in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. DeGrom, Trevor Bauer and Yu Darvish are the finalists in the NL Cy Young race. Betts, who won the 2018 AL MVP award with Boston, helped the Dodgers win the World Series last week for the first time since 1988. Frank Robinson is the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, accomplishing the feat in 1961 with Cincinnati and 1966 for Baltimore.
Springer, Valdéz help Astros top Rays 7-4, force ALCS Game 7
Read full article: Springer, Valdéz help Astros top Rays 7-4, force ALCS Game 7George Springer and José Altuve delivered big hits, Framber Valdéz pitched six brilliant innings and the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the third straight time, 7-4 Friday to force a deciding Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Despite blowing a 3-0 series lead, they remain one win from the second World Series in franchise history — and one loss from joining the 2004 Yankees in ignominy. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houston’s Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He has yet to win a World Series as a manager. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win four straight World Series games in 1981 after falling behind the New York Yankees 0-2.
Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSBeating the Tampa Bay Rays three more times to reach the World Series won't be easy, but the Astros believe they can do it. With Altuve atoning for his poor defense in this series, the Astros finally got their offense going after being pushed to the brink of a sweep. The Rays remain one win from advancing to the World Series for the second time in franchise history. Altuve hit a homer in the first and an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead. It was the third home run of the postseason for Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series.
Bang! Bang! Astros thump away vs Oakland, return to ALCS
Read full article: Bang! Bang! Astros thump away vs Oakland, return to ALCSHouston Astros' George Springer, left, celebrates with Carlos Correa after the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. “We have young guys that are leaning on the veterans and the veterans are taking care of them right now. The Astros and A's combined for 24 homers — 12 each — the most in a postseason series of five games or fewer. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired. BACK TO THE ALCSThe Astros became the third team in AL history since 1969 to reach four straight AL Championship Series.
Astros sweep as Twins lose 18th straight in playoffs
Read full article: Astros sweep as Twins lose 18th straight in playoffs"But what are they going to say now?”Nine months after Houston's rules-breaking, sign-stealing system was revealed, the Astros advanced to the Division Series in Los Angeles. The Twins are 0-18 in the playoffs since winning Game 1 of their Division Series at the New York Yankees on Oct. 5, 2004, a total of seven rounds lost. Since that date, the Astros are 43-35 in postseason play, winning 10 of 15 rounds with three trips to the World Series. In a three-game division series sweep by the Yankees last year, the Twins totaled seven runs and 22 hits. Baldelli declined to confirm whether Buxton was experiencing a recurrence of concussion symptoms that kept him out of the last two regular season games.
Valdez fans career-high 11 as Astros beat Angels 11-4
Read full article: Valdez fans career-high 11 as Astros beat Angels 11-4Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON Framber Valdez struck out a career-high 11 in seven strong innings and Carlos Correa drove in three runs as the Houston Astros snapped a three-game skid with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. Angels star Albert Pujols passed Alex Rodriguez on the career RBIs list with a single for his 2,087th run batted in. An RBI single by Josh Reddick with one out in the inning made it 2-0. The Angels cut the lead to 2-1 on an RBI single by Fletcher in the third.
LEADING OFF: WS MVP Strasburg makes '20 debut, A's streaking
Read full article: LEADING OFF: WS MVP Strasburg makes '20 debut, A's streakingFILE - In this July 20, 2020 file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during an exhibition baseball game in Baltimore. Strasburg has been scratched from what was supposed to be his first start of the season for the Washington Nationals because of a nerve issue with his right hand. The right-hander is ready to start at Nationals Park against Baltimore. The 32-year-old Strasburg led the NL with 209 innings and 18 wins in 2019. WELCOMEPrized pitcher Spencer Howard is expected to make his major league debut when the Phillies host Atlanta in a doubleheader.
Astros, A's clear benches, empty seats; Oak wins 9th in row
Read full article: Astros, A's clear benches, empty seats; Oak wins 9th in rowThe Athletics' ninth straight win was far overshadowed by what erupted in the seventh inning at the Coliseum. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the As outfielder reached Cintron, and a wild scene ensued. A's and Astros players who were sitting in the seats, observing COVID-19 social-distancing protocols, also rushed onto the field. The Astros have won the past three division crowns, a World Series in 2017 and AL pennant last year. TRAINERS ROOMAstros: CF George Springer resumed hitting work in the batting cage but was still listed as day to day by Baker.
All quiet till Ros HR in 13th lifts Dodgers over Astros 4-2
Read full article: All quiet till Ros HR in 13th lifts Dodgers over Astros 4-2Los Angeles Dodgers' Edwin Rios watches his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the 13th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON After a testy, noisy game in the series opener, all was quiet between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Until the loud crack of Edwin Ros' bat for a two-run homer in the 13th inning lifted the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory. The Dodgers played without manager Dave Roberts, suspended one game for his part in Tuesday night's heated matchup that saw the dugouts clear. Stripling allowed four hits and one run with seven strikeouts in seven innings in a win over the Giants on Friday.