Juan Soto, Blake Snell and Clay Holmes debut for new teams.

Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes will be the youngest pitcher in 11 years to start a season opener when he takes the mound for the Pirates.

Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees have finalized a $218 million, eight-year contract.

The Washington Nationals will have the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft next summer for the first time since picking 17-year-old Bryce Harper in 2010.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Max Fried and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $218 million, eight-year contract, the largest deal for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history.

Charlie Condon, a walk-on at Georgia who became national player of the year, and Travis Bazzana, a former cricket player who left Australia for Oregon State, could be the top two picks in baseball’s amateur draft.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes is ready for his major league debut.

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has announced his retirement, ending the 2019 World Series MVP’s injury-filled career.

Stephen Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP whose career was derailed by injuries, officially has been listed by Major League Baseball as being retired.

The Washington Nationals are giving Mike Rizzo a chance to finish what he started as the team’s longtime president of baseball operations and general manager.

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to retire.

Dansby Swanson and the Braves go for their 14th straight victory Wednesday night when they wrap up a series at Washington.

Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson will serve a one-game suspension for a remark to White Sox star Tim Anderson about Jackie Robinson when New York opens a home series against Tampa Bay after the ban was upheld on appeal.

Dansby Swanson and the Atlanta Braves won their 12th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 9-5 despite losing All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies to a broken left foot.

Jazz Chisholm bunted for a single on the first pitch of Stephen Strasburg’s return from a one-year absence, stole second and the Marlins kept on going in a 7-4 win over the Washington Nationals that finished a three-game sweep.

Nationals star Stephen Strasburg is set to pitch in the majors for the first time since June 1, 2021, when he starts against the Marlins in Miami on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. began the season as a highly rated prospect and looks like he’s starting to heat up.

Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros’ 11-game winning streak with a 13-6 romp.

Shohei Ohtani hit a tying, two-run double in the ninth inning, Anthony Rendon followed with a game-ending single against his former team and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Washington Nationals 5-4.

Austin Slater smacked a three-run homer as part of a seven-run second inning against struggling Washington starter Patrick Corbin, and the San Francisco Giants cruised past the Nationals 7-1.

A benches-clearing interruption after Mets star Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch overshadowed Max Scherzer’s return to Nationals Park even as the three-time Cy Young Award winner pitched New York to a 7-3 victory over Washington.

Stephen Strasburg is slated to throw a live bullpen session next week as the Washington Nationals get spring training camp started.

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff berth on the regular season’s final day and will host the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game after coming back to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 on a tiebreaking two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the ninth inning.

Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in what might be his last start for the Nationals, allowing three hits in six innings as Washington beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.

Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, ending another frustrating year for the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series hero.

The Chicago White Sox and Brewers close a weekend full of impressive pitching matchups in Milwaukee with arguably the best of the bunch Sunday night.

After more than 100 years, the Cleveland Indians are getting a new name — the team will be called the Guardians next season.

Four San Diego relievers combined to toss four scoreless innings and the Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 10-4 in the completion of a game that was suspended the previous night because of a shooting outside the stadium.

Trea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kyle Schwarber homered twice, becoming the first player in major league history to hit 15 home runs in a 17-day span, and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 8-4.

For a third straight year, the Washington Nationals have dug themselves an early hole.

In a bizarre scene, stadium workers using tractors scrambled to hoist the protective netting behind home plate after it suddenly collapsed Sunday, interrupting the Philadelphia Phillies’ 12-6 win over the Washington Nationals.

The surging Chicago Cubs are headed west for a series in San Francisco having won three straight and nine of 10.

Both the Yankees and Mets are set to host doubleheaders in New York on Thursday after their games were postponed by lousy weather Wednesday night.

Stephen Strasburg pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, allowing just one hit as the Washington Nationals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-2.

Willson Contreras, Jason Heyward and Javier Báez homered off Jon Lester in his return to Chicago, and the Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 7-3.

Bryce Harper treated heckling fans to a long home run, Andrew Knapp delivered a key pinch-hit in place of injured catcher J.

Gleyber Torres’ tying single in the ninth inning and a winning infield single in the 11th helped the New York Yankees overcame Max Scherzer’s commanding 14-strikeout performance to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3.

Max Scherzer pitched a five-hitter, Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run homer and the Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins 3-1.

Max Scherzer struck out nine in six scoreless innings to move up to No. 21 on the career Ks leaderboard, and Alex Avila drove in the game’s lone run with one of his two doubles, helping the Washington Nationals edge the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0.

Dinelson Lamet is set for his season debut with the Padres after working back from elbow discomfort that caused him to miss the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs.

Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left shoulder.

The Washington Nationals have placed right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day injured list because of right shoulder inflammation.

Yan Gomes homered and added an RBI single to help the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 for their first back-to-back wins this season.

The Red Sox and Twins are scheduled to begin their series in Minnesota a day late.

Kyle Schwarber doubled in a run in his delayed Nationals debut, Andrew Stevenson had a pinch-hit homer and Washington beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2.

First-year Tigers manager A.

First-year Tigers manager A.

Atlanta pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run homer to the deepest part of the ballpark off a Washington reliever who took over after Stephen Strasburg’s six scoreless innings to lift the Braves to a 2-0 victory over the Nationals and a doubleheader sweep.

Juan Soto drove in the winning run with a single on a 3-0 pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the coronavirus-depleted Washington Nationals to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves after waiting five days to start their season.

The Washington Nationals have held a workout at their stadium as they prepare to finally start their season.

Scherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.

We’re in spring training. There’s no sense in pushing it.”Strasburg said he was looked at by a team doctor and had an ultrasound exam. “I didn’t really feel it at all except for that last pitch, where I kind of felt it simultaneously as I was finishing the pitch,” Strasburg said. “I’ve had my calves cramping up on me in the past and I’ve pitched through that," he said. Ad“If he wakes up tomorrow sore or something, he might be held back,” the manager said.

“There would be times where I would run out in the fifth, sixth, seventh inning and feel like I hit a brick wall. “Just thinking that maybe I needed to do a little extra in the weight room. “It’s like, ‘OK, if I miss one (start), they’ll be able to pick me up,’” Lester said. ... RHP Jefrey Rodriguez had a stiff shoulder so Washington “backed him down a little bit,” Martinez said. ... C Welington Castillo hasn't appeared in a game because he showed up to camp with a shoulder issue, the manager said.

The reigning World Series champions already had a pair of Cy Young Award winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price. Darvish has twice finished runner-up for a Cy Young Award, including last season when he was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. Lester is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with Boston and once with the Cubs. He’s part of a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and lefty Patrick Corbin. Bradley was a Gold Glove winner in 2018 when the Red Sox won the World Series.

With a good young rotation and a deep lineup, the Braves are looking for their first World Series title since 1995. While San Diego is much improved, World Series MVP Corey Seager and Los Angeles are well-positioned for a run at another championship. The last time the All-Stars descended on Atlanta, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter had three hits and two RBIs in the AL's 6-3 victory at Turner Field in 2000. AdTHURSDAY, AUG. 12New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox: Major League Baseball comes to Iowa. SUNDAY, SEPT. 26Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics: The AL West rivals close out their season series with Oakland's home finale.

FILE - In this March 18, 2016, file photo, fans at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick watch a spring training baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Scottsdale, Ariz. PHOENIX – Even during a pandemic, the appetite to sit in the sun and watch Major League Baseball spring training appears robust. The two teams open their spring training schedule against each other next Sunday. Spring training facilities across Arizona and Florida have been making their own decisions about how many fans — if any — are allowed to attend games. “Not just Diamondbacks fans but I think baseball fans throughout the entire United States.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, that Strasburg is in preparation mode not in rehabilitation mode at spring training after having surgery in 2020. I think, if anything, all the work I’ve done strengthening it has only improved the movement of my pitches," Strasburg said. “Endurance-wise, stamina-wise, I feel like I’m a lot further along than I have (been) in years past,” he said. There was a period of uncertainty about when the so-called “summer camp” would start, so Strasburg would throw into a net to try to stay ready. Martinez said he might ask position players to play seven, eight or nine innings of the last 10 days of exhibition games.

FILE - Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer delivers a pitch during the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets in Washington, in this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, file photo. The last spring training of Max Scherzer's $210 million, seven-year contract with the Washington Nationals is not exactly beginning the way he -- or the team -- would prefer. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)The last spring training of Max Scherzer’s $210 million, seven-year contract with the Washington Nationals is not exactly beginning the way he — or the team — would prefer. So as soon as I can get that mobility back in the ankle, I’ll be off the mound here pretty soon,” Scherzer said in a video conference with reporters. Ad“I just want him to have the best year of his career, and then whatever happens after that, happens,” Martinez said.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, that Strasburg is in preparation mode not in rehabilitation mode at spring training after having surgery in 2020. So the familiar feel of February spring training has pitchers eager to unleash fastballs, spin a few breaking balls and get ready for the 162-game long haul. “Spring training is 50 days long,” Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais said. But young pitchers — many of whom didn't throw many innings last season — will have to be watched closely. He practiced on the first day of spring training Wednesday but an MRI later revealed the break.

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to The Associated Press that left-hander Lester and the Washington Nationals have an agreement in principle in place for a one-year contract. Lester and the team had an agreement in principle in place last week, pending the successful completion of a physical exam. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts in the truncated 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.

FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2020, file photo, Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, left, talks with general manager Mike Rizzo during spring training baseball practice in West Palm Beach, Fla. Armed with a new multiyear contract, Rizzo says his top priority is working on a new deal for Martinez. The team has a club option for Martinez for 2021, but Rizzo says he prefers a long-term deal for the manager. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)WASHINGTON – Manager Dave Martinez and the Washington Nationals agreed to a multiyear contract extension that the team announced Saturday. Martinez led the Nationals to the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2019, his second season as the team’s skipper. There were some calling for Martinez to lose his job last season when Washington got off to a 19-31 start.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, file photo, The Washington Nationals celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros in Houston. A year after winning the World Series thanks to a historic turnaround, the Nationals woke up Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, with a 23-33 record and no mathematical chance of returning to the playoffs. There was no opportunity for a sellout crowd to roar during the raising of a championship banner or to witness a World Series ring ceremony. Most notably, World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg’s season lasted all of five innings before he was done because of a nerve issue in his throwing hand. The Nationals conclude their 60-game regular season with four games at home against the New York Mets, starting Thursday.

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, left, looks on from the dugout as a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves gets underway, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was tossed for yelling at umpires from a luxury suite in Atlanta on Sunday, with longtime crew chief Joe West saying, enough is enough.I wouldnt take that from a player. I wouldnt take that from a manager, West told The Associated Press. Rizzo was standing outside the box, high above the plate at Truist Park, without a mask and was barking toward the field. Rizzo has gotten steamed at umpires in the past, most notably at Citi Field in 2016 after a loss to the Mets.

Washington Nationals' Carter Kieboom walks away after popping out to end a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)For a second straight season, the Washington Nationals are off to an awful start. CUTTING IT CLOSEWhile the Nationals have struggled from the start, the New York Yankees figured to be in the clear for a postseason spot after their 16-6 start. In 1993, San Diego executed an infamous fire sale, dealing Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield in the middle of the season. He would go on to become a six-time All-Star for San Diego and, eventually, a Hall of Famer.

Cubs ace Jon Lester @-0, 1.06 ERA) will try to end the short skid in the finale against Milwaukees Josh Lindblom (1-0, 5.68). The team opted to place the 22-year-old on the injured list retroactive to last Tuesday, meaning he won't be eligible to return before Friday. The ace landed on the 10-day injured list with carpal tunnel neuritis on his right (pitching) hand. This is his first trip to the injured list since 2018. Brady Singer starts for the Royals in the series finale.

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)BALTIMORE Washington Nationals star right-hander Stephen Strasburg left Friday night's game after throwing just 16 pitches. Strasburg got a late start on the season because of a nerve issue in his right hand. This was his second start, the first coming last Sunday against Baltimore. Before Friday's game, Washington manager Dave Martinez spoke about taking it slow with Strasburg, who went 5-0 in the postseason for the 2019 World Series champions. He gave up a solo homer to Anthony Santander before leaving the game after getting the second out of the inning.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg heads to the dugout after leaving the game during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)WASHINGTON World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg was put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals on Saturday because of the recurring nerve issue in his throwing hand that delayed his start to the 2020 season and cut short his second appearance after just 16 pitches. After being scratched from the rotation his first couple of turns, Strasburg made his debut last Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, but left during a five-run fifth inning. He shook his right hand vigorously after one pitch and said after the game the problem was still something he was trying to work through. I dont want to see him out there shaking his hand in pain.

FILE - This is a July 4, 2020, file photo showing the Miami Marlins running drills during a baseball workout at Marlins Park in Miami. Marlins Park will have a new look for its 2020 season debut Friday, thanks to cozier dimensions and a switch to artificial turf. Also, there will be a first-place team in the home dugout when the Marlins (8-4) host Atlanta. Miamis season was suspended for a week and the schedule scrambled, including the postponement of eight games at Marlins Park. The Cardinals season has been derailed by the coronavirus.

Strasburg threw only 16 pitches before leaving with hand issue in the first inning of Washington's 15-3 rout of the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Martinez said Strasburg was feeling numbness in his thumb and that the sensation originated in the wrist. The Nationals withstood the injury to Strasburg after rebounding from a defeat that took five days to decide and weathering a lengthy rain delay. His first outing came against the Orioles in a game that was suspended Sunday at Nationals Park and completed Friday at Camden Yards with Baltimore winning 6-2. Orioles: Asher Wojciechowski (0-1, 3.95) makes his sixth career appearance against the Nationals, still looking for his first win against them.

NEW YORK A pitcher getting ejected for arguing balls and strikes on his day off? Nationals star Stephen Strasburg earned one of baseball's most unique ejections probably ever in the third inning of Washington's game against the New York Mets on Thursday. Strasburg was sitting in Section 121 at Citi Field in this socially distant season because hes scheduled to start Friday against Baltimore Orioles. Moments later, Torres ejected last year's World Series MVP, though it took a few seconds to realize who had been tossed. Someone was heard yelling: Youre (expletive) brutal shortly before television cameras captured Strasburg doffing his cap as he walked up the staircase on his way out of the park.

Washington pitcher Max Scherzer topped the shortened seasons list at $17.8 million, his income partially protected by a huge signing bonus. Salaries averaged $1,295,942 on expanded opening-day rosters after prorated pay was factored in, according to the AP study. Scherzers $210 million, seven-year contract includes a $50 million signing bonus baseball signing bonuses are distinct from salaries and not subject to reduction. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was second on the opening day list at $16.3 million, boosted by a $23 million signing bonus. It would have projected to $4,144,328 with an active limit of 28 and $4,386,353 at 26, which would have been up 0.2% from last years AP study average of $4,375,486.

FILE - 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.

Grounds crew tries to untangle the tarp as they attempt to cover the baseball diamond from a heavy downpour delaying the baseball game during the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON When it rained in the top of the sixth inning of the Washington Nationals' game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, it really poured on the infield dirt, because the grounds crew had trouble unrolling the giant tarp used to protect the diamond. There were large puddles between the bases, a result of the sort of gridlock with which the nation's capital is all too familiar. In all, a process usually completed in just a couple of minutes took more than 20 for the tarp to be properly put in place. Once the tarp was removed, then began the job of trying to make the infield dirt dry enough to allow for a Major League Baseball game resume.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Baltimore strung together a double, four singles and a walk, including Hanser Albertos two-run double and Anthony Santanders two-run single. We are not making any firm announcement, but I would imagine he is going to take the mound on Tuesday, Rizzo said. UP NEXTOrioles: Open a three-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. That will be followed by series at Baltimore and Atlanta.

WASHINGTON World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to make his season debut for the Washington Nationals on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles after being sidelined by a nerve problem in his pitching hand. We watched him and hes throwing some really good bullpens. So based on a conversation with him, he feels good, Martinez added. But well keep an eye on him.The 32-year-old Strasburg led the NL with 209 innings and 18 wins in 2019. Hes going to be day-to-day.If Scherzer is fine, his next turn in the rotation would be Tuesday at the Mets.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash)A look at what's happening around the majors on Thursday:OFF BASEStar hitters Christian Yelich, Gary Sanchez, Hunter Pence and others are slumping badly in a season where hitters across the majors are struggling to find base hits. The sides decided Tuesday that rosters will remain at 28 through the World Series, instead of dropping to 26 on Aug. 20 as initially planned. He said his hamstring problem first showed up a week ago, went away, then showed up again Tuesday when he was sprinting. The Nationals already are missing World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, who has a nerve issue in his pitching hand. CATCH-UP CARDSThe Cardinals expect to have another workout at Busch Stadium while getting ready to resume their virus-interrupted season.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash)A look at what's happening around the majors today:OFF BASEStar hitters Christian Yelich, Gary Sanchez, Hunter Pence and others are slumping badly in a season where hitters across the majors are struggling to find base hits. Its the lowest mark ever, below the .237 average posted in 1968, despite the addition of the designated hitter to the NL. The Nationals already are missing World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, who has a nerve issue in his pitching hand. The Miami Marlins, thats who. St. Louis hasnt played since June 29 -- at 2-3, its next game is scheduled for Friday night at home against the Cubs.

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Porcello (1-1) went seven innings, allowing one run and five hits and retiring the last 10 batters he faced. Scherzer threw 99 pitches on opening day against the Yankees, then an MLB season-high 112 in his next start. WHAT A STEALIn his Mets debut, CF Billy Hamilton stole his first base of 2020 and 300th of his career. Nationals: After Thursday's fifth day off in a week, they start a three-game series Friday against visiting Baltimore.

WASHINGTON Left fielder Juan Soto was reinstated by the Washington Nationals from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday after missing the teams first seven games of the season. The Nationals also reinstated right-handed reliever Wander Suero from the IL before Tuesdays game and optioned outfielder Andrew Stevenson to the clubs alternate training site. Only one corresponding move was necessary because the Nationals already had placed reliever Will Harris on the IL last week. During a 3-4 start to the truncated season, the Nationals are averaging 3.4 runs per game and their team OPS is just .704. NOTES: World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg will throw a simulated game Wednesday.

The Blue Jays are the home team in the game. They love to win and they love to celebrate.Toronto batted in the bottom of each inning, wore its white uniforms, played its walk-up music and blared OK Blue Jays, the club's traditional seventh-inning stretch staple. The Blue Jays will be using a minor league ballpark Buffalo, but thats still being upgraded to host major league games. Blue Jays: SS Bo Bichette (left hamstring) and OF Randal Grichuk (back tightness) sat out again. UP NEXTWith Stephen Strasburg out, RHP Erick Fedde (0-0, 2.25) will fill in again Thursday, facing Blue Jays LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-0, 5.79).

The Milwaukee Brewers star is 1 for 27 to start the season, an .037 average that's worst among qualified hitters. Coming off a condensed preseason camp for a 60-game season truncated by the coronavirus pandemic, hitters are stumbling out of the batter's box. The league-wide batting average after Wednesday's games is .229, down from .252 last season even though the National League adopted the designated hitter for this season. And although hitters often start slowly in March and April, this collective slump is far worse than anything seen in recent years. Many indicators of the offensive struggles, including a rise in strikeouts and drop in batting average, are continuations of trends already underway.

The 60-game sprint started with a bang thunder, actually, along with a torrential downpour in the rain-shortened opener between the Yankees and Nationals. Now is when people will finally listen, explained Stanton, a Black slugger with the New York Yankees who plans to kneel throughout the season. Made it interesting.Lastly, MLB unveiled another modification hours before first pitch, expanding the postseason from 10 teams to 16. The news Sunday of potential outbreaks with the Reds and Marlins was a reminder of how fragile the season could be. If 10 or 15 or 25 guys do it and the rest are messing around, it can mess everything up.

Washington Nationals' Victor Robles celebrates his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Washington. Filling in for Strasburg, Erick Fedde allowed a pair of runs in four innings, including Giancarlo Stantons second homer in two games. With Max Scherzer and other Nationals starting pitchers although not Strasburg sitting somewhat spread out about 10 rows behind home plate, Fedde was followed by four relievers, who gave up three hits across five scoreless innings. The biggest was Robles two-run double. Robles added a two-run homer in the fourth, then singled in the sixth.

Its a little mix of everything, some worries, some excitement, Ohtani said through a translator. There wont be fans so that will be weird, too.Ohtani was the Angels designated hitter in the season opener Friday night and didnt play Saturday. Carrasco will face the Kansas City Royals in the finale of a three-game series in Cleveland. He hurt an oblique during rehab and never started again for Cleveland, which traded him to Texas in December. He was scratched from what was supposed to be his first start of the season on Saturday night because of a nerve issue.

WASHINGTON World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg was scratched from what was supposed to be his first start of the season for the Washington Nationals on Saturday night because of a nerve issue with his right hand. Nationals manager Dave Martinez announced about four hours before the scheduled first pitch against the visiting New York Yankees that Strasburg would be replaced as his team's starter by Erick Fedde. We want to be cautious.He said Strasburg felt something was wrong with his hand during an exhibition game last week against the Baltimore Orioles. In 2019, Strasburg became the first pitcher to finish a postseason with a 5-0 record, helping the Nationals with the franchise's first championship. He then opted out of what was left on his contract and re-signed with Washington for $245 million over seven years.

Rain and lighting halt an opening day baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Thursday, July 23, 2020, in Washington. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (0-1) had struck out 11 and was still in the game for the Nationals when action stopped, his pitch count nearing 100. Even if the stadium was closed to the public, some folks did watch from balconies on at least one nearby high-rise building. Meanwhile, fake crowd noise was piped in through the stadium speakers, adding a bizarre element to eerie atmosphere. It does feel different.UP NEXTAfter Fridays day off, the series resumes Saturday night, with World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg pitching for Washington against New Yorks James Paxton.

Washington Nationals' Adam Eaton (2), left, speaks with a staff member as the Washington Nationals hold their first training camp work out at Nationals Stadium, Friday, July 3, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON Dave Martinez's mantra of going 1-0 every day followed the Washington Nationals to their first World Series title. When they resumed workouts Friday at summer training camp in the midst of a global pandemic, the manager's mantra remained. Only, it has a different meaning for the defending champions tiptoeing the health and safety protocols that made baseball feel anything but natural. Were so used to it being a long season and it actually becoming a marathon, Martinez said.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)NEW YORK Gerrit Cole could make his New York Yankees debut in a tasty opening-day treat for fans, facing Juan Soto and World Series champion Washington at Nationals Park. The Yankees and Nationals are set meet when the virus-delayed season begins next month, a person familiar with the game told The Associated Press on Saturday. He pitched the Houston Astros past the Nationals 7-1 last October for a 3-2 edge in the World Series. The Yankees and Nationals met twice this year, including New Yorks 6-3 win on March 12 on the final day before MLB stopped spring training because of the virus outbreak. The Yankees are hopeful that slugger Aaron Judge has fully recovered from a rib injury that bothered him during spring training in Florida.

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)NEW YORK Baseballs amateur draft is about to enter the next phase of its ongoing development same as all those young prospects picked every year. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 version was ticketed for a move to Omaha, Nebraska, to coincide with the College World Series there. But with the top pick in the second June amateur draft in 1966, the New York Mets swung and missed. All that hype came to full fruition a decade later, when he was the World Series MVP as the Nationals won the franchises first championship last year. Prior to Appel, the only top overall picks who failed to reach the majors were Chilcott and left-hander Brien Taylor (Yankees, 1991).