THURSDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
Tigers 7, ORIOLES 3
RED SOX 8, Nationals 1
Yankees 14, PHILLIES 1
RAYS 6, Twins 6
Rockies 10, PADRES 5
ASTROS 8, Cubs 6
DIAMONDBACKS 6, Indians 3
ANGELS 3, Dodgers 2
GIANTS 3, Athletics 0
STRONG FINISHES
Albert Almora Jr. hit safely in eight of his last 12 Cactus League at-bats, including two doubles and three home runs. he batted .339 (21-for-62) with seven doubles (tied for the team lead), a triple, four homers and 1 6 RBI in Cactus League play.
* Kris Bryant doubled in each of his last five Cactus League games. He reached safely in each of his last 12 Cactus League contests dating to March 12.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Red Wings (MiLB) @ Twins - 12:05pm
CANCELLED - Army (non-MLB) @ Mets
Rays @ Phillies - 1:05pm
Cubs @ Astros - 2:!0pm
Orioles @ Tide (MiLB) - 3:05pm
Red Sox @ Nationals - 4:05pm
Cardinals @ Cardinals (MiLB) - 6:05pm
Reds @ Bats (MiLB) - 6:15pm
Tigers @ Marlins - 7:05pm
Pirates @ Blue Jays - 7:07pm
Yankees @ Braves - 7:35pm
Royals @ Rangers - 8:05pm
White Sox @ Brewers - 8:10pm
Padres @ Storm (MiLB) - 9pm
Rocies @ Mariners - 9:40pm
Indians @ Diamondbacks - 9:40pm
Dodgers @ Angels - 10:07pm
Athletics @ Giants - 10:15pm
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Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.30.2017
WEDNESDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
CARDINALS 6, Nationals 2
Twins 5, RED SOX 3
Philies 8, Tigers 2
BRAVES 2, Mets 2
ASTROS 5, Marlins 5
Phillies 8, PIRATES 2
RAYS 15, Orioles 6
Yankees 3, Blue Jays 1
WHITE SOX 9, Padres 9
ROYALS 0, Rangers 0
Angels 8, BREWERS 6
Indians 9, REDS 6
CUBS 15, Athletics 11
MARINERS 3, Dodgers 3
LEADERS OF THE PACK
At 23-8-1 ( .733), the Yankees have the best spring record in all of Major League Baseball.
* Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in WHIP (1 .16).They are third in the Grapefruit League in ERA (3 .56).
* Yankees batters lead the Grapefruit League with 44HR and .796 OPS
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Las Vegas (MiLB) @ Mets - 11am
Tigers @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Phillies - 1:05pm
Twins @ Rays - 1:05pm
Rockies @ Padres - 3:10pm
Cardinals @ Memphis (MiLB) - 8:05pm
Cubs @ Astros - 8:10pm
Indians @ Diamondbacks - 9:40pm
Dodgers @ Angels - 10:07pm
Athletics @ Giants - 10:15pm
Home Team in Caps
CARDINALS 6, Nationals 2
Twins 5, RED SOX 3
Philies 8, Tigers 2
BRAVES 2, Mets 2
ASTROS 5, Marlins 5
Phillies 8, PIRATES 2
RAYS 15, Orioles 6
Yankees 3, Blue Jays 1
WHITE SOX 9, Padres 9
ROYALS 0, Rangers 0
Angels 8, BREWERS 6
Indians 9, REDS 6
CUBS 15, Athletics 11
MARINERS 3, Dodgers 3
LEADERS OF THE PACK
At 23-8-1 ( .733), the Yankees have the best spring record in all of Major League Baseball.
* Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in WHIP (1 .16).They are third in the Grapefruit League in ERA (3 .56).
* Yankees batters lead the Grapefruit League with 44HR and .796 OPS
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Las Vegas (MiLB) @ Mets - 11am
Tigers @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Phillies - 1:05pm
Twins @ Rays - 1:05pm
Rockies @ Padres - 3:10pm
Cardinals @ Memphis (MiLB) - 8:05pm
Cubs @ Astros - 8:10pm
Indians @ Diamondbacks - 9:40pm
Dodgers @ Angels - 10:07pm
Athletics @ Giants - 10:15pm
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Report: Mets pitcher Jeurys Familia suspended 15 games
New York Mets pitcher Jeurys Familia has been suspended 15 games for violating baseball’s domestic-violence policy, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthan reported Wednesday.
For Familia, a suspension of 31 or more games would have delayed free agency by a year. He remains on track to hit the open market after the 2018 season.
Sources said that Familia will forfeit 18 days of pay, including off-days, and a rainout could increase that number slightly. He will lose more than $700K.
Familia had already has done 12 90-minute sessions of counseling, and had agreed to make contribution to charity, plus in-person appearances at MLB rookie programs in the United States and the Dominican Republic, and also made an appearance before a New York-based domestic-violence group.
For Familia, a suspension of 31 or more games would have delayed free agency by a year. He remains on track to hit the open market after the 2018 season.
Sources said that Familia will forfeit 18 days of pay, including off-days, and a rainout could increase that number slightly. He will lose more than $700K.
Familia had already has done 12 90-minute sessions of counseling, and had agreed to make contribution to charity, plus in-person appearances at MLB rookie programs in the United States and the Dominican Republic, and also made an appearance before a New York-based domestic-violence group.
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.29.2017
TUESDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
TWINS 1, Rays 0
Orioles 5, BRAVES 4
Astros 7, MARLINS 3
METS 3, Cardinals 3
Rangers 4, ROCKIES 3
ROYALS 7, White Sox 4
BREWERS 13, Indians 12
Giants 10, CUBS 7
REDS 9, Dodgers 3
DODGERS 3, Padres 1
ANGELS 14, Athletics 3
Diamondbacks 15, MARINERS 6
Red Sox 9, PIRATES 2
Tigers 6, YANKEES 3
Marlins 4, NATIONALS 2
Blue Jays 10, PHILLIES 4
YOENIS GOES 2-3
Yoenis Céspedes went 2-3 with a triple and a run yesterday against the Cardinals.
* Céspedes is now batting .396 (19-48) with five home runs, 10 RBI, one double, and one triple in 19 Grapefruit League games.
* He is currently tied for third in home runs amongst all Grapefruit League players.
* The Nationals' Bryce Harper leads the Grapefruit League with eight.
STREAKING
Reds baserunners were successful 18 of their last 21 stolen base attempts.
* Arismendy Alcantara leads the team in apps (27), runs (16), total bases (38) and RBI (16) and is tied for the team lead in at bats (64) and doubles (5)...played 2B (10g), SS (9g), CF (6g) and 3B (4g).
* Rob Brantly in his last 16 apps is hitting .357 (10-28, 2 2b, 4rbi).
* Zack Cozart is tied for the team lead in doubles (5). He has hit safely in 12 of his 17 apps and in his last 12g is hitting .389 (14-36, 5 2b, 2hr, 8rbi). He has a 4-game hitting streak (7-14, .500, 3 2b, 1hr, 4rbi).
* Brandon Dixon has a 5-game hitting streak (6-10, .600, 2 2b, 2hr, 9rbi).
* Adam Duvall leads the team in HR (5), including 2 homers yesterday vs the Dodgers. In his last 7 apps, he is hitting .350 (7-20, 3hr, 8rbi).
* Sebastian Elizalde in his last 4 apps has produced three 2-hit games (6-10, .600, 3 2b, 3rbi). He has played 1B (8g), LF (3g) and RF (3g).
* Patrick Kivlehan is tied for the team lead in triples (2) and ranks second to Alcantra in (34). He has hit safely in 16 of his 26 apps. He has played 1B (4g), 3B (13g), LF (2g) and RF (6g).
* Devin Mesoraco has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 apps (4-12, .333, 1 2b).
* José Peraza leads the team in hits (21). He has hit safely in 13 of his 20 apps, including 4 of his last 5g (6-17, .353, 1hr, 2rbi).
* Tony Renda is tied for the team lead in doubles (5). He has played 2B (12g), 3B (8g), LF (3g) and RF (1g).
* Scott Schebler has a 5-game hitting streak (5-14, .357, 1 2b, 4rbi) and in his last 12 apps is hitting .419 (13-31, 2 2b, 2hr, 13rbi). He leads Reds outfielders with 3 assists.
* Stuart Turner in his last 12 apps is hitting .429 (9-21, 1 2b, 2 3b, 1hr, 2rbi).On Mon. at SF he homered off Madison Bumgarner.
* Joey Votto has hit safely in 4 of his last 6 apps (5-14, .357, 1 2b, 6bb).
* Jesse Winker in his last 17 apps is hitting .366 (15-41, 2 2b, 1 3b, 2hr, 6rbi).
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Nationals @ Cardinals - 12:05pm
Twins @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Phillies @ Tigers - 1:05pm
Mets @ Braves - 1:05pm
Marlins @ Astros - 1:05pm
Phillies @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Rays - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Padres @ White Sox - 3:05pm
Rangers @ Royals - 3:05pm
Angels @ Brewers - 3:05pm
Indians @ Reds - 3:05pm
Athletics @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Home Team in Caps
TWINS 1, Rays 0
Orioles 5, BRAVES 4
Astros 7, MARLINS 3
METS 3, Cardinals 3
Rangers 4, ROCKIES 3
ROYALS 7, White Sox 4
BREWERS 13, Indians 12
Giants 10, CUBS 7
REDS 9, Dodgers 3
DODGERS 3, Padres 1
ANGELS 14, Athletics 3
Diamondbacks 15, MARINERS 6
Red Sox 9, PIRATES 2
Tigers 6, YANKEES 3
Marlins 4, NATIONALS 2
Blue Jays 10, PHILLIES 4
YOENIS GOES 2-3
Yoenis Céspedes went 2-3 with a triple and a run yesterday against the Cardinals.
* Céspedes is now batting .396 (19-48) with five home runs, 10 RBI, one double, and one triple in 19 Grapefruit League games.
* He is currently tied for third in home runs amongst all Grapefruit League players.
* The Nationals' Bryce Harper leads the Grapefruit League with eight.
STREAKING
Reds baserunners were successful 18 of their last 21 stolen base attempts.
* Arismendy Alcantara leads the team in apps (27), runs (16), total bases (38) and RBI (16) and is tied for the team lead in at bats (64) and doubles (5)...played 2B (10g), SS (9g), CF (6g) and 3B (4g).
* Rob Brantly in his last 16 apps is hitting .357 (10-28, 2 2b, 4rbi).
* Zack Cozart is tied for the team lead in doubles (5). He has hit safely in 12 of his 17 apps and in his last 12g is hitting .389 (14-36, 5 2b, 2hr, 8rbi). He has a 4-game hitting streak (7-14, .500, 3 2b, 1hr, 4rbi).
* Brandon Dixon has a 5-game hitting streak (6-10, .600, 2 2b, 2hr, 9rbi).
* Adam Duvall leads the team in HR (5), including 2 homers yesterday vs the Dodgers. In his last 7 apps, he is hitting .350 (7-20, 3hr, 8rbi).
* Sebastian Elizalde in his last 4 apps has produced three 2-hit games (6-10, .600, 3 2b, 3rbi). He has played 1B (8g), LF (3g) and RF (3g).
* Patrick Kivlehan is tied for the team lead in triples (2) and ranks second to Alcantra in (34). He has hit safely in 16 of his 26 apps. He has played 1B (4g), 3B (13g), LF (2g) and RF (6g).
* Devin Mesoraco has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 apps (4-12, .333, 1 2b).
* José Peraza leads the team in hits (21). He has hit safely in 13 of his 20 apps, including 4 of his last 5g (6-17, .353, 1hr, 2rbi).
* Tony Renda is tied for the team lead in doubles (5). He has played 2B (12g), 3B (8g), LF (3g) and RF (1g).
* Scott Schebler has a 5-game hitting streak (5-14, .357, 1 2b, 4rbi) and in his last 12 apps is hitting .419 (13-31, 2 2b, 2hr, 13rbi). He leads Reds outfielders with 3 assists.
* Stuart Turner in his last 12 apps is hitting .429 (9-21, 1 2b, 2 3b, 1hr, 2rbi).On Mon. at SF he homered off Madison Bumgarner.
* Joey Votto has hit safely in 4 of his last 6 apps (5-14, .357, 1 2b, 6bb).
* Jesse Winker in his last 17 apps is hitting .366 (15-41, 2 2b, 1 3b, 2hr, 6rbi).
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Nationals @ Cardinals - 12:05pm
Twins @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Phillies @ Tigers - 1:05pm
Mets @ Braves - 1:05pm
Marlins @ Astros - 1:05pm
Phillies @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Rays - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Padres @ White Sox - 3:05pm
Rangers @ Royals - 3:05pm
Angels @ Brewers - 3:05pm
Indians @ Reds - 3:05pm
Athletics @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.28.2017
MONDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
Red Sox 11, ORIOLES 9
Mets 5, MARLINS -
Nationals 6, METS 0
Royals 10, ATHLETICS 3
RANGERS 6, Rockies 5
White Sox 5, DODGERS 2
GIANTS 14, Reds 2
PADRES 12, Mariners 2
Angels 4, DIAMONDBACKS 2
BRAVES 11, Tigers 3
Cardina;s 3, ASTROS 2
PIRATES 4, Twins 1
Phillies 7, BLUE JAYS 1
INDIANS 4, Cubs 3
SWEET GRAPEFRUIT
The Cardinals rank 2nd in the Grapefruit League standings with a 19-8-3 record, posting their most spring wins since 2009 (19-12-2), which are their most wins since moving from St. Peteresburg to Jupiter
in 1998.
*The Cardinals won 21 games in 1997...St. Louis is trailing only the New York Yankees (22-7).
* The Cardinals pitching staff leads Spring Training with a 3.33 ERA and ranks 3rd in fielding percentage (.981).
* Last season, the Cardinals ranked 25th in fielding during the regular season.
THE RIVERAS
After yesterday's 2-3 game against the Marlins, T.J. Rivera is now hitting .303 (10-33) through 12 games.
* T.J's four doubles are tied for second on the team, and his nine RBI
are fourth on the team.
* René Rivera also picked up two hits yesterday, and is now hitting .375 (6-16) with one double..
* Rene and T.J. both represented Team Puerto Rico in the WBC.
TUESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Rays @ Twins - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Braves - 1:05pm
Astros @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Mets - 1:10pm
Rangers @ Rockies - 3:10pm
White Sox @ Royals - 4:05pm
Indians @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Giants @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Reds - 4:05pm
Padres @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Angels - 4:10pm
Diamondbacks @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Red Sox @ Pirates - 6:05pm
Tigers @ Yankees - 6:35pm
Marlins @ Nationals - 6:35pm
Blue Jays @ Phillies - 6:35pm
Home Team in Caps
Red Sox 11, ORIOLES 9
Mets 5, MARLINS -
Nationals 6, METS 0
Royals 10, ATHLETICS 3
RANGERS 6, Rockies 5
White Sox 5, DODGERS 2
GIANTS 14, Reds 2
PADRES 12, Mariners 2
Angels 4, DIAMONDBACKS 2
BRAVES 11, Tigers 3
Cardina;s 3, ASTROS 2
PIRATES 4, Twins 1
Phillies 7, BLUE JAYS 1
INDIANS 4, Cubs 3
SWEET GRAPEFRUIT
The Cardinals rank 2nd in the Grapefruit League standings with a 19-8-3 record, posting their most spring wins since 2009 (19-12-2), which are their most wins since moving from St. Peteresburg to Jupiter
in 1998.
*The Cardinals won 21 games in 1997...St. Louis is trailing only the New York Yankees (22-7).
* The Cardinals pitching staff leads Spring Training with a 3.33 ERA and ranks 3rd in fielding percentage (.981).
* Last season, the Cardinals ranked 25th in fielding during the regular season.
THE RIVERAS
After yesterday's 2-3 game against the Marlins, T.J. Rivera is now hitting .303 (10-33) through 12 games.
* T.J's four doubles are tied for second on the team, and his nine RBI
are fourth on the team.
* René Rivera also picked up two hits yesterday, and is now hitting .375 (6-16) with one double..
* Rene and T.J. both represented Team Puerto Rico in the WBC.
TUESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Rays @ Twins - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Braves - 1:05pm
Astros @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Mets - 1:10pm
Rangers @ Rockies - 3:10pm
White Sox @ Royals - 4:05pm
Indians @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Giants @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Reds - 4:05pm
Padres @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Angels - 4:10pm
Diamondbacks @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Red Sox @ Pirates - 6:05pm
Tigers @ Yankees - 6:35pm
Marlins @ Nationals - 6:35pm
Blue Jays @ Phillies - 6:35pm
Monday, March 27, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.27.2017
SUNDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
Blue Jays 4, TIGERS 3
Red Sox 7, TWINS 2
YANKEE6 7, Rays 4
Astros 5, NATIONALS 11
PHILLIES 6, Pirates 3
CARDINALS 3, Marlins 0
Orioles 2, BLUE JAYS 1
METS 8, Braves 2
WHITE SOX 4, Giants 3
Athletics 11, BREWERS 1
RANGERS 3, Dodgers 2
CUBS 22, Reds 4
Mariners 7, REDS 6
Padres 9, CUBS 4
Royals 8, ANGELS 7
Rockies 4, PADRES 1
Indians 6, DIAMONDBACKS 5
GLEYBER THE WINNER
Gleyber Torres has been named the 2017 James P. Dawson Award winner, given annually to the most outstanding New York Yankees rookie in spring training.
* In his first Major League spring training, the 20-year-old hit .448/.469/.931 (13-for-29) with 8R, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2HR and 9RBI in 19 games.
HOMER HAPPY
The Red Sox have homered in each oftheir last 4 games...They hit 3 HR in yesterday’s 7-2 win at MIN...Pablo Sandoval leads the club with 4 HR, while 6 players have homered 3 times and 8 have homered once.
* Boston set a franchise record in 2016 by homering in 22 consecutive games from 4/29-5/22.
* The Red Sox hit 22 HR at Camden Yards in 2016, the most ever by an opponent since the venue opened in 1992 (previous: 20 HR, 2009 NYY).
MONDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Red Sox @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Mets @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Mets - 1:10pm
Royals @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Rockies @ Rangers - 4:05pm
White Sox @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Reds @ Giants - 4:05pm
Mariners @ Padres - 4:10pm
Angels @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Tigers @ Braves - 6:05pm
Cardinals @ Astros - 6:05pm
Twins @ Pirates - 6:05pm
Phillies @ Blue Jays - 6:07pm
Cubs @ Indians - 9:10pm
Home Team in Caps
Blue Jays 4, TIGERS 3
Red Sox 7, TWINS 2
YANKEE6 7, Rays 4
Astros 5, NATIONALS 11
PHILLIES 6, Pirates 3
CARDINALS 3, Marlins 0
Orioles 2, BLUE JAYS 1
METS 8, Braves 2
WHITE SOX 4, Giants 3
Athletics 11, BREWERS 1
RANGERS 3, Dodgers 2
CUBS 22, Reds 4
Mariners 7, REDS 6
Padres 9, CUBS 4
Royals 8, ANGELS 7
Rockies 4, PADRES 1
Indians 6, DIAMONDBACKS 5
GLEYBER THE WINNER
Gleyber Torres has been named the 2017 James P. Dawson Award winner, given annually to the most outstanding New York Yankees rookie in spring training.
* In his first Major League spring training, the 20-year-old hit .448/.469/.931 (13-for-29) with 8R, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2HR and 9RBI in 19 games.
HOMER HAPPY
The Red Sox have homered in each oftheir last 4 games...They hit 3 HR in yesterday’s 7-2 win at MIN...Pablo Sandoval leads the club with 4 HR, while 6 players have homered 3 times and 8 have homered once.
* Boston set a franchise record in 2016 by homering in 22 consecutive games from 4/29-5/22.
* The Red Sox hit 22 HR at Camden Yards in 2016, the most ever by an opponent since the venue opened in 1992 (previous: 20 HR, 2009 NYY).
MONDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Red Sox @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Mets @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Mets - 1:10pm
Royals @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Rockies @ Rangers - 4:05pm
White Sox @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Reds @ Giants - 4:05pm
Mariners @ Padres - 4:10pm
Angels @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Tigers @ Braves - 6:05pm
Cardinals @ Astros - 6:05pm
Twins @ Pirates - 6:05pm
Phillies @ Blue Jays - 6:07pm
Cubs @ Indians - 9:10pm
Red Sox announce roster moves ahead of game vs. Orioles
BOSTON, MA -- Prior to today's game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Boston Red Sox made the following roster moves:
• Infielder Deven Marrero and catcher Blake Swihart were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
• Catcher Dan Butler and first baseman Sam Travis were reassigned to minor league camp.
Butler will remain with the major league team through the club's exhibition games against the Nationals in Washington, DC, and Annapolis, MD.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement.
With these moves, the Red Sox now have 38 players in big league camp, including 32 players from the 40-man roster and 6 non-roster invitees.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.26.2017
SATURDAY’S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
PHILLIES 3, Red Sox 3
YANKEES 6, Blue Jays 5
Mets 3, BRAVES 0
Nationals 4, ASTROS 1
PIRATES 5, Tigers 4
MARLINS 1, Cardinals 0
Red Sox 7, RAYS 5
ANGELS 7, Diamondbacks 4
White Sox 10, INDIANS 7
ROYALS 1, Brewers 0
Reds 11, ATHLETICS 6
CUBS 11, Reds 7
DODGERS 11, Athletics 6
MARINERS 3, Rangers 1
ROCKIES 7, Cubs 4
ORIOLES 6, Twins 3
GIANTS 8, Padres 7
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE
Christian Vazquez has thrown out 4 of 5 attempted base stealers in Grapefruit League games.
* He also threw out both runners trying to steal against him during a minor league game on Wednesday.
* Among active players who have caught at least 100 games, Vazquez ranks 1st in catcher caught stealing percentage (44.2, 23-of-52)...Teammate Sandy Leon ranks 2nd (41.8, 28-of-67).
LEADERS OF THE PACK
At 21-7-1 ( 741), the Yankees have the best spring record in all of Major League Baseball.
* Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in WHIP (1 15) and the Grapefruit League in ERA (3 53)...their 215 opponents’ BA is lowest in the Majors, with no other team below 240...are fourth in the Majors with 251K in 258 2IP.
* Yankees batters are tied for the lead in the Major Leagues with 41HR and lead the Grapefruit League with 166R (seventh in MLB)...their 802 OPS is second in the Grapefruit League (ninth MLB)...are third in the Grapefruit League with a 273 BA...have scored at least 5R in 19 of their 29 games...1B Greg Bird leads the Majors with 15 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7HR) and is tied for the the Major League home run lead (Peter O’Brien-KC).
* RHP Masahiro Tanaka has thrown 18 2 scoreless innings (6H, 3BB, 22K) this spring, the most by any Major League pitcher who has not allowed a run.
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Times are ET
Blue Jays @ Tigers - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Twins - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Rays - 1:05pm
Astros @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Pirates @ Phillies 1:05pm
Marlins @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Braves @ Mets - 1:10pm
Giants @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Rangers, 4:05pm
Reds @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Mariners @ Reds - 4:05pm
Padres @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Royals @ Angels - 4:10pm
Rockies @ Padres - 4:10pm
Indians @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Home Team in Caps
PHILLIES 3, Red Sox 3
YANKEES 6, Blue Jays 5
Mets 3, BRAVES 0
Nationals 4, ASTROS 1
PIRATES 5, Tigers 4
MARLINS 1, Cardinals 0
Red Sox 7, RAYS 5
ANGELS 7, Diamondbacks 4
White Sox 10, INDIANS 7
ROYALS 1, Brewers 0
Reds 11, ATHLETICS 6
CUBS 11, Reds 7
DODGERS 11, Athletics 6
MARINERS 3, Rangers 1
ROCKIES 7, Cubs 4
ORIOLES 6, Twins 3
GIANTS 8, Padres 7
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE
Christian Vazquez has thrown out 4 of 5 attempted base stealers in Grapefruit League games.
* He also threw out both runners trying to steal against him during a minor league game on Wednesday.
* Among active players who have caught at least 100 games, Vazquez ranks 1st in catcher caught stealing percentage (44.2, 23-of-52)...Teammate Sandy Leon ranks 2nd (41.8, 28-of-67).
LEADERS OF THE PACK
At 21-7-1 ( 741), the Yankees have the best spring record in all of Major League Baseball.
* Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in WHIP (1 15) and the Grapefruit League in ERA (3 53)...their 215 opponents’ BA is lowest in the Majors, with no other team below 240...are fourth in the Majors with 251K in 258 2IP.
* Yankees batters are tied for the lead in the Major Leagues with 41HR and lead the Grapefruit League with 166R (seventh in MLB)...their 802 OPS is second in the Grapefruit League (ninth MLB)...are third in the Grapefruit League with a 273 BA...have scored at least 5R in 19 of their 29 games...1B Greg Bird leads the Majors with 15 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7HR) and is tied for the the Major League home run lead (Peter O’Brien-KC).
* RHP Masahiro Tanaka has thrown 18 2 scoreless innings (6H, 3BB, 22K) this spring, the most by any Major League pitcher who has not allowed a run.
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Times are ET
Blue Jays @ Tigers - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Twins - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Rays - 1:05pm
Astros @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Pirates @ Phillies 1:05pm
Marlins @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Orioles @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Braves @ Mets - 1:10pm
Giants @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Dodgers @ Rangers, 4:05pm
Reds @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Mariners @ Reds - 4:05pm
Padres @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Royals @ Angels - 4:10pm
Rockies @ Padres - 4:10pm
Indians @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.25.2017
FRIDAY’S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
TIGERS 3, Braves 2
YANKEES 3, Phillies 2
Cardinals 3, NATIONALS 1
PIRATES 4, Rays 0
BLYE JAYS 3, Red Sox 2
Astros 2, METS 0
ATHLETICS 8, White Sox 2
RANGERS 4, Padres 3
Indians 4, CUBS 2
REDS 12, Brewers 11
DODGERS 13, Diamondbacks 6
MARINERS 4, Royals 3
Giants 6, ROCKIES 5
Orioles 5, TWINS 5
MARLINS 3, Nationals 0
ANGELS 4, Mariners 0
STARTING OUT ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Over the last 5 games, Phillies starting pitchers have combined to post a 3.71 ERA (11 ER, 26.2 IP), 1.01 WHIP (21 H, 6 BB) and have averaged 9.11 SO/9.0 IP (27 SO).
* All five of those starters (Eickhoff, Thompson, Velasquez, Nola and Hellickson) allowed 2 BB or fewer in their outing during that stretch.
* The Phillies currently have 3 starters who rank in the top 10 in the Grapefruit League in strikeouts (Eickhoff T- 2nd- 21; Nola T-7th- 19; Velasquez T-10th- 18).
STAYING GROUNDED
Cardinals pitchers lead the Grapefruit League in groundball/flyball ratio (1.42; 291 ground outs/205 fly outs), trailing the Texas Rangers (1.43) in MLB.
* The Cardinals have induced an MLB-leading 36 double plays and have allowed only 16 home runs (the fewest among all teams).
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE LEADERS
* Tyler Moore has five home runs, ranking tied for third in the Grapefruit League.
* Matt den Dekker is slugging .587, which ranks sixth, while Marcell Ozuna is slugging .565, which ranks 10th.
* Derek Dietrich is tied for second with nine walks; and Hunter Cervenka is tied for second with three saves.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Times are ET
Phillies @ Red Sox -1:05pm
Blue Jays @ Yankees - 1:05pm
Mets @ Braves -1:05pm
Nationals @ Astros - 1:05pm
Tigers @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Rays - 1:05pm
Canada Jr. National @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Diamondbacks @ Angels - 4:05pm
White Sox @ Indians - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Royals - 4:05pm
Reds @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Reds @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Rangers @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Cubs @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Twins @ Orioles - 6:05pm
Padres @ Giants - 6:05pm
Home Team in Caps
TIGERS 3, Braves 2
YANKEES 3, Phillies 2
Cardinals 3, NATIONALS 1
PIRATES 4, Rays 0
BLYE JAYS 3, Red Sox 2
Astros 2, METS 0
ATHLETICS 8, White Sox 2
RANGERS 4, Padres 3
Indians 4, CUBS 2
REDS 12, Brewers 11
DODGERS 13, Diamondbacks 6
MARINERS 4, Royals 3
Giants 6, ROCKIES 5
Orioles 5, TWINS 5
MARLINS 3, Nationals 0
ANGELS 4, Mariners 0
STARTING OUT ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Over the last 5 games, Phillies starting pitchers have combined to post a 3.71 ERA (11 ER, 26.2 IP), 1.01 WHIP (21 H, 6 BB) and have averaged 9.11 SO/9.0 IP (27 SO).
* All five of those starters (Eickhoff, Thompson, Velasquez, Nola and Hellickson) allowed 2 BB or fewer in their outing during that stretch.
* The Phillies currently have 3 starters who rank in the top 10 in the Grapefruit League in strikeouts (Eickhoff T- 2nd- 21; Nola T-7th- 19; Velasquez T-10th- 18).
STAYING GROUNDED
Cardinals pitchers lead the Grapefruit League in groundball/flyball ratio (1.42; 291 ground outs/205 fly outs), trailing the Texas Rangers (1.43) in MLB.
* The Cardinals have induced an MLB-leading 36 double plays and have allowed only 16 home runs (the fewest among all teams).
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE LEADERS
* Tyler Moore has five home runs, ranking tied for third in the Grapefruit League.
* Matt den Dekker is slugging .587, which ranks sixth, while Marcell Ozuna is slugging .565, which ranks 10th.
* Derek Dietrich is tied for second with nine walks; and Hunter Cervenka is tied for second with three saves.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Times are ET
Phillies @ Red Sox -1:05pm
Blue Jays @ Yankees - 1:05pm
Mets @ Braves -1:05pm
Nationals @ Astros - 1:05pm
Tigers @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Rays - 1:05pm
Canada Jr. National @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Diamondbacks @ Angels - 4:05pm
White Sox @ Indians - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Royals - 4:05pm
Reds @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Reds @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Athletics @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Rangers @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Cubs @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Twins @ Orioles - 6:05pm
Padres @ Giants - 6:05pm
Friday, March 24, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.24.2017
WEDNESDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
Yankees 5, RAYS 5
RED SOX 10, Pirates 7
NATIONALS 1, Mets 0
Twins 4, PHILLIES 2
CARDINALS 5, Marlins 3
WHITE SOX 4, Reds 2
INDIANS 8, Rockies 3
ATHLETICS 15, Bucks 5
PADRES 6, Angels 2
Cubs 5, DIAMONDBACKS 5
BRAVES 2, Tigers 1
Dodgers 10, RANGERS 2
Mariners 9, GIANTS 2
RED SOX 10, Pirates 7
NATIONALS 1, Mets 0
Twins 4, PHILLIES 2
CARDINALS 5, Marlins 3
WHITE SOX 4, Reds 2
INDIANS 8, Rockies 3
ATHLETICS 15, Bucks 5
PADRES 6, Angels 2
Cubs 5, DIAMONDBACKS 5
BRAVES 2, Tigers 1
Dodgers 10, RANGERS 2
Mariners 9, GIANTS 2
WALK THE WALK
Through 27 Spring Training games, the Phillies are currently T-4th among all Major League clubs with 104 walks (LAA also 104), trailing only the Milwaukee Brewers (117), Seattle Mariners (115) and Los Angeles Dodgers (110).
* With 104 walks in 27 games, the Phils are currently averaging 3.85 walks per game, more than a half walk more per game than last spring (3.20 BB/G, 93 BB, 29 G).
* Philadelphia’s 104 walks are already more than each of their previous seven springs (2010-16) and their 3.85 walk per game rate is the highest since online data was tracked starting in 2006.
THESE 'BIRDS ARE FLYIN'
The Cardinals have hit a National League best 14 triples this Spring, tied with the Chicago White Sox for the MLB lead.
* 13 different Cardinals have raced out a triple with Randal Grichuk leadingwith two.
* The Cardinals hit 32 triples in 162 games last season.
* The Cardinals have stole 20 bases this Spring andhad 35 during the 2016 season.
* The Cardinals hit 32 triples in 162 games last season.
* The Cardinals have stole 20 bases this Spring andhad 35 during the 2016 season.
STATE OF THE SOX
The Red Sox have won each of their last 3 games and are 6-2-1 in their last 9.
* BOS began its Grapefruit League slate with a 1-5 record but is 12-7-2 since then.
* The Sox are playing 39 games in 38 days during spring training, including 4 exhibition contests.
* The Sox are playing 39 games in 38 days during spring training, including 4 exhibition contests.
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Braves @ Tigers - 1:05pm
Phillies @ Yankees - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Raus @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Astros @ Mets - 1:10pm
White Sox @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Padres @ Rangers - 4:05pm
Indians @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Reds - 4:05pm
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers - 4:10pm
Royals @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Giants @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Orioles @ Twins - 7:05pm
Nationals @ Marlins - 7:05pm
Mariners @ Dodgers - 8:10pm
Phillies @ Yankees - 1:05pm
Cardinals @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Raus @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Red Sox @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Astros @ Mets - 1:10pm
White Sox @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Padres @ Rangers - 4:05pm
Indians @ Cubs - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Reds - 4:05pm
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers - 4:10pm
Royals @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Giants @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Orioles @ Twins - 7:05pm
Nationals @ Marlins - 7:05pm
Mariners @ Dodgers - 8:10pm
Thursday, March 23, 2017
2017 WBC MVP and all-tournament team announced
This evening World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) announced the selections of the 2017 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player and the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic Team. The selections were made by a panel of broadcasters and media members.
United States pitcher Marcus Stroman, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of tonight's WBC Championship Game, has been named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 WBC. Stroman's 15.1 innings pitched, in which he fashioned a 2.35 ERA, were a team high for WBC Champion Team USA. He joins Team Japan pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who earned the honor in both the 2006 and 2009 events, and Dominican Republic second baseman Robinson Canó, who won for the tournament's 2013 edition.
The following players have been selected to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic Team (^ indicates a unanimous choice):
Position
Player
Team
2017 Tournament Statistics
C
YADIER MOLINA^
Puerto Rico
.333, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R
1B
ERIC HOSMER^
USA
.385, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 6 R
2B
JAVIER BÁEZ
Puerto Rico
.308, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 4 SB
3B
CARLOS CORREA
Puerto Rico
.333, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, 10 R*
SS
FRANCISCO LINDOR
Puerto Rico
.370, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 7 R
OF
WLADIMIR BALENTIEN^
Kingdom of the Netherlands
.615, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 1.115 SLG, 10 R*, 29 TB
OF
GREGORY POLANCO
Dominican Republic
.579, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .842 SLG
OF
CHRISTIAN YELICH
USA
.310, 3 RBI, 4 2B, 7 R
DH
CARLOS BELTRÁN
Puerto Rico
.435, 5 RBI, 1 2B, 4 R
P
KODAI SENGA
Japan
0.82 ERA, 11.0 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 16 SO*
P
MARCUS STROMAN (MVP)
USA
1-1, 2.35 ERA, 3 GS, 15.1 IP, 9 SO
P
JOSH ZEID
Israel
0.00 ERA, 2 SV, 10.0 IP, 5 H, 10 SO
The previous all-tournament teams have included:
2006: Catcher Tomoya Satozaki, Japan; first baseman Seung Yeop Lee, Korea; second baseman Yulieski Gourriel of Cuba; third baseman Adrian Beltre, Dominican Republic; shortstop Derek Jeter, USA; outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. of the USA, Jong Beom Lee of Korea and Ichiro Suzuki of Japan; designated hitter Yoandri Garlobo of Cuba; and pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka (MVP) of Japan, Yadel Marti of Cuba and Chan Ho Park of Korea.
2009: Catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Puerto Rico; first baseman Tae Kyun Kim, Korea; second baseman José Lopez, Venezuela; third baseman Bum Ho Lee, Korea; shortstop Jimmy Rollins, USA; outfielders Frederich Cepeda and Yoenis Céspedes of Cuba and Norichika Aoki of Japan; designated hitter Hyun Soo Kim of Korea; and pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka (MVP) and Hisashi Iwakuma of Japan and Jungkeun Bong of Korea.
2013: Catcher Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico; first baseman Edwin Encarnación, Dominican Republic; second baseman Robinson Canó (MVP), Dominican Republic; third baseman David Wright, USA; shortstop José Reyes, Dominican Republic; outfielders Angel Pagán of Puerto Rico, Nelson Cruz of the Dominican Republic and Michael Saunders of Canada; designated hitter Hirokazu Ibata, Japan; and pitchers Kenta Maeda of Japan, Nelson Figueroa of Puerto Rico and Fernando Rodney of the Dominican Republic.
United States pitcher Marcus Stroman, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of tonight's WBC Championship Game, has been named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 WBC. Stroman's 15.1 innings pitched, in which he fashioned a 2.35 ERA, were a team high for WBC Champion Team USA. He joins Team Japan pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who earned the honor in both the 2006 and 2009 events, and Dominican Republic second baseman Robinson Canó, who won for the tournament's 2013 edition.
The following players have been selected to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic Team (^ indicates a unanimous choice):
Position
Player
Team
2017 Tournament Statistics
C
YADIER MOLINA^
Puerto Rico
.333, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R
1B
ERIC HOSMER^
USA
.385, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 6 R
2B
JAVIER BÁEZ
Puerto Rico
.308, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 4 SB
3B
CARLOS CORREA
Puerto Rico
.333, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB, 10 R*
SS
FRANCISCO LINDOR
Puerto Rico
.370, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 7 R
OF
WLADIMIR BALENTIEN^
Kingdom of the Netherlands
.615, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 1.115 SLG, 10 R*, 29 TB
OF
GREGORY POLANCO
Dominican Republic
.579, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .842 SLG
OF
CHRISTIAN YELICH
USA
.310, 3 RBI, 4 2B, 7 R
DH
CARLOS BELTRÁN
Puerto Rico
.435, 5 RBI, 1 2B, 4 R
P
KODAI SENGA
Japan
0.82 ERA, 11.0 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 16 SO*
P
MARCUS STROMAN (MVP)
USA
1-1, 2.35 ERA, 3 GS, 15.1 IP, 9 SO
P
JOSH ZEID
Israel
0.00 ERA, 2 SV, 10.0 IP, 5 H, 10 SO
The previous all-tournament teams have included:
2006: Catcher Tomoya Satozaki, Japan; first baseman Seung Yeop Lee, Korea; second baseman Yulieski Gourriel of Cuba; third baseman Adrian Beltre, Dominican Republic; shortstop Derek Jeter, USA; outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. of the USA, Jong Beom Lee of Korea and Ichiro Suzuki of Japan; designated hitter Yoandri Garlobo of Cuba; and pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka (MVP) of Japan, Yadel Marti of Cuba and Chan Ho Park of Korea.
2009: Catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Puerto Rico; first baseman Tae Kyun Kim, Korea; second baseman José Lopez, Venezuela; third baseman Bum Ho Lee, Korea; shortstop Jimmy Rollins, USA; outfielders Frederich Cepeda and Yoenis Céspedes of Cuba and Norichika Aoki of Japan; designated hitter Hyun Soo Kim of Korea; and pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka (MVP) and Hisashi Iwakuma of Japan and Jungkeun Bong of Korea.
2013: Catcher Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico; first baseman Edwin Encarnación, Dominican Republic; second baseman Robinson Canó (MVP), Dominican Republic; third baseman David Wright, USA; shortstop José Reyes, Dominican Republic; outfielders Angel Pagán of Puerto Rico, Nelson Cruz of the Dominican Republic and Michael Saunders of Canada; designated hitter Hirokazu Ibata, Japan; and pitchers Kenta Maeda of Japan, Nelson Figueroa of Puerto Rico and Fernando Rodney of the Dominican Republic.
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.23.2017
WEDNESDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
ASTROS 8, Twins 4
Yankees 7, PHILLIES 3
CARDINALS 6, Nationals 1
BLUE JAYS 1, Tigers 1
Marlins 15, METS 9
Athletics 5, WHITE SOX 3
ROYALS 6, Padres 2
Giants 6, BREWERS 4
Rangers 7, ANGELS 4
ROCKIES 10, Indians 2
ORIOLES 7, Rays 4
REDS 5, Cubs 2
OUT OF THE PARK
ByungHo Park has a hit in eight of his last 10 games, batting .346 (9-for-26) with one double, two home runs, two RBI and five walks while striking out seven times in those 10 games.
* Park is second among Twins in average (.361, min. 30 AB), hits (13) and RBI (8), and leads the Twins with four home runs.
* Last spring, he hit .259 (15-for-58) with three doubles, three home runs and tied for team-lead with 13 RBI.
* He split last season between Triple-A Rochester and Minnesota.
WELCOME BACK, BOGEY
Today is Xander Bogaerts’ 1st day in Red Sox Major League Spring Training camp since he left on 2/28 to compete with Kingdom of The Netherlands at the World Baseball Classic.
* The Netherlands went 4-3 in the tournament, with Bogaerts starting all 7 games at 3B (5-for-22, 3B, 7 BB, 1 HBP, 2 RBI, 5 R).
* LHP Fernando Abad (Dominican Republic) and minor league OF Mike Meyers (Israel) also represented the Red Sox at the WBC. Abad made 4 appearances for the D.R. (2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO), while Meyers played in 3 games for Israel (0-for-1, BB, 2 R).
SLAMMIN' SAM TRAVIS
Sam Travis has hit .400 and slugged .700 (30-for-75, 6 2B, 5 HR) with 26 RBI in 39 career Grapefruit League games (2015-17).
* Travis ranks in the top 3 among club leaders in HR (T-1st, 3), RBI (T-2nd, 12), hits (T-3rd, 13), SLG (2nd, .676), and OPS (2nd, 1.118).
* He also led BOS with 13 RBI in only 18 Grapefruit League games in 2016.
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Yankees @ Rays - 1:05pm
Pirates @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Mets @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Twins @ Philies - 1:05pm
Marlins @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Reds @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Rockies @ Indians - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Angels @ Padres - 4:10pm
Cubs @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Tigers @ Braves - 6:05pm
Dodgers @ Rangers - 7:05pm
Mariners @ Giants - 9:05pm
Home Team in Caps
ASTROS 8, Twins 4
Yankees 7, PHILLIES 3
CARDINALS 6, Nationals 1
BLUE JAYS 1, Tigers 1
Marlins 15, METS 9
Athletics 5, WHITE SOX 3
ROYALS 6, Padres 2
Giants 6, BREWERS 4
Rangers 7, ANGELS 4
ROCKIES 10, Indians 2
ORIOLES 7, Rays 4
REDS 5, Cubs 2
OUT OF THE PARK
ByungHo Park has a hit in eight of his last 10 games, batting .346 (9-for-26) with one double, two home runs, two RBI and five walks while striking out seven times in those 10 games.
* Park is second among Twins in average (.361, min. 30 AB), hits (13) and RBI (8), and leads the Twins with four home runs.
* Last spring, he hit .259 (15-for-58) with three doubles, three home runs and tied for team-lead with 13 RBI.
* He split last season between Triple-A Rochester and Minnesota.
WELCOME BACK, BOGEY
Today is Xander Bogaerts’ 1st day in Red Sox Major League Spring Training camp since he left on 2/28 to compete with Kingdom of The Netherlands at the World Baseball Classic.
* The Netherlands went 4-3 in the tournament, with Bogaerts starting all 7 games at 3B (5-for-22, 3B, 7 BB, 1 HBP, 2 RBI, 5 R).
* LHP Fernando Abad (Dominican Republic) and minor league OF Mike Meyers (Israel) also represented the Red Sox at the WBC. Abad made 4 appearances for the D.R. (2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO), while Meyers played in 3 games for Israel (0-for-1, BB, 2 R).
SLAMMIN' SAM TRAVIS
Sam Travis has hit .400 and slugged .700 (30-for-75, 6 2B, 5 HR) with 26 RBI in 39 career Grapefruit League games (2015-17).
* Travis ranks in the top 3 among club leaders in HR (T-1st, 3), RBI (T-2nd, 12), hits (T-3rd, 13), SLG (2nd, .676), and OPS (2nd, 1.118).
* He also led BOS with 13 RBI in only 18 Grapefruit League games in 2016.
THURSDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Yankees @ Rays - 1:05pm
Pirates @ Red Sox - 1:05pm
Mets @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Twins @ Philies - 1:05pm
Marlins @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Reds @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Rockies @ Indians - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Athletics - 4:05pm
Angels @ Padres - 4:10pm
Cubs @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Tigers @ Braves - 6:05pm
Dodgers @ Rangers - 7:05pm
Mariners @ Giants - 9:05pm
Pirates option Diaz, Moroff to AAA
The Pittsburgh Pirates option catcher Elias Diaz and infielder Max Moroff to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.
Diaz began the 2016 season on Pittsburgh’s 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Mar. 25) with lateral right elbow discomfort. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow on May 5. Diaz was transferred to the 60-day D.L. on May 19, and began rehab assignment with Bradenton on JUly 4. He went 4-for-5 in his sixth game with the Marauders on July 13 at Dunedin and went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in seventh and final game with Bradenton on July 14. Diaz had rehab transferred to Double-A Altoona on July 16. He played two games with the Curve before having rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 18. He went hitless in four at bats in lone rehab game with Indy on July 19. He was reinstated from the 60-day D.L. and optioned to Indianapolis on July 20. Diaz went 3-for-7 in two games with Indianapolis before being recalled by Pittsburgh on July 23 when Eric Fryer went on the Paternity List.He made his first Major League start on July 24 vs. Philadelphia and went 0-for-4 with an RBI; also picked a runner off second base (Carlos Ruiz) in the fourth inning. Diaz was optioned back to Indianapolis on July 26. He collected a season- high three hits on Aug. 5 vs. Toledo. Diaz played in his final contest on Sep. 1 after suffering a left leg infection. He was treated for cellulitis on his left leg in Pittsburgh on Sep. 5, and was recalled by Pittsburgh and placed on the 60-day disabled list on Sep. 13, but was then reinstated on Nov. 4.
Moroff spent all but one week of the 2016 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he led the International League in walks - the next highest total was 66. He drew multiple walks in a game 23 times, including a pair of three-walk efforts. Moroff tied for third in the league in games, three shy of his career-high of 136 in 2015. He reached base safely in 23 consecutive games from June 12 to July 5, the ninth-longest streak in the league in 2016 (batted .297 with a .465 OBP over that span). Moroff was recalled by Pittsburgh on July 31 and made his Major League debut that afternoon in Milwaukee; struck out as a pinch hitter against lefty Will Smith. He also struck out in a pinch-hitting role on Aug. 3 at Atlanta. Moroff was optioned back to Indianapolis on Aug. 4, and made 61 appearances (60 starts) at second base, 43 appearances (37 starts) at third base and 20 appearances (17 starts) at shortstop while playing with Indianapolis.
Diaz began the 2016 season on Pittsburgh’s 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Mar. 25) with lateral right elbow discomfort. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow on May 5. Diaz was transferred to the 60-day D.L. on May 19, and began rehab assignment with Bradenton on JUly 4. He went 4-for-5 in his sixth game with the Marauders on July 13 at Dunedin and went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in seventh and final game with Bradenton on July 14. Diaz had rehab transferred to Double-A Altoona on July 16. He played two games with the Curve before having rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 18. He went hitless in four at bats in lone rehab game with Indy on July 19. He was reinstated from the 60-day D.L. and optioned to Indianapolis on July 20. Diaz went 3-for-7 in two games with Indianapolis before being recalled by Pittsburgh on July 23 when Eric Fryer went on the Paternity List.He made his first Major League start on July 24 vs. Philadelphia and went 0-for-4 with an RBI; also picked a runner off second base (Carlos Ruiz) in the fourth inning. Diaz was optioned back to Indianapolis on July 26. He collected a season- high three hits on Aug. 5 vs. Toledo. Diaz played in his final contest on Sep. 1 after suffering a left leg infection. He was treated for cellulitis on his left leg in Pittsburgh on Sep. 5, and was recalled by Pittsburgh and placed on the 60-day disabled list on Sep. 13, but was then reinstated on Nov. 4.
Moroff spent all but one week of the 2016 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he led the International League in walks - the next highest total was 66. He drew multiple walks in a game 23 times, including a pair of three-walk efforts. Moroff tied for third in the league in games, three shy of his career-high of 136 in 2015. He reached base safely in 23 consecutive games from June 12 to July 5, the ninth-longest streak in the league in 2016 (batted .297 with a .465 OBP over that span). Moroff was recalled by Pittsburgh on July 31 and made his Major League debut that afternoon in Milwaukee; struck out as a pinch hitter against lefty Will Smith. He also struck out in a pinch-hitting role on Aug. 3 at Atlanta. Moroff was optioned back to Indianapolis on Aug. 4, and made 61 appearances (60 starts) at second base, 43 appearances (37 starts) at third base and 20 appearances (17 starts) at shortstop while playing with Indianapolis.
Dallas Green, who managed Phillies to 1st title, dies at 82
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- As a big league pitcher, Dallas Green was pretty mediocre.
"I was a 20-game winner," he would joke, "it just took me five years to do it."
Instead, it was in another role where the imposing, 6-foot-5 Green really made noise.
"When you think of big, with that deep voice, that booming voice, he could hold a team meeting, boy, he could scare you right out of your seat," Cleveland manager Terry Francona recalled.
Green, the tough-talking, no-nonsense skipper who in 1980 guided the Philadelphia Phillies to their first World Series championship, died Wednesday. He was 82.
The Phillies said Green died at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. He had been in poor health for a while.
Green spent 62 years in baseball as a player, manager, general manager, team president and other roles.
"He was a big man with a big heart and a bigger-than-life personality," Phillies Chairman David Montgomery said in a statement.
As a pitcher, Green went just 20-22 in the 1960s. His most notable distinction on the mound might have been giving up the only grand slam launched by all-time hits leader Pete Rose.
In 1980, with Rose playing first base on a team that included future Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton, Green guided the Phillies to a very elusive crown, ending a drought that stretched back nearly a century.
"Baseball world lost a giant," Rose tweeted. "Dallas was a hell of a guy and a real leader."
He sure got his team's attention midway through that championship season. After a loss in Pittsburgh left the Phils around .500, his clubhouse tirade was so loud that writers outside the locker room at Three Rivers Stadium swore they could hear every word.
Green later managed the New York Yankees - where bombastic owner George Steinbrenner liked the idea of someone being able to stand up to him - and the Mets.
"Dallas was pure and simple a 'true baseball man,'" the Mets said in a statement.
Green also was the GM and president of the Chicago Cubs and made a shrewd trade to get a young infielder from the Phillies, future great Ryne Sandberg. The deal helped turn a long-dormant franchise into a club that came within one win of reaching the 1984 World Series.
"Dallas Green had an eye for talent. Our fans can credit him for acquiring and drafting several of the most accomplished players to wear a Cubs uniform, including Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Greg Maddux and Ryne Sandberg, as well as All-Stars like Shawon Dunston, Mark Grace and Rick Sutcliffe," Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement.
In 2006, the Phillies inducted Green into their Hall of Fame. He spent 46 years overall in the Phillies system and was an adviser to their last four managers, always known for his commanding presence and shock of white hair.
Green was known for his rugged reputation and embraced it. Yet he was left in tears in 2011 when his 9-year-old granddaughter, Christina-Taylor Green, was shot and killed outside a grocery store in Tucson, Arizona, as she went to see U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Six people were killed in the mass shooting as Giffords met with constituents.
"I'm supposed to be a tough sucker, but I'm not very tough when it comes to this," Green said at the time.
Francona witnessed the effect her death had on Green.
"I know when that happened with his granddaughter, the shooting, I know that that just tore him apart," he said. "I saw him at a golf tournament for that, about a year and a half ago, and you could tell that just ate him alive."
"I don't know if he was sick, but maybe he's happier now," Francona said.
Born and raised in Delaware, George Dallas Green is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia; four children; and five grandchildren.
US routs Puerto Rico 8-0 to win WBC behind dominant Stroman
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Marcus Stroman tossed six hitless innings, Ian Kinsler slugged a two-run homer and the United States routed Puerto Rico 8-0 on Wednesday night to win its first World Baseball Classic in four tries.
Stroman dominated the tournament's highest-scoring team. Puerto Rico lost for the first time in eight games after outscoring the opposition 55-26. The U.S. territory finished runner-up for the second time, having lost to the Dominican Republic in the 2013 final.
Stroman, who was named the tournament's MVP, avenged his shakiness in the Americans' 6-5 loss to Puerto Rico during pool play. The right-hander from the Toronto Blue Jays retired the side on three grounders to open the game. In all, he gave up one hit, struck out three and walked one on 73 pitches.
He allowed just three balls past the infield until Angel Pagan's double in the left-field corner leading off the seventh, when Stroman departed to a standing ovation, having staked the Americans to a 7-0 lead.
Stroman walked Carlos Beltran leading off the second, but the defense helped him out. Yadier Molina hit the ball to shortstop Brandon Crawford, who started a double play before Stroman struck out Javier Baez to end the inning.
The U.S. pounded out 13 hits and finished with a 6-2 record while making the final for the first time in front of 51,565 at Dodger Stadium.
Kinsler homered off an 0-1 pitch from Seth Lugo into left-center field in the third, scoring Jonathan Lucroy, who singled leading off.
Lugo of the New York Mets allowed four runs and five hits, struck out seven and walked four in four innings. The right-hander won his first two starts of the tournament, including in the second round against Stroman and the U.S.
In that game, Stroman gave up six consecutive singles in a four-run first inning and took the loss against Puerto Rico last Friday in San Diego.
The Americans made it 4-0 in the fifth on RBI singles by Christian Yelich and Andrew McCutchen.
Fans wore flags of both countries as capes and decorated their faces in team colors. Puerto Rico boosters pounded cowbells, tooted horns and blew whistles early on before their team fell behind 4-0.
Fans were on their feet chanting "U-S-A" when the Americans loaded the bases in the seventh with two outs. They were rewarded with Crawford's two-run single that chased J.C. Romero, extending the lead to 6-0.
The U.S. tacked on another run on Giancarlo Stanton's RBI single off Hiram Burgos past diving shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Burgos' wild pitch moved runners to second and third before he walked Lucroy to load the bases a second time. Kinsler flied out to end the inning.
The Americans led 8-0 in the eighth on McCutchen's RBI single with two outs.
The U.S. defeated two-time champion Japan, while Puerto Rico beat the Netherlands to reach the final.
The three games at Dodger Stadium drew 109,892.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.22.2017
TUESDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
Blue Jays 5, ORIOLES 2
Phillies 9, TWINS 5
NATIONALS 3, Braves 1
PIRATES 5, Rays 4
Astros 2, MARLINS 1
Angels 9, REDS 1
Brewers 5, DODGERS 4
GIANTS 5, Padres 3
DIAMONDBACKS 4, Royals 2
Red Sox 4, YANKEES 2
RANGERS 4, White Sox 3
Atletics 8, MARINERS 5
EVERYDAY ESCY
Eduardo Escobar is in his ninth spring training, his fifth with the Twins (4 with Chicago-AL from 2009-12).
* He is hitting .273 (9-for-33) with two RBI in 13 spring games.
* In his spring career, he is hitting .300 (101-for-337).
* He was the Twins winner of the Carl R. Pohlad Award in 2016 for Outstanding Community Service
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE LEADERS
The St. Louis Cardinals at 14-7-3 have posted their most spring wins since 2013 (16-14-1).
* St. Louis is currently 3rd in the Grapefruit League standings, trailing only the Yankees (18-7) & Pirates (16-7).
* Cardinals pitchers are 2nd in the Grapefruit League in groundball/flyball ratio (1.30; 248 ground outs/191 fly outs), trailing only Baltimore’s staff (1.38).
* The Cardinals have induced a league-leading 30 double plays and have allowed only 16 home runs (the fewest among the Florida based teams).
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Twins @ Astros - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Phillies - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Tigers @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Marlins @ Mets - 1:10pm
Athletics @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Padres @ Royals - 4:05pm
Giants @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Rangers @ Angels - 4:10pm
Angels @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Indians @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Rays @ Orioles - 6:05pm
Cubs @ Reds - 9:05pm
Home Team in Caps
Blue Jays 5, ORIOLES 2
Phillies 9, TWINS 5
NATIONALS 3, Braves 1
PIRATES 5, Rays 4
Astros 2, MARLINS 1
Angels 9, REDS 1
Brewers 5, DODGERS 4
GIANTS 5, Padres 3
DIAMONDBACKS 4, Royals 2
Red Sox 4, YANKEES 2
RANGERS 4, White Sox 3
Atletics 8, MARINERS 5
EVERYDAY ESCY
Eduardo Escobar is in his ninth spring training, his fifth with the Twins (4 with Chicago-AL from 2009-12).
* He is hitting .273 (9-for-33) with two RBI in 13 spring games.
* In his spring career, he is hitting .300 (101-for-337).
* He was the Twins winner of the Carl R. Pohlad Award in 2016 for Outstanding Community Service
GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE LEADERS
The St. Louis Cardinals at 14-7-3 have posted their most spring wins since 2013 (16-14-1).
* St. Louis is currently 3rd in the Grapefruit League standings, trailing only the Yankees (18-7) & Pirates (16-7).
* Cardinals pitchers are 2nd in the Grapefruit League in groundball/flyball ratio (1.30; 248 ground outs/191 fly outs), trailing only Baltimore’s staff (1.38).
* The Cardinals have induced a league-leading 30 double plays and have allowed only 16 home runs (the fewest among the Florida based teams).
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Twins @ Astros - 1:05pm
Yankees @ Phillies - 1:05pm
Nationals @ Cardinals - 1:05pm
Tigers @ Blue Jays - 1:07pm
Marlins @ Mets - 1:10pm
Athletics @ White Sox - 4:05pm
Padres @ Royals - 4:05pm
Giants @ Brewers - 4:05pm
Rangers @ Angels - 4:10pm
Angels @ Mariners - 4:10pm
Indians @ Rockies - 4:10pm
Rays @ Orioles - 6:05pm
Cubs @ Reds - 9:05pm
US edges Japan 2-1, advances to WBC championship game
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Luke Gregerson's final strike breezed past Nobuhiro Matsuda, and the rain-drenched American players celebrated on the field while a soaked crowd roared through the evening mist.
A daylong downpour couldn't dampen this resilient United States club or its fans, who will finally get to root for the home team in a World Baseball Classic championship game.
Brandon Crawford scored the tiebreaking run when Matsuda bobbled Adam Jones' grounder to third in the eighth inning, and the United States reached the WBC final for the first time by beating Japan 2-1 on Tuesday night at rainy Dodger Stadium.
Andrew McCutchen drove in an early run for the U.S., which will play Puerto Rico for the title Wednesday night. Puerto Rico edged the Netherlands 4-3 in 11 innings Monday.
"It means a heck of a lot," said McCutchen, the Pittsburgh Pirates slugger. "We've got a great group of guys on this team who have dedicated this time to be able to try and win some ballgames. Sacrifices had to be made, and there are no egos when that door opens. That's what's good about this team. Everybody is a superstar on this team. There are no egos."
The World Baseball Classic final has been played in the United States in each of its four editions, but the home team had never been able to play America's pastime on what has become its biggest international stage. The U.S. only reached the semifinals once before, in 2009.
While manager Jim Leyland's current roster is missing Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout and many other American superstars, the All-Star-laden group that decided to participate has won two straight elimination games to earn a chance for the U.S.' first crown.
"Coming into this event, I didn't really want to talk about the fact that the United States has never won it (and) they've never gone to the finals," Leyland said. "I didn't think that was a big deal. I wanted this, for the players, to be a memory. I've talked a lot about it. Make a memory. Hopefully it's a real good one, regardless of the results (Wednesday). I know it is for me. It's been an absolute honor."
To reach the final, the Americans had to persevere through an uncharacteristic Los Angeles rain that drenched the playing field several hours before game time. They also had to beat a gifted Japanese team at its own game: pitching, defense and small ball.
Ryosuke Kikuchi hit a tying homer off reliever Nate Jones in the sixth inning for Japan, but the two-time WBC champions were twice let down by their normally sturdy defense.
McCutchen opened the scoring with an RBI single in the fourth moments after Kikuchi's two-base error at second. In the eighth, Crawford likely would have been out at the plate on Jones' innocent grounder, but Matsuda didn't field it cleanly and had to throw to first.
"Well, two plays," Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo said through a translator. "Honestly, there were some mistakes, and then a run was scored. ... The team that makes mistakes will lose. That's what it means. I cannot blame them, though, for doing that."
Japan won the first two WBC tournaments before losing in the 2013 semifinals, and Kokubo's current team was unbeaten in this event.
"The players really did their very best," Kokubo said. "I really appreciate it. It's do-or-die, one semifinal."
Tanner Roark pitched four scoreless innings of two-hit ball before Leyland pulled him on the instructions of the Washington Nationals, who limited Roark to 50 pitches because he hadn't faced live hitters in nine days.
"I felt good enough to stay out there," Roark said.
Gregerson, the Americans' sixth reliever, worked a perfect ninth inning after Pat Neshek escaped a two-on jam in the eighth.
Leyland is confident he'll have a capable bullpen Wednesday after receiving texts from various pitching coaches around the majors on the status of their players. Toronto's Marcus Stroman, the starter, is free to reach the WBC's 95-pitch limit, Leyland confirmed.
Although the crowd of 33,462 strongly favored the team with five California natives in the starting lineup, thousands of Japanese fans showed up early and chanted throughout the game, accompanied by the brass band in the left-field bleachers.
Tomoyuki Sugano, the Yomiuri Giants ace with a seven-pitch repertoire, tossed six innings of three-hit ball for Japan, striking out six and yielding only one unearned run.
But Sugano was matched by Roark, who gave up just two singles and a walk in his four innings, also hitting a batter with a pitch.
After Christian Yelich reached second in the fourth inning when his hard-hit grounder was mishandled by Kikuchi, the standout defensive second baseman, Eric Hosmer worked out of an 0-2 count to draw a two-out walk.
McCutchen had just two hits in his first 14 at-bats in the WBC, but he drove in Yelich with a sharp single to left.
Kikuchi made up for his mistake in the sixth, driving Jones' fastball barely over the reach of McCutchen in right field for his first homer of the tournament.
Japan reliever Kodai Senga struck out the first four batters he faced with a 96 mph fastball and exceptional off-speed stuff, but Crawford then delivered a sharp single before Ian Kinsler doubled to deep left-center.
Neshek got cleanup hitter Yoshimoto Tsutsugoh on a fly to right to end the eighth.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Spring Training Daily Report - 3.21.2017
MONDAY'S SCORES
Home Team in Caps
RED SOX 7, Orioles 1
TIGERS 5, Mets 1
Marlins 9, BRAVES 3
Yankees 9, NATIONALS 3
Pirates 5, RAYS 4
Twins 8, BLUE JAYS 2
Giants 3, WHITE SOX 2
INDIANS 14, Dodgers 5
Reds 10, ROYALS 6
Cubs 9, ROCKIES 6
Cardinals 12, ASTROS 6
Diamondbacks 10, ATHLETICS 6
PADRES 3, Rangers 2
YANKEES DOING QUITE WELL THIS SPRING
On Monday, the Yankees beat the Nationals, 9-3, at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. DH Matt Holliday (1-for-3) connected on his third HR, a two-run shot in the fifth. 1B Greg Bird (2-for-3, 1R, 1 double) has six multi-hit games this spring. SS Gleyber Torres (1-for-1) hit a two-run double in the eighth. CF Brett Gardner (1-for-4, 2RBI) stole his first base of the spring. RF Billy McKinney (2-for-2) added a pair of singles and is hitting .450 (9-for-20) this spring. RHP Michael Pineda started and earned the win, allowing 3ER in 1.2IP (1H, 2BB, 1K, 46pit./27stk.). The Yankees bullpen tossed 7.1 scoreless innings, including 3.1IP by RHP Chad Green (2H, 1BB, 2K, 47pit./27stk.). RHP Jonathan Holder retired all 6BF in 2.0IP.
* This spring, Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in ERA (3.54) and WHIP (1.13). Their .209 opp. BA is also best in the Majors (2nd: TB-.244).
* This spring, Yankees batters are second in the Majors with 35HR (MIL-37) and also lead the Grapefruit League with 143R and a .827 OPS.
* This spring, 1B Greg Bird leads the Majors with 11XBH (6 doubles, 1 triple, 4HR) and is tied with C Gary Sánchez for ninth in MLB in HRs.
* RHP Masahiro Tanaka's 13.1 scoreless innings (3H, 2BB, 19K) are the most by any pitcher who has not allowed a run this spring.
TUESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Blue Jays @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Philliess @ Twins - 1:05pm
Braves @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Rays @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Astros @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Angels @ Reds - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Padres @ Giants - 4:05pm
Royals @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Red Sox @ Yankees - 6:35pm
White Sox @ Rangers - 9:05pm
Athletics @ Mariners - 10:10pm
ATHLETICS, MARINERS FACE OFF IN PEORIA
The Oakland Athletics (11-10 this spring) will visit the Seattle Mariners (15-9 this spring) at the Peoria Sports Complex at 10:10pm ET/7:10Pm PT in Peoria, Arizona in a late-night matchup of two teams with good records this Spring.
* The Athletics are 4-5 away, while the Mariners are 7-4 at home this spring.
Home Team in Caps
RED SOX 7, Orioles 1
TIGERS 5, Mets 1
Marlins 9, BRAVES 3
Yankees 9, NATIONALS 3
Pirates 5, RAYS 4
Twins 8, BLUE JAYS 2
Giants 3, WHITE SOX 2
INDIANS 14, Dodgers 5
Reds 10, ROYALS 6
Cubs 9, ROCKIES 6
Cardinals 12, ASTROS 6
Diamondbacks 10, ATHLETICS 6
PADRES 3, Rangers 2
YANKEES DOING QUITE WELL THIS SPRING
On Monday, the Yankees beat the Nationals, 9-3, at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. DH Matt Holliday (1-for-3) connected on his third HR, a two-run shot in the fifth. 1B Greg Bird (2-for-3, 1R, 1 double) has six multi-hit games this spring. SS Gleyber Torres (1-for-1) hit a two-run double in the eighth. CF Brett Gardner (1-for-4, 2RBI) stole his first base of the spring. RF Billy McKinney (2-for-2) added a pair of singles and is hitting .450 (9-for-20) this spring. RHP Michael Pineda started and earned the win, allowing 3ER in 1.2IP (1H, 2BB, 1K, 46pit./27stk.). The Yankees bullpen tossed 7.1 scoreless innings, including 3.1IP by RHP Chad Green (2H, 1BB, 2K, 47pit./27stk.). RHP Jonathan Holder retired all 6BF in 2.0IP.
* This spring, Yankees pitchers lead the Majors in ERA (3.54) and WHIP (1.13). Their .209 opp. BA is also best in the Majors (2nd: TB-.244).
* This spring, Yankees batters are second in the Majors with 35HR (MIL-37) and also lead the Grapefruit League with 143R and a .827 OPS.
* This spring, 1B Greg Bird leads the Majors with 11XBH (6 doubles, 1 triple, 4HR) and is tied with C Gary Sánchez for ninth in MLB in HRs.
* RHP Masahiro Tanaka's 13.1 scoreless innings (3H, 2BB, 19K) are the most by any pitcher who has not allowed a run this spring.
TUESDAY'S GAMES
Times are ET
Blue Jays @ Orioles - 1:05pm
Philliess @ Twins - 1:05pm
Braves @ Nationals - 1:05pm
Rays @ Pirates - 1:05pm
Astros @ Marlins - 1:05pm
Angels @ Reds - 4:05pm
Brewers @ Dodgers - 4:05pm
Padres @ Giants - 4:05pm
Royals @ Diamondbacks - 4:10pm
Red Sox @ Yankees - 6:35pm
White Sox @ Rangers - 9:05pm
Athletics @ Mariners - 10:10pm
ATHLETICS, MARINERS FACE OFF IN PEORIA
The Oakland Athletics (11-10 this spring) will visit the Seattle Mariners (15-9 this spring) at the Peoria Sports Complex at 10:10pm ET/7:10Pm PT in Peoria, Arizona in a late-night matchup of two teams with good records this Spring.
* The Athletics are 4-5 away, while the Mariners are 7-4 at home this spring.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Yankees defeat Blue Jays 11-5
On Thursday, the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 11-5, in Dunedin.
Yankees batters scored seven of their 11 runs in the game’s final three innings (1R in the seventh, 2R in the eighth and 4R in the ninth).
RHP Luis Cessa started and recorded a no decision in 1 .2 IP (6H, 4ER, 1BB, 2K). RHP Bryan Mitchell pitched in relief, allowing 1ER in 3 .0IP (2H, 1BB, 5K). RHP James Kaprielian earned the win in his spring debut, tossing 2 .0 scoreless innings (1BB, 3K).
LF Aaron Hicks (2-for-3), 1B Rob Refsnyder (1-for-3), 2B Starlin Castro (2-for-3) and LF Clint Frazier (2-for-3, 2RBI) each hit solo HRs.
1B Ji-Man Choi (1-for-2, 2RBI) and CF Mason Williams (1-for-1, 2RBI) also had multi-RBI games
Yankees batters scored seven of their 11 runs in the game’s final three innings (1R in the seventh, 2R in the eighth and 4R in the ninth).
RHP Luis Cessa started and recorded a no decision in 1 .2 IP (6H, 4ER, 1BB, 2K). RHP Bryan Mitchell pitched in relief, allowing 1ER in 3 .0IP (2H, 1BB, 5K). RHP James Kaprielian earned the win in his spring debut, tossing 2 .0 scoreless innings (1BB, 3K).
LF Aaron Hicks (2-for-3), 1B Rob Refsnyder (1-for-3), 2B Starlin Castro (2-for-3) and LF Clint Frazier (2-for-3, 2RBI) each hit solo HRs.
1B Ji-Man Choi (1-for-2, 2RBI) and CF Mason Williams (1-for-1, 2RBI) also had multi-RBI games
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Nova, Sale start as Pirates, Red Sox play at JetBlue Park
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to visit the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers at 6:05pm ET.
Ivan Nova is expected to start for the Bucs against Boston's LHP Chris Sale. Edgar Santana, A.J. Schugel , Dan Runzler and Dovydas Neverauskas are also scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh.
The 30-year-old righthander Nova is making his third Grapefruit League start tonight. He most recently threw 62 pitches (4.0ip) in a minor league game at Pirate City on March 11.
Sale is 1-0 this spring with a 1.50 ERA.
Ivan Nova is expected to start for the Bucs against Boston's LHP Chris Sale. Edgar Santana, A.J. Schugel , Dan Runzler and Dovydas Neverauskas are also scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh.
The 30-year-old righthander Nova is making his third Grapefruit League start tonight. He most recently threw 62 pitches (4.0ip) in a minor league game at Pirate City on March 11.
Sale is 1-0 this spring with a 1.50 ERA.
Cessa, Sanchez start as Yankees and Blue Jays face off
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The New York Yankees (14-5 this spring) will face the Toronto Blue Jays (5-11 this spring) at the Florida Auto EXchange Stadium in Dunedin, Florida on Thursday. The game is listed as a 1:05pm ET start.
Today's game is the third of five between these two teams this spring.
Yankees RHP Luis Cessa (0-0, 3 .00 ERA) will make his second spring start. Cessa was scratched from his scheduled start on 3/10 (illness). He last pitched on 3/5 vs . Pittsburgh, earning the save (2 .0IP, 2H, 1R/0ER, 2K). Cessa started and allowed 2ER in 2 .0 IP (2H, 1BB, 1K, 1WP, 40pit ./24str .) on 2/28 at Boston, and tossed 2 .0 scoreless innings (2K) on 2/24 vs . Philadelphia.
The Blue Jays will start RHP Aaron Sanchez (0-0, 10.80 ERA). Sanchez went 15-2 in 192.0 IP in 2016, with a 3.00 ERA in 30 starts in 30 games pitched.
Today's game is the third of five between these two teams this spring.
Yankees RHP Luis Cessa (0-0, 3 .00 ERA) will make his second spring start. Cessa was scratched from his scheduled start on 3/10 (illness). He last pitched on 3/5 vs . Pittsburgh, earning the save (2 .0IP, 2H, 1R/0ER, 2K). Cessa started and allowed 2ER in 2 .0 IP (2H, 1BB, 1K, 1WP, 40pit ./24str .) on 2/28 at Boston, and tossed 2 .0 scoreless innings (2K) on 2/24 vs . Philadelphia.
The Blue Jays will start RHP Aaron Sanchez (0-0, 10.80 ERA). Sanchez went 15-2 in 192.0 IP in 2016, with a 3.00 ERA in 30 starts in 30 games pitched.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Puerto Rico defeats DR 3-1
For the first time since 2009, the Dominican Republic suffered a loss in the World Baseball Classic. In a rematch of the last Classic's title game, Puerto Rico defeated the reigning champions, 3-1, on Tuesday night in the Pool F opener at Petco Park.
"The motivation was there," Puerto Rican manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "We were waiting for this for four years."
After a day of rest, the Dominican Republic resumes play Thursday against Venezuela at 10 p.m. ET. It's a must win for the Dominican team, which could fall out of contention with a second loss in Pool F.
A Friday evening matchup with Team USA looms for Puerto Rico after two days off.
Eickhofd has best start of sleing as Phillies beat Braves 9-0
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff had his best start of the spring Tuesday afternoon in a 9-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a Grapefruit League game at Spectrum Field.
"I was attacking the zone a lot better today," said Eickhoff, who pitched so efficiently he had to throw more pitches in the bullpen afterward. "I had a good feel for my pitches today. I had some good, clean innings."
Braves right-hander Aaron Blair allowed six hits, three runs, one walk and struck out three in four innings. Phillies left fielder Tyler Goeddel tripled to score two runs in the second. Cesar Hernandez singled to score Goeddel to hand the Phillies a 3-0 lead. Brock Stassi also tripled and homered in his quest to make the Phillies' bench.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
DR, Puerto Rico face off in WBC 2017 Group F matchup
Tonight in San Diego, we'll see a 2017 World Baseball Classic Group F matchup between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Both teams are 3-0 in WBC 2017. Puerto Rico has outscored three opponents, 29-7.
The Dominicans are running their winning streak going back to the 2013 tournament to 11 games. In the 2017 classic, They trailed Team USA, 5-0, before rallying to win, 7-5, on Saturday. On Sunday, they needed seven runs in the 10th inning to beat the Colombian team, 10-3.
The last time these two teams faced in the Classic was in the 2013 Championship Game at AT&T Park. The Dominicans won 3-0.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Yes in-Didi: Gregorius powers Dutch past Israel
By Danny Knobler / Special to MLB.com
TOKYO -- Four years ago, the Netherlands were the World Baseball Classic's surprise team. Now, the Dutch are an offensive powerhouse, trying to slug their way back to the semifinals.
The Netherlands moved a step closer with a 12-2 win over Israel on Monday at Tokyo Dome, handing the surprise team of WBC 2017 its first loss in the tournament in a game shortened to eight innings by the early-termination rule. Didi Gregorius of the Yankees doubled, homered and drove in five runs as the Dutch evened their second-round record at 1-1.
Israel is also 1-1, meaning the two teams that advance from Pool E can't be decided before Wednesday's doubleheader. The Netherlands and Israel don't play Tuesday, when Japan (1-0) will face Cuba (0-1) at 6 a.m. ET on MLB.TV and MLB Network.
Israel likely needs a win over Japan on Wednesday (6 a.m. ET) for a chance to advance to the semifinals. The Netherlands' final scheduled second-round game is against Cuba (Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET).
Netherlands starter Jair Jurrjens, who pitched in the Major Leagues for eight seasons with the Tigers, Braves, Orioles and Rockies, held Israel to one run in six impressive innings. Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons, Wladimir Balentien and Yurendell de Caster each had three hits for the Netherlands.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Coco, Coco: Balentien is a local star, having played the past six seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and set a Japanese single-season record with 60 home runs in 2013. So Japanese fans came to Monday's game with signs showing his nickname, "Coco." They also serenaded him with "Coco, Coco Balentien" when he came to the plate. In two games at Tokyo Dome the past two days, Balentien has a home run, three singles and five RBIs.
Rough night for Baker: Israel has a strong bullpen, but the Israelis need to get to it with a chance to win. That happened Sunday when Jason Marquis went into the sixth inning against Cuba, but Cardinals right-hander Corey Baker didn't get an out in the third inning against the Netherlands.
Bunting for runs: Netherlands manager Hensley Meulens opted against having Jurickson Profar bunt when the 11th inning began with runners at first and second Sunday against Japan. Profar did bunt with first and second, none out in the third inning Monday. A big difference: Balentien had been removed for a pinch-runner Sunday. He came up behind Profar on Monday and delivered a two-run single.
Didi the DH: There's nothing wrong with the way Gregorius plays shortstop, but Simmons is one of the best defenders in the world at the position. So Gregorius has been the Netherlands' designated hitter for four of the first five games in the tournament. He was 6-for-16 (.412) in the first four games, and had a run-scoring double and a three-run home run in the first four innings against Israel.
TOKYO -- Four years ago, the Netherlands were the World Baseball Classic's surprise team. Now, the Dutch are an offensive powerhouse, trying to slug their way back to the semifinals.
The Netherlands moved a step closer with a 12-2 win over Israel on Monday at Tokyo Dome, handing the surprise team of WBC 2017 its first loss in the tournament in a game shortened to eight innings by the early-termination rule. Didi Gregorius of the Yankees doubled, homered and drove in five runs as the Dutch evened their second-round record at 1-1.
Israel is also 1-1, meaning the two teams that advance from Pool E can't be decided before Wednesday's doubleheader. The Netherlands and Israel don't play Tuesday, when Japan (1-0) will face Cuba (0-1) at 6 a.m. ET on MLB.TV and MLB Network.
Israel likely needs a win over Japan on Wednesday (6 a.m. ET) for a chance to advance to the semifinals. The Netherlands' final scheduled second-round game is against Cuba (Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET).
Netherlands starter Jair Jurrjens, who pitched in the Major Leagues for eight seasons with the Tigers, Braves, Orioles and Rockies, held Israel to one run in six impressive innings. Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons, Wladimir Balentien and Yurendell de Caster each had three hits for the Netherlands.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Coco, Coco: Balentien is a local star, having played the past six seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and set a Japanese single-season record with 60 home runs in 2013. So Japanese fans came to Monday's game with signs showing his nickname, "Coco." They also serenaded him with "Coco, Coco Balentien" when he came to the plate. In two games at Tokyo Dome the past two days, Balentien has a home run, three singles and five RBIs.
Rough night for Baker: Israel has a strong bullpen, but the Israelis need to get to it with a chance to win. That happened Sunday when Jason Marquis went into the sixth inning against Cuba, but Cardinals right-hander Corey Baker didn't get an out in the third inning against the Netherlands.
Bunting for runs: Netherlands manager Hensley Meulens opted against having Jurickson Profar bunt when the 11th inning began with runners at first and second Sunday against Japan. Profar did bunt with first and second, none out in the third inning Monday. A big difference: Balentien had been removed for a pinch-runner Sunday. He came up behind Profar on Monday and delivered a two-run single.
Didi the DH: There's nothing wrong with the way Gregorius plays shortstop, but Simmons is one of the best defenders in the world at the position. So Gregorius has been the Netherlands' designated hitter for four of the first five games in the tournament. He was 6-for-16 (.412) in the first four games, and had a run-scoring double and a three-run home run in the first four innings against Israel.
Mexico edges Venezuela but out of Classic
By Manny Randhawa / MLB.com
In a wild game with huge implications for Pool D of the World Baseball Classic, Mexico held off Venezuela in an 11-9 victory on Sunday night at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco.
As a result, Mexico, Venezuela and Italy all finished with records of 1-2 in pool play. Under Classic tiebreaker rules, the two teams with the fewest runs allowed per defensive inning among the teams tied during the tournament play a tiebreaker, and the other is eliminated.
Major League Baseball announced that Venezuela (1.11 runs allowed per defensive inning) and Italy (1.05 runs allowed) will play tonight at 9 p.m. ET to determine which team from Pool D joins Puerto Rico in the second round. Mexico filed a protest after the game.
The razor-thin margin that decided the tiebreaker is reflective of how three evenly matched these 1-2 teams are. And given the fact that they all lost to Puerto Rico and allowed at least a run per inning in the games against the other two, no team had an obvious case for advancement.
Mexico protested that ruling based on how those figures were calculated. The general manager of Team Mexico, Kundy Gutierrez, told reporters after the game that discussions regarding the ruling were taking place between MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre and senior vice president of baseball operations Kim Ng. The ruling was later confirmed, and Venezuela will play Italy for the Pool D tiebreaker.
Mexico finished with 1.12 runs allowed per defensive inning, edged out by the slimmest of margins by Venezuela with Sunday's head-to-head outcome. Even though Mexico gave up five runs in the ninth inning of a loss to Italy on Thursday, only eight defensive innings were counted from that game toward the calculation because an out was never recorded in the ninth.
Mexico jumped out to an early 8-1 lead, thanks in large part to a pair of three-run homers from Esteban Quiroz and Brandon Laird. But Venezuela refused to go quietly, scoring eight times between the fifth and seventh innings.
Martin Prado continued to swing a hot bat for Venezuela, driving in two runs with a single and a double. Robinson Chirinos and Victor Martinez each drove in two, with Martinez homering in the seventh.
Roberto Osuna, who was unable to close out Italy despite a four-run lead in the ninth inning of Mexico's Classic opener, got the final two outs after the tying runs reached base.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Pouncing on Petit: For the second time in four Classic at-bats, Quiroz launched a home run, this one a three-run shot with two outs in the second inning off Venezuela starter Yusmeiro Petit to give Mexico a 5-0 lead. Quiroz battled back from an 0-2 count and capped a nine-pitch at-bat with the blast over the right-field wall.
Primetime Prado: On the heels of a 5-for-5 performance in Venezuela's 11-10 victory over Italy on Saturday, Prado stroked an RBI single to right-center field against Mexico starter Luis Mendoza in the third. Prado drove in another run with a fifth-inning double.
Laird leaves the yard: Laird gave Mexico additional breathing room with a three-run homer to left off Venezuela's Wil Ledezma in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 8-1. Laird, an infielder for the Yankees and Astros from 2011-13, has spent the last two seasons playing in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball organization, hitting 73 homers in that span for the Nippon Ham Fighters.
Roberson to the rescue: With Mexico's advantage cut from seven runs to three by the seventh inning, pinch-hitter Chris Roberson delivered a two-run infield single. Second baseman Jose Altuve dove to his left and nearly corralled the sharp grounder, but he could only knock it down in short right field.
'V' is for Venezuela -- and V-Mart: Venezuela responded yet again in the seventh, with Martinez belting a two-run homer just inside the right-field foul pole off Venezuela reliever Sergio Romo. The blast pulled Venezuela to within three runs, at 11-8.
Osuna's redemption: Three days after he was unable to close out Italy despite a four-run lead in the ninth inning, Osuna got the final two outs against Venezuela. The right-hander yielded a single to Alcides Escobar and walked Ender Inciarte, but then struck out Chirinos and got Altuve to fly out.
QUOTABLE
"The offense had a difficult time coming from behind in all the games. We received runs early, and we have been against a wall all the time. We have done a lot in order to score some runs and come back in games, and that wasn't the mentality that we had or we thought we were going to play with. With the players we have, I thought we were going to play better ball, but it has cost us because we have been coming from behind all the time." -- Venezuela manager Omar Vizquel
WHAT'S NEXT
Venezuela: A tiebreaker with Italy on Monday at 9 p.m. ET awaits Venezuela, with the winner moving on to Round 2 of the Classic, and the loser eliminated.
In a wild game with huge implications for Pool D of the World Baseball Classic, Mexico held off Venezuela in an 11-9 victory on Sunday night at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco.
As a result, Mexico, Venezuela and Italy all finished with records of 1-2 in pool play. Under Classic tiebreaker rules, the two teams with the fewest runs allowed per defensive inning among the teams tied during the tournament play a tiebreaker, and the other is eliminated.
Major League Baseball announced that Venezuela (1.11 runs allowed per defensive inning) and Italy (1.05 runs allowed) will play tonight at 9 p.m. ET to determine which team from Pool D joins Puerto Rico in the second round. Mexico filed a protest after the game.
The razor-thin margin that decided the tiebreaker is reflective of how three evenly matched these 1-2 teams are. And given the fact that they all lost to Puerto Rico and allowed at least a run per inning in the games against the other two, no team had an obvious case for advancement.
Mexico protested that ruling based on how those figures were calculated. The general manager of Team Mexico, Kundy Gutierrez, told reporters after the game that discussions regarding the ruling were taking place between MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre and senior vice president of baseball operations Kim Ng. The ruling was later confirmed, and Venezuela will play Italy for the Pool D tiebreaker.
Mexico finished with 1.12 runs allowed per defensive inning, edged out by the slimmest of margins by Venezuela with Sunday's head-to-head outcome. Even though Mexico gave up five runs in the ninth inning of a loss to Italy on Thursday, only eight defensive innings were counted from that game toward the calculation because an out was never recorded in the ninth.
Mexico jumped out to an early 8-1 lead, thanks in large part to a pair of three-run homers from Esteban Quiroz and Brandon Laird. But Venezuela refused to go quietly, scoring eight times between the fifth and seventh innings.
Martin Prado continued to swing a hot bat for Venezuela, driving in two runs with a single and a double. Robinson Chirinos and Victor Martinez each drove in two, with Martinez homering in the seventh.
Roberto Osuna, who was unable to close out Italy despite a four-run lead in the ninth inning of Mexico's Classic opener, got the final two outs after the tying runs reached base.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Pouncing on Petit: For the second time in four Classic at-bats, Quiroz launched a home run, this one a three-run shot with two outs in the second inning off Venezuela starter Yusmeiro Petit to give Mexico a 5-0 lead. Quiroz battled back from an 0-2 count and capped a nine-pitch at-bat with the blast over the right-field wall.
Primetime Prado: On the heels of a 5-for-5 performance in Venezuela's 11-10 victory over Italy on Saturday, Prado stroked an RBI single to right-center field against Mexico starter Luis Mendoza in the third. Prado drove in another run with a fifth-inning double.
Laird leaves the yard: Laird gave Mexico additional breathing room with a three-run homer to left off Venezuela's Wil Ledezma in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 8-1. Laird, an infielder for the Yankees and Astros from 2011-13, has spent the last two seasons playing in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball organization, hitting 73 homers in that span for the Nippon Ham Fighters.
Roberson to the rescue: With Mexico's advantage cut from seven runs to three by the seventh inning, pinch-hitter Chris Roberson delivered a two-run infield single. Second baseman Jose Altuve dove to his left and nearly corralled the sharp grounder, but he could only knock it down in short right field.
'V' is for Venezuela -- and V-Mart: Venezuela responded yet again in the seventh, with Martinez belting a two-run homer just inside the right-field foul pole off Venezuela reliever Sergio Romo. The blast pulled Venezuela to within three runs, at 11-8.
Osuna's redemption: Three days after he was unable to close out Italy despite a four-run lead in the ninth inning, Osuna got the final two outs against Venezuela. The right-hander yielded a single to Alcides Escobar and walked Ender Inciarte, but then struck out Chirinos and got Altuve to fly out.
QUOTABLE
"The offense had a difficult time coming from behind in all the games. We received runs early, and we have been against a wall all the time. We have done a lot in order to score some runs and come back in games, and that wasn't the mentality that we had or we thought we were going to play with. With the players we have, I thought we were going to play better ball, but it has cost us because we have been coming from behind all the time." -- Venezuela manager Omar Vizquel
WHAT'S NEXT
Venezuela: A tiebreaker with Italy on Monday at 9 p.m. ET awaits Venezuela, with the winner moving on to Round 2 of the Classic, and the loser eliminated.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Yankees ride big inning to win over Braves
By Mark Bowman and Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Matt Kemp recorded one of the two RBI doubles that Michael Pineda surrendered in the first inning, but Aaron Hicks' triple fueled a six-run sixth inning that propelled the Yankees to an 8-7 win over the Braves on Thursday afternoon at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex.
Non-roster invitee Blaine Boyer's bid to win a spot in Atlanta's bullpen took a hit as he retired just one of the eight batters faced during the decisive sixth inning. Jacoby Ellsbury highlighted the uprising with a two-run single that capped his three-hit performance.
Pineda retired just one of the first four batters he faced, but then proved perfect over the remainder of his three-inning stint, which was blemished by the three hits and two runs surrendered during the first inning.
Playing in his first game since fracturing his right elbow in September, Ozzie Albies opened the bottom of the first inning with a single and then scored from first base on Johan Camargo's double. Kemp's double down the left-field line served as his second straight hit since he opened the Grapefruit League season hitless through his first 14 at-bats.
Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner opened the game with a home run off Aaron Blair, who found a groove after he got Chris Carter to ground into a double play with two on and none out in the first inning. Blair retired seven of the final 10 batters faced as he allowed one run and five hits over 2 2/3 innings.
Matt Tuiasosopo pulled Atlanta closer with a three-run home run in the sixth inning off Chasen Shreve, who was traded by the Braves to the Yankees before the 2015 season. Tuiasosopo added a two-run shot in the ninth inning off Jason Gurka.
Yankees Up Next: The Yankees are on the road Friday to visit the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla. Luis Cessa will make his second spring start for New York, with Clay Buchholz going for Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on MLB Network and MLB.TV.
Braves Up Next: Brandon Phillips is expected to be in the lineup when the Braves host the Mets on Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET, a game available on Gameday Audio. Lucas Sims will start in place of R.A. Dickey, who will instead pitch in a simulated game to avoid shying away from his knuckleball while making a second straight start against a division opponent. The Mets will counter with suburban Atlanta native Zack Wheeler, who will be making his debut and extending his attempt to return from Tommy John surgery.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Matt Kemp recorded one of the two RBI doubles that Michael Pineda surrendered in the first inning, but Aaron Hicks' triple fueled a six-run sixth inning that propelled the Yankees to an 8-7 win over the Braves on Thursday afternoon at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex.
Non-roster invitee Blaine Boyer's bid to win a spot in Atlanta's bullpen took a hit as he retired just one of the eight batters faced during the decisive sixth inning. Jacoby Ellsbury highlighted the uprising with a two-run single that capped his three-hit performance.
Pineda retired just one of the first four batters he faced, but then proved perfect over the remainder of his three-inning stint, which was blemished by the three hits and two runs surrendered during the first inning.
Playing in his first game since fracturing his right elbow in September, Ozzie Albies opened the bottom of the first inning with a single and then scored from first base on Johan Camargo's double. Kemp's double down the left-field line served as his second straight hit since he opened the Grapefruit League season hitless through his first 14 at-bats.
Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner opened the game with a home run off Aaron Blair, who found a groove after he got Chris Carter to ground into a double play with two on and none out in the first inning. Blair retired seven of the final 10 batters faced as he allowed one run and five hits over 2 2/3 innings.
Matt Tuiasosopo pulled Atlanta closer with a three-run home run in the sixth inning off Chasen Shreve, who was traded by the Braves to the Yankees before the 2015 season. Tuiasosopo added a two-run shot in the ninth inning off Jason Gurka.
Yankees Up Next: The Yankees are on the road Friday to visit the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla. Luis Cessa will make his second spring start for New York, with Clay Buchholz going for Philadelphia. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on MLB Network and MLB.TV.
Braves Up Next: Brandon Phillips is expected to be in the lineup when the Braves host the Mets on Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET, a game available on Gameday Audio. Lucas Sims will start in place of R.A. Dickey, who will instead pitch in a simulated game to avoid shying away from his knuckleball while making a second straight start against a division opponent. The Mets will counter with suburban Atlanta native Zack Wheeler, who will be making his debut and extending his attempt to return from Tommy John surgery.
Hughes leads Australia's rout of China
By Danny Knobler / Special to MLB.com
TOKYO -- Former Twins and A's infielder Luke Hughes drove in four runs as Australia coasted to an 11-0 win over China at Tokyo Dome. James Beresford's grand slam made it a double-digit lead in the eighth inning and meant the ninth inning wasn't played because of the tournament's early-termination rule.
Australia's win guaranteed Japan's path to the second round and also guaranteed the winner of the Australia-Cuba matchup (10 p.m. ET on Thursday) will join the Japanese in advancing. China, which will play Japan on Friday, can't advance.
Full Game Coverage
Tigers Minor League left-hander Travis Blackley, who pitched in the Major Leagues with five teams, scattered two hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
Australia didn't advance past the first round in any of the first three editions of the World Baseball Classic, going 1-8 with only a win over Mexico in 2009. The Australians are 1-1 in WBC 2017, having lost to Japan on Wednesday.
Cuba has never failed to advance out of the first round.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Blackley delivers: Australia manager Jon Deeble has two pitchers with Major League experience, and he chose to start them against China and Cuba in hopes of getting the two wins needed to advance. He got the first win Thursday, with Travis Blackley pitching efficiently enough on just 48 pitches. The pitch count is crucial, because by keeping it under, 50 Blackley is eligible to return as soon as Sunday, which would be the first game of the second round.
Hughes hits it hard: Hughes hasn't played in the Major Leagues since the A's released him in July 2012. He's played the last five years with the Perth Heat in the Australian League, where he homered three times in 24 games in the just-completed season.
A name to remember?: China's starter was 21-year-old Kwon Ju, who grew up in Korea and plays for the KT Wiz in Korean baseball. He gave up three hits in three innings, including Hughes' two-run home run, but scouts suggest he could project as a back-end starter in the Major Leagues some day.
Triple threat: Deeble made a lineup change Thursday, inserting 31-year-old Trent D'Antonio in the leadoff spot. D'Antonio, who played three seasons in the Marlins' organization without making it past Class A, made the move look good with a two-run triple in the fourth inning. D'Antonio was helped by China center fielder Zhenghong Lu, who tried to dive for the ball and saw it get by him.
Australia's win guaranteed Japan's path to the second round and also guaranteed the winner of the Australia-Cuba matchup (10 p.m. ET on Thursday) will join the Japanese in advancing. China, which will play Japan on Friday, can't advance.
Full Game Coverage
Tigers Minor League left-hander Travis Blackley, who pitched in the Major Leagues with five teams, scattered two hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
Australia didn't advance past the first round in any of the first three editions of the World Baseball Classic, going 1-8 with only a win over Mexico in 2009. The Australians are 1-1 in WBC 2017, having lost to Japan on Wednesday.
Cuba has never failed to advance out of the first round.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Blackley delivers: Australia manager Jon Deeble has two pitchers with Major League experience, and he chose to start them against China and Cuba in hopes of getting the two wins needed to advance. He got the first win Thursday, with Travis Blackley pitching efficiently enough on just 48 pitches. The pitch count is crucial, because by keeping it under, 50 Blackley is eligible to return as soon as Sunday, which would be the first game of the second round.
Hughes hits it hard: Hughes hasn't played in the Major Leagues since the A's released him in July 2012. He's played the last five years with the Perth Heat in the Australian League, where he homered three times in 24 games in the just-completed season.
A name to remember?: China's starter was 21-year-old Kwon Ju, who grew up in Korea and plays for the KT Wiz in Korean baseball. He gave up three hits in three innings, including Hughes' two-run home run, but scouts suggest he could project as a back-end starter in the Major Leagues some day.
Triple threat: Deeble made a lineup change Thursday, inserting 31-year-old Trent D'Antonio in the leadoff spot. D'Antonio, who played three seasons in the Marlins' organization without making it past Class A, made the move look good with a two-run triple in the fourth inning. D'Antonio was helped by China center fielder Zhenghong Lu, who tried to dive for the ball and saw it get by him.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Spring Training Daily - 3.6.2017
Spring Training scores from 3.5.2017:
BAL 3 PHI 2
BOS 11 ATL 1
NYY 3 PIT 2
MIN 4 WSH 2
PHI 8 DET 5
HOU 7 MIA 7
TB 5 TOR 3
STL 14 NYM 11
CLE 8 SD 2
MIL 9 COL 4
CHC 9 TEX 9
LAD 7 SEA 3
KC 4 SF 3
CIN 11 LAA 3
OAK 5 SEA 4
ARI 4 CWS 1
Spring Training games scheduled for 3.6.2017:
NYY @ PIT
BAL @ DET
STL @ MIN
BOS @ HOU
NYM @ MIA
SD @ CWS
MIL @ CLE
ARI @ KC
CLE @ SF
CHC @ LAA
TEX @ SEA
LAD @ COL
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Spring Training Daily - 3.5.2017
Spring Training scores from 3.4.2017:
NYY 11 DET 1
MIN 6 TOR 2
MIA 8 ATL 6
NYM 3 HOU 1
PHI 7 ATL 4
PIT 3 BOS 2
WSH 1 STL 1
BAL 1 TB 0
CWS 10 LAA 2
KC 2 SF 0
MIL7 TEX 1
CLE 15 OAK 5
CHC 9 LAD 3
CIN 9 KC 7
SD 6 ARI 5
SEA 4 COL 3
Spring Training games scheduled for 3.5.2017:
PHI @ BAL
ATL @ BOS
PIT @ NYY
MIN @ WSH
DET @ PHI
HOU @ MIA
TB @ TOR
STL @ NYM
SD @ CLE
COL @ MIL
CHC @ TEX
SEA @ LAD
KC @ SF
CIN @ LAA
OAK @ SEA
CWS @ ARI
NYY 11 DET 1
MIN 6 TOR 2
MIA 8 ATL 6
NYM 3 HOU 1
PHI 7 ATL 4
PIT 3 BOS 2
WSH 1 STL 1
BAL 1 TB 0
CWS 10 LAA 2
KC 2 SF 0
MIL7 TEX 1
CLE 15 OAK 5
CHC 9 LAD 3
CIN 9 KC 7
SD 6 ARI 5
SEA 4 COL 3
Spring Training games scheduled for 3.5.2017:
PHI @ BAL
ATL @ BOS
PIT @ NYY
MIN @ WSH
DET @ PHI
HOU @ MIA
TB @ TOR
STL @ NYM
SD @ CLE
COL @ MIL
CHC @ TEX
SEA @ LAD
KC @ SF
CIN @ LAA
OAK @ SEA
CWS @ ARI
Friday, March 3, 2017
Cards beat Nats 2-1; face each other again Saturday
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals had a pair of encouraging pitching performances during St. Louis' 2-1 victory in 10 innings Friday afternoon at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
Stephen Strasburg looked sharp in his Grapefruit League debut, tossing a pair of scoreless innings. Michael Wacha threw three scoreless innings in his second outing of the spring.
The Cards return to Roger Dean Stadium on Saturday to face the Washington Nationals in a 1:05 p.m. ET start. Lance Lynn, who allowed one run on two hits Tuesday, will be making his second spring start for St. Louis. Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez will make his second start after tossing a scoreless inning against the Mets last time out.
Bautista's two-run homer leads Blue Jays past Yankees 3-2
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Jose Bautista homered for the second time in as many games and Ryan McBroom launched a walk-off blast in the ninth inning, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-2 Grapefruit League victory over the New York Yankees on Friday at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.
Bautista started things off with a bang in the first inning against Yankees starter Luis Severino, knocking a two-run homer to right-center field. Bautista also rapped a hard single off the right-hander in his next at-bat.
Ji-Man Choi's two-run single off Jarrett Grube with one out in the ninth tied the game before McBroom cleared the left-field fence facing Joe Mantiply.
Francisco Liriano made his first start of the spring for Toronto, striking out three in two scoreless innings. The left-hander permitted two hits without a walk.
Severino allowed four hits over 2 1/3 innings, fanning four with a walk.
Next up for the Yankees is a road game on Saturday, visiting the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest. Michael Pineda will make his first start of the spring for New York.
For the Blue Jays, they head to Ft Myers, Fla. on Saturday to play the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. ET. Casey Lawrence will make his third appearance of the spring and his second start for Toronto.
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