Tim Bradbury/Getty ImagesThe Houston Astros now hold home-field advantage in the ALCS.The Astros stole Game 1 on the road http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-j.j.-hardy-jersey , dominating the Boston Red Sox 7-2 behind Justin Verlander's six innings of two-run ball. George Springer was excellent, knocking in two runs and getting on base three times, while Carlos Correa's RBI single in the top of the sixth was the game-winning hit.The Astros added four insurance runs in the top of the ninth on Josh Reddick's solo home run and Yuli Gurriel's three-run shot.Unlike Verlander, Red Sox starter Chris Sale struggled, throwing 86 pitches in four innings while giving up two runs, four walks and a hit. It was a poor performance from Boston's ace, forcing manager Alex Cora鈥攚ho was later ejected in the bottom of the fifth for arguing balls and strikes鈥攖o turn to his bullpen early.It was the Astros bullpen that locked down the contest, however, pitching three scoreless innings to close Game 1.Chris Sale's Struggles Could Have Ripple Effect Throughout SeriesSale did not have his best stuff Saturday night, and it was apparent early:Bryan Hoch BryanHochChris Sale doesnt have it tonight. Closing in on 50 pitches in the second inning as the Astros jump out front, 2-0, as George Springer raps one past Eduardo Nunez at third base.Zachary quot;Doomquot; Rymer zachrymerYeah, Chris Sale doesnt have it tonight.Zachary quot;Doomquot; Rymer zachrymerIts not just the ball/strike disparity. Too many of Chris Sales pitches arent even close to being good.The fact that he got through four innings while only allowing two runs made it seem like the Red Sox dodged a bullet. But Boston had to turn to its bullpen for the next five innings in a game it likely expected its ace to go deep. That could be a concern for the rest of the series, especially if Boston's other starters struggle.The last thing the Red Sox want is a taxed bullpen while facing Houston's dangerous lineup.Sale's struggles mean David Price must come up big in Game 2 on Sunday night. That has not been Price's postseason calling card, however. In 18 appearances (10 starts), Price is 2-9 with a 5.28 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 68 strikeouts across 75 innings.More concerning is the fact that Price only lasted 1.2 frames in his ALDS Game 2 loss against the New York Yankees, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks. And it's not as though the Red Sox can let him weather any storms, as opposing starterGerrit Cole is coming off an excellent season and is likely to make life difficult for the Red Sox bats.If Price struggles early, he'll almost assuredly be given a quick hook. And that would mean another long night for the bullpen.Should the Red Sox go down 2-0 in this series while facing a trip to Houston Jonathan Schoop Jersey , they'd be in trouble. It wouldn't be fair to call the matchup over鈥攖he Red Sox won 108 games, after all, and boast baseball's scariest lineup. They could dig out of that hole.But it's not a hole they'd choose, especially considering the Astros seem to have Sale's number.Houston's beaten Sale three times in the past two postseasons, and the Boston ace hasn't gotten past the fifth inning in any of those starts, giving up a total of 11 runs in the three losses.Add it all up, and Sale's Game 1 effort does not bode well for the Red Sox. Houston's Bullpen Remains Its Biggest ALCS AdvantageHouston's starting rotation often gets most of the attention when the team's pitching is mentioned, and for good reason: The trio of Verlander, Cole andDallas Keuchel is superb. Verlander, in particular, has been historically good in the postseason.Stats By STATS StatsBySTATSThe astros Justin Verlander has now allowed a total of 9 hits over his last 4 postseason starts. That ties the fewest hits ever allowed over a span of 4 postseason starts; the other to do it was Don Larsen from 1955-57 - a stretch that included his perfect game. #NeverSettleBut Saturday night, Houston's bullpen was dominant, proving it remains the team's major advantage over Boston.During the regular season, Houston led baseball in bullpen ERA. In 12.2 innings of postseason ball, they've given up one run. The Red Sox managed just one hit against Ryan Pressly, Lance McCullers Jr. and Collin McHugh on Saturday night.Boston, meanwhile, was forced to cycle through five relievers over five innings, and that group gave up five runs, including the two ninth-inning dingers.Shea Serrano SheaSerranothe 9th inning of this astros game 3YlRj4KlWXThis series has been billed as the matchup of the unstoppable force (Boston's lineup) against the immovable object (Houston's pitching staff). But Boston has solid options in the starting rotation http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-j.j.-hardy-jersey , even if Sale struggled on Saturday night, and the Astros have dangerous bats. The "unstoppable force vs. the immovable object" storyline is a bit reductive.Look more closely, and it's clear the bullpens could decide this series. In that regard, the Astros appear to have the advantage.Red Sox NeedMookie Betts to Get HotMookie Betts, the front-runner to win the AL MVP, only hit .188 against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. No matter. The rest of the Red Sox offense showed up, pushing 27 runs across the board in four games.But Betts had a limited impact once again Saturday night, managing just one hit without any runs scored or knocked in. And against Houston's superior pitching staff, the rest of the Red Sox weren't up to the task either, only posting three hits.In fact, Boston's two runs came off a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch by Verlander. It was an ugly night for the Red Sox at the plate.And it's been an ugly postseason for Betts, who hit .346 with 32 homers, 80 RBI, 129 runs and 30 stolen bases during the regular season. He was a major factor in every conceivable way for the Red Sox. He's been much less so in the postseason.For his career, Betts is hitting .239 with no homers, two RBI and six runs scored in 46 postseason at-bats over the past three years (12 games). His October struggles are a worry, especially given Boston's issues with solving Houston's pitchers Saturday night.The Astros' stars, meanwhile, mostly factored into the Game 1 result. In a series between teams this talented, the Red Sox have to get something from their best player. If Betts doesn't work his way out of this October slump Darren O'Day Jersey , his team is in trouble. SAN DIEGO (AP) — Austin Hedges‘ unusual two-run home run came with an assist from Mariners center fielder Mallex Smith.Hedges’ fly ball to deep center field bounced out of Smith’s glove and over the fence, Franmil Reyes homered twice and had three RBIs, and the San Diego Padres beat AL West-leading Seattle 6-3 Tuesday night.Hedges, the catcher, also had a brilliant defensive play for the Padres, who have won five straight in the interleague series. They won all four games last year after the teams didn’t play each other in 2017.Hedges drove a ball to deep center off reliever Cory Gearrin with two outs in the sixth. Smith, a former Padres’ farmhand, leaped just in front of the fence and the ball bounced out of his glove and went over. Hedges appeared to chuckle briefly as he rounded the bases. It was his fourth.Smith tumbled face-first to the warning track before glancing up at the fence and then sitting on his haunches, his hands on his hips and a look of disgust on his face.“I knew I crushed it,” Hedges said. “If he doesn’t touch it, it’s halfway up the wall. I hit the ball 400 feet, so it was a good hit. Slider, too. I didn’t know if it was going to get out, but I knew it had a chance to get over his head.Said Seattle manager Scott Servais: “You kind of saw him make the jump, the ball in the glove, and there it is, it’s over the fence. Crazy play, you don’t often see it. He was there, he was in good spot in time, he just didn’t finish it. You have to finish those plays though.”This was the first time since June 2007 that the Mariners and Padres have met with winning records. The Padres have won two straight following a season-worst six-game losing streak. The Mariners have lost two straight.Reyes hit a two-run homer to cap a three-run second inning and connected again off rookie Erik Swanson with two outs in the sixth. He has five this season. It was his second career multihomer game.San Diego had three straight hits to open the second against Swanson (0-2) http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-j.j.-hardy-jersey , who was making his second big league start and third appearance. Wil Myers beat out a bunt and scored on a double to right by Eric Hosmer, who advanced on right fielder Mitch Haniger’s fielding error. Reyes followed with a homer to center, his fifth.“Every time he steps up to the plate, it’s what we expect,” Hedges said of Reyes. “The work that he puts in, it’s one of the most disciplined batting practices I’ve ever seen.”Hedges made a great play on a weak chopper by Smith leading off the Mariners’ third when he barehanded the ball and went airborne to throw him out at first.“I don’t think I get him out any other way. If I set my feet, he’s safe,” Hedges said. “I didn’t even know I jumped like that. I just tried to get rid of it as quick as possible. I went and saw the replay. It was a little more athletic than I thought it was.”Swanson said the second home run pitch to Reyes was “a little bit over the plate. The first one I had inside and he put a good swing on it. All I can do is tip my cap to him.”The Mariners closed to 3-2 when rookie left-hander Nick Margevicius struggled through the fifth, walking the bases loaded before Tim Beckham hit a two-run single up the middle with two outs. Beckham was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double, ending the inning.Margevicius (2-2) allowed two runs and four hits in five innings, struck out four and walked five. Kirby Yates pitched the ninth for his 11th save in as many chances.Swanson allowed four earned runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, struck out three and walked none.ANNIVERSARYTuesday was the 20th anniversary of Fernando Tatis Sr. becoming the only big leaguer to hit two grand slams in the same inning, for St. Louis at the Los Angeles Dodgers. His namesake son had two hits for the Padres on Tuesday night, including beating out a bunt.VEDDER CUPThe teams compete for the mythical Vedder Cup, named by a Padres blogger for Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who spent some formative years in the San Diego area before moving to Seattle. While the Padres currently hold the title, Seattle leads the overall series 55-52.UP NEXTMariners: RHP Felix Hernandez (1-1, 4.91 ERA) is scheduled to start the finale of the two-game series on Wednesday. He is 6-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 13 career starts against San Diego.Padres: Rookie RHP Chris Paddack (0-1, 2.25) is scheduled to make his fifth start.

Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesOn Tuesday http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-adams-jersey , MLB announced the schedule for first two games of the American and National League Championship Series in the 2018 playoffs.The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers will get the LCS round underway Friday at 8:09 p.m. ET, with television coverage on FS1.Here's the full schedule for the ALCS and NLCS:American League Championship Series ScheduleGame 1: Astros at Red Sox, Oct. 13 at 8:09 p.m. ET (TBS)Game 2:Astros at Red Sox, Oct. 14 at 7:09 p.m. ET (TBS)Game 3:Red Sox atAstros, Oct. 16 at TBD (TBS)Game 4:Red Sox atAstros, Oct. 17 at TBD (TBS)Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, Oct. 18 at TBD (TBS)Game 6:Astros at Red Sox, Oct. 20 at TBD (TBS)Game 7:Astros at Red Sox, Oct. 21 at TBD (TBS)National League Championship Series ScheduleGame 1: Dodgers at Brewers, Oct. 12 at 8:09 p.m. ET (FS1)Game 2:Dodgers at Brewers Bryce Harper Jersey , Oct. 13 at 4:09 p.m. ET (Fox)Game 3: Brewers at Dodgers, Oct. 15 at TBD (FS1 or Fox)Game 4:Brewers at Dodgers, Oct. 16 at TBD (FS1 or Fox)Game 5:Brewers at Dodgers, Oct. 17 at TBD (FS1 or Fox)Game 6:Dodgers at Brewers, Oct. 19 at TBD (FS1 or Fox)Game 7:Dodgers at Brewers, Oct. 20 at TBD (FS1 or Fox)The Brewers were the first team to punch their ticket to the next round when they swept the Colorado Rockies in the National League Division Series, winning Game 3 on Sunday.The Dodgers and Houston Astros followed suit Monday. Los Angeles defeated the Atlanta Braves in four games, while the Astros swept the Cleveland Indians.The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 4-3 in Game 4 on Tuesday to win the series and advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2013, when they went on to win the World Series.Boston will have home-field advantage in the ALCS after finishing five games better than the Astros.According to OddsShark, the Astros are the betting favorites (+210 Stephen Strasburg Jersey , bet $100 to win $210) to win the World Series, with the Dodgers and Red Sox both at +300. Congratulations to Nick Gordon for winning round 6!"Former first round draftee Nick Gordon was our pick in round six. Hopefully we get to see him make his big league debut in 2019.2019 Twinkie Town Prospect Voting ResultsRoyce Lewis 52% (Kirilloff 44%, Graterol 4%)Alex Kirilloff 90% (Graterol 4%, Gordon 4%, Larnach 2%)Brusdar Graterol 56% (Gordon 19%, Larnach 12%, Thorpe 8%, Gonsalves 5%)Trevor Larnach 42% (Thorpe 25%, Gordon 21%, Gonsalves 12%)Lewis Thorpe 31% (Gordon 30% http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-adams-jersey , Rooker 14%, Javier 13%, Gonsalves 11%)Nick Gordon 39% (Rooker 20%, Gonsalves 18%, Javier 17%, Alcala 5%)This round we add a former second rounder with great tools who has quickly developed them into baseball skills.Stephen Gonsalves, P 2019 Age: 24 2018 High Level: MLBLefty starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves was voted our top prospect in 2017. The former fourth round pick has pitched well at every stop and moved quickly through the minors, earning mid-season promotions each season. He started 2018 in Double-A Chattanooga but was quickly promoted after just four games. At Triple-A Rochester he pitched well with a 2.96 ERA and 8.5 K/9 in 100-1/3 innings but his walk rate of 4.9 BB/9 was a red flag. He saw his first big league action in 2019 making his Twins debut in August but the results were not great. He pitched in seven major league games but with a brutal 6.57 ERA and a 2.03 WHIP. Gonsalves has good control of his low-90s fastball and a good changeup but his curve and slider are still a work in progress. He will be in the mix for the open spot in the pitching rotation this spring and will be one of the top pitchers on the list for a callup if he doesn’t win a spot in spring training. Wander Javier, SS 2019 Age: 20 2017 High Level: Elizabethton (Rookie)The Twins signed Wander Javier as an international free agent in the summer of 2015. He was ranked by Baseball America as the #9 international prospect and #8 by MLB.com. The Twins gave him a $4M signing bonus which was their entire 2015 international free agent budget. He hit .299/.383/.471 at Elizabethton in 2017 and was named the #2 prospect in the Appalachian League. Scouts love his righthanded power and ability to play shortstop but a move to third base is possible considering the quality infield prospects the Twins have. He was set to debut at Cedar Rapids last spring but suffered an injury to his non-throwing arm. He had shoulder surgery last spring and missed the entire 2018 season. Expect him to make his Cedar Rapids debut this spring. A Twins debut in 2021 is possible but 2022 is more likely.Brent Rooker, LF/1B2019 Age: 242018 High Level: Chattanooga (AA)Brent Rooker was drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2017 draft (35th overall) out of Mississippi State. He was drafted as a redshirt sophomore in the 38th round of the 2016 draft by the Twins but decided to return for his junior season. He improved his draft stock considerably with a terrific junior year culminating in being named SEC player of the year among other honors. The Twins sent him to Elizabethton and he hit so well (.282/.364/.588) that they skipped over Cedar Rapids and promoted him to Fort Myers. Rooker hit .280/.364/.552 for Fort Myers against competition roughly the same age. In Double-A Chattanooga last summer he saw his first struggles hitting as a professional with a lousy April and underwhelming May due to a drop in batting average. He made adjustments and was outstanding in June and July (1000 OPS). He ended the season in a slump but still put up a respectable .254/.333/.465 batting line for the year. Even when he wasn’t hitting for average he continued to draw walks and hit for power but his strikeouts piled up to 150 for the summer. Rooker is seen as a competent LF and can play 1B but it is his bat that will get him to the big leagues. Look for a promotion to AAA in 2019 and a potential September callup if he continues to hit.Jorge Alcala Anthony Rendon Jersey , P 2019 Age: 23 2018 High Level: Chattanooga (AA) Jorge Alcala was signed by the Houston Astros from the Dominican Republic in 2014. He made his stateside debut in 2016 and was dominant at two levels of rookie ball. In 2017 he continued that dominance in the Midwest League and earned a mid-year promotion to the high-A Carolina League. He began 2018 at that level but impressed with a high strikeout rate (10.5 K/9) while proving nearly unhittable (5.8 H/9) and limiting HR (0.5 HR/9). That earned him a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi where he maintained his impressive production. He was acquired by the Twins at the trade deadline as half of the return for reliever Ryan Pressly. The scouting report leads with a dominant fastball clocked as high as 98MPH. His slider can be terrific or flatten out and become hittable and his changeup is just mediocre. Limiting walks has also been an issue throughout Alcala’s minor league career. If he is able to more consistently show his good slider he could dominate as a fastball/slider pitcher in the bullpen. If he is also able to refine the changeup he profiles as a mid-rotation starter. He is likely to start the season at Double-A Pensacola but could move quickly to the major leagues.Akil Baddoo, CF 2019 Age: 20 2018 High Level: Cedar Rapids (A) Akil Baddoo was drafted in the second round in 2016 and was considered a toolsy work in progress with exceptional athletic talent (comparisons to Carl Crawford and Jacque Jones) but in need of refinement at the plate. Not unexpectedly, he hit .178 that summer in rookie ball. In 2017 it all came together in a hurry. He improved to .267/.360/.440 playing for the Gulf Coast Twins and was promoted to Elizabethton where he did even better. He hit .357/.478/.579 with more walks (27) than strikeouts (19) at Betsy and drew rave reviews for his approach at the plate. In 2018 he spent the summer at Cedar Rapids and thrived in a leadoff role. His batting average dipped (.243) but he did well getting on base (.351 OBP) and maintained his power (44 XBH) while showcasing his speed (11 triples, 24SB, 4 CS). The chink in the armor was a rise in strikeouts (124) and his struggles against more advanced lefthanded pitching (.220/.304/.339) but considering his age he performed admirably. His grade 70 speed allows him to cover CF but his arm might keep him in LF in the majors. Expect to see him in Fort Myers in 2019 but by 2021 he might be making his debut in the spacious LF of Target Field.

The Cleveland Indiansannounced the acquisition of outfielder Leonys Martinand starting pitcher Kyle Dowdy from the Detroit Tigers ahead of Tuesday's MLB non-waiver trade deadline in exchange for shortstop prospect Willi Castro.Detroit signed Martin as a free agent in December. He posted a .251/.321/.409 slash line with nine home runs and seven stolen bases across 78 appearances. He's been on the disabled list twice this season because of hamstring issues.His name was already in the rumor mill when he returned from his most recent DL stint earlier this month http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey , and he explained his mindset about a potential trade."I've been through this," Martintold reportersJuly 20. "It's something you've got to deal with. I don't have control. All I can do is show up and be ready to play. Only God knows what the plan is. I like Detroit. I'd like to be here. But it's not up to me. We'll see what happens."He could receive an opportunity to take over as the Tribe's everyday center fielder. That said, it might end up being a platoon with Rajai Davis unless he goes on an offensive tear down the stretch.Dowdy, 25, owns a 3.77 career ERA in 72 games across four levels of the minor leagues. He'll be organizational pitching depth for Cleveland.Meanwhile, the struggling Tigers receive a prospect in Castro as they start looking toward the future in light of their 45-62 record.The 21-year-old Puerto Rico native has compiled a lackluster .653 OPS during his first season in Double-A. He finished 2017 with a .761 OPS, 19 steals and 11 homers across 123 games in the Carolina League (Single-A Advanced).MLB.comranked him as the Indians' eighth-best prospect before the trade.Ultimately, the deal makes sense for both AL Central rivals.The Indians needed outfield help, and Francisco Lindor is locked in as their starting shortstop for the foreseeable future, blocking Castro's eventual path to the big leagues. On the flip side, the Tigers have faded from the playoff race and got another talented player for their system. GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Leonys Martin turned and sprinted toward the gap in left-center field to snare Nick Madrigal’s drive. He ripped a breaking ball over the wall in right-center for a home run, and returned a fervent embrace from a former teammate.All in a day’s work on Tuesday.All in Martin’s new life with the Cleveland Indians.Just six games after arriving from Detroit in a July 31 trade, Martin’s career came to a crashing halt. He was stricken with a life-threatening infection that entered his blood stream and damaged his organs. He feared that he would never see his wife, Yaimira http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey , or their three children again. Fortunately, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic reversed the infection and Martin was released on Aug. 19, following a 12-day hospital stay in which he lost 45 pounds.Now, after an extensive training program in Florida, which included lunges, leg lifts, agility ladders, sprints and core strength training, Martin is back in peak physical health. Extensive hitting, throwing and fielding restored his baseball readiness.“I take time to recover and get myself ready for spring training, making sure I am ready from day one, so that is exactly what I did,” Martin said after hitting a two-run homer in Cleveland’s 11-0 win over the White Sox.“It was a long way to get here, a long way to get where I want to be, it took a lot of months. I took it with baby steps; one step at a time Willie McCovey Jersey , but thank God I am able to do what I love and happy to be back in baseball,” he said.Martin, who turns 31 on Wednesday, wore an ear-to-ear grin all the way around the bases after homering off left-hander Bernardo Flores Jr. It was his second home run during Cactus League play, improving his spring average to .500 (8 of 16) with a .875 slugging percentage.“He swung the bat really well. He’s swung well against lefties and righties,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “The more lefties he sees the better, keeps your mechanics.”Martin’s performance is not surprising, according to Francona, because he and his staff kept close tabs on his offseason progress. His strength, however, has been eye-opening.“I think we were, if not surprised, pleased, that his strength was back,” Francona said. “But he got back pretty quick. It was kind of amazing how quickly he got back.”The Indians are counting on Martin to help stabilize their outfield following the departures of All-Star Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall.Martin Mel Ott Jersey , a full-time major leaguer since 2013, flashed home run power in 2016 with 15 in his last season with the Texas Rangers, who signed him in 2011 after he defected from his native Cuba. Last season, he hit nine home runs for the Tigers and two in the six games he played for Cleveland before becoming ill on Aug. 7.With a childlike enthusiasm, Martin is eager for the April 1 home opener to play in front of the Cleveland fans who rooted for him throughout his hospitalization and recovery.“Something I will never forget is the support,” he said. “Cleveland fans were awesome. For me, it is awesome that they see that I am ready. And I can’t wait to get back on the field.”Martin, who also played for the Mariners and the Cubs, is thrilled to be with a squad that has won the AL Central the past three seasons and has a legitimate shot at making the World Series.“It is an opportunity to be with a team that is going to have the chance to be in the playoffs,” he said. “And that’s the goal for every player, to be in the playoffs. And that’s what I want to do; to help this team be back in the playoffs.”Martin, who was embraced by Chicago first baseman Yonder Alonso, a fellow Cuban who played with Cleveland last year, said he wants to move on and limit discussions about his illness.“Whatever happened in the past, I don’t want to talk about any more. So now it is time to play baseball and move forward http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey ,” he said.As a fleet defensive player with an accurate arm, he is tied for fourth among center fielders in defensive runs saved since 2012. In his view, it is all about effort.“I just want to go out there and do my best to help the team, to play hard every single day,” he said.Outfielder Tyler Naquin, who has worked throughout spring training with Martin to develop their communication, is impressed with how far his teammate has progressed.“His hard work is showing,” Naquin said. “It was scary, but Leonys is a strong dude. He worked hard to put himself back where he is now. It is a blessing to see it.”NOTES: All-Star SS Francisco Lindor continues to make progress in his recovery from a right calf strain. Francona said Lindor has been taking grounders, hitting in the cage and “every day he adds to it, the intensity and the amount of stuff he does.”

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles enhanced their starting rotation by signing right-hander Dan Straily to a $575 Jay Bruce Jersey ,000, one-year contract.Straily went 5-6 with a 4.12 ERA in 23 starts with Miami last season. He received $1,209,677 in termination pay from the Marlins when released on March 25 from a $5 million, one-year contract that was not guaranteed.The 30-year-old Straily broke into the majors with Oakland in 2012 and has a career record of 42-36 with a 4.23 ERA over 142 games, including 132 starts. He would get a $250 http://www.metsfanproshop.com/authentic-tim-tebow-jersey ,000 assignment bonus if traded.Orioles rookie manager Brandon Hyde twice used Nate Karns as opener to fill out a rotation that had been relying on four pitchers.To create room for Straily on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Drew Jackson for assignment. Jackson will be offered back to the Dodgers if he clears waivers.Baltimore also said right-hander Pedro Araujo cleared waivers, was returned to the Cubs, then was reacquired from Chicago for $750,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation and assigned to Double-A Bowie. The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed starting pitcherClay Buchholz, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.Jon Heyman of the MLB Network provided more details:Jon Heyman JonHeymanBuchholz deal with jays is thought to be for about 3M plus 3M in incentives. Pending physical.Buchholz David Wright Jersey , 34, went7-2 in 16 starts for theArizona Diamondbackslast season with a 2.01 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 98.1 innings.While those numbers were impressive, they likely aren't sustainable.AsDavid Schoenfieldof ESPN.com wrote in December:"The 2.01 ERA in 16 starts with the Diamondbacks was obviously a fluke, but he did have a 3.47 FIP, threw strikes and limited home runs. He also faced an easy slate of opponents and has never been durable. Still http://www.metsfanproshop.com/authentic-tim-tebow-jersey , he has bouts of effectiveness. Could be an interesting gamble."Injuries have long been a concern for Buchholz, however, including theflexor-mass strain that ended his 2018 season prematurely in September.That leaves his role in Toronto unclear, especially considering the Blue Jays already haveMarcus Stroman,Aaron Sanchez,Ryan Borucki Mookie Wilson Jersey ,Matt ShoemakerandClayton Richard available for the rotation. That could leave Buchholz either to fight withBorucki and Richard for a starting spot or potentially settle into a long reliever role in Toronto's bullpen.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Koda Glover rewarded his manager’s faith.Bryce Harper had three hits and drove in three runs Orlando Cepeda Jersey , Glover earned the save in the first opportunity since Ryan Madson was placed on the disabled list, and the Washington Nationals snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night.The Nationals won for just the third time in their last 10 games and snapped the Cardinals’ season-high, eight-game winning streak.“We needed a win today,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “Get on that plane, have a nice happy flight and come back tomorrow and be at home and be ready.”Tanner Roark (8-12) gave up four runs, three earned, in six innings.A beleaguered bullpen that had blown two leads to start the losing streak took care of the rest. Justin Miller pitched two scoreless innings before Glover closed it out.“There’s been a lot of changes (in the bullpen),” Miller said. “It’s unfortunate, a couple of injuries and stuff like that, but I don’t really look at it as I’ve got the seventh or eighth or anything like that. I’m just going out there just trying to do my job.”Glover took the loss in the series opener on Monday, giving up a game-ending homer to Paul DeJong.“The first game of the series didn’t go as I would have liked for it to have went,” Glover said. “So to get put back in that situation or even a better situation to get a save, I’m happy with that outcome.”Harper drove in the game’s first run with a double in the first and knocked in two more with a bases-loaded single in the fourth to give the Nationals a 4-1 lead.A pair of errors helped the Nationals extend their lead to 5-1 in the fifth. St. Louis committed three errors in the game after committing just four total errors during the winning streak.“A couple plays clearly we expect to make and will make and just didn’t go our way for a little bit there,” Cardinals interim manager Mike Shildt said. “To the guys’ credit they regrouped, settled down, and started playing back to the baseball they know they can play.”The Nationals had opportunities to pad the lead Keith Hernandez Jersey , leaving the bases loaded in the third and fifth while stranding nine runners in the first five innings.“When you have an opportunity to put teams away you’ve got to do that,” Martinez said. “Especially with how hot the Cardinals are playing right now. They’re going to come back.”The Cardinals got within one in the sixth. After DeJong and Kolten Wong came up with back-to-back, two-out RBI hits, Harrison Bader hit a slow grounder to third. Anthony Rendon’s throw to first got away from Ryan Zimmerman for an error, allowing Wong to score from second to cut the Nationals’ lead to 5-4.Just two of the four runs Luke Weaver (6-11) allowed in his 3 2/3 innings were earned. He gave up seven hits, including two to Roark, who scored both times.Tyson Ross allowed one unearned run in 3 1/3 innings of relief.Bader homered in the third and Matt Carpenter walked twice to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 34 games.TRAINING ROOMNationals: RHP Jeremy Hellickson will have an MRI on his sore right wrist on Friday. RHP Joe Ross (right elbow surgery) threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings at Class A Potomac on Thursday and is hoping for a September return.Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez (right shoulder strain) will begin a rehab Friday at Double-A Springfield. RHP Adam Wainwright (right elbow inflammation) threw two scoreless innings Thursday night at High-A Palm Beach.UP NEXTNationals: RHP Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.19 ERA) will take the mound as the Nationals return home for a three-game series Friday night against the Miami Marlins and RHP Dan Straily (4-5, 4.42 ERA). Scherzer is 3-0 with a 3.43 ERA in three starts this season against the Marlins.Cardinals: RHP Jack Flaherty (6-6, 3.22 ERA) kicks off a three-game series Friday night as the Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers and RHP Freddy Peralta (5-3, 4.47 ERA). Flaherty struck out a career-high 13 batters in his last start against the Brewers on June 22. CLEVELAND (AP) — The Boston Red Sox are trying to make history. The Cleveland Indians keep getting in the way.And after a highly competitive three-game series, the teams could see each other again next month with even more at stake.Greg Allen singled with one out and the bases loaded in the 11th inning and Cleveland defeated the Red Sox 4-3 on Sunday night to deny Boston’s bid for a club-record 106th victory for the second straight game.Allen singled through the left side on a 3-2 pitch from Robby Scott to give Cleveland an 11th inning win for the second night in a row.“If that game was in a couple of weeks, that’d be one for the ages,” manager Terry Francona said. “It’s going to be a late night, but it was a fun game.”William Cuevas (0-2) walked leadoff man Jose Ramirez, who moved to second on Rajai Davis‘ sacrifice. Shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , who replaced the injured Xander Bogaerts in the seventh, booted Erik Gonzalez’s ground ball, sending Ramirez to third.Yandy Diaz, batting for Yonder Alonso, was intentionally walked to load the bases and set the stage for Allen’s winning hit. Michael Brantley’s bases-loaded single gave the AL Central winners a 5-4 victory in the 11th on Saturday night.Allen raced toward the outfield after he rounded first to avoid getting pounded by his teammates, a strategy that was unsuccessful.“I don’t think there’s any getting away from that,” he said. “In a time like that, when it’s celebratory, I really don’t want to get away from it. It was definitely fun.”Josh Tomlin (2-5) pitched two scoreless innings for the Indians, who won the after a 7-5 loss Friday.Mookie Betts homered and had four hits in his return to the lineup, but the Red Sox will also have to wait at least one more day before wrapping the home-field advantage throughout the postseason.Betts, who didn’t play Friday and Saturday, hit his 31st homer in the fifth to tie the game after Cleveland scored three times in the fourth. He had four hits, a three-run homer and five RBIs on Thursday against the New York Yankees when Boston clinched the AL East.Betts, who leads the majors with a .343 batting average, started the game with a double off the wall in left. He singled in the third and doubled again in the seventh.Betts played right field for the first time in a week. He’s been dealing with soreness in his left side and was the DH twice last week.“Hitting was never really the issue Willie McGee Jersey , it was just throwing,” Betts said. “Fortunately, I didn’t have to many any long throws, so today was a really good day.”Edwin Encarnacion got his 100th RBI of the season with a fourth-inning single, reaching the century mark for the fourth straight year.Melky Cabrera’s two-run double off Steven Wright put Cleveland ahead 3-2.Bogaerts was removed during his at-bat in the seventh inning because of a sore left shoulder. He fouled off a pitch and was visited by manager Alex Cora and a team trainer. Bogaerts walked to the dugout after a lengthy conversation and is listed as day to day.“I felt a pinch after I took an awkward swing, the last two swings actually,” he said. “It’s nothing now. I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong.”Right-hander Hector Velazquez started for Boston and gave up two runs in 3 1/3 innings.Cleveland starter Adam Plutko allowed three runs in six innings.SLUMPINGRamirez went 0 for 3 and is batting .174 (12 for 69) with one home run this month.NEARING THE ENDBoston also fell one win short of a club record for road victories with 51. The Red Sox finish with six games at Fenway Park beginning Monday against Baltimore. Boston hosts the Yankees for the final three games and will be at home to begin the Division Series.“We need to get home,” Cora said. “We’re going to be home for two weeks now, so it’s going to be fun.”Cleveland plays its final seven games on the road. The Indians begin a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Monday and play the last four in Kansas City.MOUND RETURNFrancona said Cody Allen will pitch Monday in Chicago. Allen hasn’t been in a game since Cleveland clinched the division Sept. 15 to rest in preparation for the postseason. He threw a bullpen session Saturday.TRAINER’S ROOMIndians: C Roberto Perez was removed from the game in the fifth with a bruised right shoulder.UP NEXTRed Sox: RHP Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 3.98 ERA) takes on Orioles RHP Dylan Bundy (8-15, 5.37 ERA) in the three-game series opener in Boston.Indians: RHP Corey Kluber (19-7, 2.93 ERA) goes for his career-high 20th win of the season. RHP Dylan Covey (5-13, 5.33 ERA) starts for the White Sox.

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants get an opportunity to play spoiler against the team they’d most enjoy spoiling — the Los Angeles Dodgers — when the longtime rivals close out the regular season with a three-game series that begins Friday night.Giants ace Madison Bumgarner (6-6 Scott Kazmir Jersey , 3.20 ERA), the star of his last AT&T Park appearance with his bat, is scheduled to duel Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (6-3, 2.00), who pitched brilliantly the last time he faced San Francisco.The Dodgers (88-71) enter the series with a chance to win the National League West, capture an NL wild card or miss the playoff entirely, all to be determined within three games against a team that has beaten them nine of 16 this season.Article continues below ...LA will take the field Friday night one game behind the Colorado Rockies (89-70) in the West, and one game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals (87-72) in the wild-card race. The Rockies host the Washington Nationals on Friday night, and the Cardinals begin a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.The Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves have all already clinched playoff spots in the NL.“Not how we scripted it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Wednesday’s second consecutive loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks Kurt Suzuki Jersey , which dropped LA into second place.“We’re a very dangerous team. I know we believe in ourselves. Now our focus has to turn to the Giants.”Ryu has been the Dodgers’ hottest pitcher of late, coming off back-to-back shutout efforts covering a total of 13 innings against Colorado and San Diego. He has allowed just eight hits in those two wins.The 31-year-old has faced the Giants 14 times in his career, going 4-6 with a 3.09 ERA. He’s 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA in eight starts in San Francisco.Evan Longoria and Brandon Crawford homered against Ryu in an earlier meeting this season at AT&T Park, a game the Giants won 6-4 in April. But Ryu got a measure of revenge in an Aug. 15 start in LA, pitching six innings of three-hit, shutout ball.He’ll be facing a Giants team that has been out of playoff contention for more than a month. They’ve lost six of their last seven, including a three-game sweep last week at the hands of the Cardinals, who gained ground on the Dodgers in the process.Joe Panik, who began the season with consecutive game-winning home runs against the Dodgers, believes the Giants still have some fight in them.“We’re all playing for pride, for the Giants name on the front of the jersey http://www.bravesfanproshop.com/authentic-nick-markakis-jersey ,” he said after Wednesday’s 3-2 home loss to San Diego. “The rivalry with the Dodgers, having them at home, they’ve got these games on the line … that’s going to give us a little extra incentive to lay it all out there.”Bumgarner beat the Dodgers 5-2 on Aug. 13, allowing a home run to Justin Turner among seven hits in six innings.He also lost a 3-1 decision in LA in June when Matt Kemp and Enrique Hernandez took him deep.Bumgarner has more career wins against the Dodgers (15) than any other team. He has gone 15-10 with a 2.61 ERA in 31 meetings, including 30 starts.The respected hitter was last seen pinch-hitting in the 12th inning against the Padres on Tuesday night. He delivered his first career walk-off hit, a single that ended a 5-4 win.Bumgarner has gone 2-for-10 with four strikeouts in his career against Ryu. Grandal started 429 games in the last four seasons, his framing excellence and home run hitting bat will be missed in 2019"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2019 Spring TrainingProspectsCommentaryNews and NotesPlayer Profiles2018 Dodgers Review:Yasmani GrandalNew,65commentsGrandal started 429 games in the last four seasons, his framing excellence and home run hitting bat will be missed in 2019BycraigminamiDec 31, 2018,6:00am PSTShareTweetShareShare2018 Dodgers Review:Yasmani GrandalRichard Mackson-USA TODAY SportsCatcher Yasmani Grandal was the key acquisition in Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi’s first offseason.Grandal would start 100 or more games in each of the past four seasons and the Dodgers are still looking for someone to pair with Austin Barnes to help make up for Grandal’s production.What went rightGrandal remained the gold standard when it comes to framing.According to this November 2018 MLB.com article by David Adler http://www.bravesfanproshop.com/authentic-nick-markakis-jersey , Grandal’s 52.5% in called strike percentage on borderline pitches was second in MLB only to Jeff Mathis over the last four seasons.As far as at the plate, Grandal hit 24 home runs with a 121 OPS+.The combination of his framing and his offense should make him a valuable free agent acquisition. What went wrongAs well as Grandal framed in the regular season, his problems with just catching the ball put him on the bench in the postseason.In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Grandal set a dubious record.He became the first catcher in MLB postseason history to allow two passed balls and two errors in the same game. His fielding problems were compounded by the fact that Grandal has never hit in the postseason in his Dodger career.In 75 career postseason at-bats, Grandal has struck out 35 times.His overall batting line is .107./264/.200 in 92 plate appearances.2018 particularsAge:30Stats:In 518 plate appearances, Grandal hit .241/.349/.466 with 24 home runs.Game of the yearYasmani Grandal hit two home runs including a walk-off homer against the Brewers on August 1st.He went 3-for-5 with those two home runs and three RBI.Roster statusThe Dodgers gave a qualifying offer to Yasmani Grandal and he turned it down.So if one of the 29 teams Grandal did not play for in 2018 does sign him, the Dodgers will receive a compensation pick between the Competitive Balance “B” round and 3rd round of the draft.

TORONTO (AP) — Charlie Montoyo is doing his part to make sure the Toronto Blue Jays play before a full house in his first game as a major league manager.Montoyo and the Blue Jays begin the 2019 season at home Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. It’s a big moment for Montoyo Matt Harvey Jersey , who spent 18 seasons as a minor league manager in the Tampa Bay system and another four as a big league coach for the Rays before getting the Blue Jays job last winter.Besides family from his home in Puerto Rico, Montoyo has friends coming from some of his minor league managerial stops around the United States.“They’re flying in tonight,” a smiling Montoyo said Wednesday. “My mom, sister, sister-in-law, people from Durham (North Carolina), from Tucson (Arizona), from Montgomery (Alabama). It’s going to be special.”While Montoyo is proving a draw, several thousand tickets remained unsold less than 24 hours before the opener, a reflection of Toronto’s outlook at the beginning of a rebuild. Top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr., arguably the club’s most dynamic player, will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a strained left oblique. The team said Tuesday that Guerrero Scott Schebler Jersey , who started hitting in the cage this week, is ahead of schedule in his recovery. However, there is still no timetable for his return.The Blue Jays still have some roster decisions to make before the first game, with at least one of the final spots expected to go to a relief pitcher. Right-hander Bud Norris, who signed a minor league deal during spring training, has been slowed by a sore arm and might not be ready. Norris threw a bullpen at Toronto’s spring training facility in Florida on Tuesday.The team unexpectedly opened another spot Wednesday night by trading designated hitter Kendrys Morales and cash to Oakland for minor league infielder Jesus Lopez. Toronto also received international slot money from the Athletics. The deal will allow Toronto to use the DH spot to give regular players a break, and makes room on the 40-man roster for Norris or another pitcher. Outfielder Anthony Alford is expected to take Morales’ spot on the opening day roster.Detroit finalized its roster Wednesday. Outfielder JaCoby Jones (left shoulder) will start the season on the injured list.The Tigers, coming off consecutive 98-loss seasons, will send Jordan Zimmermann to the mound Thursday against right-hander Marcus Stroman. Zimmermann has two years and $50 million left on the contract that brought him to Detroit before the 2016 season. He’s been injured or ineffective for much of his tenure with the Tigers, but he’ll get the start for a rebuilding team that already lost right-hander Michael Fulmer for the season because of an elbow injury.Detroit welcomes back slugger Miguel Cabrera, who played only 38 games last year before a biceps injury ended his season. The Tigers have a couple of new faces in their infield after signing free agents Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison, but it figures to be another long season in Detroit.For now http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , though, the Tigers are 0-0 and manager Ron Gardenhire remains upbeat.“You’ve heard the word rebuild — but the rebuild is from the front office. Inside a clubhouse and the coaching staff, we believe we’re going to win,” Gardenhire said. “We’re putting together a baseball team that’s going to win baseball games.” The New York Yankees have bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring Seattle Mariners lefty and Canadian James Paxton in a blockbuster deal, with three prospects headed to the Emerald City.Per Corey Brock of The Athletic, the Mariners are getting prospects Justus Sheffield, Erik Swanson and Don Thompson-Williams.Paxton deal to Yankees is for Sheffield, OF Don Thompson-Williams and RHP Erik Swanson.— Corey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) November 19, 2018Paxton - who threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays back on May 8 - enjoyed another stellar season on an otherwise mediocre Mariners team. He reached double-digit wins for the second consecutive season, going 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 160.1 innings pitched.advertisingPaxton joins a stacked Yankees rotation that propelled them to another playoff spot in 2018, though the Boston Red Sox defeated them in the ALDS. With C.C. Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino in the fold George Foster Jersey , New York has arguably the deepest starting rotation in all of baseball now. Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY SportsAs for the Mariners, trading Paxton appears to be the start of a rebuilding process. Second baseman Robinson Cano has been the subject of trade rumors, though moving out the 36-year-old is easier said than done.Seattle has missed the playoffs every year now since the 2001 season, and despite having a solid core built around Cano, Kyle Seager, Paxton and Felix Hernandez, they just haven't been able to build up the right group to make a run.advertisingWhat This MeansThe Yankees are now built even further to embark on a championship run - and thus topple the Red Sox in the AL East race. They've stacked up on left-handed pitchers, and Paxton should be a great fit in The Bronx.For the Mariners, they get a nice haul in return for Paxton. Sheffield is one of the top pitching prospects in the game - a player the Yankees refused to move out in previous trades.It's a win-win for both teams, and it's safe to assume it's just the first of many big time moves for the Yankees and Mariners.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe Washington Nationals placed starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day disabled list Thursday Masahiro Tanaka Jersey , retroactive to July 22, with an unspecified injury.An MRI on Strasburg's shoulder revealed no damage, and the star pitcher will visit a neurologist in Los Angeles to evaluate a potential nerve issue, per Dan Kolko of MASN.According to MLB.com'sJamal Collier, the Nats are expected to call up Tommy Milone to start against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.Washington's decision comes on the heels of a disappointing outing for Strasburg in his most recent start.After allowing six earned runs on eight hits and two walks in 4.2 innings against the Atlanta Braves last week, Strasburg got into an argument with fellow starter Max Scherzer in the dugout.The Nationals placed Strasburg on the DL in June with right shoulder inflammation. Injuries have been a recurring problem for the three-time All-Star, with ESPN.com noting he made six trips to the DL over the past four years prior to his latest stint.Injury issues aside, Strasburg has been fairly solid in 2018. While not pitching at the standards he set over the last few seasons, he's6-7 with a 3.90 ERA and a 3.50 FIP in 14 starts.Strasburgfinished with a career-best 2.52 ERA (minimum six starts) last season.While Milone is expected to replace Strasburg for the time being, there will be additional pressure on Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez Paul O'Neill Jersey , Tanner Roark and Jeremy Hellickson to step up while Strasburg is out as well.The Nats are seven games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East lead, and they trail the Atlanta Braves by 5.5 games for the final wild-card spot in the NL.If Strasburg's DL stay is an extended one, an already difficult trek to the postseason will become even tougher for Washington. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the busiest teams on the MLB trade market in recent years.Ahead of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline, the Dodgers acquired Manny Machado for a quintet of prospects, but that isn't the only upgrade they're looking to make.With Machado already in the lineup, the Dodgers are in search of bullpen help to alleviate some of the pressure on closer Kenley Jansen's shoulders.The relief market is shifting by the day, as a few trades have taken place since the All-Star break, but there are still plenty of players available who could help the Dodgers down the stretch.Below is a look at the latest buzz surrounding the Dodgers' trade targets.Zach BrittonThe Dodgers are one of many teams involved in talks for theBaltimore Orioles' Zach Britton, who is deemed the best reliever left on the market.Although the Dodgers are discussing a potential deal with theO's, they don't appear to be the front-runner for the 30-year-old yet, as theBoston Red Sox http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-giancarlo-stanton-jersey , Houston AstrosandChicago Cubs are more active in talks, per MASN's Roch Kubatko:Roch Kubatko masnRochWhile it true #dodgers in talks with #orioles regarding Britton, hearing #astros, #redsox and #cubs more active.The main concern for the Dodgers if they acquire Britton is his salary, as the $4.5 million he's still owed would put them near the luxury-tax threshold, which would force them to make a corresponding move, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal:Ken Rosenthal Ken_RosenthalBritton still owed more than $4.5M. #Dodgers up against luxury-tax threshold. If they acquire Britton, they almost certainly will need to purge another salary to remain under. vESaGQbivvIf the Dodgers find a way to get a deal done for Britton, they would be seen as one of the biggest winners of the non-waiver trade deadline, and they'd be viewed as one of the top contenders to win the World Series.Britton's experience as a closer would help the Dodgers in eighth-inning situations, with Jansen waiting to take over in the ninth.Gail Burton/Associated PressBy possessing a dynamic one-two punch in Britton and Jansen http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-giancarlo-stanton-jersey , the Dodgers could turn into an unstoppable team in the postseason if their starters are able to go six or seven innings.Since Britton spent time as a starter earlier in his career, it wouldn't be out of the question for the Dodgers to use him starting in the seventh to bridge the gap to Jansen.However, the Dodgers might be in a less-than-ideal position in their attempts to acquire Britton since they already sent five prospects to Baltimore for Machado.With Brad Hand and Jeurys Familia already dealt, the Orioles might try to drive up the price for Britton, knowing he's the most coveted trade target.If that occurs, the Dodgers might be outpriced by other contenders willing to go all-in for a championship by sacrificing a few key prospects. Brad BrachIf the Dodgers are unable to bring in Britton, they could turn to another part of the Orioles bullpen to bolster their relief pitching.According toBill Shaikinof theLos Angeles Times,the Dodgers are interested in Brad Brach in addition to Britton.Brach, who unlike Britton pitched since the start of the season, has 10 saves in 41 appearances for the Orioles, but he possesses a 4.97 ERA in 38 innings.The 32-year-old right-hander would be a downgrade from Britton http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-giancarlo-stanton-jersey , but he'd still be an addition who could help Jansen throughout the final two months of the regular season and playoffs.Jim Mone/Associated PressA year ago, Brach recorded a 3.18 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 68 innings, and he gained experience as a closer after Britton went down with an Achilles injury.While he isn't a big fish on the trade market like Britton, Brach might be the better option for the Dodgers if they're looking to trade away fewer prospects while still improving the bullpen.One of the downfalls to acquiring Brach instead of Britton would be the lack of a left-handed power arm in front of Jansen, but the Dodgers could look elsewhere.Other options include Miami's Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider, who could move to the forefront of the relief market if the Miami Marlins believe they can receive favorable packages in return.A surprise name or two could always pop up as well, which might lead the Dodgers in another direction, but for now, their focus appears to be on the two Orioles relievers.Follow Joe on Twitter, JTansey90.

The Buffalo Bills might have some good news on offense Authentic Derek Wolfe Jersey , for once.Rookie quarterback Josh Allen resumed throwing for the first time in three weeks since spraining his right elbow, and there's a possibility he could play against the New York Jets this weekend.Coach Sean McDermott wouldn't rule out Allen from playing Sunday, but was cautious in adding, "I'm going to take it day to day at this point."Allen began testing his arm on Friday, and continued through the weekend, McDermott said. On Monday, Allen threw about 100 passes during a workout, which translates into an average workload during a normal practice.McDermott stressed he's going to take a cautious approach regarding Allen, and noted one option is providing him additional time to heal with Buffalo (2-7) entering its bye week after playing at New York.Should he play, the matchup against the Jets (3-6) would pit the Bills rookie against quarterback Sam Darnold, who was drafted third overall, four spots ahead of Allen.Allen has been out since being hurt during a 20-13 loss at Houston on Oct. 14, which began the Bills' four-game skid.Buffalo's quarterback position has been in flux since and contributed to a sputtering offense which has scored 20 points in its past three games and an NFL-worst 96 overall this season.Derek Anderson turned the ball over six times in two starts before sustaining a concussion in a 25-6 loss to New England last week. Nathan Peterman threw three interceptions in a 41-9 loss to Chicago on Sunday.Anderson remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.Should Allen not be ready, McDermott said Anderson would be the next in line to start if he's cleared to play.In updating other injuries, McDermott said running back Chris Ivory has been released from the hospital after being evaluated for what he called "internal issues" separate from a shoulder injury he sustained against Chicago. Ivory is considered day to day.Starting tight end Charles Clay is listed week to week after hurting his hamstring on Sunday.Allen's pending return is an encouraging sign for an offense that's been anemic no matter who's behind center. The 22-year-old has a 2-3 record since taking over the job in Week 2, and lost plenty of developmental opportunities while being sidelined."It's never easy for a young player to miss reps, valuable reps. But it's offered a nice perspective in kind of a glass-half-full in terms of his development," McDermott said. "He's had a chance to watch, take a step back and learn while being on the sideline."It couldn't have been easy watching.Buffalo has scored just two touchdowns in its past five games, and Peterman's 1-yard run against Chicago ended a TD drought that spanned 187 minutes and 19 seconds. With just eight touchdowns all season, the Bills are one of just 13 teams since 1940 with that many or fewer through nine games, according to Pro Football Reference."To get the results we've gotten on that side of the ball in particular leaves you frustrated, leaves you empty-handed," McDermott said. "Our fan base deserves better. That's what we're committed to do. That's what I came here to do Womens Adam Gotsis Jersey , and to do it the right way. It takes some time."And, though McDermott won't acknowledge it publicly, it'll take more talent.Buffalo's offensive line is a patchwork unit that lost two starters 鈥?center Eric Wood and guard Richie Incognito 鈥?this offseason.Protection is an issue. Buffalo's 33 sacks are the second-most allowed in the NFL.And the running attack has ground to a halt with LeSean McCoy having combined for 23 yards on 22 carries over the past two games."We have a lot of work to do, a lot of getting better to do. Not where we need to be," offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said.The Bills claimed receiver Isaiah McKenzie on Monday, three days after he was placed on waivers by Denver. He was used mostly as a kickoff and punt returner in 12 career games, including one this season, since being selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft out of Georgia.Buffalo created a roster spot by releasing receiver Cam Phillips.HT: Things are looking up for the Broncos’ O-line When the Denver Broncos selected Garett Bolles with the 20th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, there was plenty of debate. Some fans thought the Broncos should have chosen Ryan Ramczyk or Cam Robinson instead. Other fans pounded the table for a defensive playmaker. It was a pretty controversial pick in Broncos Country. And unfortunately, Bolles’ rookie season did little to alleviate the controversy. Penalties & pass blocking issues overshadowed good run blocking for a Broncos fanbase that was not inclined to be patient.It was far from just Bolles, though. The Broncos did boast a Pro Bowl quality center & guard combo in Matt Paradis and Ron Leary, but Max Garcia had an awful season at left guard. And as for the right tackle position... well, the less said about that disaster, the better.Now, quite a bit has changed.The two biggest changes don’t even involve the offensive linemen directly:The Broncos let Brock Osweiler walk, traded Trevor Siemian away, and cut Paxton Lynch. On the flipside, they signed Case Keenum & promoted Chad Kelly.The Broncos fired offensive line coach Jeff Davidson. They replaced him with Chris Strausser, who they promoted from assistant o-line coach to Offensive Line-Tackles coach, and Sean Kugler. Kugler, the former head coach at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), is the Offensive Line-Guards/Centers coach.With better coaching & greatly improved QB play, the entire Broncos offensive line is, well Authentic Chris Harris Jr Jersey , flourishing. Connor McGovern has stepped in across from Leary, with Garcia now a backup. And John Elway pulled off a heck of an offseason trade, bringing veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer in from the Arizona Cardinals for the low, low price of a 6th round pick.The results are speaking for themselves. Pro Football Focus has both Bolles & Veldheer among the top 25 offensive tackles in the NFL, and Paradis is among the best centers. Overall, they’re currently ranking the Broncos’ O-line as the 13th best in the NFL. That’s a huge step up from an abysmal 2017!But perhaps even more telling is Football Outsiders’ take on the Broncos’ offensive line: Adjusted Line Yards: 3rdPower Running Rank: 7thStuffed Rank: 15th2nd Level Rank: 9thOpen Field Rank: 5thPass Protection: 4thWith just 2 sacks allowed, the Broncos are allowing an Adjusted Sack Rate of just 3.0%. One thing to note: opponent adjustments aren’t factored in until after Week 4 due to sample size, so we’ll see where things stand then.For good measure, here’s how the Broncos rank on runs in each direction:Left End: 9thLeft Tackle: 31stMid/Guard: 9thRight Tackle: 8thRight End: 5thThe low rank on runs toward the Left Tackle is a bit concerning, but let’s add a bit of context: only 4% of the Broncos’ runs have been headed that way, so each individual play’s impact is magnified. And besides- there are a whole lot more single digit rankings up there to get excited about.Beyond just the stats, the offensive line’s progress has been clear to see for anyone watching the games. Success in the trenches is a big part of having a successful NFL offense, and the marked improvement in this area is helping turn one of the league’s worst 2017 offenses into one of its more intriguing 2018 units.Horse Tracks5 reasons Baker Mayfield’s 2-point conversion for the Browns was amazing - SBNation.comHe’s done this before ... at Oklahoma!Jets vs. Browns results: Baker Mayfield leads Cleveland to 21-17 win - SBNation.comThe Browns picked up a win and got a fantastic debut for Baker Mayfield against the Jets on Thursday.How the Browns beat the Jets to get their first win since 2016 - SBNation.comRookies Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward starred in the Browns’ first win since Robert Griffin III was the starter.Carlos Hyde rushes to hospital to welcome baby after helping Browns win - SBNation.comCarlos Hyde will soon be a new dad after the Browns beat the Jets on "Thursday Night Football."Browns fans open Bud Light fridges to celebrate a win with free beer - SBNation.comFree beer is free beer, and Clevelanders earned this one.The best reactions to the Browns’ win, 635 days in the making - SBNation.comLebron James, J.R. Smith, and Lincoln Riley were among the members of the sports world happy to see the Browns FINALLY win a game.What was happening in the world the last time the Browns had won a game - SBNation.comThe Browns finally have another win ... 635 days later.The Browns won because of Baker Mayfield and the RALLY POSSUM! - SBNation.comThere goes the Dawg Pound.2 NFL teams still flying under the radar and more takeaways from Week 2 - SBNation.comThe Bengals and Dolphins are both off to 2-0 starts, just like nobody predicted. Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz explains why those two teams are for real and more thoughts on Week 2.Antonio Brown on frustrations: 'We're losing. We suck' - NFL.comThe Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-1-1 entering Week 3, and wide receiver Antonio Brown isn’t happy about it. Brown discussed his turbulent week with local reporters Thursday.Carr: 'It hurts your heart to see' Khalil Mack off Raiders - NFL.comLooking beyond coach Jon Gruden's somewhat strange comments about how difficult it is to find quality pass-rushers, it appears the Raiders are still trying to come to terms with Khalil Mack no longer on the team.Buckeyes DE Nick Bosa out indefinitely after surgery - NFL.comCollege football will be without one of its top defensive players. Ohio State Buckeyes DE Nick Bosa underwent surgery Thursday for a core muscle injury, and coach Urban Meyer said there is no timetable for his return.Terrell Davis: Lindsay can break my rushing record - NFL.comBroncos RB Phillip Lindsay became the first undrafted free agent in NFL history with over 100 scrimmage yards in each of his first two games. HOFer Terrell Davis has high expectations for the rookie.NFL Week 3 game picks: Falcons top Saints; Steelers edge Bucs - NFL.comWill the Rams or Chargers claim L.A. supremacy? Can the Steelers earn their first win of the season against a surprising Buccaneers team? Falcons or Saints in Atlanta? Elliot Harrison picks every Week 3 game.

Three picks after the Baltimore Colts selected John Elway with the 1st pick in the 1983 draft Youth Chris Harris Jr Jersey , the Broncos selected tackle Chris Hinton 4th overall. How on earth did the Broncos end up with the 4th overall pick? The 1982 season must have been just awful. The 1982 season was indeed awful in ways that challenge the traditional definition of terrible. First, there was the NFLPA strike that wiped out NFL football for over half the season. Imagine the third game of the season being played the weekend before Thanksgiving! Thankfully, I was only 3-years old at the time and don’t remember it. The 1982 Denver Broncos fielded holdovers from the Super Bowl XII team like Craig Morton, Rob Lytle, Riley Odoms, Tom Glassic, Rick Upchurch, and Randy Gradishar while featuring stars we’d all get to know during the tragic Super Bowl runs of late 1980’s like Denis Smith, Rich Karlis, Gerald Willhite, Keith Bishop, Sammy Winder, and Steve Watson. Managing this collision of eras was Dan Reeves in his first year as head coach of the Denver Broncos. Denver won just 2 games in 1982, none of them in division and none of them in conference. Before the hiatus http://www.thebroncosfootballauthentic.com/connor-mcgovern-jersey-authentic , the Broncos hosted Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, and their San Francisco 49ers at Mile High and eked out a victory with the aid of a barefoot Rich Karlis field goal.The other victory came against Ray Malavasi’s Los Angeles Rams. Broncos history honks will remember him as the Denver Broncos interim head coach that replaced Mac Speedie after he dropped the first two games of the 1966 season. Malavasi would notch just a 4-8 record as Broncos head coach before being replaced by Lou Saban for the 1967 season.After turning in a horrid performance in the first game of the season against the San Diego Chargers and getting off to a shaky start against the 49ers, Craig Morton was benched in favor of Steve DeBerg. After falling behind in Anaheim, 21-0 in the 2nd quarter, the Broncos finally found their groove with DeBerg hitting Rick Upchurch for a 51-yard touchdown pass. Running back Rick Parros added another touchdown when DeBerg found him to close out the 2nd quarter. Outside of a Rams field goal in the 4th quarter, the Broncos would own the rest of the game adding two Rich Karlis field goals and another Rick Parros touchdown. Broncos won, 27-24.Interesting side note, in Super Bowl XXXIII, the Broncos faced Dan Reeves, as coach, and Steve DeBerg, as backup quarterback for the Falcons. While everyone remembers that victory over Atlanta as John Elway’s last game, few remember that it was also the conclusion to Steve DeBerg’s 20-year career. So how did this game ‘help pave the way for the Broncos to acquire John Elway’?If you haven’t seen the ESPN’s 30 for 30: Elway to Marino you need to stop what you’re doing right now and seek it out. The documentary details the minutiae of the 1983 NFL draft and gets deeply into what happened between Denver and Baltimore in the historic trade that changed both franchises forever. The Rams and Broncos both finished 1982 with 2-7 records. Since the Broncos won the head-to-head Womens Jake Butt Jersey , the Rams got to pick 3rd overall in 1983, right before Denver. Had the Broncos lost to Los Angeles, the Rams trade with the Houston Oilers to get the 2nd overall pick and hall-of-famer Eric Dickerson would have been more difficult to make or wouldn’t have happened at all. Denver could have picked someone other than Chris Hinton and the 1983 draft would have been different. Chris Hinton, backup quarterback Mark Hermann, and the Broncos 1st round pick in the 1984 draft were traded to Baltimore for John Elway. Would Elway have come to Denver without Hinton?The 30 for 30 mentions that the trade was more a product of then-Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser’s relationship with Colts owner Robert Irsay than the elements that were actually exchanged. However, if things didn’t sit as they did on draft day in 1983 as a result of the 1982 season, you can’t say for sure that Elway becomes the cornerstone of Denver Broncos history. It’s crazy to think of the impact a single game can have on a franchise. With a rout of the Arizona Cardinals ten days ago, the Denver Broncos were optimistic about being able to build off their win and gain some much needed momentum. In order for that to happen, they had to travel on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium this afternoon in a must-win game. After four quarters of fierce battle, the Broncos lost to the Chiefs 30-23 — effectively putting their postseason hopes to rest. Here are five things we learned from today’s game.1. The Broncos’ hopes at reviving their season are overWith today’s loss to the Chiefs, the Broncos are now 3-5 at the season’s halfway mark. You can kiss winning the AFC West goodbye and the chances of a wildcard birth are basically on life support. Perhaps last week’s win against the Cardinals gave Broncos Country a sense of false hope, because today’s outing reinforced what kind of team Denver has been all season long — a terrible one. Do you really think this team is going to win most every game in the second half of the season? Ha! It’s time to accept the fact that the season is over and that most importantly, that the franchise is far away from competing for postseason play and Super Bowls anytime soon. 2. The downfall of the Frequent Fly Zone continuesFor most of the season, the No Fly Zone has turned into the Frequent Fly Zone. Some games they are up Womens Justin Simmons Jersey , some games they are down — but it’s safe to say there have been far more downs than ups this season in respect to the Broncos’ secondary. That was certainly the case today as the Frequent Fly Zone was shredded by Patrick Mahomes and his arsenal of offensive weapons. That being said fifth-year cornerback Bradley Roby and back-up safety Will Parks (starting in place of Darian Stewart) were the primary culprits in the unit’s struggles this afternoon.My biggest issue was with Roby, who gave up several big plays in today’s game, in particular a 41-yard reception by Tyreek Hill and the drive-completing touchdown to Travis Kelce in the second quarter. Moreover, he had a rough third quarter allowing multiple first down catches. It wasn’t a particularly good look for a player who is in the final year of his contract and hoping to get a big-time payday on the free agent market. Nothing he has done this year should signal any remote interest in the franchise retaining him long-term. Expect the Broncos to use a high draft selection next April to replace him.3. The Broncos’ penchant for penalties killed multiple drivesBill Musgrave had a great offensive game plan and was quite creative in the way he decided to attack the Chiefs’ defense. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ penchant for penalties (especially in the second half) killed multiple drives and wiped out a handful of 20-plus yard plays that should have led to points on the board. In fact, every offensive lineman for the Broncos registered a penalty this afternoon.Self-inflicted woes have been the overarching narrative for the team’s offense this season and today’s issues were consistent with that. It’s hard to win games when you continuously shoot yourself in the foot. Alas, that has been about the only thing fans have come to accept from the offense this season — the Broncos routinely shitting the bed and being their own worst enemies.4. Case Keenum proves once again that he is a journeyman quarterbackFans who were hoping Case Keenum would replicate his success with the Minnesota Vikings this year would have had better luck playing the Powerball. The only ‘perfect’ thing for the Broncos this season is the unfortunate fact that Keenum has thrown a pick in every single game. It’s crystal clear that he isn’t the long-term savior for the franchise, but what is unclear is what John Elway and the Broncos’ brass will do this coming offseason to improve the position. Until that problem is solved fans should only expect mediocrity. Unfortunately, that might be a problem that can’t be solved this offseason.5. The Broncos’ rushing attack was strong despite Royce Freeman’s absenceThe Chiefs aren’t known for their quality run defense and rank among the league’s worst in that regard. However, the prospect of the Broncos’ having success on the ground was questionable with rookie Royce Freeman sidelined from today’s game due to injury. Even with him being out of the lineup, Denver had no issue running the ball. Undrafted rookie standout Phillip Lindsay continued to impress while third-year pro Devontae Booker had several quality runs of his own. The two combined for 173 yards on 27 carries. If there has been one continued bright spot in a lackluster season for the Broncos, the production from their youthful running back stable has certainly been it.So Broncos Country, what were your five big observations from today’s game? Sound off in the comments section and make your voice heard!