INSIDER
Skubal sensational, Tigers jump on Valdez early to get 3-1 win over Astros in AL Wild Card Series
Read full article: Skubal sensational, Tigers jump on Valdez early to get 3-1 win over Astros in AL Wild Card SeriesTarik Skubal kept up his stellar season with a sensational playoff debut and the Detroit Tigers got to Framber Valdez early in a 3-1 win over the Houston Astros in their AL Wild Card Series opener.
Astros overcome terrible start to clinch 4th straight AL West title
Read full article: Astros overcome terrible start to clinch 4th straight AL West titleThe Houston Astros have clinched their fourth straight AL West title with a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners, overcoming a terrible start to reach the playoffs for an eighth consecutive year.
Valdez loses no-hitter with 2 outs in 9th on Seager homer as Astros beat rival Rangers 4-2
Read full article: Valdez loses no-hitter with 2 outs in 9th on Seager homer as Astros beat rival Rangers 4-2Houston pitcher Framber Valdez lost a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning when Texas slugger Corey Seager hit a two-run homer in the Astrosโ 4-2 victory over the Rangers.
Who's really left-handed? In baseball, it can be hard to tell
Read full article: Who's really left-handed? In baseball, it can be hard to tellMLB and its history are dotted with men who played out of their natural handedness, a phenomenon that is seen occasionally in other sports but is a regular occurrence on the diamond.
Soto gets record $31 million, 1-year deal with Yankees. Guerrero asks for $19.9M from Blue Jays
Read full article: Soto gets record $31 million, 1-year deal with Yankees. Guerrero asks for $19.9M from Blue JaysJuan Soto and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $31 million, one-year contract that broke Shohei Ohtaniโs record for an arbitration-eligible player.
Eovaldi remains perfect, Rangers slug their way to 9-2 win over Astros to force Game 7 in ALCS
Read full article: Eovaldi remains perfect, Rangers slug their way to 9-2 win over Astros to force Game 7 in ALCSNathan Eovaldi remained perfect this postseason, and Mitch Garver and Jonah Heim homered early before a ninth-inning grand slam by Adolis Garcรญa helped the Texas Rangers avoid elimination with a 9-2 win over the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series.
Rangers build big early lead off Valdez, hold on for 5-4 win over Astros to take 2-0 lead in ALCS
Read full article: Rangers build big early lead off Valdez, hold on for 5-4 win over Astros to take 2-0 lead in ALCSJonah Heim homered, Nathan Eovaldi pitched six effective innings and the Texas Rangers beat Framber Valdez and Houston Astros 5-4 for a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Kyle Tucker's 9th-inning grand slam off Fรฉlix Bautista lifts Astros to 7-6 victory over Orioles
Read full article: Kyle Tucker's 9th-inning grand slam off Fรฉlix Bautista lifts Astros to 7-6 victory over OriolesKyle Tuckerโs grand slam off Fรฉlix Bautista in the top of the ninth inning gave the Houston Astros a 7-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
The Minnesota Twins are opening a gap in the AL Central. Can they finally end their postseason skid?
Read full article: The Minnesota Twins are opening a gap in the AL Central. Can they finally end their postseason skid?Thereโs been a sense all season that whoever wins the AL Central will be the weak link in the American League playoffs.
Houston's pitchers rave about Maldonado after the veteran catches third no-hitter
Read full article: Houston's pitchers rave about Maldonado after the veteran catches third no-hitterWhen Martรญn Maldonado caught Framber Valdezโs no-hitter for the Houston Astros against the Cleveland Guardians Tuesday night, it gave him three in his career, tying him for third-most in MLB history.
Shohei Ohtani homers in 9th inning, Angels win 13-12 in 10th on Astros error
Read full article: Shohei Ohtani homers in 9th inning, Angels win 13-12 in 10th on Astros errorShohei Ohtan hit his major league-leading 33rd homer to key the Angelsโ tying rally in the ninth inning, and rookie Trey Cabbage scored on rookie Grae Kessingerโs throwing error in the 10th to end Los Angelesโ wild 13-12 victory over the Houston Astros.
33 players left in arbitration as 170 reach agreements
Read full article: 33 players left in arbitration as 170 reach agreementsA total of 170 major league players agreed to contracts in the hours before Friday nightโs arbitration deadline to exchange proposed salaries with teams, and just one reached a multiyear deal: Minnesota right-hander Chris Paddack.
Alvarez blasts Baker, Astros to World Series title vs Phils
Read full article: Alvarez blasts Baker, Astros to World Series title vs PhilsYordan Alvarez hit a towering three-run homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6.
Phillies not worried about Astros' Valdez odd hand rubbing
Read full article: Phillies not worried about Astros' Valdez odd hand rubbingPhiladelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson says he isnโt concerned about Houston starter Framber Valdezโs unusual hand rubbing during Game 2 of the World Series, downplaying speculation on social media that the left-hander was up to something fishy during a dominant victory.
Astros burst ahead, beat Phillies 5-2, tie World Series 1-1
Read full article: Astros burst ahead, beat Phillies 5-2, tie World Series 1-1Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houstonโs lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 to tie the World Series at one game apiece.
Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0
Read full article: Bregman HR as Valdez, Astros edge Yankees 3-2, lead ALCS 2-0Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Verlander Ks 11 to lead Astros over Yankees 4-2 in ALCS
Read full article: Verlander Ks 11 to lead Astros over Yankees 4-2 in ALCSJustin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peรฑa all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener.
Alvarez homers again, Astros top Mariners 4-2, lead ALDS 2-0
Read full article: Alvarez homers again, Astros top Mariners 4-2, lead ALDS 2-0Yordan Alvarez and his mighty bat did it yet again, launching a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning off Seattle ace Luis Castillo that lifted the Houston Astros over the Mariners 4-2 for a 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series.
Astros' Phil Maton out for playoffs after punching locker
Read full article: Astros' Phil Maton out for playoffs after punching lockerAstros reliever Phil Maton says he broke his right pinkie when he punched a locker in frustration after Houstonโs regular-season finale and will miss the postseason.
Verlander returns to playoffs as Astros host Seattle in ALDS
Read full article: Verlander returns to playoffs as Astros host Seattle in ALDSWhen Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Division Series on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, it will have been almost three years since his last playoff appearance.
Valdez has MLB-record 25th quality start, Astros down A's
Read full article: Valdez has MLB-record 25th quality start, Astros down A'sFramber Valdez set a major league record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros to an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.
Verlander 6 no-hit innings, 16th W; Astros top Correa, Twins
Read full article: Verlander 6 no-hit innings, 16th W; Astros top Correa, TwinsJustin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correaโs return to Houston.
Verlander wins MLB-leading 15th game, Astros blank Cleveland
Read full article: Verlander wins MLB-leading 15th game, Astros blank ClevelandJustin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings for his MLB-leading 15th victory, Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado each homered and had three RBIs, and the AL West-leading Houston Astros beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0.
Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1
Read full article: Verlander wins MLB-leading 14th, Astros rout Mariners 11-1Justin Verlander pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning and won his MLB-leading 14th game, Aledmys Dรญaz hit two homers and Yordan Alvarez slugged his 30th home run of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 11-1.
Verlander 1st 13-game winner, Astros beat Mariners 3-1
Read full article: Verlander 1st 13-game winner, Astros beat Mariners 3-1Justin Verlander became the major leaguesโ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.
Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 win
Read full article: Ohtani wins 6th straight start, triples in Angels' 7-1 winShohei Ohtani won his sixth straight start by striking out 12 in six innings and also hit a two-run triple in the Los Angeles Angelsโ 7-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Ohtani a 2-way All-Star again; 6 Yankees, 5 Braves, Astros
Read full article: Ohtani a 2-way All-Star again; 6 Yankees, 5 Braves, AstrosLos Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.
Trout's slump worsens, Astros strike out 20 to sweep Angels
Read full article: Trout's slump worsens, Astros strike out 20 to sweep AngelsAngels star Mike Trout finished 0 for 11 with nine strikeouts in a three-game series and Los Angeles hitters fanned 20 times overall in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
Payday: Judge wins it for Yankees on eve of salary showdown
Read full article: Payday: Judge wins it for Yankees on eve of salary showdownAaron Judge lined a game-winning single on the eve of his salary arbitration showdown, capping a four-run ninth inning that included Aaron Hicksโ tying three-run homer off closer Ryan Pressly in the New York Yankeesโ 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros.
LEADING OFF: Astros vs Yanks, Musgrove returns to face Phils
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Astros vs Yanks, Musgrove returns to face PhilsAmerican League powerhouses square off when Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees host Yordan รlvarez and the Houston Astros in the opener of a highly anticipated four-game series Thursday night.
Astros 2 immaculate innings, Maldonado 3 RBIs to beat Texas
Read full article: Astros 2 immaculate innings, Maldonado 3 RBIs to beat TexasAstros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning โ nine pitches, three strikeouts โ and Martรญn Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.
Marlins run win streak to 5 with 5-1 win over Astros
Read full article: Marlins run win streak to 5 with 5-1 win over AstrosThe Miami Marlins got a solid start from rookie Braxton Garrett and Jon Berti drove in two runs to help them extend their winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Valdez bests Ohtani, Astros top Angels 3-1 for opener record
Read full article: Valdez bests Ohtani, Astros top Angels 3-1 for opener recordFramber Valdez outpitched Shohei Ohtani with 6 2/3 dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the Houston Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Summer castoff Jorge Soler transforms into World Series MVP
Read full article: Summer castoff Jorge Soler transforms into World Series MVPA bit player during the Chicago Cubsโ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston Astros.
The Latest: Astros force series back to Houston with 9-5 win
Read full article: The Latest: Astros force series back to Houston with 9-5 winCarlos Correa had three hits, Martin Maldonado found three different ways to drive in runs and pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez blooped a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fifth inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 9-5 and cut their World Series deficit to three games to two.
World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie Series
Read full article: World Siri: Rookie propels Astros past Braves to tie SeriesRookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.
Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1
Read full article: Soler, Braves overcome Morton injury, top Astros in Game 1Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.
The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over Astros
Read full article: The Latest: Braves take 1-0 Series advantage over AstrosJorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday nightโs opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.
Garcรญa to start Game 6 of ALCS for Astros against Red Sox
Read full article: Garcรญa to start Game 6 of ALCS for Astros against Red SoxRookie Luis Garcรญa will start for the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.
LEADING OFF: LA hopes to maximize Scherzer with extra rest
Read full article: LEADING OFF: LA hopes to maximize Scherzer with extra restThe Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.
Houston's McCullers looking for ways to help despite injury
Read full article: Houston's McCullers looking for ways to help despite injuryHouston Astros ace Lance McCullers is looking for ways to help the team off the field while sidelined with an arm injury during the AL Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Correa's time: Late HR helps Astros top Bosox in ALCS opener
Read full article: Correa's time: Late HR helps Astros top Bosox in ALCS openerCarlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.
Cora meets former team again with Red Sox vs Astros in ALCS
Read full article: Cora meets former team again with Red Sox vs Astros in ALCSBoston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will look to take down his former team in the AL Championship Series for the second time in four years after beating the Houston Astros on the way to a World Series title in 2018.
LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers cap 4-game Division Series slate
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Giants-Dodgers cap 4-game Division Series slateThe 107-win Giants and 106-win Dodgers are ready to throw out all those wins and settle their season-long clash with a best-of-five NL Division Series in San Francisco.
La Russa back in postseason with White Sox against Astros
Read full article: La Russa back in postseason with White Sox against AstrosHall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is back in the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to open their best-of-five AL Division Series on Thursday against the Houston Astros.
LEADING OFF: Angels' Ohtani might not pitch again this year
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Angels' Ohtani might not pitch again this yearTwo-way star Shohei Ohtani has been scratched from his scheduled start for the Angels against Oakland because of a sore right arm that could sideline him as a pitcher for the rest of the season.
Ohtani hits 44th HR, but Astros tag him in win over Angels
Read full article: Ohtani hits 44th HR, but Astros tag him in win over AngelsShohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 44th home run, but got tagged early by Josรฉ Altuve, Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros in a 10-5 over the Los Angeles Angels.
LEADING OFF: Angels' dual threat Ohtani starts at Astros
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Angels' dual threat Ohtani starts at AstrosBig league home run leader Shohei Ohtani is unbeaten in his last 13 starts going into this outing for the Los Angeles Angels against the AL West-leading Astros in Houston.
Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over Astros
Read full article: Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over AstrosTy France tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning and put the Seattle Mariners on top with an RBI single in the 11th before Kyle Seager belted a three-run homer in a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat Astros
Read full article: Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat AstrosMax Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat Giants
Read full article: Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat GiantsJosรฉ Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 in a matchup of baseballโs top two teams.
Red Sox end Germรกn's no-hit bid in 8th, storm past Yanks 5-4
Read full article: Red Sox end Germรกn's no-hit bid in 8th, storm past Yanks 5-4Held hitless into the eighth inning by Domingo Germรกn and looking feeble, Alex Verdugo and the Boston Red Sox suddenly erupted for five runs to shake Fenway Park and storm past the New York Yankees 5-4.
Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11
Read full article: Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros beat Texas 4-1, sending the Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss.
Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs Astros
Read full article: Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs AstrosYankees ace Gerrit Cole demanded on the mound that manager Aaron Boone let him get the final out, then struck out Yordan Alvarez with a 99 mph fastball on his career-high 129th pitch to cap the New York Yankeesโ 1-0 win over the Houston Astros.
Red Sox beat sloppy Marlins 5-3 for 5th straight win
Read full article: Red Sox beat sloppy Marlins 5-3 for 5th straight winChristian Arroyo hit a two-run single in Bostonโs three-run fourth inning, and the Red Sox took advantage of Miamiโs shoddy play to hold off the Marlins 5-3 for their fifth straight victory.
LEADING OFF: Syndergaard set back, Valdez back with Astros
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Syndergaard set back, Valdez back with AstrosThe Mets may need to reassess their rotation after learning Thursday that right-hander Noah Syndergaard wonโt throw for at least six weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow.
Ohtani, McCullers duel into late innings, Astros beat Angels
Read full article: Ohtani, McCullers duel into late innings, Astros beat AngelsShohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angelsโ bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1.
Walsh's big night helps Angels rally for 5-4 win over Astros
Read full article: Walsh's big night helps Angels rally for 5-4 win over AstrosJared Walsh homered and matched a career high with four hits, Justin Upton also connected and the Los Angeles Angels rallied in the sixth inning to beat the Houston Astros 5-4.
Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to Bronx
Read full article: Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to BronxBoos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astrosโ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.
Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus test
Read full article: Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus testThe two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.
Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Read full article: Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCSThe Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdรฉz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.
LEADING OFF: Rays' Snell, Astros' Valdez meet in ALCS opener
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Rays' Snell, Astros' Valdez meet in ALCS openerThe Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.