ngeles Dodgers will move both Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling from the starting rotation to the bullpen Mike Trout Jersey , manager Dave Roberts announced Sunday, per the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett.The move comes as the team works around a number of injuries to its regular relievers, including closer Kenley Jansen.According to The Athletic'sPedroMoura, Roberts indicated Stripling could return to the starting rotation at some point in the near future, saying the 28-year-old right-hander "has earned the opportunity to continue to start."Stripling is8-3 with a 2.62 ERA and a 3.10FIPin 28 appearances this year.Maeda, meanwhile, is 7-7 with a 3.80 ERA and a 3.26FIPin 22 appearances.Since neither pitcher has struggled this season http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , their shift to the bullpen is more an indication of how desperate things are for the Dodgers.Mike Petriello mike_petrielloAnd until Jansen returns, the bullpen is something like ...AlexanderFergusonBaezStriplingMaedaFloroAxfordChargois.. still not great, but looks a lot better with the two starters there.Daniel Hudson, TonyCingrani, Josh Fields and ErikGoeddelare all on the disabled list, and it's unclear when Jansen will return to the mound. ESPN'sBusterOlneyand The Athletic'sKenRosenthalreported the three-time All-Star is out while receiving treatment for an irregular heartbeat.Dodgers president of baseball operationsAndrew Friedman said Jansen will be examined Aug. 20 and that he may not be back until September, per theLos Angeles Times'Andy McCullough.With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed Garrett Richards Jersey , the Dodgers had few ways to add depth to their bullpen. Stripling at least has some experience out of the bullpen, andMaedahas made a handful of relief appearances over the last two seasons. They should help Los Angeles get through a difficult situation in the final stretch of the 2018 campaign. Stats are courtesy ofBaseball Referenceunless otherwise noted. Major changes are coming to Marlins Park in 2019, but there are significant obstacles still facing the team." and Photo courtesy of Marlins CommunicationsThis helps reduce the prohibitive cost to attend—access starts for as little as $10 per game. The team-provided renderings depict Marlins Park with an open roof, which improves the aesthetics. Summer humidity forces most games to be played inside, but new ownership is more lenient about the sunshine than Loria ever was, so this would be a common sight.Polling across the Fish Stripes social media accounts shows that fans are hyped. More than 67 percent of respondents indicated that they plan to attend more games in 2019 than they did in 2018, despite expectations of finishing last in the NL East again. However http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , those results may overstate the positive momentum. The Marlins continue to consider trade offers for J.T.Realmuto, their best player. It would be an upset to see him wear the new colors and uniforms in a meaningful game with so many teams desperately seeking an upgrade at catcher. Two-and-a-half weeks removed from the World Series, there is zero buzz about pursuing impact free agents. Although top prospect Vctor Vctor Mesa will be invited to major league spring training, it is developmentally and fiscally responsible to have him open the regular season in the farm system. The brand severely lacks individual star power.It is best to ignore Scott Boras and others who exploit the attendance issue for likes, retweets and professional leverage, especially when they place the blame in the wrong place. The Marlins have been failing their community for years. Fans should not feel obligated to commit their time and money to them until the franchise earns it.

itter on their roster http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-josh-bell-jersey , so it appears they may need to Frankenstein one by platooning for the 2019 season."As the calendar has turned to 2019, the Twins organization is looking towards a new strategy for its offense. After high-OBP hitters Joe Mauer and Robbie Grossman left the team due to retirement and not receiving a contract, respectively, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine chose to target multiple sluggers to fill out the roster. First baseman C.J. Cron was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay, while second baseman Jonathan Schoop and designated hitter Nelson Cruz were given one-year contracts. All three have at least one 30-home run season in their careers but Cruz is the only one to have shown any semblance of patience at the plate in his career. Thus, getting on base may be a problem for this team. Last season, MLB hitters drew a walk in 8.5% of their plate appearances which resulted in a .318 OBP. Looking at the Twins roster, I’m guessing there might be a platoon at catcher between Jason Castro and Mitch Garver and also in right field between Max Kepler and (Cruz? But he’s played just 9 OF games the last two seasons). Among the expected regulars for the 2019 season, only Garver, Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, and Cruz have a career OBP over the 2018 league OBP of .318.Of those players, Sano and Cruz are destined for the middle of the lineup due to their slugging nature, so they’re out. That leaves Garver and Polanco, but Garver would most likely start during day games at the end of a series and when a lefthanded pitcher is on the mound. However, the platoon works out perfectly as the switch-hitting Polanco has performed better against righthanded hitters in his career (.278/.346/.424, 106 wRC+).There are some issues, though. On Garver’s end, he’s hit just .229/.305/.347 (73 wRC+) in 131 plate appearances against lefties, but there might be good news as I’m assuming he’s performed better against them in the minors, though I’m not sure where to get that data. The second problem is that Garver is likely a below-average baserunner, both due to the fact that Statcast has his foot speed at 26.4 ft/sec (they claim the league average is 27 ft/sec) and because FanGraphs rates him as below-average on the bases in his short career (look at the BsR column, FanGraphs’ all-encompassing baserunning statistic). Therefore, though Garver is a bat-first catcher, he’s probably not an ideal leadoff man. Unfortunately, finding a leadoff man against LHP will be tricky and it depends on how creative you’re willing to be. With Kepler struggling immensely against southpaws thus far (.202/.273/.332, 61 wRC+), he’s either going to sit or should be buried at the bottom of the batting order. Having him ride the bench would open up a spot for Tyler Austin, who has limited major league experience in right field. We remember Jacque Jones as a leadoff hitter, but Austin would be even stranger. With more power than Jones, Austin also belongs in the heart of the lineup, but the middle would already be populated by Cruz, Cron, Sano, and Schoop. Austin is a career .272/.345/.592 hitter (145 wRC+) against lefties in his career Roberto Clemente Jersey , so he’d get on a base a ton, but would also give the Twins many early 1-0 leads. FanGraphs doesn’t think his baserunning is anything special, but now it’s time to get weird. Austin was measured as having an average top speed of 27.2 ft/sec, or roughly league average. Hey, no wonder the Yankees thought he could patrol that short right field porch at Yankee Stadium.There’s also the hope that Byron Buxton will eventually become the everyday leadoff hitter. He hasn’t shown much offensively outside of 2017 and part of 2016 but one hot streak at the dish could set him up as the #1 hitter in the lineup on a daily basis. With his speed and ability to wreak havoc on the bases, he’s just needed to be a better hitter in order to be more than Billy Hamilton 2.0. Even if he was strictly the leadoff hitter against lefties, Buxton has walked in 9.3% of his plate appearances against southpaws. His .299 OBP against them is atrocious, but that’s because his batting average is the culprit. Going a little deeper, it’s actually his 31% strikeout rate (major league average was around 22% last year). If he could cut down the strikeouts and in turn hit around .250, we might be seeing him lead off ballgames by the time July rolls around. Finally, I’m going to circle back to this lineup against righthanders because there’s one other intriguing player I haven’t suggested yet. Though Kepler has been horrendous against lefties in his career, he’s been perfectly adequate against righties (.245/.328/.448, 106 wRC+). That batting average is low but with a 10.7% walk rate, Kepler is like Buxton in that his numbers are a little low due to a poor batting average. Unlike Buxton, however, it’s not due to a poor strikeout rate (16.3% vs. RHP). Rather, he has a .258 BABIP against righties in his career, significantly lower than the league average that consistently hangs around .300. I feel Kepler would make more sense as a leadoff hitter than Polanco, especially after factoring in that Kepler has been the better baserunner in his career than Polanco. In summary, this is a tough nut to crack. The solution is easy against righthanded pitchers in that the Twins should choose between Kepler or Polanco, but it’s not so clear against lefties. They could keep a consistent leadoff hitter with Polanco in spite of his relative struggles, or they could think outside the box with Austin. Or they could blow everyone’s minds and start every single game with our new favorite player, Willians Astudillo. Final decisions and a prediction!"This will be our final look at the spring roster competition for the Atlanta Braves before the final result is announced early next week. If you want to take a look back at where we have come then you can do so by clicking here. While we entered the spring with things pretty settled, a series of nagging injuries, particularly in the starting rotation, have muddled the picture considerably. Rotation Locks: Julio Teheran, Sean NewcombWhen the spring began the rotation appeared set with four veteran starters and glut of young starters competing for the fifth and final rotation spot. Now Julio Teheran is penciled in as the Opening Day starter, Sean Newcomb has been unimpressive but is almost assured of getting a start at some point during the opening week. Newcomb has struggled this spring allowing 14 hits and 10 runs through five starts. Additionally, he has walked 15 in just 17 innings. His performance has hardly inspired confidence so saying he is a “Lock” might seem like a stretch but given the overall health of the rotation, he will likely be penciled in for the opening series in Philadelphia. One note here, Brian Snitker indicated on Saturday that the team plans to open the season with five starters on the Opening Day roster despite a couple of early off days. They are also planning on throwing Teheran on Opening Day and then bringing him back on April 3 thanks to an off day in the schedule. The fifth starter won’t be needed until April 4 in the series finale against the Cubs. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY SportsStarter Competition: Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Bryse WilsonWith Touki Toussaint getting optioned on Saturday, it appears likely that Max Fried, Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson have a good chance to being the season on the Opening Day roster. Fried has shown the ability this spring to work as a starter or a reliever. Wright was hit hard in his last outing but his overall body of work was good. Wilson continues to fly under the radar but also turned in a solid spring. Injured: Mike Foltynewicz http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-josh-bell-jersey , Kevin GausmanMike Foltynewicz is scheduled to throw live BP on Sunday which would be another step forward in his recovery from elbow soreness. Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay and is expected to throw around 75 pitches. He will likely need one more start before he will be ready to join the rotation. Cuts:Luiz Gohara, Ian Anderson, Kyle Muller, Joey Wentz, Kolby Allard, Mike Soroka, Touki ToussaintBullpen Locks: Arodys Vizcaino, Jonny VentersArodys Vizcaino appears to have come through the spring healthy although his shoulder really hasn’t been tested in regards to workload. He and Jonny Venters both appear to be locks for the bullpen at this point. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY SportsCompetition: Jesse Biddle, Shane Carle, Luke Jackson, Chad Sobotka, Wes Parsons, Josh TomlinThe rest isn’t nearly as clear which is why the Braves may opt to keep all four of their young starters and have them pitch in relief early on. Jesse Biddle and Shane Carle have been solid if unspectacular this spring. Chad Sobotka came into camp with a lot of momentum following his performance late in 2018 but he has struggled with walks and has been hit particularly hard this spring allowing eight hits and nine runs in just 8 2/3 innings. Essentially the same thing can be said in regards to Luke Jackson. Dan Winkler was optioned on Sunday and has reportedly dealt with some elbow soreness as well this spring. He has only thrown 5 1/3 innings but hasn’t seen a lot of success either in that small sample. He will likely rejoin the bullpen mix down the road. One reliever that has been impressive has been Wes Parsons who has allowed just five hits and struck out 15 in 13 1/3 spring innings. Josh Tomlin allowed three hits and one run over three innings in his debut on Saturday and just given the state of the bullpen competition, feels like he could be in the mix for a long relief role. Injured: A.J. Minter, Darren O’DayThe good news is it seems that there is a bit of help on the way. A.J. Minter is scheduled to throw an inning in a minor league game on Monday and is hoping to return during the season’s first week. Darren O’Day is also scheduled to throw on Sunday which would be the first time he has done so since experiencing forearm soreness following his spring debut. Cuts: Huascar Ynoa, Grant Dayton, Jacob Webb, Patrick Weigel, Thomas Burrows, Corbin Clouse, Tucker Davidson, Dan WinklerButch Dill-USA TODAY SportsCatcher Locks: Tyler Flowers, Brian McCannTyler Flowers and Brian McCann have been set as the team’s catchers since the start of camp but the Braves have to feel a little bit better about their depth given the performance of Alex Jackson during his stint in big-league camp. Raffy Lopez was optioned earlier this week and will begin the season at Gwinnett. Cuts: William Contreras, Carlos Martinez, Jonathan Morales, Alex Jackson, Raffy LopezButch Dill-USA TODAY SportsInfield Locks: Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Charlie CulbersonNo surprises among the infield group either as all appear to be healthy and ready for the regular season. Others: Austin Riley, Andres Blanco, Pedro Florimon, Sean Kazmar JrCuts: CJ Alexander Bill Mazeroski Jersey , Luis MarteButch Dill-USA TODAY SportsOutfield Locks: Ronald Acua Jr,Ender Inciarte, Nick MarkakisAtlanta’s starting outfield is set but there is a question as to who will land the fourth outfielder job. 4th Outfielder: Matt JoyceThe Braves acquired veteran Matt Joyce from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. He will likely see action in Sunday’s game and in both exhibition games at SunTrust Park on Monday and Tuesday. Joyce was reportedly willing to open the season at Gwinnett if necessary but it appears that it will be Adam Duvall who will be at Triple-A when the season begins. Duvall’s struggles have continued into camp as he is just 7-for-41 (.171/.306/.317) with two doubles and two homers. He has eight walks against just seven strikeouts but the Braves were still looking for more of sign that a bounce back is possible. Others: Cristian Pache, Ryan LaMarre, Rafael OrtegaCuts: Greyson Jenista, Drew Waters, Adam DuvallOpening Day Roster PredictionStarting Rotation (5): Julio Teheran, Sean Newcomb, Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Bryse WilsonBullpen (8): Arodys Vizcaino, Jonny Venters, Jesse Biddle, Shane Carle, Luke Jackson, Wes Parsons, Josh Tomlin, Chad SobotkaCatchers (2): Tyler Flowers, Brian McCannInfielders (6): Ozzie Albies, Johan Camargo, Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Charlie CulbersonOutfielders (4): Ronald Acua Jr., Ender Inciarte, Nick Markakis, Matt JoyceInjured List (5): Mike Foltynewicz, Kevin Gausman, A.J. Minter, Darren O’Day, Dan Winkler

CLEVELAND (AP) —essive Field.A few months too late for the Cleveland Indians http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-josh-bell-jersey , though.Donaldson had two homers and four RBIs, Freddie Freeman added three hits and the Atlanta Braves pounded Cleveland’s pitching for the second straight night, beating the Indians 11-5 Sunday.Donaldson belted a solo homer in the first and followed with a three-run shot in the second to continue the Braves’ dominance that began in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader.The Indians acquired Donaldson from Toronto late last season in hopes he could regain his swing for the playoffs. The 2015 AL MVP hit three home runs in September, but managed one single in 11 at-bats in the Division Series when Cleveland was swept by Houston.Donaldson singled in the fourth, walked in the seventh and scored four times. He had the 17th multihomer game of his career.“He’s one of the scariest hitters when he gets going in the game,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “I’m sure if you’re sitting on their side, you get excited for them.”Braves manager Brian Snitker said Saturday he sensed Donaldson was getting close to a hot streak. The slugging third baseman made those words look good.“You know what he’s capable of,” Snitker said. “He’s starting to get it going, which is nice.”Atlanta outscored Cleveland 19-5 over the final 14 innings of the three-game series. The Indians won the first game and led 7-0 after two innings in Game Two, but the Braves rallied for an 8-7 win.“They probably threw me 45 sliders yesterday in the doubleheader, so I figured it would probably be a slider buffet again Corey Dickerson Jersey ,” said Donaldson, who was 2 for 7 with three strikeouts Saturday. “After I got one of them, I did get a fastball on the second (homer).”Donaldson signed a $23 million, one-year contract with the Braves as a free agent. He has four homers and seven RBIs in 21 games. Donaldson continued his success at Progressive Field, where he has 11 home runs and 27 RBIs in 32 career games.“I like it here,” he said. “I like the park. It sets up pretty well for me. I didn’t see the ball well yesterday, but I did again tonight.”Donaldson, the game’s second hitter, homered to center on a 1-1 pitch. His second-inning blast landed in the left field bleachers and gave Atlanta a 5-0 lead.Max Fried (3-0) allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander walked the bases loaded in the first but retired Jason Kipnis on a flyball to end the inning.Indians starter Shane Bieber (2-1) was charged with seven runs (five earned) in 2 1/3 innings.Cleveland All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, playing his second game since returning from an ankle injury, hit a one-out homer in the seventh — the 99th of his career. He committed an error on Brian McCann’s grounder in the first.The lopsided loss came on Francona’s 60th birthday. Cleveland used seven pitchers Austin Meadows Jersey , including catcher Kevin Plawecki, who retired the side in order in the ninth on two grounders and a flyball.Freeman has reached base in all 21 games this season.NOT THE FIRST TIMEPlawecki pitched twice for the New York Mets in 2017. He pointed out that Sunday’s performance dropped his career ERA from 12.00 to 9.00.Plawecki used the glove of pitcher Mike Clevinger, who didn’t give up a run in two starts before going on the injured list with a back injury.“He’s got zeros in that thing so I figured while he was out I might as well use it,” Plawecki said.SETTLED INFried regrouped after his shaky first inning. He didn’t walk another batter and kept the Indians scoreless until the seventh.“I just tried to treat the second inning like it was a new game and not give them any more walks,” he said. “If they were going to do it, they’re going to have to earn it. It was just a mentality and trusting my stuff.”UP NEXTBraves: RHP Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.75 ERA) will pitch the opener of three-game series opener Tuesday in Cincinnati.Indians: RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 7.41 ERA) will start against Miami as Cleveland wraps up its homestand with a two-game series beginning Tuesday. David Price returned to the mound on Tuesday. Plus, potential answers for the bullpen from inside and outside the organization."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Red Sox StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Red Sox NewsYahoo Red Sox Team PageYahoo Red Sox ReportYahoo Red Sox Depth ChartYahoo Red Sox TransactionsYahoo Red Sox PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ed Sox Daily LinksDaily Red Sox Links: David Price, Durbin Feltman, Mychal GivensDavid Price returned to the mound on Tuesday. Plus Colin Moran Jersey , potential answers for the bullpen from inside and outside the organization. EDTShareTweetShareShareDaily Red Sox Links: David Price, Durbin Feltman, Mychal GivensJasen Vinlove-USA TODAY SportsDavid Price is pitching again. He struck out four batters in three innings during his spring debut, but also allowed two runs and a pair of walks. (Ian Browne; MLB.com)After waiting all winter, Price was happy to walk back onto the mound. (Justin Leger; NBC Sports Boston)Price changed his playoff narrative last season, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t focused on being at his best in 2019. (Christopher Smith; MassLive)Durbin Feltman has the chance to be an important part of the bullpen at some point. (Rob Bradford; WEEI)The Red Sox play more than baseball, especially in the clubhouse. (Jen McCaffrey; The Athletic) ($$)Following roster cuts, there are some indications about how the Red Sox will look on Opening Day. (Rob Bradford; WEEI)It might just be a hypothetical, but trading for Mychal Givens could really improve Boston’s bullpen. (Dan Szymborski; Fangraphs)

NAGOYA David Ross Jersey , Japan (AP) —n in a four-run second inning, and Japan beat the MLB All-Stars 4-1 Thursday for their fifth win in the six-game series.Genda scored on Ryosuke Kikuchi’s sacrifice fly off Erasmo Ramirez at the Nagoya Dome.NL Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr. homered in the eighth against Yu Sato. MLB loaded the bases on singles by Eugenio Suarez, Mitch Haniger and Kevin Pillar, but Sato escaped the one-out jam by striking out Robinson Chirinos and Chris Taylor.Johnson gave up four runs http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , five hits and a walk, getting just three outs, and was the loser.Winner Shotaro Kasahara struck out four and gave up four hits in 4 2/3 innings, and Yasuaki Yamasaki got three straight outs for his second save.“They play the game the right way Drew Smyly Jersey ,” MLB manager Don Mattingly said of Japan. “They have a lot of hitters who can put the ball in play and give you a lot of looks, and their pitchers have always been one of their strengths.”Japan used the series to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.“We used a lot of young players in this series, and it was a valuable experience for them,” Japan manager Atsunori Inaba said. “I hope they use this experience to continue making progress.” TOKYO (AP) — The Seibu Lions have agreed to post pitcher Yusei Kikuchi Brandon Morrow Jersey , clearing the way for the 27-year-old left-hander to negotiate with teams in Major League Baseball.Since Kikuchi cannot file for international free agency until 2020, he needed Seibu’s approval in order to use the posting system to move to the majors.Kikuchi has a 73-46 career record with a 2.77 ERA in Nippon Professional Baseball. He went 14-4 this year and struck out 153 batters in 163-2/3 innings.All postings by NPB teams must occur between Nov. 1 and Dec. 5, with a 30-day negotiating window to follow.Under the posting system, a Japanese team posting a player to the majors will receive a fee based on an agreed percentage of the value of the contract http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , bonuses and incentives.The fee will be 20 percent of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options. The percentage drops to 17.5 percent of the next $25 million and 15 percent of any amount over $50 million.

"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Chicago Cubs recapsChicago Cubs minor leaguesChicago Cubs essaysChicago Cubs game threadsWrigley Field renovationsFull archiveLibrary Bleed Cubbie Blue Community GuidelinesCurrent time in ChicagoBCB Specials & Site InfoWinter 2019 music threadsCubs StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Cubs newsYahoo Cubs team pageYahoo Cubs reportYahoo Cubs depth chartYahoo Cubs transactionsYahoo Cubs photosOdds Shop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub 鉁昐B Nation FanPulseSB Nation FanPulse: 72% of Cubs fans think they will win the World Series this seasonNew Russell Wilson Jersey ,22commentsCheck out how Cubs fans are feeling about the team heading into the 2019 season!CDTShareTweetShareShareSB Nation FanPulse: 72% of Cubs fans think they will win the World Series this seasonWill another one of these be in the Cubs’ future this year?Courtesy Chicago CubsWelcome to SB Nation FanPulse, a survey of fans across MLB. Each week, we send 30 polls to plugged in fans from each team. Cubs fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.We asked three questions of FanPulse members leading up to the 2019 season. First: Will the Cubs win the World Series? Here’s what you said:The other questions that were asked of BCB FanPulse members this week:Do you approve of Joe Maddon? 85% yes, 15% noAre you confident in the direction of the team? 83% yes, 17% noThat all sounds pretty good as we head into the 2019 season tomorrow. Personally, I’m in agreement with all three of these questions and my response would be “yes” to all of them. Lastly, it’s not too late to sign up if you’d like to have your opinion heard. You can go and sign up for BCB’s FanPulse at this link. The Horned Frogs’ Friday starter had his full arsenal working on the Minute Maid Park mound this weekend, demonstrating why he’s a highly regarded draft prospect."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Houston Astros NewsGame ThreadsHouston Astros Minor LeaguesAstros Game DayPodcasts2019 MLB Draft Profile: Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCUNew Martin Perez Jersey ,6commentsThe Horned Frogs’ Friday starter had his full arsenal working on the Minute Maid Park mound this weekend, demonstrating why he’s a highly regarded draft prospect.CSTShareTweetShareShare2019 MLB Draft Profile: Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCUBruce Thorson-USA TODAY SportsMeasureablesHeight: 6’6”Weight: 195 lbs.FB: 92-94Player SummaryWell known to major league clubs, Nick Lodolo was a sandwich pick in the 2016 draft out of the California prep ranks on the back of his athletic and projectable 6’6” frame. He obviously did not sign, opting to honor his commitment to TCU, where he has ascended to Friday starter status in his junior season. The long lefty has hovered around the 4.00 ERA mark in his first two college campaigns, but was able to miss a lot more bats as a sophomore, building momentum that he has carried into his draft year. On the mound, Lodolo works left-to-right from a lower 3鈦? arm slot, spotting fastballs to the edges at his best. His fastball has been known to look true at times http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey , but can flash some nice glove side run. He’s shown both a slider and a curve at times and seems to be a great spinner of the baseball, with the slider able to dive in on the hands of righties. His changeup is also known to flash above average, and he’s displayed an ability to drop it in for strikes. All in all, this as an extremely high upside arsenal that has potential to keep improving, as Lodolo is still quite projectable despite his age. On Friday vs. Houston, Lodolo dominated the Cougars at Minute Maid Park, allowing just one run on a solo homer in seven frames, striking out thirteen against a single free pass. Though it has taken some time for Lodolo to realize his potential as a college pitcher, he had it all working in his most recent start and looked as though he could’ve frustrated any NCAA lineup. It was by far his best start of the year, but with more like it he’s likely to be in the conversation to be one of the first college pitchers off the board. A lefty with size, power and command of four above average pitches at his best Delino DeShields Jersey , Lodolo has a bit of Blake Snell to his game when everything is working for him. If he can continue to hone his command and consistently spot his fastball on the edges of the zone, it should be very difficult for hitters at any level to square him up, particularly if he is able to add further velocity as he fills out his 6’6” frame. Lodolo shows #2 starter upside at present, with swing and miss stuff against lefties and righties. Projected Draft RoundLodolo has been projected anywhere from the mid-first to the second round, but looks poised to solidify first round status if his improvements this season hold up. Does he fit with Houston?The Astros have selected college pitchers in the first twice (Mark Appel in 2013 and J.B. Bukauskas in 2016), and Lodolo could represent a nice value at their draft slot if he’s available, but he’s not among the most likely outcomes for the Astros at present. Video

of pitchers and a first baseman."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections NewsAnalysis & EditorialsCleveland Indians prospects & minor leaguesGame RecapsTransactionsCleveland Indians prospects & minor leaguesCleveland Indians Rule 5 Draft 2018: Kyle Dowdy among four prospects lost New Dave Henderson Jersey ,21commentsIndians add a pitcher and 1B/catcher in AAA phase but lose a pair of pitchers and a first baseman.ByBrian Hemminger@BrianHemmingerDec 13, 2018,5:43pm ESTShareTweetShareShareCleveland Indians Rule 5 Draft 2018: Kyle Dowdy among four prospects lost Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThe Cleveland Indians’ Major League departure from this year’s Rule 5 draft was right-handed pitcher Kyle Dowdy, who was chosen by the New York Mets with the 8th overall pick of the Major League Phase. The Mets will now be on the hook to keep Dowdy on their 25-man roster for the entire season and pay the Indians $100,000. If they do not, they will have to return Dowdy to the Tribe and receive only half of their payment back in return.Dowdy, 25, spent parts of last year in Double-A and Triple-A with both the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians. He was the second player in the Leonys Martin trade for Willi Castro. Overall in 30 games played and 20 starts combined across three teams and two levels, Dowdy held a 5.15 ERA through 124 innings pitched while striking out 120 and walking 50.Of note, Dowdy’s velocity spiked after he was acquired by the Tribe, topping out around 99 mph in his starts for Akron at the end of the season when he helped lead the team to the Eastern League playoffs, notably striking out nine in 6.0 shutout innings in his final start of the regular season.While Dowdy can still be returned if he fails to stay on the Mets’ 25-man roster all of next year, every other player selected either by the Indians or other teams are gone for good.That means #TeamEsparza is over after the Indians failed to keep RHP Matt Esparza on their Triple-A roster for the Rule 5 draft. The Los Angeles Angels selected Esparza in the minor league portion of the draft. Esparza Dennis Eckersley Jersey , 24, was a 14th round draft pick out of UC Irvine in 2015. He notably led all Cleveland Indians minor league pitchers in strikeouts in 2016 with 141 whiffs in 139 innings pitched. He had a strong 2017 as well, but he was injured for nearly the entire 2018 season, never evolving past a few rehab outings in Arizona and High-A Lynchburg. Anthony Miller, 24, was an 18th round draft pick by the Indians in 2015. He repeated 2018 at High-A Lynchburg and saw his hitting numbers improve with a slash of .264/.363/.432 but he wasn’t seen as much more than an afterthought in the organization. Maybe his outlook will improve with the A’s.Hector Figueroa, 24, an international signing out of the Dominican Republic, missed the entire 2016 season and didn’t make his way to the United States until last year, where he 2.78 ERA in 14 relief appearances where he struck out 22 batters and walked 10 over 22 innings pitched. Now onto the Indians draftees.Yapson Gomez, 25, was an international signing out of Venezuela. It took him a while to get going as he spent his first three professional seasons pitching in either the Venezuelan League of the Dominican Summer League. Gomez made it to High-A last season, holding a 2.45 ERA in 10 appearances out of the bullpen. Perhaps the Indians saw something they liked in the left-hander.Wilson Garcia Santiago Casilla Jersey , 24, is a first base/catching prospect who also hails out of Venezuela. The Orioles acquired Garcia in 2018 from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash and he proceeded to have one of his best offensive seasons, slashing .293/.323/.510 with a huge power surge to 23 home runs (doubling his career total of 22 up to that point) while only striking out about 10 percent of the time. It will be interesting to see if the Indians give him more time at catcher, a position he’s played less in recent years, although he holds a career 40 percent rate for throwing out would-be basestealers. The commissioner said he’d had enough."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Chicago Cubs recapsChicago Cubs minor leaguesChicago Cubs essaysChicago Cubs game threadsWrigley Field renovationsFull archiveLibrary Bleed Cubbie Blue Community GuidelinesCurrent time in ChicagoBCB Specials & Site InfoWinter 2019 music threadsCubs StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Cubs newsYahoo Cubs team pageYahoo Cubs reportYahoo Cubs depth chartYahoo Cubs transactionsYahoo Cubs photosOdds Shop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub 鉁昅eta BCBMLB announces priority rule intended legally for optimal or lively gamesNew,18commentsThe commissioner said he’d had enough.CDTShareTweetShareShareMLB announces priority rule intended legally for optimal or lively gamesAl YellonOne of the things Commissioner Rob Manfred has made a priority of, when considering MLB rule changes, is the pace of play. Several different things have been discussed regarding this, including pitch clocks, which were used for the first couple of weeks of spring training, then abandoned when MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to not use them until at least 2022.But after Manfred saw Saturday night’s Cubs/Rangers game, which lasted three hours and 47 minutes and featured 19 walks, 19 strikeouts and three home runs and hardly any baseballs in play Mark McGwire Jersey , and their Sunday game where all those runs scored and there were nine more walks and four home runs and that made the game last three hours and 46 minutes, he said that was the last straw.So MLB has announced this morning, effective immediately, that all games will be cut off at the three-hour mark, with whoever is leading at the time declared the winner. Here’s what will happen with games that are tied after three hours. Teams will have two options:Finish the game with a home run derby, similar to the NHL shootout. Each team will choose its top three players, and one of its own pitchers to throw, and each player will have one pitch to hit a home run. It will continue, as does the shootout, until one team has more home runs, orTeams can choose to continue playing, but must remove one fielder for each inning of play.Manfred said, “We’re tired of these extra-long games and this will allow virtually all games to fit in a neat little time slot for TV. There should be more action http://www.athleticsfanproshop.com/authentic-khris-davis-jersey , too, as players realize they’re getting close to the three-hour mark.”Large clocks will be installed in all ballparks to count down three hours from the first pitch.Cubs fans, be happy! Saturday night’s game hit the three-hour mark in the top of the seventh, and the Cubs were leading 6-3, so they would have won! And Sunday’s game was tied at that point, so we could have seen a Home Run Derby!Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, who was in Arlington Sunday to help take down one of the “remaining games” numbers at Globe Life Park, scoffed at the new rule: “Why, I threw a 10-inning complete game on Opening Day 1971 in just one hour and 58 minutes! These whippersnappers don’t know what they’re missing!”And if you think all this sounds very strange, pause for a moment and remember what today is.

1"Weight: 160Acquired: 2015 Trade with NYY and DETPosition: Second BasemanB/T: S/RMost Notable Tool: Hitting toolSeason Stats: 83 games http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey ,..."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Diamondbacks Farm TeamsGameday ThreadsDiamondbacks NewsDiamondbacks Game ReportsFang FoodDiamondbacks Farm SystemDiamondbacks ProspectsDiamondbacks Top Prospect #15: Infielder Domingo LeybaNew,6commentsESTShareTweetShareShareDiamondbacks Top Prospect #15: Infielder Domingo LeybaMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsName: Domingo LeybaDOB: 9/11/1995 (Age 23)Height: 5’11”Weight: 160Acquired: 2015 Trade with NYY and DETPosition: Second BasemanB/T: S/RMost Notable Tool: Hitting toolSeason Stats: 83 games, 358 PA, .269/.344/.381 (109 wRC+), 17 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 43 R, 5/7 SB for AA Jackson2018 Season Summary: After a terrible shoulder injury that shortened his 2017 season to just 17 games and not fully recovered at the start of the season, Leyba spent the entire season for AA Jackson. The results weren’t spectacular with a 109 wRC+ after a breakthrough campaign in 2016, but certainly respectable enough to keep him on the prospect map for now. He had two good months (May, July) and two poor months (June, August). The strikeout and walk rates are solid with a 13% K rate and 10% BB rate, so plate discipline was never really an issue across the full season numbers. In fact the past two full seasons he’s played the walk rate has been about 9% vs. a strikeout rate of 14%, so Leyba has shown the ability to at least lay off borderline pitches at the AA level. Tools: Hit 40/50, Power 35/40, Speed 50, Defense 45/50I don’t know how much his shoulder was bothering him, but his tool set is rather average overall. The strong strikeout to walk ratio suggests he’ll put up a solid contact and walk rate. The lack of game-changing power, speed, or defensive versatility could cause him to get passed by better prospects in the system.d by better prosUpside: Due to the lack of a strong throwing arm Brian McCann Jersey , Leyba is limited to 2B defensively. The team already has a core player established with 6 more seasons of team control in Ketel Marte, so starting at that position is out of the question barring any unforeseen moves. As a result, Leyba may have to make his mark as a utility infielder, although the team already has a utility infielder with a bit more defensive versatility in Ildemaro Vargas.Risk: Due to the limited defensive profile and the lack of a potential impact tool, Leyba stands to be washed out of the system by higher upside players in front and behind him. A 109 wRC+ season at the plate in 350 PA is decent for a light-hitting prospect, but with the recent acquisition of Andy Young in the Paul Goldschmidt trade, the Dbacks have added a prospect to the system with a similar timeline and more upside. He’s already spent two seasons on the Diamondbacks’ 40 man roster and has not seen a single plate appearance above AA yet, which means the team only has 1 option year left. Likely 2019 Assignment: Leyba will likely start the year for the Reno Aces, the AAA affiliate. At this point, there is very little development potential for Leyba there and it’s a sink or swim season for him as a prospect. ETA: 2019 Season A perennial exercise in which you tear your hair out questioning the Athletics’ relevancy. Nothing more, nothing less."Oakland Athletics2018: 97-67, 2nd in AL West, lost in AL wild card game to New York YankeesWho?The Oakland Athletics. You know, the team that assembles a team of misfit toys, shrewd trades and the occasional elite prospect to ascend to under-the-radar brilliance on a 2018 opening day payroll less than half of that of the Angels’? Yeah, them.Were they even good last year?Certainly. While an extensive injury list to the rotation forced them to roll with a ragtag team of musketeers, the impact was offset by a terrific defense and a strong bullpen. Matt Chapman proved himself to be the real deal, and Jed Lowrie lambasted his peers with a five-win season. Khris Davis, Matt Olson, and Stephen Piscotty provided all-important thump, and Blake Treinen is consistently nasty. Still, the team shouldn’t have been nearly as incredible as they were last year http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , as everything went right and little went wrong.What did they do this offseason?Losing Jed Lowrie, Kendall Graveman, Shawn Kelley, Familia, Emilio Pagan, and Trevor Cahill is quite the blow to the squad’s talent base, and the plethora of buy-low candidates in Marco Estrada, Robbie Grossman, and Jerry Blevins isn’t nearly enough to fill the gap. Oakland’s hallmark trade for this winter was acquiring former top-prospect Jurickson Profar from Texas, who is somehow just 26 years old and posted 2.9 fWAR last season, a nice Lowrie replacement if performance holds. Joakim Soria helps replace relief pieces who didn’t return to the organization. Nick Hundley is a fine yet underwhelming seasoned catching addition on a minors deal. 2019 Projected LineupORDERPOSPLAYERBATSAGEZiPS (fWAR)ORDERPOSPLAYERBATSAGEZiPS (fWAR)Stats and info courtesy of FanGraphs The heart of the A’s lineup is stacked with power, no doubt, but it’s the getting on-base that could be a problem without Jed Lowrie. Surely, Piscotty or Profar will step up to fill the role but I’m skeptical such large shoes can be filled. This is a nice lineup overall, though the bottom has much to be desired — keep in mind that this will be improved through use of platoons. 2019 RotationPLAYERThrowsAGEZiPS (fWAR)PLAYERThrowsAGEZiPS (fWAR)Not a lot of confidence to be inspired in these pitchers whose best days have been had long before. The A’s are banking on defense and large AL West parks to outperform their pitchers’ true talent level and have starters produce enough volume to be competitive. Furthermore, Sean Manaea, Jharel Cotton, and Jesus Luzardo are all on the shelf, three MLB-quality starters. Top prospect A.J. Puk isn’t on the roster, either. 2019 BullpenPLAYERThrowsAGEZiPS (fWAR)PLAYERThrowsAGEZiPS (fWAR)Treinen has the ability to wipe out the best of hitters. We all know how good Joakim Soria is. Liam Hendricks and Lou Trivino have found considerable success, and Buchter presents a unique look from the left side. Old friend Yusmeiro Petit is still at it with his deception, too. This is an okay group as a whole Tyler Clippard Jersey , but it’s nothing special and the additions aren’t nearly enough to make up for the talent that was lost this offseason. If their starters can’t go three times through the order, they could be in big trouble this season.What is their strength?Defense, defense, defense. Matt Chapman is a stalwart on the left side, as is Matt Olson at the opposite corner. Marcus Semien improved considerably last season (9 DRS, 8.3 UZR), an incredible plus considering poor defensive ability nearly derailed his career before it even took off. What is their weakness? Starting rotation depth definitely exists, but is lacking in talent. Jesus Luzardo has the tools to be one of the better starters in the league and Manaea has shown flashes, but the rest of the group leaves much to be desired in aggregate. It may not hurt the A’s so much in their home ballpark, but it will be exposed in road games against the Astros. Furthermore, I am not convinced the team has the necessary table-setters it needs to win games by considerable margins, despite packing a punch with the long-ball. So, what can we expect?I expect an A’s team with their typical modus operandi. They’re going to scratch and claw and fight in every game, and make it close. It’s what they do, and it’s what they’ve always done. But there’s little doubt that the team massively overperformed last year, and hasn’t done nearly enough to add more talent to offset that which was lost. I see a third-place finish for the A’s in the 84-88 win range, and definitely threatening for playoff time in September. What’s the most accurate song representation for this team?Goofy Goober Rock from the Spongebob Squarepants movie, because they simply don’t know how to quit.

The Houston Astros http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , still have their championship aspirations intact, but the other 26 Major League teams are all looking ahead to the 2019 season.That includes the New York Yankees, who were beaten by the Red Sox in the American League Division Series. General manager Brian Cashman saw his team finish eight games behind the Red Sox during the regular season in addition to dropping the postseason series, and he knows his team has to make some moves to close the gap on the Old Towne Team.One of those moves is likely to involve pitcher Sonny Gray, who was acquired by the Yankees in the 2017 season. Gray was quite sharp earlier in his career with the Oakland A's, but he has largely struggled since donning the pinstripes.Gray was 11-9 with a 4.90 earned-run average in 2018, and he had a 1.496 WHIP. In addition to the numbers, Gray seemed to have a difficult time throwing with confidence in key games for the Yankees.Cashman believes that Gray is talented, but pitching under the microscope in New York City has not helped him. The general manager willtry to move Gray in the offseason, according to David Lennon of Newsday.The 28-year-old Gray is arbitration eligible in the upcoming season and could be a free agent in 2020. He made the All-Star team in 2015 and has finished as high as third in Cy Young voting, so the Yankees should be able to get a decent-to-good asset for him.The Philadelphia Phillies were in contention for the National League East title throughout much of the summer before they struggled in the final weeks and gave way to the Atlanta Braves.The Phillies are expected to be heavily involved in free agency during the offseason, and they could be among the suitors for superstars Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals.It seems unlikely that they could sign both of those players, but Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports says that possibility should not be ruled out.The Phillies have been interested in Machado since it became known that the Baltimore Orioles were willing to move him, but signing Harper could have a more significant impact because he could help their lineup and also weaken the division rival Washington Nationals.Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs did not have the kind of season that he was hoping for in 2018 as injuries took their toll.However, the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player still has great confidence in his own ability Roberto Perez Jersey , even though he was held to 13 home runs and 52 runs batted in while playing 102 games.Bryant has reportedly turned down a $200 million contract extension from the Cubs, according toESPN Radio's David Kaplan and alsoSports Illustrated'sScooby Axson.Instead of signing a long-term extension, the belief is that Bryant will receive annual salary increases until he becomes eligible for free agency in 2022 when he turns 30. The righty agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels last night."There is almost always an assumption that the Cincinnati Reds would again take the predictable route as the offseason rolled around. Be it a haphazard re-signing of an aging Ryan Ludwick, a multi-year guarantee to Skip Schumaker for leadership, or ‘Scott Feldman - Opening Day Starter [TM],” picking around the corners of the bargain-bin has become something of the Reds forte over the last half-dozen years. Despite rumblings that the club finally had some money and high aspirations this winter, I think it’s fair to say each and every one of us has adopted a pretty firm see it to believe it stance on that premise, however.Matt Harvey has long been rumored to be a ‘favorite’ of Reds owner Bob Castellini. After coming to the Reds in exchange for Devin Mesoraco last season, Harvey bucked his most recent brutal performance with the New York Mets, and while he never quite regained the ace-level form he had in his early New York days, he was at least a reasonably OK member of a bad Reds rotation. But as he barreled towards free agency after the season and as the multiple trade deadlines came and went, the Reds opted not to cash-in what little equity they’d recouped in Harvey, in part because of the apparent affinity the team - ownership, in particular - had developed for the right-hander.So, while the Reds needed pitching in the worst way this winter - and while they publicly discussed doling out ‘record payroll’ comments as they chased the big names - there was still a part of all our minds that thought ‘man, they’re just going to re-sign Matt Harvey and hope he miraculously turns back into an ace.’ As of last night Eddie Robinson Jersey , though, that’s a concept we can all officially flush, as Harvey agreed to an incentive-laden 1-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.Missing out on Harvey’s production for the 2019 season is not really a big deal, honestly. Marcels projects him to have an ugly 5.00 ERA in 144 IP, which nobody will miss, while Steamer has him with a similarly ugly 4.70 ERA in 153 IP. Pair that with the list of once-good, now-iffy hurlers expected to land low-priced 1-year contracts that are abundant on the free agent market - Mike Fiers, Derek Holland, Wade Miley, etc. - and the Reds still have ample options to throw a few million at a reclamation project if they so choose. There is also, of course, still the opportunity for them to swing much, much higher than that pool of pitchers, with Dallas Keuchel still a free agent prize that’s theoretically attainable in their purported ‘record’ budget.I think the story here, really, is not that the Reds won’t miss Harvey’s production http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , and rather that they didn’t let their apparent affinity for having him get in the way of a smart business decision. Despite ownership being a fan of Harvey, the Reds didn’t merely settle for him because of that, and obviously did not outbid what’s not exactly a massive offer in order to keep him around and the powers-that-be happy. And considering the previous non-tender of Billy Hamilton, too - also long a ‘favorite’ of team owner Bob Castellini - there appears to be a more definitively clear line between the Reds front office and ownership, something that hasn’t been the case during the previous few awful, awful seasons.Matt Harvey might be excellent in 2019, and I hope he does. There is obviously still plenty left in his tank, and the life on his fastball during the 2018 season was a vast improvement over his injury-riddled last few years as a Met. The deal the Angels signed him to could certainly end up a bargain if that’s the case, and there is a non-zero chance that he could’ve returned as a Red in 2019 (and beyond) with good success, too. Still, I think it’s clear that the Reds front office didn’t see the move as a fit, and that they were the ones who got to make that final call, and independent of what Harvey does from here on that’s a development that I think we should all view as a positive.Now, let’s get back to hoping the Reds do actually aim higher than Harvey in their offseason acquisitions...

NEW YORK (AP) — Making another move to bolster their bullpen Kenley Jansen Jersey , the New York Mets agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract with left-hander Justin Wilson. with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.Wilson will get $5 million annually and also can earn performance bonuses.A 31-year-old reliever, Wilson was 4-5 with a 3.46 ERA last season for the Chicago Cubs. He struck out 69 and walked 33 in 54 2/3 innings. Primarily a fastball pitcher who averages 95 mph, he also throws occasional sliders.New York has rebuilt its bullpen under new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, acquiring All-Star closer Edwin Diaz from Seattle and signing former closer Jeurys Familia, traded by New York to Oakland last summer. The Mets also agreed to minor league contracts with left-handers Hector Santiago and Luis Avilan.Diaz joined the Mets in a trade with Seattle along with All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. New York also signed catcher Wilson Ramos, infielder Jed Lowrie and outfielder Rajai Davis, and traded to acquire outfielder Keon Broxton and infielder J.D. Davis. DENVER (AP) — Opposing managers Dave Roberts and Bud Black are close friends. Star infielders Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt talk all the time.Just maybe not so much right now.This NL West title chase is serious business and shaping up to go down to the wire. Colorado holds a 1 1/2-game lead over Los Angeles and stretched its margin to 4 1/2 over Arizona by taking three of four this week. The Rockies are aiming for their first division title in franchise history.“I expected us to be in this position,” Arenado said . “I thought we had the type of players who could do something like this.”Typically, Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill doesn’t start looking at the standings until mid-September. He made an exception after his win over the Rockies on Sunday http://www.dodgersfanproshop.com/authentic-max-muncy-jersey , just to see where things stood.It’s scoreboard-watching season.“We have a beautiful scoreboard out there,” Rockies manager Black cracked. “We have to have that heightened focus we’ve had all season long. I don’t think you ratchet it up any higher. You keep it at a nice level of intensity with the focus but yet loose in your body to perform. I think our guys are in a pretty good spot.”This marks the latest in a season Colorado has been alone in first place since 1995.“It’s what you grew up dreaming about, having a chance to win the division and play important games like this,” Rockies shortstop Trevor Story said. “For me, though, it’s trying not to do too much. Just play within myself and that will be enough.”The Dodgers have 10 NL West titles since Colorado entered the league in 1993, while the Diamondbacks have five since ’98. The Rockies finished just behind Arizona in 2007, when they beat San Diego in a tiebreaker game for a wild-card spot and advanced to their only World Series appearance.Following a 7-3 homestand, Colorado embarks on a nine-game trip, including three in Los Angeles and three more in Arizona. The Rockies finish up with seven in a row at home against Philadelphia (four) and Washington (three).Los Angeles started a four-game set Thursday night in St. Louis with a win against a Cardinals team trying to get into the postseason. Then Enrique Hernandez Jersey , the Dodgers play only division opponents the rest of the way.The Diamondbacks have the toughest stretch of the three. They still play a series in Houston against the reigning World Series champions and host a Chicago Cubs team that’s trying to win the NL Central.“Pretty much every game for us, the Dodgers and the Rockies has been a playoff game in September,” said Goldschmidt, whose Diamondbacks team is 3-9 this month. “You don’t get this opportunity that often. It should be a fun end to the year, for whatever team comes out on top.”Arenado and Goldschmidt have been friends for a while, stemming from their meetings at All-Star Games and playing for Team USA. It’s on the backburner for the moment.“I probably won’t talk to him during this series,” Arenado said. “After it, we’ll talk a little more.”Roberts and Black go way back, too, with Roberts serving as one of Black’s coaches when they were together in San Diego.“He knows a lot of my tendencies. I know his Walker Buehler Jersey ,” Roberts said. “It’s going to be exciting. I know that.“(The tight division race) is great for baseball. It’s great for all three fan bases. It’s great.”The Dodgers have won five straight NL West crowns in mostly comfortable fashion — by 11 games in 2017, four in ’16, eight in ’15, six in ’14 and 11 in ’13.“It’s been a fun September so far, and a lot of good games from now on,” Dodgers utilityman Enrique Hernandez said. “It’s going down to the final series.”Colorado has 43 comeback wins this season, including five walk-off homers. The Rockies also feature two players who should garner some NL MVP votes in Arenado and Story. Arenado is hitting .301 with 34 homers and 100 RBIs, while Story is batting .292 with 33 homers and 102 RBIs.“We’re very confident we can (win a division title),” Story said. “That’s one of our goals. We’re going to go for it.”

KNOXVILLE Kenta Maeda Jersey , Tenn. (AP) — citation on a charge of driving under the influence after getting involved in a one-car accident.Helton’s lawyer says the former Colorado Rockies star has entered a residential treatment program.“He realizes there are parts of his behavior that need to change, and he is focused on doing just that,” Stephen Ross Johnson said in a statement.According to a Knox County sheriff’s report, Helton’s car struck a telephone pole March 18 before 6 p.m. Officers said Helton indicated he had taken an Ambien at about 2 p.m. One officer saw a cup in Helton’s car that “had the odor of an alcoholic beverage.”Officers said they were unable to conduct field sobriety tests or interview Helton in depth on the scene because he was being transported to a hospital for further evaluation. They said that “due to the totality of the circumstances, and due to the arrestee needing immediate medical treatment away from the scene,” Helton was given a misdemeanor citation “in lieu of custodial arrest.”Johnson said Helton required emergency medical care but wasn’t seriously injured. Officers said Helton voluntarily gave blood for chemical testing while at the hospital.Helton, 45, retired in 2013 after spending his entire 17-year playing career with the Rockies. The five-time All-Star remains Colorado’s career leader in numerous hitting categories Matt Kemp Jersey , including hits (2,519), homers (369), runs (1,401), RBIs (1,406) and total bases (4,292).He had a DUI arrest in Colorado in 2013. WASHINGTON (AP) — Gio Gonzalez ended a personal drought that spanned more than two months — and helped give the Washington Nationals a four-game split with another National League East contender.Gonzalez pitched seven strong innings for his first victory since May 28 http://www.dodgersfanproshop.com/authentic-max-muncy-jersey , leading the Nationals to a 6-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.“I think I was just happy that I got to high-five my teammates for the first time in a while,” Gonzalez said. “For me it was not the pressure, it was just the going out there and doing what I can do to go out there and try and pitch the best I can. Today it finally showed. It finally stepped to the right direction that I wanted.”The Nationals moved within 5 1/2 games of idle NL East leader Philadelphia. The Braves fell a game behind the Phillies.Gonzalez (7-8) snapped a seven-game losing streak and had gone 11 consecutive starts without a victory. He allowed six hits and one walk while striking out three. Nick Markakis‘ solo homer to lead off the second was the lone run he allowed.Atlanta starter Anibal Sanchez pitched two scoreless innings but left after getting hit in the left calf by a grounder from Michael Taylor. Manager Brian Snitker said he was hopeful Sanchez would make his next start.“It looked like Anibal was going to have one of his games starting out,” Snitker said. “He was sharp as can be. We just had a hard time getting ahold of Gio. That was the biggest thing. We couldn’t do anything with him.”Sanchez was replaced by Wes Parsons (0-1), who yielded a bases-loaded walk to Juan Soto and a sacrifice fly by Anthony Rendon as Washington went ahead in the third.Taylor homered to left in the fourth to bump Washington’s lead to 3-1, and Daniel Murphy added an RBI double in the sixth.But Parsons worked five innings in his major league debut, vital for a team that had two starters last only two innings during the series in Washington and heads home to face Milwaukee after a 5-3 road trip.“A winning road trip, you take that every single time http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey ,” said Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman, who had three hits. “Sometimes, you have to lose a battle to win the war. I thought what Wes Parsons did was absolutely huge for this ballclub. That’s going to win us games later on with a fresh bullpen.”Ronald Acuna Jr.’s one-out homer in the eighth pulled Atlanta within two runs, but the Nationals got RBIs from Ryan Zimmerman and Mark Reynolds in the bottom of the inning to make it 6-2.Washington went 7-3 on its homestand and begins a seven-game trip to face the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis.“It was big, a big win for us,” manager Dave Martinez said. “Happy flight.”HARPER SCRATCHEDWashington outfielder Bryce Harper was scratched from the lineup with right knee soreness. Atlanta reliever Dan Winkler hit Harper just below the right knee in the seventh inning on Wednesday night. Martinez said X-rays on Harper were negative.DOUBLE DEBUTParsons and Adam McCreery both made their major league debuts for Atlanta, combining to pitch the last six innings. It was the first time the Braves had two pitchers debut in the same game since June 30, 2015 Chris Young Jersey , when Jake Brigham and Ryan Kelly did so against Washington.TRAINER’S ROOMBraves: 3B Johan Camargo was out of the starting lineup for the first time since July 14. He struck out as a pinch hitter to end the game. Charlie Culberson filled in at third for Camargo.Nationals: Martinez said RHP Stephen Strasburg (cervical nerve impingement) will throw at least one more bullpen session before the team decides whether he is ready for a minor league rehabilitation start. Strasburg has not pitched for Washington since July 20.UP NEXTBraves: RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 5.40 ERA) makes his second start since his acquisition from Baltimore as Atlanta returns home to open a three-game series with Milwaukee.Nationals: Washington begins a three-game series in Chicago against the Cubs with RHP Jeremy Hellickson (5-2, 3.56) getting the nod.