![Changing to Guardians: Indians close with 6-0 win at Texas](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ntJHcrrF5ur3bzZiUgY7dcpxsaw=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3CBCXMYQGZA2VM22JUDK2K7YSM.jpg)
Changing to Guardians: Indians close with 6-0 win at Texas
Aaron Civale allowed only three singles while pitching six scoreless innings and the Cleveland Indians closed out their 107th and final season under that name with a 6-0 win against the Texas Rangers.
![LEADING OFF: Bรกez, Mets barb home fans, anger team president](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/dEaAo8t_96tRvfQoKuzwPdiDxcY=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/B54EHQY6BBGG5K7IBUKYVKLIRM.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Bรกez, Mets barb home fans, anger team president
Javier Bรกez and his New York Mets teammates get a day to cool off after the derogatory gestures they directed toward frustrated fans at Citi Field angered club management.
![LEADING OFF: Alvarez carries U.S. flag, big rivalries abound](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/EVD971-aAaBKfpilwskT7DQ91M8=/800x574/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PONXNHICRVAPFG5LOZO4CY7MKU.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Alvarez carries U.S. flag, big rivalries abound
Miami Marlins infielder Eddy Alvarez and four-time Olympic womenโs basketball gold medalist Sue Bird will be the U.S. flag bearers for the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Games.
![LEADING OFF: Braves-Nats wait to play, Rangers welcome fans](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_wq_dcH7iEme0j_iTFPo-qIeOLM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FISHDT3J5ZELXIIDUZR6EW7BBI.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Braves-Nats wait to play, Rangers welcome fans
The Nationals and Atlanta Braves hadnโt heard by Sunday evening whether Major League Baseball will allow their game while Washington deals with a COVID-19 outbreak that could prevent 11 players from participating.
![Betts hits 2 HRs in final spring training game of the year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/srRXJdm0GDfChljBxJ85LTOVqSU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XBXU56RHZNDVLO62MYRULFUZ6A.jpg)
Betts hits 2 HRs in final spring training game of the year
In the final spring training game of the year, Betts hit two home runs Tuesday night and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4. GOOD SIGNOn the final day of spring training, former All-Star pitcher Mike Soroka took a big step toward getting back on a regular-season mound. AdโIt was a perfect way to end a really good spring training on a positive note,โ manager Brian Snitker said. Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer and Christian Yelich singled to finish spring training with a .393 batting average. AdDIAMONDBACKS 3, INDIANS 2At Phoenix, Diamondbacks starter Taylor Widener struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits.
![Indians minus Ramรญrez, Reyes after they break virus protocol](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/QSMMstCyCviLJ7D4i6ISaGDBD2A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/4A2R5KKFNFH4XJFMA26QDUKIXM.jpg)
Indians minus Ramรญrez, Reyes after they break virus protocol
New York starter Jordan Montgomery gave up two hits in three scoreless innings. Brubaker allowed two hits over two scoreless innings and Chase De Jong followed with two shutout innings. MARLINS 4, METS 4Miami starter Pablo Lopez gave up a hit and a walk over three scoreless innings. German Marquez scattered three hits and a walk over three scoreless innings for Colorado. Kansas City starter Jakob Junis pitched three innings and gave up one hit, a leadoff homer to Trent Grisham.
![LHP Drew Smyly, Braves agree to $11 million, 1-year contract](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/DkHF3s_x0_s2c1ikft-eGdZWx94=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PMV7EKRIZNFZNEKJCQTOTC77LQ.jpg)
LHP Drew Smyly, Braves agree to $11 million, 1-year contract
San Francisco Giants' Drew Smyly throws against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)ATLANTA โ Left-hander Drew Smyly became the first of the 181 free agents to switch teams when he agreed Monday to an $11 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, who bolstered a rotation that was depleted by injuries and disappointing performances. The 31-year-old pitched seven games last season for the San Francisco Giants, making five starts. He's only scratched the surface.โSmyly earned a $1,481,481 prorated base salary from an original $4 million contract with the Giants, plus roster and performance bonuses. The Braves also are counting on the return of Mike Soroka, who missed most of this past season with a torn Achilles.
![11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCS](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/K3Giw029tNM6qMI2GCz-dRzMYRM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H6VDKGTP6NEDBH46AUF35TIF2M.jpg)
11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCS
The Dodgers set franchise postseason records for runs and home runs with five, cutting their NLCS deficit to 2 games to 1. Winner Julio Urรญas, made his first postseason start and improved to 3-0 in these playoffs, striking out five while allowing one run and three hits over five innings. LOT OF BIG NUMBERSThe 15 runs matched the most in an NLCS game โ the Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7 of the 1996 NLCS. ... Only the Chicago Cubs, with six in Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, hit more homers in any postseason game. The Dodgersโ eight extra-base hits matched the franchise record for a postseason game, and their 18 total bases in the first were an MLB record for an inning.
![LHP Cole Hamels done for year after just 1 start for Braves](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/HYZ5FCND-oJzQuK04r6YSLwl0cU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/T5NS3P75ZBDGRAF5NEMX5RNDSQ.jpg)
LHP Cole Hamels done for year after just 1 start for Braves
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)ATLANTA โ After making just one start for the Atlanta Braves, Cole Hamels is done for the season. Hamels reported shortly before the start of a four-game series against the Miami Marlins that he didn't feel like he could get anything on the ball. The Braves placed Hamels on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 18,, but that was a mere formality. Hamels reported no problems immediately after his start, but he didn't feel right after a bullpen session a couple of days ago. Last season, Hamels went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA in 27 starts for the Cubs.
![LEADING OFF: Darvish vs. Bauer; Yanks look to Garcia](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/l5iu_qauCNNSzmAEiXGaKwBaMfk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VXSY7D4BKNHYTOC4MF7LPGSHFQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Darvish vs. Bauer; Yanks look to Garcia
A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:___PAIR OF ACESYu Darvish and Trevor Bauer pitch at Wrigley Field in a matchup of ace right-handers headed in different directions. Darvish, one of the front-runners for the NL Cy Young Award, is going for his eighth straight victory for the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. BRONX BLUESThe Yankees turn to rookie right-hander Deivi Garcia (0-1, 3.38) in the finale of a critical series against the Blue Jays. We all know were capable of more, significantly more, both individually and collectively.Right-hander Tanner Roark (2-1, 5.74) is set to pitch for second-place Toronto. With so many franchises struggling financially after the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, contraction now seems likely.
![Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on IL](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/hsOxU-16vdzRulYfPUfnr-hfcNo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2QH4CBM2IJDHLNGUH2HKOEKCPQ.jpg)
Braves' rotation takes another hit as Max Fried placed on IL
Atlanta Braves' Max Fried pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)The Atlanta Braves' season-long rotation woes continued Tuesday when Max Fried, the top healthy starter, was placed on the 10-day injured list. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Fried has a left-side muscle spasm in his lumbar spine. Anthopoulos said he hopes Fried can return from the IL as soon as he is eligible on Sept. 16. Anthopoulos said he hopes Culberson can be added to the team's camp at its alternate training site at Triple-A Gwinnett.
![LEADING OFF: Reds eye return after positive test; Rays-Yanks](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/2BETTJhW8cztWic6Z6jyPo22Mpw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RPCTDF3SQ5E2JAYMJS6SVKABZU.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Reds eye return after positive test; Rays-Yanks
Players, coaches and other organization members were retested for the coronavirus Saturday and Sunday after one player was sidelined because of a positive result. The Reds made travel plans for Kansas City and expected to start Luis Castillo (0-2) in the series opener, assuming its played. TIGER TRYOUTSDetroit is unleashing a few of its top prospects this week, including left-hander Tarik Skubal. The Braves hope that formula works again with Tomlin, used mostly as a reliever during his two seasons in Atlanta. But, for now, the team has decided not to turn to a pair of top prospects, Ian Anderson and Tucker Davidson.
![Done for the year: Braves ace Soroka felled by torn Achilles](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0jcWfyXUN1Bd1_ft9Y2qANpwE1o=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HHKPUP5DPJBYHB47J4T3KLA4EM.jpg)
Done for the year: Braves ace Soroka felled by torn Achilles
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA When Mike Soroka's teammates heard him scream, they feared the worst. If Mike Soroka can't walk off the field, you know it's pretty serious, said Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta Braves' slugging first baseman. Max Fried, a 17-game winner last season, is the only starter the Braves can really count on at this point. A native of Canada, Soroka went 13-4 with a dazzling 2.68 ERA in 2019, earning a spot in the All-Star Game. Now, just 11 games into a 60-game sprint, the Braves have a huge hole at the top of their rotation.
![Puig picks Braves, Glasnow makes strong return to Rays](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_h6W7ZmN1ZjXdHuKjG036S5AS1o=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NAK2DOLCLRDWZBKXKFNYQEFMYY.jpg)
Puig picks Braves, Glasnow makes strong return to Rays
Puig agreed to a one-year deal pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. Glasnow re-joined the Rays on after missing the first 11 days of summer camp following his positive test. Outside of briefly losing his sense of taste and smell, the 26-year-old Glasnow said he didnt experience any noticeable symptoms of COVID-19. I had maybe really mild cold symptoms for maybe a day, Glasnow said, wearing a mask during a Zoom call. It would always be at a weird time of the day, and it had to be nobody there, Glasnow said.
![Baseball players get a peek at playing without fans](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/htJ6uqrTemJKq75GWr3eR7mE-pw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LL46HLHHWRCXRP7UXP3K7NKEM4.jpg)
Baseball players get a peek at playing without fans
Baseball players got a sense of what the game will be like without fans in the stands upon returning for workouts last week. ... just sitting behind the dish at a major league stadium with major league players on the field and no one else there and playing in competition, Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns said Thursday. Baseball returned for workouts last week after the season was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic during spring training. The season will start without fans in the stands and will likely remain that way for a while as coronavirus hotspots continue to pop up across the country. "In terms of the actual game and the way that the game played out, I think it looked like normal baseball."
![Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/8jDpOGirMi6m2BZvM_TtTwrm1Ls=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W5UWKP7RL5DEFOKPHFXVU7VD2Q.jpg)
Braves' Felix Hernandez opts out of season due to pandemic
ATLANTA Former Cy Young winner Flix Hernndez has opted out of the 2020 season, at least temporarily ending his bid to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday that Hernndez, 34, opted out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snitker said Hernndez may have realized it is way, way different now as players must deal with the concerns of trying to start the season during the pandemic. The right-hander called King Felix posted a 6.40 ERA, was 1-8 in 15 starts and lost his spot in the rotation. Hernndez made a strong early impression in spring training and may have been on track for winning a spot in the rotation before the coronavirus pandemic delayed the season.
![Yanks' Severino needs Tommy John surgery, will miss season.](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/q7svEQdshFmbupYU0QXVqipMMp0=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5KYGWJZ5ZBDYZBMFIPSGFIPOFQ.jpg)
Yanks' Severino needs Tommy John surgery, will miss season.
Left-hander James Paxton already was projected to miss the first two months of the season following back surgery on Feb. 5. The usual recovery time for Tommy John surgery is a year or more. John Means struck out three in the start for the Orioles, but gave up two earned runs on three hits. Kendall Graveman worked two innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, giving up a hit and a walk. Jesus Luzardo gave up a hit and struck out two over two innings of his start for the A's.
![New York Mets' Alonso breaks MLB rookie home run record](https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2019/09/29/Pete%20Alonso%20%2320%20of%20the%20New%20York%20Mets.jpg_22341626_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
New York Mets' Alonso breaks MLB rookie home run record
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after his third inning home run against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on September 28, 2019 in New York City. The home run was Alonso"s 53rd of the season,(CNN) - Slugger Pete Alonso has been a bright spot in an otherwise so-so season for the New York Mets. "Polar Bear," as he's nicknamed, hit his 53rd home run during Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Mets fans gave him a standing ovation as he rounded the bases. Alonso bested another New York player -- Yankees star Aaron Judge -- in becoming MLB's all-time home run leader for rookies.