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LANCE MCCULLERS

McCullers agrees to $85M deal with Astros for 2022-26

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros have agreed to an $85 million, five-year contract covering 2022-26, a deal awaiting announcement by the team. McCullers agreed on Jan. 15 to a $6.5 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. “Houston is where I want to be," he said at spring training on Feb. 28. who broke his left ring finger in his first spring training appearance. McCullers is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA over seven innings in three spring training games.

Amazin' at-bat: Mets' Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs Hicks

“I don’t even think I’ve had a 13 pitch at-bat in my career.”Hicks was scheduled to pitch one inning. Carlos Martínez worked four innings in the start for St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits. Pittsburgh starter Steven Brault allowed three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings. YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1New York starter Deivi García gave up one hit and an unearned run in three innings. Dean Kremer allowed a run on three hits, walked two and struck out four in the start for Baltimore.

Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out

TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi García pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.

Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery

I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.

Astros reach deals with McCullers, Díaz; not Correa

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)HOUSTON – The Houston Astros agreed to one-year contracts with right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. and infielder Aledmys Díaz on Friday to avoid salary arbitration, but couldn’t come to terms with star shortstop Carlos Correa. The Astros and Correa exchanged arbitration figures Friday, with Correa asking for $12.5 million in 2021 and Houston offering $9.75 million. Correa was set to make $8 million in 2020 but ended up with $2,962,963 in prorated pay during the pandemic-shortened season. McCullers was 3-3 with a 3.93 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 11 starts last season, earning $1,518,519 prorated from a $4.1 million salary. Houston has a $7.5 million option for 2023 with a $2 million buyout.

World Series notes: Rays chase Game 7, one more for Morton

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Charlie Morton started the day Tuesday not knowing if he will pitch in a Game 7 of the World Series with his Tampa Bay Rays facing elimination against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “I’ve been thinking about it,” Morton said before Game 6, with Tampa Bay trailing 3-2 in the Series. But Morton has Game 7 experience in the World Series that Buehler lacks. Morton acknowledged it will be different going into the final day of the season knowing he was starting a Game 7 in the World Series. That's a record, breaking the previous mark of four in the 1932 World Series.

LEADING OFF: Astros on brink of historic comeback vs Rays

Houston Astros George Springer (4) and Jose Altuve celebrates with his teammates after winning Game 6 of a baseball American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in San Diego. Carlos Correa, George Springer and the Astros' other players are using that unforgettable comeback as inspiration. That Red Sox team went on to win the World Series and end the Curse of the Bambino. McCullers started and Morton closed for the Astros in Game 7 of the ’17 World Series against the Dodgers. MARGOT-GO-GOTampa Bay outfielder Manuel Margot is hoping to take his successful postseason debut all the way to the World Series.

Springer, Valdéz help Astros top Rays 7-4, force ALCS Game 7

George Springer and José Altuve delivered big hits, Framber Valdéz pitched six brilliant innings and the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the third straight time, 7-4 Friday to force a deciding Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Despite blowing a 3-0 series lead, they remain one win from the second World Series in franchise history — and one loss from joining the 2004 Yankees in ignominy. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houston’s Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He has yet to win a World Series as a manager. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win four straight World Series games in 1981 after falling behind the New York Yankees 0-2.

Altuve's 2 early throwing errors doom Astros in ALCS Game 2

“We were down 0-2 in the World Series last year with (ALCS Game 3 starter) José Urquidy and (ALCS Game 4 starter Zack) Greinke coming up next to pitch for us,” shortstop Carlos Correa said. The Astros have made three errors in two games, while the Rays have played sparkling defense all across the diamond. I’m sure he’ll do that.”After the second error, Correa moved into the spot normally occupied by Altuve in the shift. Altuve's first error put the Astros in a hole they never escaped, even with a superb start from McCullers. After getting nine hits and just one run in Game 1, the Astros ended their 13-inning scoreless streak with Correa's homer.

Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over Astros

Asked which was bigger in the 4-2 victory against the Houston Astros, Margot said through a translator: “Definitely the home run. He played one game in right field in 2016 and the rest of his time in San Diego was spent in center. “To have the ability to know where you’re at, and kind of be able to say, ‘Forget it, I know I’m going to hit something but I’m going in,’ and still hang on to the ball, was really, really impressive,” manager Kevin Cash said. It was an unbelievable play that he made on the right field line, putting himself in a dangerous place. “Everybody is really, really supportive of him and just so happy for what he's accomplished.”Morton improved to 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in the last two postseasons.

Arozarena homers again, Rays beat Astros 2-1 in ALCS opener

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN DIEGO – Randy Arozarena homered again at Petco Park and Mike Zunino drove in the go-ahead run for the Tampa Bay Rays, who beat the Houston Astros 2-1 Sunday night in the opener of the AL Championship Series. Castillo threw 29 pitches in two innings Friday night in the 2-1 win against the New York Yankees that clinched the AL Division Series. The Astros are villains in many people’s eyes for their sign-stealing scandal three years ago, when they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Tampa Bay is trying to reach its second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. Rays: Morton got the decision in the Rays’ 8-4 win against the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS.

LEADING OFF: Fans back as Braves, Dodgers open NLCS in Texas

The Los Angeles Dodgers work out in Globe Life Field before the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct 11, 2020. They will be allowed into Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, when the Dodgers and Braves meet in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series. Morton again faces his former team when he starts Game 2 of the AL Championship Series at Petco Park. Then in the World Series, McCullers started Game 7 and Morton wound up with the win. OPENING UPWalker Bueher, troublesome finger blister and all, starts the opener for the Dodgers when they play Atlanta in the NL Championship Series at Arlington, Texas.

Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, celebrates with George Springer after they defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – A home run derby broke out during a hot, dry day at Dodger Stadium, and suddenly the Houston Astros have their swing and swagger back. “When you get the leadoff guy (Springer) getting on base every single time, good things are going to happen. Altuve's line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. Chris Bassitt put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on in the fifth with back-to-back singles by Springer and Altuve.

Astros out to 'silence the haters' in ALDS against Athletics

FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2017, file photo, the Houston Astros celebrate after Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles. On Monday, Oct. 5, the Astros and the Oakland Athletics will open their ALDS matchup at Dodger Stadium. The coronavirus pandemic largely has protected the Astros from having public scorn heaped on them this season. He hasn't been particularly effective this season, and didn't start against them when the A's took seven of 10 games from the Astros this season. “We never did anything in our rotation to make him miss the Astros,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.

Astros sweep as Twins lose 18th straight in playoffs

"But what are they going to say now?”Nine months after Houston's rules-breaking, sign-stealing system was revealed, the Astros advanced to the Division Series in Los Angeles. The Twins are 0-18 in the playoffs since winning Game 1 of their Division Series at the New York Yankees on Oct. 5, 2004, a total of seven rounds lost. Since that date, the Astros are 43-35 in postseason play, winning 10 of 15 rounds with three trips to the World Series. In a three-game division series sweep by the Yankees last year, the Twins totaled seven runs and 22 hits. Baldelli declined to confirm whether Buxton was experiencing a recurrence of concussion symptoms that kept him out of the last two regular season games.

Astros win 4-1 in Game 1; Twins' record losing streak at 17

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer, center, jump in celebration of the Astros 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins 4-1 in Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. They know what it’s like," said manager Dusty Baker, after the Astros became the first team in major league history to win a game after reaching the postseason with a losing record. It didn’t go my way,” said Romo, who has three World Series rings with San Francisco and pitched in his 30th career postseason game. Minnesota’s previous win in the playoffs was notched in New York on Oct. 5, 2004, in Game 1 of the AL division series. UP NEXTThe Astros were waiting until after the game to announce their starter for Game 2, though Valdez's appearance took him out of the mix.

Astros rally to beat Dodgers 7-5 despite angry LA fans

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and center fielder George Springer (4) celebrate the team's 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Los Angeles. But there were multiple reminders that Dodger fans haven’t forgotten the Astros’ cheating scandal from their 2017 championship. Kelly's curled lip has been immortalized in a spray-painted wall mural by an artist in Los Angeles. Taylor blasted a two-run shot into the right-field pavilion with two outs in the second, giving Los Angeles a 2-1 lead. Dodgers: RHP Dustin May, who took a line drive off his left foot in Arizona, had a CT scan that revealed a contusion but no fracture.

Trout ties Salmon's Angels career HR record with No. 299

ANAHEIM, Calif. Mike Trout tied Tim Salmon's career record for home runs with the Angels, connecting for No. Trout drove a sinker from Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. over the wall in center for a two-run shot. The 29-year-old Trout is a three-time AL MVP and won the award last season. Trout was the 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft and made his big league debut in 2011. Salmon played his entire 14-year career with the Angels from 1992 to 2006 and was part of their only World Series championship in 2002.

Tucker hits game-ending homer as Astros sweep Mariners 3-2

HOUSTON Kyle Tucker hit a game-ending homer in the ninth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday for their fourth straight win. Tucker drove a 96-mph fastball from Erik Swanson (0-2) deep to right for his first career game-ending homer. Astros catcher Martn Maldonado, who turned 34 on Sunday, singled in Tucker in the fourth, tying it at 2. UP NEXTMariners: RHP Justin Dunn (1-1, 4.85 ERA) is scheduled to make his fourth start of the year on Monday against the Dodgers. The rookie has allowed just three earned runs in the first 14 1/3 innings of his career.

Javier gives up 1 hit in 6 innings, Astros beat Mariners 2-1

HOUSTON Rookie Cristian Javier allowed one hit over six shutout innings, Yuli Gurriel homered and the Houston Astros edged the Seattle Mariners 2-1 Saturday night for their third straight win. Javier (2-1) struck out five and walked three. The 23-year-old right-hander rebounded nicely after surrendering five runs in three innings in his last start against Oakland on Aug. 9. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers, Jr. (2-1, 6.10) will make his fifth start on Sunday. He threw seven shutout innings, allowing one hit in his last start on Aug. 10 against San Francisco.

Astros' McCullers has no-hitter through 6 against Giants

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON Houston starter Lance McCullers Jr. has not allowed a hit through six innings against the San Francisco Giants. The right-hander retired his first six batters before plunking Austin Slater on the leg to start the third inning. The Astros, who are trying to snap a five-game skid, took a 6-0 lead on Martin Maldonado's homer in the sixth. The 26-year-old McCullers returned this season after missing last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Astros, A's clear benches, empty seats; Oak wins 9th in row

The Athletics' ninth straight win was far overshadowed by what erupted in the seventh inning at the Coliseum. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the As outfielder reached Cintron, and a wild scene ensued. A's and Astros players who were sitting in the seats, observing COVID-19 social-distancing protocols, also rushed onto the field. The Astros have won the past three division crowns, a World Series in 2017 and AL pennant last year. TRAINERS ROOMAstros: CF George Springer resumed hitting work in the batting cage but was still listed as day to day by Baker.

All quiet till Ros HR in 13th lifts Dodgers over Astros 4-2

Los Angeles Dodgers' Edwin Rios watches his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the 13th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON After a testy, noisy game in the series opener, all was quiet between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Until the loud crack of Edwin Ros' bat for a two-run homer in the 13th inning lifted the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory. The Dodgers played without manager Dave Roberts, suspended one game for his part in Tuesday night's heated matchup that saw the dugouts clear. Stripling allowed four hits and one run with seven strikeouts in seven innings in a win over the Giants on Friday.

Baker wins debut, Astros top M's in 1st game post sign scam

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker (12) kneels for social justice with players before a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Friday, July 24, 2020, in Houston. The 71-year-old Baker posted a victory in his 3,500th regular-season game as a manager. Houston tied it at 2 on an RBI single by Altuve that chased starter Marco Gonzales (0-1). Martn Maldonado tied it with an RBI single in the Houston third an added an RBI with a single in the sixth. Hell be opposed by Seattle RHP Taijuan Walker, who appeared in just one game last season after having Tommy John surgery in 2018.

'It's over now' - Astros eager to put scandal behind them

HOUSTON The Houston Astros spent the offseason reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. The change didnt stop the Astros from being the villains of baseball this spring. The Astros are preparing for the possibility of being without designated hitter Yordan Alvarez for the start of the season and potentially longer. The Astros are counting on McCullers to have a big season in his return after missing last season following Tommy John surgery. Tucker, who can play outfield and first base, has appeared in just 50 MLB games over the past two seasons.