Baseball – Winnipeg Free Press

Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman reacts after hitting a sacrifice fly off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jaden Hill in the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dodgers place 1B Freeman on paternity list, recall Ward from Triple-A

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:29 PM CDT

DENVER (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list Sunday and recalled longtime minor league prospect Ryan Ward from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Ward, 28, will make his major league debut after seven years in organization’s farm system. He will start at first base and bat seventh against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

Los Angeles selected Ward in the eighth round of the 2019 draft, and he worked his way through the minors to Oklahoma City in 2024. He was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025 after slugging 36 home runs and driving in 122 runs for the Comets.

He batted .324 with four home runs in 18 games with Oklahoma City before his call-up Sunday. In 696 minor league games he is batting .266 with 154 home runs and 520 RBIs.

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Salvador Perez back in Royals lineup after first day off of the season

Larry Fleisher, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Salvador Perez back in Royals lineup after first day off of the season

Larry Fleisher, The Associated Press 3 minute read 1:01 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Salvador Perez was back in the lineup for the Kansas City Royals after his first day off this season and posting on social media about not needing a mental breather.

Perez was the designated hitter Sunday and said things between him and manager Matt Quatraro are fine.

“No frustration, Zero frustration for us,” Perez said before the finale of a three-game series against the Yankees. “The people they don’t want to know what’s going on here. They can think and they can say whatever they want to say, you know, zero frustration. I don’t have time for that.”

On Saturday, Perez was given his first day off since sitting out two games last August.

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1:01 PM CDT

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, right, celebrates his three-run home run with Carter Jensen (22) against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Houston Astros place outfielder Joey Loperfido on 10-day IL

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Houston Astros place outfielder Joey Loperfido on 10-day IL

The Associated Press 1 minute read 11:47 AM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros placed outfielder Joey Loperfido on the 10-day injured list on Sunday because of a right quad strain.

In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled right-handed pitcher Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Loperfido suffered the injury during Friday’s 9-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. He is batting .259 with six RBIs in 20 games this season.

Also, the Astros acquired infielder Braden Shewmake from the Yankees for minor league pitcher Wilmy Sanchez. Shewmake has spent the start of the season with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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11:47 AM CDT

Houston Astros' Joey Loperfido (10) hits a RBI single as Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (15) reaches for the pitch during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Johnson’s go-ahead 2-run double in the 6th helps Rockies beat Dodgers 4-3

Craig Meyer, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Johnson’s go-ahead 2-run double in the 6th helps Rockies beat Dodgers 4-3

Craig Meyer, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 10:18 PM CDT

DENVER (AP) — Troy Johnston had a go-ahead, two-run double in the sixth inning and finished with three hits to lead the Colorado Rockies to a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night.

The Rockies had been 5-22 against the Dodgers over the past three seasons, including 3-12 at Coors Field. Los Angeles had won 11 of its previous 13 games and entered Saturday 6-1 in road games this season.

After allowing three runs in the first two innings, Colorado shut down the most productive offense in the majors with 3 1/3 shutout innings from its bullpen. Victor Vodnik gave up two singles in the ninth inning, but Kyle Tucker popped out to left field to end the game as Vodnik earned his third save of the season.

Brennan Bernardino (2-0) earned the win for the Rockies. Will Klein (1-1), who gave up Johnston’s double in the sixth, took the loss.

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Yesterday at 10:18 PM CDT

Colorado Rockies' Troy Johnston, right, follows the flight of his double to drive in two runs off Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Will Klein in the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Corbin Carroll hits grand slam in 8th as Diamondbacks beat Blue Jays 6-2

Jack Thompson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Corbin Carroll hits grand slam in 8th as Diamondbacks beat Blue Jays 6-2

Jack Thompson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:54 PM CDT

PHOENIX (AP) — Corbin Carroll hit a grand slam to break an eighth-inning tie and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the struggling Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 on Saturday night for their fourth straight victory.

Ildemaro Vargas led off the eighth against reliever Jeff Hoffman (1-2) with a single, extending his majors-leading hitting streak to 17 games dating to last season.

Alek Thomas followed with a single and Ketel Marte drew a four-pitch walk. Carroll then hit his fourth career grand slam and third homer of the season, a drive to left-centre on a 3-1 pitch.

Juan Morillo (1-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings for his first victory in the majors.

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Updated: Yesterday at 9:54 PM CDT

Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll (7) holds onto his helmet as he celebrates hitting a triple against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of an opening-day baseball game Monday, March 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Kirby deals 5 2/3 innings of 1-run ball, Raley homers as Mariners beat Rangers 7-3

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Kirby deals 5 2/3 innings of 1-run ball, Raley homers as Mariners beat Rangers 7-3

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 9:45 PM CDT

SEATTLE (AP) — George Kirby threw 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball and Luke Raley hit his fifth home run of the season as the Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 7-3 on Saturday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Kirby (3-2) entered the game having dominated Texas in his career, allowing just 10 earned runs across 68 2/3 innings. He stayed sharp on Saturday, giving up seven hits while striking out five and issuing two walks.

Kirby was attended to by the team’s training staff in the fourth inning following a single by Josh Jung that deflected off the right-hander. Jung also hit a solo shot off Kirby in the sixth.

Raley gave the Mariners a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning on a solo homer off Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi (2-3). It traveled 381 feet, and gave Raley more home runs than he hit all of last season (four).

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Yesterday at 9:45 PM CDT

Seattle Mariners' Luke Raley follows through on a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Sale pitches seven strong innings, Braves take advantage of error in win over slumping Phillies

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Sale pitches seven strong innings, Braves take advantage of error in win over slumping Phillies

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 9:21 PM CDT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chris Sale struck out seven in seven innings to outduel Cristopher Sánchez in a matchup of two of baseball's best pitchers, and the Atlanta Braves took advantage of an error to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 on Saturday night.

Mauricio Dubón had a pair of RBIs for the Braves, who have won four games in a row and eight of 10.

Felix Reyes homered in his first at-bat in his big league debut for the Phillies, who have dropped nine of their last 12 games. Reyes became the sixth Phillies player to homer in his first at-bat, driving a 94 mph four-seamer from Sale into the seats in right field in the second inning.

Sale (4-1) gave up five hits and walked one. Robert Suarez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save.

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Yesterday at 9:21 PM CDT

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

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Cardinals slug 3 homers to beat the Astros 7-5 and extend winning streak to 4 games

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Cardinals slug 3 homers to beat the Astros 7-5 and extend winning streak to 4 games

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 9:15 PM CDT

HOUSTON (AP) — Masyn Winn hit a two-run homer and José Fermín and Alec Burleson added solo shots to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-5 win over the Houston Astros Saturday night.

Winn’s homer made it 4-1 in the third and the second home run of Fermín’s career pushed the lead to 5-1 in the sixth. Burleson’s shot to the second deck in right field in the seventh made it 6-1.

Yordan Alvarez hit his major league-leading ninth homer in the first inning and Shay Whitcomb hit a three-run homer in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to keep the Astros from losing for the 11th time in 13 games.

Jordan Walker singled in the fifth inning to extend his hitting streak to 13 games and Nolan Gorman had two hits and two RBIs to help the Cardinals to their fourth straight victory.

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Yesterday at 9:15 PM CDT

St. Louis Cardinals' Masyn Winn runs the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Gavin Williams strikes out 11 in the Guardians’ 4-2 win over the Orioles

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Gavin Williams strikes out 11 in the Guardians’ 4-2 win over the Orioles

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:50 PM CDT

CLEVELAND (AP) — Gavin Williams struck out 11 over seven innings to push his majors-leading total 40, Brayan Rocchio hit a three-run homer and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 on Saturday.

Williams (3-1) allowed a run on three hits and walked one in a dominant outing. He had his sixth career double-digit strikeout game and second of the season.

Cade Smith struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save.

José Ramírez stole his 10th base in the first inning, becoming the first player to reach double digits this year.

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Yesterday at 7:50 PM CDT

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams, foreground, watches as Baltimore Orioles' Leody Taveras, left, rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Rain threat forces Red Sox to delay Tigers game 3 hours at Fenway Park

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Rain threat forces Red Sox to delay Tigers game 3 hours at Fenway Park

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:18 PM CDT

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox pushed back the start of Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers by three hours because of a forecast of rain.

The first pitch at Fenway Park is now scheduled for 4:35 p.m. The original schedule had the game at 1:35 p.m.

The team said it consulted with Major League Baseball because of a forecast for rain from mid-day into the afternoon. The later start could take advantage of better weather expected later in the afternoon “and provides the best opportunity to play the game on Sunday.”

The teams have split the first two games of the four-game series, with the finale the traditional Patriots' Day morning start in Boston on Monday.

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Yesterday at 7:18 PM CDT

Detroit Tigers' Javier Báez (28) slides safe at home on a single by Kevin McGonigle as Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong, left, waits for the ball in the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Phillies place closer Jhoan Duran on 15-day injured list with left oblique strain

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Phillies place closer Jhoan Duran on 15-day injured list with left oblique strain

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:12 PM CDT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Jhoan Duran on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain before Saturday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves.

The move was retroactive to Wednesday, when Duran felt discomfort in his oblique. It persisted while throwing before Saturday’s game. The 28-year-old right-hander has five saves and a 1.35 ERA this season.

Also, the Phillies called up Felix Reyes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in an effort to boost their struggling lineup. Reyes, making his big-league debut, homered in his first at-bat in the second inning against Chris Sale.

Philadelphia entered Saturday having lost three in a row and eight and 11 games.

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Yesterday at 7:12 PM CDT

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Max Muncy hits winning sacrifice fly in 11th inning as Athletics rally to beat White Sox 7-6

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Max Muncy hits winning sacrifice fly in 11th inning as Athletics rally to beat White Sox 7-6

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 7:08 PM CDT

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Max Muncy drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to lift the Athletics to a 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

Muncy’s fly to left field scored Jacob Wilson, who began the inning as the automatic runner at second base and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Denzel Clarke.

Jack Perkins (2-0) struck out three and gave up one hit in 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Chicago scored five runs in the second inning on Colson Montgomery's homer on the first pitch of the inning, Reese McGuire's RBI single and Andrew Benintendi's three-run shot.

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Yesterday at 7:08 PM CDT

Detroit Tigers' Tyler Holton delivers a pitch to a Boston Red Sox batter in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Giants escape a big jam in the 10th, outlast Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Giants escape a big jam in the 10th, outlast Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:54 PM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Chapman's RBI single in the 12th inning lifted the San Francisco Giants to their third straight victory, 7-6 over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

The Nationals had the bases loaded with nobody out in the 10th, but didn't score. After each team was also blanked in the 11th, Chapman led off the 12th with a single off Cionel Pérez (1-2) to break the 6-all tie.

Caleb Kilian (1-0) closed out the Nationals in the bottom of the inning for his first big league win.

James Wood led off the bottom of the first with a homer for Washington, and Heliot Ramos went deep for the Giants as part of a three-hit day.

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Yesterday at 6:54 PM CDT

San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee is tagged out at home plate by Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas while attempting to score on double hit by San Francisco Giants' Heliot Ramos against pitcher Cade Cavalli during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Turang hits 2-run homer and stretches on-base streak to 18 games as Brewers beat Marlins 5-2

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Turang hits 2-run homer and stretches on-base streak to 18 games as Brewers beat Marlins 5-2

Alanis Thames, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:13 PM CDT

MIAMI (AP) — Brice Turang hit a two-run homer and stretched his on-base streak to 18 games as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Miami Marlins 5-2 on Saturday.

William Contreras and Luis Rengifo doubled and Brandon Lockridge added an RBI single for the Brewers, who have won four straight after a six-game losing streak.

Brandon Woodruff (2-0) pitched a season-high seven innings in his fourth start, allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts to move to 5-0 in seven career starts against the Marlins.

Milwaukee led 5-1 when reliever Jake Woodford loaded the bases in the ninth after allowing three consecutive one-out singles. Otto Lopez then scored on Heriberto Hernández's fielder's choice against Abner Uribe, who got Javier Sanoja to ground out for his second save.

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Yesterday at 6:13 PM CDT

Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang (2) is met by third base coach Matt Erickson (68) after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Tarik Skubal fans 10, Tigers end 9-game road skid with 4-1 win over Red Sox

Ken Powtak, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Tarik Skubal fans 10, Tigers end 9-game road skid with 4-1 win over Red Sox

Ken Powtak, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:10 PM CDT

BOSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal struck out a season-high 10 over six innings of one-run ball, Kerry Carpenter hit a solo homer and the Detroit Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1 on Saturday, ending their nine-game road losing streak.

It was the Tigers’ longest winless road stretch since a 10-gamer in 2010. Rookie Kevin McGonigle had an RBI single and two hits.

The 29-year-old Skubal (3-2) held the Red Sox to four hits and had the 18th double-digit strikeout game of his career, with 10 coming last season.

Tyler Holton worked two scoreless innings and Kenley Jansen got the final three outs for his fifth save, the 481st of his career.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:10 PM CDT

Diamondbacks’ Gurriel hitless, throws out a runner in return to lineup after torn ACL

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:53 PM CDT

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks activated Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the injured list on Saturday and the outfielder had mixed results in his return to the lineup.

Gurriel suffered a torn ACL in his right knee Sept. 1 when he moved to avoid an outfield collision at Chase Field. He is making his return fewer than eight months later.

Starting in left field and batting fourth in Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Gurriel was 0 for 4 at the plate, but threw out Myles Straw trying to stretch a single into a double to end the fourth inning. The Diamondbacks won 6-2.

He didn’t play in any Cactus League games this spring, but participated in drills and took regular batting practice. He played in two Double-A games for Amarillo earlier this week.

April 19, 2026

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