INF César Hernández, Nationals agree to terms on 1-year deal
December 1, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Free agent César Hernández and the Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a $4 million, one-year contract Tuesday, giving the team a veteran middle infielder who hit a career-high 21 homers last season.
Cleveland city council approves Guardians lease at ballpark
November 30, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland City Council voted Monday to approve a lease agreement that will keep the Guardians at Progressive Field through 2036.
The team will also be able to begin planning renovations to the downtown ballpark, which will be upgraded as part of a $435 million project funded in a partnership between the Major League Baseball franchise, the city, Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio.
Clint Frazier and Rougned Odor released by Yankees
November 23, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Clint Frazier and infielder Rougned Odor were released by the New York Yankees on Tuesday after they were designated for assignment four days ago and went unclaimed on waivers.
Former Indians All-Star reliever Doug Jones dead at 64
November 22, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Doug Jones, a five-time All-Star reliever who had his best success closing for the Cleveland Indians, has died. He was 64.
Jones spent seven seasons with the Indians and ranks third on the club's career saves list with 129.
Name drop: Guardians’ launch starts with store sign smashing
November 19, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — A special opening day for the newly named Cleveland Guardians began with a bang.
Not the one they hoped for, either.
As fans were buying the first available Guardians merchandise on Friday as the team officially transitioned from Indians after 106 years, a sign installed outside the team store at Progressive Field broke free from its mount and crashed to the sidewalk.
Indians officially changing name to Guardians this week
November 17, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — A new era of big-league baseball in Cleveland is about to start. The Guardians will be off and running.
The hitting and fielding comes in a few months.
The Indians will officially transition to Guardians on Friday, completing a name change that has been happening in stages — and with one unplanned complication — over the past few months.
Guardians MLB team settles lawsuit with roller derby club
November 16, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland will have two teams called the Guardians.
The Major League Baseball franchise and a local roller derby club have reached a resolution in a lawsuit filed over the use of the name Guardians, allowing both to continue using it.
Indians exercise option on 3B Ramírez, hire hitting coach
November 5, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have a new hitting coach. José Ramírez hardly needs one.
Cleveland picked up the All-Star third baseman's $12 million contract option for 2022 on Friday after he had another MVP-caliber season.
Nats claim Pérez after waived by Indians, outright McGowin
November 5, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Left-hander Francisco Pérez was claimed by the Washington Nationals, who also sent right-hander Kyle McGowin outright to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
Indians begin removing scripted name from stadium scoreboard
November 2, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians began removing the team's scripted logo atop the giant scoreboard at Progressive Field on Tuesday as they transition their name to the Guardians.
Crews started dismantling the letters, beginning with the “I” on the 80-foot-long sign.
The Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win
October 31, 2021 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series (all times local):
Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
October 28, 2021 GMTOct. 29
1931 — Lefty Grove, winner of 31 games for the Philadelphia A’s, was named the American League MVP.
1942 — Branch Rickey, the architect of the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system, resigned as the team’s vice president.
Which Cleveland Guardians? Roller derby team sues MLB team
October 27, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — A roller derby team that has called itself the Cleveland Guardians since 2013 sued the city's Major League Baseball team in federal court in Cleveland on Wednesday alleging that the switch from Indians to Guardians infringes on its trademark.
Lucky lumber: Rosario’s hot bat leads Braves to Series
October 25, 2021 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Eddie Rosario talked the other day about his lucky lumber, a 33 1/2-inch, 31-ounce Chandler Bat that started to heat up with a four-hit night in mid-September.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
October 21, 2021 GMTOct. 22
1910 — After three straight losses and trailing Philadelphia 3-2 in the ninth, the Chicago Cubs tied the score and then won 4-3 in 10 innings for their only victory as the A’s won the World Series in five games.
Carter Hawkins joins Chicago Cubs as new general manager
October 18, 2021 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Carter Hawkins was part of Cleveland's front office when the Indians lost to the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 World Series. He vividly remembers being on the team bus for the trip to the airport after Game 5.
This Date in Baseball
October 18, 2021 GMTOct. 19
1972 — The Oakland A’s rallied for two ninth-inning runs for a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds to take a 3-1 lead in the World Series.
1976 — The Cincinnati Reds took a commanding 3-0 lead over the New York Yankees in the World Series with a 6-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
October 14, 2021 GMTOct. 19
1972 — The Oakland A’s rallied for two ninth-inning runs for a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds to take a 3-1 lead in the World Series.
1976 — The Cincinnati Reds took a commanding 3-0 lead over the New York Yankees in the World Series with a 6-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Ray Fosse, barreled by Rose at ’70 All-Star Game, dies at 74
October 14, 2021 GMTOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Ray Fosse, the strong-armed catcher whose career was upended when he was bowled over by Pete Rose at the 1970 All-Star Game, has died. He was 74.
Carol Fosse, his wife of 51 years, said in a statement online that Fosse died Wednesday after a 16-year bout with cancer.
This Date in Baseball
October 10, 2021 GMTOct. 11
1906 — Ed Walsh of the Chicago White Sox pitched a two-hitter over the Chicago Cubs for a 3-0 win and a 2-1 lead in the World Series.
1913 — Eddie Plank tossed a two-hitter against the New York Giants to give the Philadelphia Athletics a 3-1 victory and the World Series in five games.
This Date in Baseball
October 9, 2021 GMTOct. 10
1904 — Boston clinched the pennant on the last day of the season when Jack Chesbro of the New York Highlanders threw a wild pitch in the ninth to allow the winning run to score from third.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
October 7, 2021 GMTOct. 8
1908 — The Chicago Cubs won the NL pennant when Mordecai Brown beat Christy Mathewson 4-2 in the playoff of the disputed game Sept. 23 when Fred Merkle failed to touch second base.
1915 — The Philadelphia Phillies win their first World Series game, a 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Indians’ Francona confident he’ll return as manager in 2022
October 6, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Indians manager Terry Francona is confident he'll return next season after missing most of the past two because of serious health issues.
Francona was forced to step away from the club in late July to undergo hip replacement surgery as well as a procedure on a big toe that was partially removed last winter after it became infected.
Former GM and oldest former MLB player Robinson dies at 100
October 6, 2021 GMTBASTROP, Texas (AP) — Eddie Robinson, the oldest living former major league player whose more than six decades in professional baseball included being general manager for two teams, has died. He was 100.
This Date in Baseball
October 5, 2021 GMTOct. 6
1915 — Philadelphia rookie Elmer Myers made a spectacular debut by striking out 12 Washington batters while allowing just two hits. Myers walked 5 in the 4-0 win his only game this year.
Indians leave name behind as injury-riddled season ends
October 4, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The storybook ending wasn't in the cards. The Indians finished more than 100 years of being called the Indians without another championship.
The Cleveland Guardians inherit baseball's longest current World Series title drought — 73 seasons and counting.
Giants win 107th game and NL West, 106-win Dodgers 2nd
October 4, 2021 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Giants finally won the NL West without needing to wait for the rival Dodgers’ result on the season’s final day, pounding the San Diego Padres 11-4 on Sunday for a franchise-record 107th victory to top the 1904 New York team.
Changing to Guardians: Indians close with 6-0 win at Texas
October 3, 2021 GMTARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Now comes the changing to the Guardians for the Cleveland baseball team that played 107 seasons as the Indians.
Aaron Civale allowed only three singles while pitching six scoreless innings as the Indians played for the final time under that name, after nearly 17,000 games since 1915, winning 6-0 in a season finale on the road against the 102-loss Texas Rangers on Sunday.
Civale scheduled to start for Cleveland against Texas
October 3, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (79-82, second in the AL Central) vs. Texas Rangers (60-101, fifth in the AL West)
Arlington, Texas; Sunday, 3:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Aaron Civale (11-5, 4.18 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 95 strikeouts) Rangers: Dane Dunning (5-9, 4.32 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 111 strikeouts)
Lyles’ pitching, Heim’s homer lead Rangers past Indians 7-2
October 3, 2021 GMTARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jordan Lyles closed his season by allowing only two hits in seven innings and rookie Jonah Heim broke a fourth-inning tie with a three-run home run to help the Texas Rangers beat the Cleveland Indians 7-2 on Saturday night.
This Date in Baseball
October 2, 2021 GMTOct. 3
1897 — Cap Anson closed a remarkable 27-year career, which started in the National Association in 1871. He hit two home runs against St. Louis. He was 46, the oldest player to homer in the majors.
McKenzie expected to start for the Indians against Rangers
October 2, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (79-81, second in the AL Central) vs. Texas Rangers (59-101, fifth in the AL West)
Arlington, Texas; Saturday, 7:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Triston McKenzie (5-8, 4.81 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 134 strikeouts) Rangers: Jordan Lyles (9-13, 5.31 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 138 strikeouts)
Indians beat Rangers 9-6 to clinch second in A.L. Central
October 2, 2021 GMTARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Austin Hedges and Bobby Bradley homered, Jose Ramirez drove in three runs and rookie Eli Morgan won his third straight start as the Cleveland Indians drubbed the Texas Rangers 9-4 on Friday night.
This Date in Baseball
October 1, 2021 GMTOct. 2
1908 — Addie Joss of the Cleveland Indians pitched a perfect game, defeating the Chicago White Sox, 1-0.
1916 — Grover Alexander pitched a 2-0 three-hitter against the Boston Braves for his 16th shutout and 33rd victory of the season.
Morgan scheduled to start for Indians at Rangers
October 1, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (78-81, second in the AL Central) vs. Texas Rangers (59-100, fifth in the AL West)
Arlington, Texas; Friday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Eli Morgan (4-7, 5.27 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 79 strikeouts) Rangers: Spencer Howard (0-4, 7.04 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 50 strikeouts)
Bieber 3 solid innings, Indians avoid 3-game sweep by Royals
October 1, 2021 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shane Bieber pitched three effective innings, Bradley Zimmer drove in three runs and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-1 Thursday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
September 30, 2021 GMTOct. 5
1941 — Brooklyn catcher Mickey Owen dropped a third strike on Tommy Henrich of what would have been the last out of a Dodgers victory against the New York Yankees. Given the second chance, the Yankees scored four runs for a 7-4 victory and a 3-1 lead in the World Series, which they ended up winning.
This Date in Baseball-Week Ahead
September 30, 2021 GMTOct. 1
1903 — The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-3 in the first World Series game. Jimmy Sebring hit the first series home run. Deacon Phillippe was the winning pitcher and Cy Young the loser.
Zerpa expected to start as Royals host the Indians
September 30, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (77-81, second in the AL Central) vs. Kansas City Royals (73-85, fourth in the AL Central)
Kansas City, Missouri; Thursday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Shane Bieber (7-4, 3.17 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 133 strikeouts) Royals: Angel Zerpa (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Perez hits 48th homer, leaves hurt; Royals beat Indians 10-5
September 30, 2021 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez tied a Royals record with his 48th homer of the season before leaving with a sprained right ankle, and Kansas City went on to beat the Cleveland Indians 10-5 on Wednesday night.
Perez ties Royals mark with 48th HR, exits with ankle sprain
September 30, 2021 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals star Salvador Perez hit his team record-tying 48th home run in the first inning, then exited after the second with a sprained right ankle Wednesday night.
Perez homered on the first pitch he saw, extending his major league lead with a three-run drive for Kansas City against the Cleveland Indians.
Plesac scheduled to start for Cleveland against Kansas City
September 29, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (77-80, second in the AL Central) vs. Kansas City Royals (72-85, fourth in the AL Central)
Kansas City, Missouri; Wednesday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Zach Plesac (10-6, 4.54 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 98 strikeouts) Royals: Daniel Lynch (4-6, 5.37 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 50 strikeouts)
Perez hits MLB-leading 47th HR, Royals beat Indians 6-4
September 29, 2021 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit his major league-leading 47th home run and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-4 Tuesday night.
Perez also leads the majors in RBIs (118) and go-ahead home runs (17).
Singer scheduled to start as Kansas City hosts Cleveland
September 28, 2021 GMTCleveland Indians (77-79, second in the AL Central) vs. Kansas City Royals (71-85, fourth in the AL Central)
Kansas City, Missouri; Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Indians: Aaron Civale (11-5, 4.06 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 92 strikeouts) Royals: Brady Singer (5-10, 4.72 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 131 strikeouts)
Monday Sports in Brief
September 28, 2021 GMTMLB
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians won their last home game before becoming the Guardians, beating the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Monday to close a run that started in 1915 and will continue next season with a new identity.
Indians win last home game ahead of transition to Guardians
September 28, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians won their last home game before becoming the Guardians, beating the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Monday to close a run that started in 1915 and will continue next season with a new identity.
Last hurrah: Indians win final home game before name change
September 27, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — As they've done in countless ninth innings over decades, fans in Progressive Field stood to cheer during the final three outs.
It was different Monday. They chanted “Let's Go Indians!"
LEADING OFF: Cleveland plays final home game as Indians
September 27, 2021 GMTA look at what's happening around the majors today:
Giolito’s 6 scoreless innings leads White Sox past Indians
September 27, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Lucas Giolito pitched six scoreless innings, Eloy Jiménez had a two-run single and the AL Central champion Chicago White Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians 5-2 on Sunday.
Chicago clinched its first Central title since 2008 by beating the Indians in a doubleheader opener Thursday but is 34-33 since the All-Star break.
LEADING OFF: Cleveland plays final home game as Indians
September 27, 2021 GMTA look at what's happening around the majors on Monday:
This Date in Baseball
September 26, 2021 GMTSept. 27
1914 — Nap Lajoie of the Cleveland Naps collected his 3,000th hit in the opening game of a doubleheader, a 5-3 win over the New York Yankees at League Park II. Lajoie doubled off of Marty McHale for the milestone hit.
McKenzie expected to start for the Indians against the White Sox
September 26, 2021 GMTChicago White Sox (87-68, first in the AL Central) vs. Cleveland Indians (76-78, second in the AL Central)
Cleveland; Sunday, 1:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: White Sox: Lucas Giolito (10-9, 3.70 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 192 strikeouts) Indians: Triston McKenzie (5-7, 4.67 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 131 strikeouts)
Morgan allows 1 hit in 6 innings, Indians beat White Sox 6-0
September 26, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Eli Morgan allowed one hit in six innings and José Ramirez drove in three runs, powering the Cleveland Indians to a 6-0 victory over the AL Central champion Chicago White Sox on Saturday night.
Lynn scheduled to start for White Sox at Indians
September 25, 2021 GMTChicago White Sox (87-67, first in the AL Central) vs. Cleveland Indians (75-78, second in the AL Central)
Cleveland; Saturday, 7:15 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: White Sox: Lance Lynn (10-5, 2.47 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 166 strikeouts) Indians: Eli Morgan (3-7, 5.68 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 73 strikeouts)
Cease hit on arm by comebacker, White Sox top Indians 1-0
September 25, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Chicago starter Dylan Cease left after being struck on the right arm by a comebacker in the sixth inning as the White Sox beat Cleveland 1-0 on Friday night in Indians ace Shane Bieber's return.
White Sox RHP Cease struck on right arm, leaves game
September 25, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Chicago White Sox starter Dylan Cease left a game Friday night after being struck on the right arm by a comebacker in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians.
The White Sox said Cease has a right triceps contusion and that X-rays were negative.
Indians activate Bieber from IL to start against White Sox
September 24, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have activated right-hander Shane Bieber from the 60-day injured list for a start Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.
Bieber, who won the AL Cy Young Award last season, hasn’t pitched since June 13 because of a strained right shoulder.
Name drop: Cleveland set to say goodbye to Indians for good
September 24, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — There's no more debate or decisions forthcoming. There's still some anger and disbelief, but also the excitement that comes along with change.
Bieber expected to start as Indians host the White Sox
September 24, 2021 GMTChicago White Sox (86-67, first in the AL Central) vs. Cleveland Indians (75-77, second in the AL Central)
Cleveland; Friday, 7:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: White Sox: Dylan Cease (12-7, 4.09 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 212 strikeouts) Indians: Shane Bieber (7-4, 3.28 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 130 strikeouts)
White Sox clinch AL Central with victory over Indians
September 24, 2021 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Tony La Russa stood in the dugout, soaking in the moment as the Chicago White Sox celebrated winning their first AL Central title since 2008.
The Hall of Fame manager came out of retirement for moments like this, but it was still hard for him to believe it was real.