Brad Brach
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman takes during live batting practice before playing the Baltimore Orioles in a spring baseball game at CoolToday Park in North Port, Fla., Wednesday, March 3, 2021. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
National League East Preview Capsules

By The Associated Press Mar. 18, 2021 08:32 PM EDT

New York Mets' Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lindor, Mets talk about new deal; Rosario struggles in CF

Mar. 16, 2021 06:00 PM EDT

FILE- In this Sept. 29, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana exits the batting cage before Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series against the New York Yankees in Cleveland. The Cleveland Indians have declined contract options on Brad Hand and first baseman Carlos Santana for next season, decisions that will initially cut $27 million from the team's payroll. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Santana, Benintendi highlight new-look Royals lineup

By Dave Skretta Feb. 22, 2021 01:08 PM EST

File-This Sept. 22, 2020, file photo shows Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto batting during the second baseball game of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals in Washington. Houston outfielder George Springer, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and Realmuto were among just six free agents who received $18.9 million qualifying offers on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, from their former teams. Three right-handed pitchers also received the offers, Cincinnati’s Trevor Bauer, the New York Mets’ Marcus Stroman, and San Francisco's Kevin Gausman. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Springer, LeMahieu, Realmuto among 6 given qualifying offers

By Ronald Blum Nov. 01, 2020 06:11 PM EST

FILE - This Aug. 14, 2020, file photo shows New York Mets' Dellin Betances throwing during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, in Philadelphia. Reliever Dellin Betances exercised his $6 million player option for next season with the New York Mets on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, deciding against taking a $3 million buyout and becoming a free agent. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
Mets: Betances, Brach stay, Stroman gets qualifying offer

Nov. 01, 2020 02:14 PM EST

St. Louis Cardinals players celebrate after the Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 7-3 in a baseball game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Goldschmidt, Cardinals tighten NL Central race, top Cubs

Sep. 06, 2020 11:34 PM EDT

New York Mets players walks to the dugout before a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Miami. Major League Baseball says the Mets have received two positive tests for COVID-19 in their organization, prompting the postponement of two games. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Subway Series postponed after Mets' positive COVID tests

Aug. 21, 2020 01:51 PM EDT

Grounds crew work in an empty Marlins Park before a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Miami. Major League Baseball says the Mets have received two positive tests for COVID-19 in their organization, prompting the postponement of two games against the Marlins. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
2 positive tests in Mets organization; 2 games postponed

By Steven Wine Aug. 20, 2020 05:29 PM EDT

Washington Nationals' Juan Soto, left, celebrates with teammates Adam Eaton, center, and Victor Robles, right, after a baseball game against the New York Mets Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in New York. The Nationals won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Healthy ace Scherzer pitches Nats past Mets 2-1 for 1st win

By Mike Fitzpatrick Aug. 11, 2020 11:42 PM EDT

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt Davidson touches his cap as he runs the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of the exhibition baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
The Latest: Bucks G Pat Connaughton headed to Florida bubble

By The Associated Press Jul. 25, 2020 02:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting hitting his 53rd home run of the season during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, in New York. Alonso at the plate. Jacob deGrom on the mound. And a healthy Yoenis Céspedes pegged conveniently for designated hitter. There’s no question the New York Mets have reasons to believe this pandemic-shortened season is perfect for them -- even without injured starter Noah Syndergaard. All they need to do is pick right up where they left off last year.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
Mets `amped' for delayed season with Céspedes potential DH

By Mike Fitzpatrick Jul. 15, 2020 07:32 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 9, 2020, file photo, New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom winds up while delivering during a simulated baseball game, part of the Mets summer training camp workout, at Citi Field in New York. Pete Alonso at the plate. Jacob deGrom on the mound. And a healthy Yoenis Céspedes pegged conveniently for designated hitter. There’s no question the New York Mets have reasons to believe this pandemic-shortened season is perfect for them -- even without injured starter Noah Syndergaard. All they need to do is pick right up where they left off last year.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
AP source: Mets get good news after MRI on Jacob deGrom

By Mike Fitzpatrick Jul. 15, 2020 06:17 PM EDT

Tampa Bay Rays' Tyler Glasnow throws during baseball practice Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
Puig picks Braves, Glasnow makes strong return to Rays

By Charles Odum Jul. 14, 2020 06:59 PM EDT