Major League Baseball

Vlad Jr., Springer jolt Jays offense in Game 3 rout

The Blue Jays, after losing the first two games of the ALCS at home, tattooed baseballs all over T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, smashing five home runs and four doubles in a 13-4 rout of the Mariners to avoid facing an elimination game Thursday.

Ohtani: Two-way role not cause of hitting slump

Shohei Ohtani, who is just 2-for-25 with 12 strikeouts since the wild-card round, said Wednesday that he doesn't think pitching has affected his performance at the plate.

Sources: Orioles interested in Pujols for manager

The Orioles, seeking a new manager to guide their young, emerging core, have expressed interest in Albert Pujols, sources told ESPN.

Scherzer hyped for G4 start: 'What you play for'

The Blue Jays expect Max Scherzer to be his excitable, feisty self when he starts Game 4 of the ALCS against the Mariners on Thursday. "This is what you play for," he said.

Ex-Angels official searched Kay's desk for drugs

Tim Mead, the former head of communications for the Angels, admitted Wednesday to searching the desk of his former employee, Eric Kay, three times looking for potential illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia in Kay's final years with the franchise.

Guardians re-sign catcher Hedges to 1-year deal

Catcher Austin Hedges re-signed with the Guardians, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4 million.

Source: Bregman set to opt out of Red Sox deal

Alex Bregman plans to opt out of his contract with the Red Sox, a source confirmed to ESPN.

➡️ 2025 NLCS could decide if there's a '27 season

The big-money Dodgers and small-market Brewers exemplify two sides of the MLB payroll divide -- a fact no one will forget next spring.