Major League Baseball

Rice bests Boone's belief by slugging homers 40, 41

Yankees manager Aaron Boone predicted during spring training that Ben Rice would finish with 39 home runs this season. Rice is two-up after hitting Nos. 40 and 41 in a 9-2 victory over the Rays, tying for the AL home run lead.

Judge says he intends to be available for Game 1 of wild-card series

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge told ESPN on Wednesday that he intends to be ready for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday.

Dodgers' Ohtani returns from IL; De Paula sent down

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who had been on the IL since Sept. 8, went 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Padres.

Guerrero doubles down on contract comments: 'What I said is the way I feel'

Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is standing by comments he made during a recent interview regarding his performance this season after signing a 14-year, $500 million contract last year.

Counsell says Cubs at disadvantage after schedule change vs. Red Sox

Cubs manager Craig Counsell was quick to point out the disadvantages his team faces this weekend after the league moved Sunday's contest against the Boston Red Sox to Friday due to a poor weather forecast.

Back from IL, Red Sox's Rafaela injures hamstring, set to undergo MRI

Ceddanne Rafaela, who returned Wednesday after being sidelined since Sept. 3 because of a right quad strain, left in the third inning because of tightness in his right hamstring.

Jays' Scherzer says announcement on future likely in next day or two

Max Scherzer said after Wednesday's game that he'll likely have something to say in the next couple days about his future.

Braves activate setup man Suarez, target 2 appearances ahead of playoffs

Braves reliever Robert Suarez, who has been sidelined more than three months with right elbow inflammation, was activated with the aim of being used Wednesday night and again Saturday ahead of the postseason.

🏆 Playoff tracker: Who will clinch next and more

From current playoff matchups to league races to the postseason schedule, we have everything you need to know.