AROUNDTHE HORN
Blue Jays: George Springer is now dealing with another issue while waiting to make his debut with the Blue Jays, after starting the season on the IL with a strained left oblique muscle. Springer was on track to play Thursday for the Jays in their first home game before feeling tightness in his right quad while running the bases. The 2017 World Series MVP with the Astros signed a six-year, $150 million contract during the offseason. The Jays are still gathering information on Springer’s quad and waiting for the results of an MRI exam. ... Jays GM Ross Atkins agreed to a five-year contract extension through the 2026 season. He was hired in December 2015.
Indians: José Ramírez’s second two-run HR of the game snapped a tie in the eighth and sent the Indians to a 4-2 win over the Royals after reigning ALCyYoung Award winner Shane Bieber struck out 12. Ramírez’s one-out shot to right off Greg Holland (0-1) gave the Indians their first home win. Earlier, Ramirez connected for a two-run HR in the sixth. Bieber had his second strong start of the season despite a no decision, fanning 12 in 6 ⅓ innings. He allowed just one run three hits and extended his streak of striking out at least eight to 14 games, tying Corey Kluber’s club record.
Braves: Pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run HR to the deepest part of the ballpark off Nationals reliever Tanner Rainey, lifting the visiting Braves to a 2-0 victory and a doubleheader sweep. Nats starter Stephen Strasburg tossed six scoreless innings in his first start since being shut down in August and having carpal tunnel surgery on his right wrist. In the opener, Ronald Acuña Jr. led the way with a double and a pair of singles to help the Braves snap a season-starting four-game losing streak by edging the Nats 7-6.
Brewers: Lorenzo Cain hit his second HRof the game, a three-run shot in the 10th and the Brewers beat the host Cubs 4-2. Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff had a no-hit bid going until Ian Happ led off the seventh with a clean single. Josh Hader (2-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.
Reds: Tyler Naquin hit another leadoff HR and the high-scoring Reds kept rolling, backing Luis Castillo to rout the visiting Pirates 11-4 for their fifth straight win. The Reds have started 5-1 for the first time since 2016. They outscored the Pirates 30-8 in the threegame sweep. Their 56 runs are the most in Reds history through the first six games of a season. The 1976 Big Red Machine scored 51 en route to a second straight championship
Extra innings: Mitch Moreland hit an RBI single with one out in the 10th and the host A’s rallied to beat the defending champion Dodgers 4-3 for their first win of the season. The A’s were in danger of falling to 0-7 for the first time in franchise history. ... Yadier Molina hit a two-run HR and Dylan Carlson added a grand slam, leading the visiting Cardinals over the Marlins for a threegame sweep. Jack Flaherty (1-0) allowed one hit in six innings. The Marlins are 1-5 for the first time since 2015. ... OF Aaron Judge was held out of Yankees lineup against the Orioles with soreness in his left side. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he thought the soreness was from “general wear and tear.” ... The White Sox placed SS Tim Anderson on the 10-day IL (hamstring).