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Atlanta Braves sign Andrew McCutchen to minor league deal

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract on Friday in their ongoing search for a veteran who can provide offensive help. The 39-year-old McCutchen was released by the Texas Rangers on May 27 after he hit .192 in 37 games as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and outfielder. The NL East-leading Braves (50-35) signed first baseman Carlos Santana, 40, to a minor league deal last week. McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP with Pittsburgh, is expected to soon report to Triple-A Gwinnett. On Thursday, another veteran first baseman, ...

Bucs head to Washington after going 2-2 vs. hot Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Esmerlyn Valdez tripled, singled and knocked in two runs, Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales homered and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 on Thursday. The Pirates split their four-game series in Philadelphia, closing with a win against a Phillies team ...

Skenes’ struggles continue for Pirates in loss to Phils

PHILADELPHIA — Trea Turner hit a three-run home run during a five-run second inning, Bryce Harper’s misjudged double scored two runs in the fourth, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat struggling Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and the Pirates 10-6 on Wednesday night. Skenes (6-8) lasted four ...

Pirates show that they are getting better

Notes and observations as the calendar on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season flips the page to July: - The Pirates entered last offseason with their most obvious and pressing need being to strengthen an offense which had been floundering at the bottom of the National League in many key ...

Players Union offers its proposal to MLB owners

NEW YORK — Baseball players proposed optional assignments to the minors be cut from a maximum of five per season to three and asked for more pay and major league service time for those sent down, a plan aimed at reducing roster churn that teams use to reinforce bullpens in an era when relief ...

Pirates unable to do anything against Phillies ace Sanchez

PHILADELPHIA — Cristopher Sanchez returned to form after a couple of shaky outings, allowing only three hits in seven innings as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0 on Tuesday night. Sanchez (10-3) struck out nine and walked only two in becoming the first pitcher this ...