Mets make it five straight games with four or fewer hits in loss to Cubs … The way the Mets have been struggling at the plate lately, a deficit must feel as hopeless as trying to swiftly navigate New York City rush-hour traffic.  —  For the fifth straight game, they were held to four or fewer hits.

Red Sox demote Jackie Bradley Jr.  —  The Boston Red Sox demoted struggling outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, calling up outfielder Mookie Betts to take his spot on the roster.  —  Bradley is scheduled to play Monday night in Pawtucket for the PawSox's game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

Colon's mother dies; Germen called up  —  Bartolo Colon's mother died of breast cancer Monday, hours after he was scratched from his scheduled start against the Cubs so he could fly home to see her.  The Mets will place Colon on the bereavement list Tuesday.

Baseball Bat With an Axe Handle Brings More Power, Fewer Injuries  —  The shape of a baseball bat hasn't changed much in the past 150 years, and the axe is many times older than that.  By combining those age-old tools, however, the makers of the Axe Bat believe they can bring something new to the Grand Old Game.

Blanco hits first HR in three years as Phillies top Mariners  —  PHILADELPHIA — Jerome Williams took a three-hitter into the eighth inning, Andres Blanco hit his first homer in three years, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1 in an interleague game Monday night.

Felix good to go for Friday's start in Boston  —  PHILADELPHIA — Mariners ace Felix Hernandez said Monday his hip is fine after taking a one-hopper off the bat of Ian Kinsler in the fourth inning of his last start on Saturday in Detroit.  —  “I'm good,” Hernandez said upon arrival …

Colletti looking to make waiver deals to boost Dodgers  —  General manager eyes reliever, power bench bat to add depth for postseason run  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are trying to make waiver deals for a reliever and power bat off the bench.  If general manager Ned Colletti's track record …

Orioles Hit 3 Homers in 8-2 Win Over White Sox  —  CHICAGO — Nick Markakis hit a two-run homer and prevented one with a leaping catch in right field, and Nelson Cruz and J.J. Hardy each added a solo shot to power the Baltimore Orioles past the Chicago White Sox 8-2 Monday night.

Orioles-Nationals Television Dispute Reaches Litigation  —  AUGUST 18: The presiding judge has awarded MASN a preliminary injunction that will prevent the Nationals from acting to enforce the arbitration award for the time being, according to a tweet from James Wagner of the Washington Post.

Kratz, Vargas lead Royals over Twins 6-4  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Erik Kratz had played in only five games for Kansas City since being acquired from Toronto in a trade on July 28.  —  But the big guy always stayed ready and that discipline paid off Monday night to keep the Royals rolling.