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.

Chapman day to day with sore shoulder  —  ST. LOUIS — One night after his worst performance of the season, the Reds did not have the services of closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday night vs. the Cardinals because of a sore left shoulder.  —  Chapman faced four batters and walked …

Cespedes reflects on deal sending him to Red Sox  —  Slugging outfielder shares fond memories of time playing in Oakland  —  BOSTON — Yoenis Cespedes has made a fast friend in David Ortiz.  The slugging pair was cozied up to the batting cage on a recent evening at Fenway Park …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Indians Extend Scott Atchison  —  The Indians have agreed to a one-year, $1MM extension with righty Scott Atchison, the club announced via press release.  According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com (via Twitter), Atchison will earn $900K next season.  The deal includes a $1MM club option for 2016, which comes with a $100K buyout.

Jays aim to keep fleeting playoff hopes alive in Milwaukee  —  The Sports Network  —  With their postseason hopes fading, the Toronto Blue Jays pay a visit to Miller Park on Tuesday night to begin a brief two-game interleague series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

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.

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.