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.

Wacha's throwing impresses Matheny  —  • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196  —  Michael Wacha's throwing program reached step two Monday afternoon, and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said he was taken aback — in a good way.  —  “I was expecting less,” …

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.

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.

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.

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.

Angels lose challenge, while Red Sox win theirs  —  Ruling on Napoli's slide stands; review overturns safe call on Pujols  —  BOSTON — Angels manager Mike Scioscia burned his challenge early in Monday's 4-2 victory, when replay officials ruled a call would stand that Red Sox …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.