Matheny: Contracts can't be ignored in setting bullpen roles  —  The Cardinals have had internal discussions during manager Mike Matheny's tenure about when, if ever, they would consider using the closer earlier than the ninth, when perhaps the true save situation is the eighth inning against the heart of the order.

‘He was crying like a baby’: Tempers flare as Royals lose to Blue Jays 5-2 … TORONTO  —  A rivalry burst into full bloom on Sunday afternoon, a newfound clash pitting the team that snapped North America's longest playoff drought last October with the new owners of that dubious streak.

Rockies fans have been waiting for Gray's debut all season  —  The Denver Post  —  Pitcher Jon Gray of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the San Diego Padres during the spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 8, 2015 in Peoria, Ariz. (Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Zack Wheeler: Why I made the call to Sandy Alderson asking to stay a Met … Mets  —  Sources: Mets nixed Gomez over hip concern … Baseball  —  MLB trade deadline 2015 winners and losers … Mets  —  Wilmer Flores' emotional night at Citi Field … Mets  —  Getting to know Zack Wheeler

‘This is not a fan base you want to wake up...’ Too late, Curt!  —  “Speaking from experience, this is not a fan base you want to wake up,” ESPN's Curt Schilling said on air last night, speaking about Mets fans during last night's Mets/Nationals game.  —  Matthew Cerrone: Too late, Curt.

Morrison's RBI Double in 11th Pushes Mariners Past Twins 4-1  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Logan Morrison's RBI double in the 11th inning broke the tie and Austin Jackson added a two-run double as the Seattle Mariners outlasted the Minnesota Twins 4-1 on Sunday.  —  Rookie Ketel Marte had three hits …

Cardinals' Moss Helps New Team Win With Game-Ending Single  —  ST. LOUIS — Brandon Moss had his first big hit with St. Louis, a game-ending single in the ninth inning, and Randal Grichuk had a two-run homer to lead the Cardinals to a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

How did each team do at the trade deadline?  We rank 'em from best to worst  —  2d - MLB ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ATLANTA BRAVES BALTIMORE ORIOLES BOSTON RED SOX CHICAGO CUBS CHICAGO WHITE SOX CINCINNATI REDS CLEVELAND INDIANS COLORADO ROCKIES DETROIT TIGERS HOUSTON ASTROS KANSAS CITY ROYALS LOS …

Yankees Rough Up Samardzija, Beat White Sox 12-3  —  CHICAGO — Jacoby Ellsbury and Mark Teixeira homered against Jeff Samardzija, and the New York Yankees pounded the Chicago White Sox 12-3 on Sunday.  —  Stephen Drew added three hits and four RBIs, helping the AL East-leading Yankees close …

Cubs Beat Brewers 4-3 to Finish 4-Game Sweep; Bryant Hurt  —  MILWAUKEE — Closer Hector Rondon nearly squandered a three-run lead, and Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant got hurt in a 4-3 win on Sunday that completed a four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Motivated Dan Haren plans ‘to make the most’ of playoff chance with Cubs  —  MILWAUKEE - Almost three years later, newly acquired Dan Haren doesn't seem to care why the Cubs backed out of the deal the first time they traded for him.  —  “I never really revisited that,” …

Hechavarria Hits a Walkoff HR, Marlins Top Padres 5-2  —  MIAMI — Adeiny Hechavarria hit a three-run home run off Brandon Maurer with one out in the ninth inning, and the Miami Marlins topped the San Diego Padres 5-2 on Sunday.  —  It was the first career walkoff homer for Hechavarria, the Marlins' No. 8 hitter.