Reds considering bringing back manager Bryan Price in 2016  —  The Tigers on Saturday declined to make manager Brad Ausmus the scapegoat for their disappointing season, announcing that he will return in 2016.  —  Might the Reds do the same with Bryan Price?

White Sox, Samardzija defeat Royals  —  Robin Ventura made it clear early this month that he wants to return for a fourth season as White Sox manager, and he has managed these final weeks of a disappointing season as one who expects to be back.  —  Indications are the Sox front office …

A's Zito to get one more start  —  ANAHEIM — Barry Zito, who made his last start Saturday against the Giants, will make his second last start Wednesday against the Angels.  —  The A's are pressing the 37-year-old former Cy Young Award winner into duty with Sonny Gray out for the year with a hip injury.

Colon struggles early as Mets lose to Phillies, 4-3  —  The Mets couldn't rebound after falling into an early hole as they lost to the Phillies, 4-3, on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.  —  With the Mets trailing 4-1 in the ninth inning, Lucas Duda's two-out, two-run homer off Phillies closer Ken Giles cut …

Maybe it's time the Cubs find their way  —  You never want to look too far ahead in the playoffs, but what the heck.  —  If the Cubs have serious hopes this year for making it YOU KNOW WHERE, then at some point they'll have to get past the Cardinals.  —  And the Cardinals are not a team …

Pierzynski Hits 2 HRs as Braves Beat Nationals 2-1  —  ATLANTA — A.J. Pierzynski hit two home runs and rookie Matt Wisler threw seven strong innings as the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 on Tuesday night for just their fourth win in 17 tries against the Nats.

RIVALS QUESTION HIRING, BUT PADRES BACK NEW GENERAL MANAGER  —  Call it competitive envy.  Call it legitimate concern.  —  The reaction to the Padres' hiring of A.J. Preller as general manager on Wednesday elicited strong reactions from some rival club officials, officials who believe …

Ask BA: Jays Go All-In; Is Lewis Brinson's Breakout For Real?  —  Have a question for Ask BA?  Tweet it to J.J. (@jjcoop36) or email it to askba@baseballamerica.com.  —  Few teams have gone more all-in at the trade deadline in recent years than the Blue Jays did this year.

Mets focus on gaining home-field advantage in NLDS … Mets  —  Mets playoff hopefuls

Cubs planning to show wild-card game at Wrigley … Even though the Cubs' wild-card game on Oct. 7 will likely be in Pittsburgh, fans might get the chance to watch the game at Wrigley Field.  —  The team is planning to show the game on its outfield video boards and tickets reportedly …

Giants want return engagement with Byrd  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Dodgers' magic number is two.  For Marlon Byrd, it's 23.  —  The Dodgers are about to begin a four-game series at AT&T Park and will clinch the N.L. West with just one victory.  The Giants will do their best to keep the visiting clubhouse as dry as possible.

Travis d'Arnaud to face brother Chase d'Arnaud for first time in majors … Sports  —  The Manning brothers and other famous sports siblings