Braves Complete 1st Home Sweep This Season, Beat Padres 9-6  —  ATLANTA — In a largely forgettable season, the Atlanta Braves finally have reason to gloat a bit.  —  They swept a three-game series at Turner Field for the first time this year.  —  And, get this: They've scored at least seven runs …

Marlins Promote Ogando, Ellington, Telis, Hood; Designate Raudel Lazo  —  The Marlins announced a series of roster moves to take advantage of expanded September rosters.  The team recalled righties Nefi Ogando and Brian Ellington, along with catcher Tomas Telis, while also selecting the contract of outfielder Destin Hood.

Watch your step!  Tarantula love lures big spiders onto L.A. County hiking paths  —  Park rangers are asking hikers to be aware of an increase in tarantulas at Rancho Sierra Vista in the Santa Monica Mountains now that the spiders are in mating season.  —  Watch where you're stepping …

Why White Sox may have little interest in moving Sale or Quintana  —  Perhaps Chicago White Sox people were on the same page at the deadline, as they suggest, but if that's the case or not, perhaps they hold onto ace pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana through the winter.

CHP says Mike Trout ran to help other driver after car crash on 55 freeway  —  SANTA ANA - Angels outfielder Mike Trout swerved, but still hit another vehicle that had slowed to a stop on the southbound 55 freeway Wednesday night, and that Chevrolet was pushed into another car, says a California Highway Patrol report released Thursday.

Sources: Dodgers expressed interest in bringing back Zack Greinke  —  Zack Greinke back with the Dodgers?  —  It's not going to happen, not yet and maybe not ever.  But the Dodgers expressed interest in trading for the Diamondbacks right-hander before Wednesday night's deadline for players …

What You Need to Know  —  A is for Astros  —  The Wednesday Takeaway  —  The Houston Astros are still in with a fighting chance of returning to the postseason, but they'll have to muscle free of an extremely crowded race for the final Wild Card spot.  Part of that includes beating …

Blue Jays Re-Sign Josh Thole To Major League Deal  —  The Blue Jays have re-signed catcher Josh Thole to a Major League contract and optioned second baseman Devon Travis to the team's rookie-level affiliate in the Appalachian League, the team announced to reporters (including Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith).

Tommy La Stella rejoins Cubs with same passion for teammates if not for game  —  Photos from the game on Aug. 31, 2016, at Wrigley Field.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Tommy La Stella said he wasn't afraid of the possibility of being released during his three-week absence from the Cubs organization …

Johnson Lifts Mets Pasts Marlins 5-2; Walker Likely Done  —  NEW YORK — Just when things are starting to fall in place for the surging New York Mets, another key injury clouded what should have been a jubilant clubhouse after one of their biggest wins this year.

Kluber, Indians Topple Spiraling Twins 8-4  —  CLEVELAND — Corey Kluber struck out a season-high 11 and notched his seventh straight win, leading the Cleveland Indians to an 8-4 victory on Wednesday night over the Minnesota Twins, whose losing streak has reached 13 games — one shy of tying the club record.

Yoan Moncada Is Already Eligible for the Playoffs  —  I'm writing this post as a favor to former colleague and friend-of-the-site Mike Petriello, who is now working as an analyst for MLB.com.  Over the last few weeks, on Twitter, Mike has been doing his best to dispel the notion that teams have to set their playoff rosters today.

Toles Hits Grand Slam, Dodgers Rally for DH Split With Rox  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSEPT. 1, 2016, 12:09 A.M. E.D.T.  —  DENVER — Andrew Toles hit a grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers overcome a late six-run deficit in a 10-8 win over the Colorado Rockies …