Hurting Harper among Nationals' concerns, but Washington still a threat to Cubs  — Even with last year's MVP not feeling or playing like he did last year, the Nationals have plenty of other reasons to think they could be ready for a deep run in October.  —  Can the Nationals to be trusted in October?

With a remarkable season, Orioles closer Zach Britton is in Cy Young contention  —  Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) is congratulated by catcher Matt Wieters after earning a save in the Orioles' 1-0 win in a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, in Boston.

Baseball America Prospect Report (Sept. 21)  —  THE LINEUP  —  Newsmakers from Tuesday's action:  —  Gary Sanchez, c, Yankees.  Sanchez's amazing rookie season continued Tuesday when he blasted his 17th homer, lifting the Yankees over the Rays 5-3.  Sanchez tied Wally Berger …

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSEPT. 21, 2016, 2:27 A.M. E.D.T.  —  A look at what's happening all around the majors today:  —  ___  —  ON THE CUSP  —  Texas can clinch its second consecutive AL West title with a win over the last-place Angels and a Houston loss in Oakland.

Browns receiver Josh Gordon slapped with warrant in paternity case  —  A Cuyahoga County judge issued an arrest warrant for Josh Gordon in connection with a paternity suit in Cleveland.  (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — A judge issued a warrant for the arrest …

Nationals Agree To Sign Cuban Outfielder Yadiel Hernandez  —  The Nationals have agreed to sign 29-year-old Cuban outfielder Yadiel Hernandez, pending a physical, according to multiple sources.  Hernandez is exempt from the international bonus pools, though he will sign a minor league contract with a $200,000 bonus.

Team Entropy update: AL, NL wild cards are best hope for massive ties  —  With 12 days to go in the regular season, the various division and wild-card races in both leagues have simplified at least somewhat.  That's not great if you're rooting for Team Entropy, though several complicated scenarios are still in play.

Teheran stops contending Mets again, Braves win 4th in row … NEW YORK — If the New York Mets wind up reaching the NL wild-card game, at least they won't have to face Julio Teheran.  —  They might actually prefer going up against All-Star ace Madison Bumgarner or Carlos Martinez — heck, even Juan Marichal or Bob Gibson.

Team Israel Knows What It Wants in Its Prospects  —  Every few weeks during the baseball season, I receive an irrationally optimistic email from my buddy, Peter Kurz, who is a lifelong and thoroughly demented Mets fan.  Demented is the adjective that attaches like a lesion to those of us who belong to the Mets tribe.

Wainwright Drives in 4 as Cards Beat Rockies 10-5  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSEPT. 21, 2016, 12:18 A.M. E.D.T.  —  DENVER — Adam Wainwright was shaky on the mound and shined at the plate with a career-high four RBIs as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-5 on Tuesday night to move into a tie for the top NL wild card.

Patriots want Jimmy Garoppolo to be available  —  FOXBORO — There is still little reason to believe quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be available to start Thursday night against the Texans due to a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.  —  However, the Patriots are putting pressure …

Cubs' Kyle Schwarber incorporates jogging in rehab  —  Kyle Schwarber, recovering from knee surgery, performs light running drills at Wrigley Field prior to the game against the Reds on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune

Rangers Closer to AL West After Testy 5-4 Win Over Angels  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Rookie Nomar Mazara hit his 20th homer in another testy game with multiple ejections and the Texas Rangers moved closer to their second consecutive AL West title by beating the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 on Tuesday night.