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?

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Lester Wins 18th, Rizzo Drives in 104th as Cubs Top Reds 6-1  —  CHICAGO — Jon Lester overcame an injury scare to throw seven strong innings, Anthony Rizzo drove in three runs and the Chicago Cubs moved closer to securing the NL's best record with a 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night.

Padres Call Up Hunter Renfroe - What To Expect  —  As with Manuel Margot, the Padres are calling up preseason No. 3 prospect Hunter Renfroe to determine what they have in the outfield for 2017.  —  Renfroe, the No. 13 pick in the 2013 draft from Mississippi State, had by far his most consistent season …

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.

Why I wrote the Indians wouldn't get past the first round of the AL playoffs: Paul Hoynes  —  Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco walks off the mound Saturday after suffering a broken bone in his right hand from a line drive by Detroit's Ian Kinsler in the first inning at Progressive Field.

Pirates Preserve Playoff Chances With 6-3 Win Over  —  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSEPT. 21, 2016, 12:57 A.M. E.D.T.  —  MILWAUKEE — The Pittsburgh Pirates had timely hitting, but a key double play helped even more.  —  Andrew McCutchen, Jody Mercer and Josh Bell each drove in two runs …

Boyd, Tigers Beat Twins 8-1 With Homers by McCann, Cabrera  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Matt Boyd breezed through eight innings, backed by home runs from James McCann and Miguel Cabrera as the Detroit Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 8-1 on Tuesday night to step forward in the AL wild card race.