Unexpectedly contending Brewers weigh mortgaging their future to fend off Cubs  —  The Brewers' Eric Thames celebrates after he hit a home run against the Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park on July 25, 2017.  —  The Washington Post  —  On the afternoon of July 14 …

Rangers seek clutch hits in rubber match against Marlins (Jul 26, 2017)  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Clutch hitting has eluded the Texas Rangers for maddening stretches this season, especially with runners in scoring position.  The reasons why are a mystery.  —  “We have some series where we hit …

Todd Frazier had the majors' first run-scoring triple play since 2006  —  The Yankees' Todd Frazier ground into a run scoring triple play in the second inning against the Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 25, 2017.  —  Todd Frazier got a welcoming introduction from the public-address announcer …

Sale Away: Red Sox ace Ks 11 in 4-0 win over Mariners  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Chris Sale pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, top prospect Rafael Devers became the youngest Boston player to hit a home run in more than 50 years, and the Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0 on Wednesday to salvage the final game of the series.

Longoria, Souza homer in Rays' 5-1 win over Orioles (Jul 26, 2017)  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Evan Longoria and Steven Souza Jr. homered and Alex Cobb pitched seven strong innings for the Tampa Bay Rays in a 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Dodgers continue to roll, top Minnesota Twins  —  LOS ANGELES — Nothing seems to be slowing down Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor this month.  Not even an 18-minute delay during the sixth inning on Tuesday night.  —  Taylor doubled twice for his seventh multi-hit performance …

Odubel Herrera's benching is a just a night off, Mackanin says  —  Odubel Herrera was held out of the Phillies' lineup Wednesday night a day after he was yanked from the game.  But it was not a benching, Pete Mackanin said.  —  The manager said Herrera was just getting a day off …

Rookie Derek Fisher helps Houston Astros to 5-0 victory over Philadelphia Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA — The last time Derek Fisher was at Citizens Bank Park, it was as a Philadelphia Phillies fan in 2010.  —  That night, the high school senior from Lebanon, Pa., watched Roy Halladay throw …

Suzuki's 2 HRs help Braves' Foltynewicz win again  —  Mike Foltynewicz began the season as Atlanta's No. 5 starter.  He sure looks like No. 1 now.  —  The 25-year-old right-hander went six strong innings to win again, Kurt Suzuki homered twice and the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-3 on Tuesday night.

Rumor Central: Cubs check in on Rene Rivera?  —  The Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have called the New York Mets about catcher Rene Rivera, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.  —  The 33-year-old Rivera, a free agent after the season, owns a .245/.291/.395 slash line with six homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games this season.

With Wainwright on the DL, Lynn just keeps doing the job  —  Lance Lynn pitched well enough but didn't get the win Tuesday night at Busch Stadium.  But the Cardinals did.  —  In his major league debut, Harrison Bader led off the ninth his first hit, a double into the left-field corner …

Samardzija deals Giants to victory over Pirates ... but will he be dealt?  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Jeff Samardzija is drawing a significant amount of interest from contending teams as Monday's non-waiver trade deadline approaches.  The Giants, so viciously brought to heel by the rest of the league this season, must be open to listening.

Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, out since June 2, poised for Friday return  —  Houston Astros ace Dallas Keuchel will return to the rotation on Friday against the Detroit Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Wednesday.  —  Keuchel hasn't pitched for the AL West leaders since June 2 because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

Insider: How Tigers may have sabotaged Anibal Sanchez's trade value  —  In an alternate universe, Anibal Sanchez made his start on Wednesday night amid swirling trade rumors in a market where many teams are looking for back-end starting pitching help.  —  But of all the Detroit Tigers …

Bryce Harper wants to take part in D.C. Home Run Derby  —  WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper is all in on the Home Run Derby.  —  “If I do have the opportunity to play in the All-Star Game next year,” said the Washington Nationals slugger on Wednesday afternoon, “I'll definitely do the Home Run Derby.”

Trade Market For Left-Handed Relievers  —  It's a top-heavy market for left-handed relief help this summer, though there are still a few names of interest beyond the top available relievers.  Sean Doolittle and Ryan Buchter are the biggest names to change hands thus far …

Where does Pudge rank on the all-time Rangers list?  —  1. Nolan Ryan (1989-93): There are few pitchers or players who made as big of a stamp on the game than Ryan.  And his five-season swan song with the Rangers not only provided historical moments and milestones but gave the organization …

Red-hot Kansas City Royals top Detroit Tigers for seventh-straight win  —  DETROIT — The Kansas City Royals didn't need another big hit to keep their winning streak going.  They instead relied on their glovework.  —  Right fielder Jorge Bonifacio and first baseman Eric Hosmer collaborated …

These players could be the next Rangers in the Hall of Fame  —  1. Adrian Beltre (2011-current): Although Beltre came up with the Dodgers and has spent time with the Mariners and Red Sox, he has become a Rangers legend and that's just fine with Rangers fans, who have come to bestow the kind of love …

Despite injury scare, Yoenis Cespedes starting for Mets Wednesday against Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — Despite a scare with his leg Tuesday night, Yoenis Cespedes was back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.  —  Terry Collins had removed him from Tuesday night's game as a precaution …