Dodgers aim to wrap up NL West versus Giants (Sep 22, 2017)  —  LOS ANGELES — The wobbly Los Angeles Dodgers return home Friday with a chance to clinch a fifth consecutive National League West title, knowing the opportunity to rest some tired regulars is on the horizon.

Column It's time now for major league teams to expand netting to protect fans as much as possible  —  The television is almost always on in baseball clubhouses, though players rarely do more than glance at the screen while they go about their pregame routines.

Joe Mauer powers Minnesota Twins in rout Detroit Tigers  —  DETROIT — Joe Mauer highlighted a group of four players with two RBIs apiece as the Minnesota Twins improved their lead in the battle for the second American League wild-card spot with a 12-1 victory against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night.

Chris Sale becomes 1st AL pitcher in 18 years to reach the 300 strikeout mark  —  Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale throws to the Orioles on Sept. 20, 2017.  —  Chris Sale was at his very best — right down to his momentous last pitch — in another meaningful victory for the Boston Red Sox.

Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians belt Los Angeles Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — It does not seem to matter who they are playing, where they are playing or even who is in the lineup.  The Cleveland Indians just keep winning.  —  Indians manager Terry Francona gave regular starters Jose Ramirez …

Rangers' two best relievers unavailable for finale vs. Mariners  —  SEATTLE  —  With their bullpen a problem all season, things weren't going to be any better Thursday night for the Texas Rangers.  —  Manager Jeff Banister declared before the game that left-handers Alex Claudio and Jake Diekman …

Braves ‘not optimistic’ Foltynewicz makes next start  —  The Braves don't expect Mike Foltynewicz to make his next start Monday in New York.  Foltynewicz left his Sept. 14 outing in Washington with a lacerated finger and missed his scheduled start Wednesday.

San Diego Padres will extend netting at Petco Park for 2018 season  —  The San Diego Padres released a statement indicating they will proceed with a months-long plan to install additional netting to the end of each dugout at Petco Park.  —  The project will take place in the offseason …

Ben Zobrist out of Cubs lineup vs. Brewers ace Zach Davies  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the upcoming returns of pitchers Jake Arrieta and Hector Rondon and looks ahead to the series at the Brewers on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Kansas City Royals' Jason Vargas silences Toronto Blue Jays for 17th win  —  TORONTO — Jason Vargas pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, Melky Cabrera had three hits and an RBI, and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Thursday night.  —  The Royals (75-77) …

Orioles have no intention of shopping Manny Machado  —  The Baltimore Orioles have no intention to shop Manny Machado, though they haven't yet decided whether they will make a second big attempt to lock him up long-term.  —  Owner Peter Angelos has not yet made the commitment to extend an offer to Machado …

Terry Collins, Mets considering their options for next season  —  Terry Collins and the Mets return to Citi Field Friday night to begin the final homestand of the 2017 season with an uncertain future.  After seven seasons at the helm, the Mets manager's contract expires after this season …

Father of Royals' Raul Mondesi sentenced to prison for corruption in Dominican Republic  —  Former major-leaguer Raul Mondesi, father of Royals infielder Raul A. Mondesi, was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined 60 million pesos (approximately $1.25 million) for corruption …