BAR: Zack Cozart on fans hit: 'It's crazy to think it doesn't happen more often'  —  The Blog Above Replacement a daily look at the Reds, their minor leagues and whatever else is on the mind of Enquirer Reds beat writers, C. Trent Rosecrans and Zach Buchanan.

Phillies put up fight but fall to Dodgers  —  The visiting clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park stayed dry of champagne on Thursday afternoon but that was merely a consolation for the Phillies as they fell to the Dodgers, 5-4, and failed to finish a four-game sweep of baseball's best team.

Raul Mondesi sentenced on corruption charges in Dominican Republic  —  A court in the Dominican Republic has sentenced former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Raul Mondesi to eight years in jail on corruption and mishandling of public funds while serving as mayor of his hometown of San Cristobal.

Rockies continue wild trip with series vs. Padres (Sep 21, 2017)  —  SAN DIEGO — The Colorado Rockies roll into San Diego for a four-game series with the Padres starting Thursday, their second soft spot in a six-game trip.  —  The first turnout in Colorado's West Coast excursion was a disaster, though.

Rob Manfred says MLB will ‘double our efforts’ to protect fans after young girl hit by foul ball at Yankee Stadium  —  In the wake of yesterday's terrifying moment at Yankee Stadium, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has finally spoken out.  —  “The events at yesterday's game involving a young girl …

Angels again fall short against red-hot Indians  —  ANAHEIM, CALIF.  —  The Los Angeles Angels have proved they can hang with the American League's best teams.  What's still unclear is whether they have enough assembled talent to beat them.  —  They played another tight …

Zimmermann ready to go as Tigers host Twins (Sep 21, 2017)  —  DETROIT — Jordan Zimmermann got rid of the pain in his neck, at least on a temporary basis.  He will now try to finish an otherwise unpleasant season on an upbeat note.  —  The Detroit Tigers right-hander will make his first …

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.

Nats' Roark looks to continue strong finish vs. Braves (Sep 21, 2017)  —  ATLANTA — The final starts of the season carry significance for Tanner Roark of the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves' R.A. Dickey, pitchers on different trajectories who face each other Thursday night.

Rivalry fermenting between Cubs, Brewers ahead of pivotal series  —  Cubs fans celebrate Chicago's victory against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 30, 2017, at Miller Park in Milwaukee.  (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)  —  It has the hallmarks of what should be a heated sports rivalry.

Aaron Hernandez Found to Have Severe C.T.E.  —  Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots tight end who committed suicide in April while serving a life sentence for murder, was found to have a severe form of C.T.E., the degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma …

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 …

Rafael Montero allows five runs as Mets are swept by Marlins  —  MIAMI — Rafael Montero struggled for the second straight start Wednesday when he allowed five runs in four innings in the 9-2 loss to the Marlins at Marlins Park.  —  Montero (5-11) allowed all five runs with two outs.

MLB: Marco Estrada signs to stay with Blue Jays  —  Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marco Estrada throws against the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 16.  (Associated Press File Photo)  —  Right-hander Marco Estrada called his decision to return to the Toronto Blue Jays “a step in the right direction.”

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 …

Mike Moustakas topped Balboni, but can he break the KC professional home-run record?  —  Mike Moustakas officially holds the all-time single-season home-run record for the Royals, as he hit No. 37 on Wednesday night.  —  Now, Moustakas just needs to catch Bob Cerv.