Top News:
Tom Dougherty / UPI:
Los Angeles Dodgers edge Philadelphia Phillies to close in on NL West crown — PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies were nine outs away from completing a four-game sweep of the best team in baseball when what has been a strength of late bent Thursday afternoon. — Andre Ethier hit a pinch-hit homer …
Discussion:
The Good Phight
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Tim Keown / ESPN:
You Win Some, You Lose Some … Sunday morning, Dodger Stadium …
You Win Some, You Lose Some … Sunday morning, Dodger Stadium …
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
UPI:
Cincinnati Reds to extend netting to end of dugouts — The Cincinnati Reds announced Thursday that the protective netting at Great American Ball Park will be extended to the end of both dugouts after the season. — The Reds' announcement mentioned that the additional netting …
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USA Today:
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 …
Helene Elliott / Los Angeles Times:
Column It's time now for major league teams to expand netting to protect fans as much as possible
Column It's time now for major league teams to expand netting to protect fans as much as possible
Discussion:
Washington Post, Detroit Free Press, Deadspin and UPI
David Ginsburg / Associated Press:
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.
Discussion:
Baltimore Sun, South Side Sox, DRaysBay and Surviving Grady
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Josh Land / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles on deck: What to watch Thursday vs. Rays
Orioles on deck: What to watch Thursday vs. Rays
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Peter Schmuck / Baltimore Sun:
Chris Tillman is not that uncertain about his uncertain future
Chris Tillman is not that uncertain about his uncertain future
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Rich Shook / UPI:
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.
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Jordan Zimmermann struggles in return, Detroit Tigers offense silent — The Tigers were blown out again Thursday night. — They lost to the Minnesota Twins, 12-1, at Comerica Park. It marked the seventh time this month the Tigers have allowed double-digit runs.
Joe Haakenson / UPI:
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 …
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Has DeShields raced his way into Rangers' 2018 lineup? — SEATTLE — Carlos Gomez, bad ankle and all, finally talked himself back into the Texas Rangers' lineup Thursday, though it helped that a left-hander was pitching for the Seattle Mariners. — Gomez, who hadn't started since Sept. 9 …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
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 …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
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 …
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports, Elite Sports NY and Amazin' Avenue
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
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.
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Guy Curtright / UPI:
R.A. Dickey, Atlanta Braves baffle Washington Nationals — ATLANTA — Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey got back on track after a rough three-start stretch and in the process snapped a five-game losing streak to the Washington Nationals dating to 2012. — Dickey allowed four hits and walked none …
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New York Daily News:
Yankee Stadium incident has local politicians, MLB pushing Bombers to extend protective netting — The young girl struck in the face by a foul ball at Wednesday's Yankees game remained hospitalized one day later at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in Manhattan.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
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)
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Chicago Tribune
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Larry Millson / UPI:
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) …
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Carson Fulmer removed in first inning of start vs. Astros with finger blister — Chicago Tribune — White Sox right-hander Carson Fulmer was removed from Thursday's game against the Astros after just 1/3 inning due to a blister on his right index finger. — Fulmer got George Springer to ground out for the first out of the game.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
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 …
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, MLB on Yahoo! Sports, MLB Daily Dish, Camden Chat and MLB Trade Rumors