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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Improving bullpen vital to Phillies' hope for the future  —  That streak will end when the Nationals begin a three-game series on Monday against the Phillies.  —  “I am excited to play in front of some friends and family in Philadelphia,” Doolittle said earlier this month in an interview before a Nationals game in Milwaukee.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …