Rangers drop in wild-card standings after loss to A's  —  Kendall Graveman allowed one run in seven innings, and Matt Olson connected for a two-run homer in the second inning against Nick Martinez as the Oakland A's beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 and pushed them a game further back in the wild-card race.

Criteria for next Detroit Tigers manager: Experience is paramount  —  With Brad Ausmus' fate sealed, the focus now shifts to the Detroit Tigers' future.  —  And general manager Al Avila's first managerial search will be “extensive,” he said on Friday afternoon after announcing Ausmus' contract would not be renewed for next season.

LEADING OFF: Superheroes in NY, Ivy Leaguers in Milwaukee  —  A look at what's happening all around the majors Saturday:  —  SUPERHERO DAY  —  Mets ace Noah Syndergaard is expected to make a one-inning start against Washington in his first major league game in nearly five months, and Matt Harvey will take the mound after that.

Dodgers beat Giants 4-2 to clinch 5th straight NL West title  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their fifth straight NL West title, beating the San Francisco Giants 4-2 on Friday night as Cody Bellinger set an NL rookie record with his 39th home run.  —  Los Angeles will open the NL Division Series at home on Oct. 6.

Duffy looks to keep Royals in playoff hunt versus White Sox (Sep 23, 2017)  —  CHICAGO — As the Kansas City Royals keep their attention on the present, the Chicago White Sox have already started to turn their attention to next season.  —  The Royals' postseason hopes were already slim heading …

Security detains man after he gains entry into Yankees clubhouse following loss to Blue Jays  —  TORONTO — A man was detained by stadium security after gaining entry to the New York Yankees clubhouse after Friday's game at Rogers Centre.  —  While pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was speaking …

Travis d'Arnaud blasts two homers as Mets overcome five-run deficit, beat Nationals, 7-6  —  The Nationals figured to be trolling the Mets on Friday night, employing a mostly no-name lineup that might have seen them get fined in spring training.  —  With injured Bryce Harper …

Cardinals look to continue their fun vs. Pirates (Sep 23, 2017)  —  PITTSBURGH — Tension?  What tension?  —  The St. Louis Cardinals are having a blast as they make a push for a playoff spot.  —  The Cardinals look to continue enjoying their pursuit of a playoff spot Saturday night …

MVP candidates on display when Diamondbacks, Marlins meet (Sep 23, 2017)  —  PHOENIX — File this under it takes one to know one.  —  With two of the top National League MVP candidates in Arizona for a weekend series, Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly weighed in Friday on what he considers …

Red Sox look to continue dominance of Reds (Sep 23, 2017)  —  CINCINNATI — Boston Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi attended four or five Reds' games every summer at Great American Ball Park while growing up in Madeira, Ohio, located about 12 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati.

Justin Verlander throws another gem as Astros top Angels  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched one-hit ball over seven innings to remain perfect with Houston and Yuli Gurriel hit a three-run homer to propel the Astros to a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

Cruz hits 2-run shot in 9th, Mariners beat Indians 3-1  —  Nelson Cruz breathed a little extra life to the Seattle Mariners' dwindling playoff hopes — and slowed baseball's hottest team in the process.  —  Cruz hit a game-ending two-run home run in the ninth inning off closer Cody Allen …

Prospective Marlins owner Jeter orders firings of Mr. Marlin, McKeon, 2 Hall of Famers  —  Derek Jeter doesn't even own the Marlins yet, but he already has informed the team that he plans to fire two special assistants who are in Baseball's Hall of Fame (Andre Dawson and Tony Perez) …

Cubs manager Joe Maddon no fan of early start after night game  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses the team's win over the Brewers on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After navigating the Cubs to a 10-inning victory Friday night that lasted four hours …

Braves' Snitker focuses on Phillies, not job security (Sep 23, 2017)  —  ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said he is not going to worry about whether he will be running the club next year.  He plans to show up Saturday, put on his uniform and go to work, just like he has always done.