LEADING OFF: Harper back for Nats?  Red Sox, Cubs close in  —  A look at what's happening all around the majors Monday:  —  READY OR NOT  —  Nationals slugger Bryce Harper could come off the disabled list and return to the lineup in Philadelphia.  “We're still trying to make up our minds,” manager Dusty Baker said Sunday.

Kershaw wins 18th, Grandal powers Dodgers past Giants 3-1 (Sep 24, 2017)  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) In a couple of months, Clayton Kershaw might need to make some room at home for a fourth NL Cy Young Award.  —  Kershaw became the first 18-game winner in the majors, pitching eight stingy innings …

Arizona Diamondbacks beat Miami Marlins, clinch top MLB wild-card spot  —  PHOENIX — Outfielder J.D. Martinez has been a key cog in Arizona's success since arriving July 18, so perhaps it was fitting that his walk-off single on Sunday guaranteed the Diamondbacks a home wild-card game.

Cubs close in on NL Central title, Quintana tops Brewers 5-0 (Sep 24, 2017)  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) Jose Quintana pitched a three-hitter for his second big league shutout, and the Chicago Cubs beat Milwaukee 5-0 Sunday to close in on a second straight NL Central title and damage the Brewers' playoff hopes.

Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera has 2 herniated discs in his back  —  In the least surprising news of the Detroit Tigers season, first baseman Miguel Cabrera has been diagnosed with two herniated discs in his back.  —  Cabrera received the diagnosis after undergoing an MRI on Sunday afternoon.

Mookie Betts' three-run double rallies Boston Red Sox past Cincinnati Reds  —  CINCINNATI — Outfielder Mookie Betts removed the ice and bandage from his right foot to talk to reporters about the latest Boston Red Sox rally, one that has them going back to Fenway Park that much closer to an American League East title.

Jameson Taillon, relievers fuel Pittsburgh Pirates past St. Louis Cardinals  —  PITTSBURGH — With his club nearly out of contention in the National League Central but still locked in a three-way wild-card race, St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny on Sunday handed the ball to a rookie right-hander making his first start of 2017.

With AL East hopes in doubt, Yankees need to start preparing for wild-card matchup vs. Twins  —  TORONTO — The Yankees remain mathematically alive in the AL East, but given that they trail the Red Sox by five games in the standings with just seven games left in the regular season, it hardly feels that way.

Is big 2018 looming for Perez despite Sunday slip?  —  No matter what happened Sunday and what is to happen Friday, the final two months of Martin Perez's 2017 season are going to be remembered as one of the best stretches of his career.  —  Those final two months started with a stinker …

Boy hit by foul liner at White Sox game avoids serious injury  —  CHICAGO — A young boy seated in first-deck seats was hit by a foul liner but not seriously injured during the Kansas City Royals' game at the Chicago White Sox.  —  The boy was about 25 feet beyond the White Sox dugout …