MLB Roundtable: What to watch during the season's homestretch  —  With less than a full month of action left, we asked David Schoenfield and Bradford Doolittle of ESPN.com and Sarah Langs of ESPN Stats & Information to share their thoughts on what September will have on tap for fans as the regular season winds down.

Last Slide  —  Prior to Monday's series opener against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talked at length about wanting to see his hitters be more patient at the plate.  —  Lovullo seemed to suggest that, given the offensive funk in which the Diamondbacks …

Detroit Tigers improve draft position with losses.  Can they get No. 1?  —  We unearthed thousands of Free Press photo negatives and one sports writer's score book to tell the tale of baseball's greats.  “Bless you, boys.”  Brian Kaufman, Detroit Free Press  —  CONNECT

MLB power rankings: Cubs step up as class of the National League  —  The best team in the National League West doesn't even lead the division.  The NL wild card is an absolute mess, and still anyone's guess.  No one, it seems, wants to run away with the NL East.

Jonathan Loaisiga might impact New York Yankees in a new role, as a reliever  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Gleyber Torres and Gary Sanchez after Saturday win vs. Detroit Pete Caldera, Staff Writer, @pcaldera  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - Should they tangle in the AL wild card game …

Jacob deGrom ties MLB record with 25th straight start allowing three or fewer runs  —  New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom tied a modern-era major league record Monday night by allowing three or fewer runs in 25 straight starts in a single season.  —  The Cy Young candidate …

Indians attempt to halt Royals' six-game win streak  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians and their improved bullpen will host the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Progressive Field in the second game of a three-game series.  —  The Royals won the first game 5-1 on Monday to extend their season-high winning streak to six games.

Thank You, Philly  —  I  —  t's been 14 years, almost to the day.  —  that was the first time that I set foot inside the Phillies' clubhouse: home against the Braves, during Citizens Bank Park's inaugural season, for my Major League debut.  —  There were a thousand different thoughts swirling around …

Overachieving Athletics flying under radar in AL West as October looms  —  HOUSTON - There are no security guards needed in their hotel lobby, no velvet ropes to keep fans away, not even a hotel clerk to shoo away autograph seekers.  —  The Athletics might be one of baseball's finest teams …

Pirates Promote Kevin Kramer, Designate Buddy Boshers  —  The Pirates announced several September call-ups today, designating lefty Buddy Boshers to create roster space.  Pittsburgh selected the contract of well-regarded middle-infield prospect Kevin Kramer along with that of journeyman catcher Ryan Lavarnway.

Astros continue series against transitioning Twins  —  HOUSTON — On the heels of playing five consecutive series against American League West rivals, the Astros on Monday opened a three-game set against a club finishing out the string.  —  The Minnesota Twins, unexpected postseason participants …

Rockies look to top Giants in series behind Marquez  —  DENVER — German Marquez, a 23-year-old right-hander who has been dominant in recent starts, will take the mound Tuesday for the Colorado Rockies against the San Francisco Giants.  —  After coming back to win 9-8 on Monday …

Chris Sale isn't going to let injury change him  —  ATLANTA — Chris Sale is 29 years old.  He has thrown the sixth-most pitches of any starter since 2013.  And at the time of his recent bout with left shoulder inflammation, nobody was better at throwing a baseball.