Power Rankings: One last Red Sox-Astros showdown before October — who's No. 1?  —  With just three weeks left in the season, we're at the point when a good run matters a lot more for teams that still have October on their agenda than it will for, say, the Rays building on their stretch-run spoiler bragging rights.

Astros' Verlander to experience homecoming at Tigers  —  DETROIT — Justin Verlander can expect a warm welcome Monday night when he pitches against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, for the second time in his career and first time in Comerica Park.  —  Verlander (14-9, 2.73 ERA) …

Cubs' long stretch of games continues after rainout  —  WASHINGTON — The schedule was supposed to do the Chicago Cubs some favors down the stretch, but now it could help derail their division title hopes after a historically bad weekend of weather in the nation's capital.

‘Rally Squirrel’ returns, Cardinals beat Tigers 5-2  —  DETROIT (AP) — DETROIT (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals needed something to get them going on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.  —  Out of nowhere — again — a squirrel appeared.  —  In an episode sure to revive St. Louis fans' memories …

Hosmer HR in 9th lifts Padres over Reds to cap soggy series  —  CINCINNATI — The San Diego Padres didn't exactly enjoy their soggy stay in Cincinnati.  Eric Hosmer got a nice parting gift from the Reds' cozy riverside ballpark, though.  —  Hosmer led off the ninth inning with a home run …

MLB power rankings: For now, Cubs fending off Brewers as showdown looms  —  September is not lacking for drama, with three division races separated by 2 1/2 or fewer games, and a National League wild-card chase with the potential for a season-ending pileup.  —  There will be one thing missing …

Last Slide  —  The Diamondbacks must have felt like they were at a high school reunion on Sunday.  But only if everyone there took you behind the auditorium and beat you up.  —  With several of their past trades and former players doing the heavy lifting, the Diamondbacks suffered another crushing defeat …

Yankees miss opportunity to sweep in Seattle  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Sonny Gray getting a start on Tuesday at Minnesota Pete Caldera, Staff Writer, @pcaldera  —  SEATTLE - By Sunday's ninth inning, an afternoon's worth of aggravation had bubbled to the surface at Safeco Field.

Grichuk hurt in odd accident, Blue Jays top Indians 6-2  —  The Indians began the day with a magic number of five to lock up their third straight AL Central title.  —  TORONTO (AP) - Blue Jays right fielder Randal Grichuk was injured in a bizarre collision with a security guard's chair …

Justin Verlander excited for first start at Comerica Park since trade  —  In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday evening, former Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander expressed his excitement at his first return to Comerica Park since he was traded to the Houston Astros in August 2017.

The Phillies are running out of time |  Extra Innings  —  It sure seemed to be the start of a Phillies win Sunday when the Mets scratched Cy Young favorite Jacob deGrom for a pitcher named Corey Oswalt shortly before the first pitch.  Instead, it was the start to yet another frustrating Phillies loss.

What matters most: With 19 games left, here's what the Rangers still have left to learn  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Welcome to the silly season.  —  The Rangers all but acknowledged their chances of competing were done in May. They started rebuilding in full in July.