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.

3 things we learned from the Cubs-Nationals series  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Here are three things we learned from the rain-shortened series between the Cubs and Nationals:  —  Perhaps it was a sign of things to come Friday night when the game started after a 1 hour, 21 minute delay …

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) …

Several rival clubs are unhappy with the circumstances of the Josh Donaldson trade  —  [This story has been updated throughout.]  —  If Josh Donaldson makes an impact in the postseason for the Indians, a number of rival clubs are going to be unhappy.  —  In fact, a number of rival clubs already …

Watch Aaron Judge's progress as New York Yankees head to Minnesota  —  Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Sonny Gray getting a start on Tuesday at Minnesota Pete Caldera, Staff Writer, @pcaldera  —  MINNEAPOLIS - The last stop on a nine-game, 10-day road trip is at Target Field.

‘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 …

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 …

White Sox activate Jose Abreu from disabled list  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The White Sox activated Jose Abreu from the disabled list Monday in time for the series opener in Kansas City, and manager Rick Renteria indicated the first baseman might be in the lineup.

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.

Cardinals notebook: Martinez takes over as closer  —  DETROIT  • Carlos Martinez gained his first save in four years Wednesday in Washington.  On Sunday, he earned his second of the week in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers and was ordained as the new closer by Cardinals manager Mike Shildt …

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 …