Cubs battling more than Brewers during tiring stretch run  —  CHICAGO — They can blame the weather, an awful late-season schedule and myriad other non-baseball related factors, but if the Chicago Cubs want to return to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, they'll have to rise above …

Judge still not ready as Yanks continue series with Twins  —  Aaron Judge won't be ready when the New York Yankees wrap up their three-game series with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday at Target Field, but his return from the disabled list is getting closer by the day.

5 things to know about new White Sox reliever Rob Scahill  —  Chicago Tribune  —  When Michael Kopech suffered a season-ending elbow injury, it opened the door for Rob Scahill, who played for Willowbrook in high school and at Bradley in college, to fulfill a lifelong dream to play for the White Sox.

Angels nearly get no-hitter from bullpen, beat Rangers 1-0  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels nearly came through with a no-hitter in a bullpen game.  —  However, Blake Parker gave up Isiah Kiner-Falefa's single to right with one out in the eighth inning for Texas' first hit …

Marte drives in 4, D-backs beat NL West-leading Rockies 6-3  —  DENVER  —  Ketel Marte was told his playing time would decrease.  A struggling bullpen was informed their roles would be juggled.  —  They responded in a big way.  —  Marte drove in four runs, including a two-out …

David Price's Boston Red Sox contract opt-out clause: 'Why would I leave here to go to a team that's not as good?'  —  BOSTON — David Price is in the midst of his most dominant stretch since signing a seven-year, $217-million contract with the Red Sox on Dec. 4, 2015.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell's biggest critic?  It's Kato Kaelin  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Like swallows returning to Capistrano, celebrities flock to Wrigley Field every October.  —  It has become a rite of passage, at least since the Cubs evolved from lovable losers to perennial contenders.

Soto HR in 10th gives Nats doubleheader sweep over Phils  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) Juan Soto made a leaping catch in foul territory in the first game of a doubleheader and ended eight hours of baseball with a milestone homer in the second game.  —  Both plays from the talented teen keyed a sensational sweep for the Nationals.

Taillon helps Pirates to 4-3 win, slowing Cardinals  —  ST. LOUIS —  Jameson Taillon won his fourth straight start, Jacob Stallings drove in three runs and the Pittsburgh Pirates slowed the Cardinals with a 4-3 victory Wednesday that stopped the Cardinals' three-game winning streak.

Cincinnati Reds' magic against the Los Angeles Dodgers ends in an 8-1 loss  —  The Reds' magic against the Los Angeles Dodgers ended with a thud Wednesday.  —  The Dodgers beat up on Reds pitching in an 8-1 loss before a crowd of 15,633 at Great American Ball Park.

The 2018 World Series matchups we most (and least) want to see  —  Barring a miracle, we know the five playoff teams in the American League.  We basically know nothing in the National League, except the Braves are getting pretty close to a sure thing in the NL East.

Real or not?  Red Sox clinch but still seek big answers for October  —  When you win your 99th game and have 17 games left on the schedule, many good things have gone your way, and some things go your way even when you don't anticipate they'll go your way.  Take the Boston Red Sox in their 7-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Pirates' Gregory Polanco diagnosed with dislocated shoulder  —  Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco on Wednesday was diagnosed with an acute dislocation of his left shoulder and is having surgery, the team announced.  —  Polanco suffered the injury when he slid awkwardly …