Left-handed hitters continue to crush Cincinnati Reds pitchers  —  Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati Enquirer  —  MILWAUKEE - When Reds manager Jim Riggleman was asked about Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich's success against his team this season, Riggleman responded that left-handed hitters have given Reds pitchers problems.

Indians' Trevor Bauer throws to hitters for first time since injury  —  CLEVELAND — Trevor Bauer threw to hitters for the first time since breaking his right leg last month and hopes to be back on the mound for Cleveland in time for the postseason.  —  The right-hander pitched three simulated innings …

Alfaro's HR overshadows Matz's big night; Phillies top Mets  —  Jorge Alfaro hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning and the  —  Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the  —  New York Mets 5-2 on Tuesday night to boost their faint playoff hopes.  —  Philadelphia overcame an uneven outing from ace

Nationals, Fresno Grizzlies Announce Triple-A Affiliate Agreement  —  The Nationals announced Tuesday that they've reached an agreement with the Fresno Grizzlies to serve as their new Triple-A affiliate.  The newly agreed upon player development contract (PDC) is a two-year arrangement.

Taylor HR in 10th, Dodgers top Rockies 3-2, pad NL West lead  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) - Chris Taylor hit a high-arching, solo home run to left field in the 10th inning, lifting the Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies that extended Los Angeles' NL West lead to 1 ½ games on Tuesday night.

Ian Kinsler leading off for Red Sox with Mookie Betts sidelined by side injury  —  Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, who left Sunday's game against the Mets after injuring his side while making a throw, is being held out of the lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Yankees in rainy New York.

Justus Sheffield could make big league debut for Yankees this week  —  NEW YORK — Left-hander Justus Sheffield was put on the roster by the New York Yankees and could make his major league debut this week.  —  The 22-year-old Sheffield was 6-4 with a 2.56 ERA in 15 starts and five relief appearances …

Last Slide  —  As expected, Michael Fulmer's season is over.  —  Fulmer flew out of town on Tuesday afternoon for a second opinion on an MRI scan which showed a torn right meniscus, Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said.  —  Fulmer will visit renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla. on Wednesday.

With Cardinals trumpeting his candidacy, Flaherty faces rookie favorite, Acuna  —  ATLANTA  • Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong, last year's runner-up for the National League's Rookie of the Year Award, was ready to field the question Tuesday about his teammate Jack Flaherty's underdog candidacy for the award.

Gurriel said it would be a mistake to dump veteran DH Morales next year, especially with Guerrero coming up  —  BALTIMORE - Try telling Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Aledmys Diaz or any of the young Latin kids in the Blue Jays clubhouse that the Jays would be better off getting rid of veteran DH Kendrys Morales next year.

Rays journal: Ji-Man Choi impresses fellow South Korean major-league  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — DH Ji-Man Choi has impressed a lot of people with his increasing offensive production since joining the Rays in July.  —  That includes fellow South Korean Shin-Soo Choo, the Rangers' veteran outfielder/DH …

Last Slide  —  The Diamondbacks' sudden descent has brought upon a host of questions that just a month ago seemed to be perhaps a full year away.  The most prominent among them: Is Paul Goldschmidt's time with the franchise nearing an end?  —  Barring a miraculous comeback …

Gibbons stands up for Blue Jays farm system  —  BALTIMORE — Even though the Blue Jays were 14 games under .500 entering play Tuesday, and out of the American League playoff picture, manager John Gibbons said the young players have “rejuvenated” the club.  —  “You know what, I'm excited,” said Gibbons.

Amid walkfest, Braves hit bump - don't sweat it just yet  —  The Braves have a walking problem, but there's still little reason to overreact to a brief rut.  —  From distressed social-media postings to the questions manager Brian Snitker faced in Tuesday's pregame, there's been a level …

Cubs Shut Down Brandon Morrow  —  The Cubs have shut down Brandon Morrow for the remainder of the 2018 season, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein announced to reporters Tuesday (Twitter link via Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune).  Morrow has been out since mid July due to a biceps injury.

Phillies' Asdrubal Cabrera's injury should open time for shortstop J.P. Crawford  —  Gabe Kapler does not want to look to 2019 until his final chip in the postseason race has been spent and his chair at the playoff table has been removed.  But the Phillies manager — thanks to Monday night's injury …