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.

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.

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 …

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 ready to contribute for New York Yankees; Aroldis Chapman nears return  —  NEW YORK - Justus Sheffield's long-term goal is to be a starting pitcher for the Yankees.  For now, he's content to be a reliever.  —  “I'll do whatever they want me to,” Sheffield said before Tuesday night's game against the Red Sox.

DODGERS 8, ROCKIES 2  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joc Pederson hit two homers, Max Muncy added a three-run shot and Los Angeles moved back into first place in the NL West with a victory over Colorado.  —  It was a rough night all-around for the Rockies, who lost slugging shortstop Trevor Story in the fourth inning with an elbow injury.

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  —  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.

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.

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 …

Lavarnway drives in winning run, Pirates top Royals in 11  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pinch-hitter Ryan Lavarnway drove in the winning run with a single in the 11th inning,  —  Jameson Taillon struck out a career-high 11 and the  —  Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Council approves $135M in funding for Mariners' ballpark  —  SEATTLE — The King County Council has approved $135 million in public funding for improvements at Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.  —  The funding package passed in a 5-4 vote on Monday.

A conversation with Ben Zobrist  —  He's vying for his first batting title and a third World Series championship in four years — and he's doing it when most guys are winding down their careers.  In a lengthy conversation with Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist …

Orioles catcher has harsh words for his team: ‘We suck’  —  Let's start with the truth: the Baltimore Orioles have had a putrid year.  They're 60 games out of first place in the American League East, they have the worst record in baseball, they were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention …

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 …

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.