Braves on cusp of division title, and they sure have earned it  —  The day is coming.  It may be Saturday or Sunday - that would be the easiest finish - but it's at worst two wins away.  —  After a half-decade of retooling, the Braves will win the National League East.

What were Victor Martinez's best games and seasons?  —  Victor Martinez, the 39-year-old designated hitter, is retiring after the 2018 season.  Free Press sports writer Ryan Ford takes a look at his career.  Wochit  —  CONNECT  —  Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez is set …

Rested Cubs relievers trying to avoid rust  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Despite pitching in a career-high and team-leading 73 games, reliever Steve Cishek felt the need to get in some pregame work Friday before the opener of the Cubs-White Sox series at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Mark Melancon gives up walk-off home run, Aramís García records four hits in loss  —  ST. LOUIS-As the season winds down, the book on the 2018 Giants is almost ready for publication.  —  Some of the chapters focus heavily on injuries and others on the team's offensive failures …

Astros clinch playoff berth with win over Angels  —  HOUSTON - Yuli Gurriel hit a grand slam and a two-run homer on his way to a career-high seven RBIs, and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth by routing the Los Angeles Angels 11-3 on Friday night.

Ohtani, ‘openers’ and Moneyball 2.0: My 10 favorite MLB stories of 2018  —  It feels like we're trudging a bit to the end of the regular season.  The American League playoff teams are essentially set, with the only real question whether the Yankees or A's will host the wild-card game.

Put it on the board, Hawk Harrelson's career unlike any other  —  On an overcast Sunday earlier this season, Ken Harrelson sat behind the wheel of his white Hyundai Genesis and began the 90-minute commute from his home in Granger, Indiana, to the ballpark on Chicago's South Side.

Wakamatsu-led Rangers look to beat Mariners again  —  The Texas Rangers won their first game with interim manager Don Wakamatsu at the helm, and did so emphatically, trouncing the Seattle Mariners 8-3 on Friday in the opening game of Rangers' final three-game home series.

Yankees continue to bet on potential over production with slumping Gary Sanchez  —  There was never a doubt given the way Gary Sanchez has been coddled and propped up by Brian Cashman.  But Aaron Boone made it official Saturday when asked if Sanchez is definitely the starting catcher in the wild card game.

Last-place Padres beat NL West-leading Dodgers 5-3  —  Freddy Galvis added a solo shot and the last-place  —  Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 on Friday night.  —  The Dodgers' NL West lead was trimmed to 1 1/2 games over Colorado, which won 6-2 at Arizona.  —  San Diego had dropped five in a row against Los Angeles.

Cubs' Russell placed on leave after domestic violence claims  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave Friday following fresh allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wife.  —  Last year, Melisa Reidy posted a photo on her Instagram account …

Urena, DeSclafani face off in Marlins-Reds series  —  MIAMI — Jose Urena and Anthony DeSclafani, who were both part of the Miami Marlins' organization in 2014, will face each other on Saturday night.  —  Urena (7-12, 4.21 ERA) signed with the Marlins as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 …

Adams beats the odds with winning hit off lefty  —  ‘Big City’ fisted a two-run double past third baseman Evan Longoria to drive in Harrison Bader and Yairo Munoz as the Cardinals remained on the right path to the wild

For starters: Rays at Blue Jays, with Meadows in the lineup  —  After a crushing defeat Thursday and Friday's bounceback win, the Rays take on the Blue Jays again today, first pitch 4:07.OF Austin Meadows, who made an impressive showing coming off the bench on Fr