10 things to watch in the two weeks prior to the MLB trade deadline  —  Every game, the old chestnut goes, counts the same in the standings.  And this is true.  Baseball gives no additional weight to extra-inning games, blowouts or comebacks.  Each is 1/162nd of an expertly divided pie.

Angels' pursuit of pitching; Who's on third?  A guide; help from an unlikely source; more deadline notes  —  Even before the death of left-hander Tyler Skaggs, the Angels had planned to pursue controllable starting pitchers before the trade deadline.  But just as the team was not the high bidder …

Cards place Matt Carpenter on injured list  —  ST. LOUIS — A frustrating season continues for Matt Carpenter, as the Cardinals' third baseman was put on the injured list with a right foot contusion after fouling a ball off his foot in the seventh inning Monday night.

Sources: Matt Klentak, Andy MacPhail received three-year extensions from Phillies  —  It rained Tuesday night for 22 minutes, then John Middleton joined Andy MacPhail in his suite at Citizens Bank Park for the ninth inning and they experienced the emotional swings like everyone else.

Hector Neris, Noe Ramirez Receive 3-Game Suspensions  —  5:03pm: Angels righty Noe Ramirez has also been suspended for a trio of contests after also being deemed to have thrown at the head of a hitter.  In his case, he went after Jake Marisnick in apparent retribution for the outfielder's own recent actions …

Blue Jays Acquire Wilmer Font  —  The Blue Jays have acquired right-hander Wilmer Font from the Mets in exchange for cash, per announcements from both organizations.  New York designated Font for assignment last Friday.  —  The Mets acquired Font, 29, from the Rays in exchange …

Mets Open Series With Victory Over Twins  —  Michael Conforto went 4-for-4, scored and drove in a run, and six Mets relievers combined for five shutout innings in a 3-2 victory over the host Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.  —  Edwin Diaz escaped the ninth inning unscathed when he got Nelson Cruz …

Latest On Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber  —  Trevor Bauer's name has continued to be kicked around the rumor mill even as the Indians have narrowed the gap with the division-leading Twins.  Zack Meisel of The Athletic chatted with Cleveland GM Mike Chernoff this week (subscription required) …

Braves send Keuchel to get series win vs. Brewers  —  Atlanta Braves will send veteran left-hander  —  Dallas Keuchel to the mound on Wednesday afternoon as they shoot for another series win.  —  Keuchel (3-2, 3.09 ERA) goes against  —  Brewers right-hander

Rookie Young outpitches Lynn as Diamondbacks top Rangers 9-2  —  Alex Young allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings to help the  —  Texas Rangers 9-2 on Tuesday night.  —  Young (3-0) gave up three hits and one walk to defeat  —  Lance Lynn (12-5), who went into the game with an 8-0 home record this season and led the majors in wins.

Max Scherzer feeling ‘a lot better’ but next start date is still up in the air  —  BALTIMORE — Some pitching clarity was acquired Tuesday.  —  Erick Fedde will make a spot start Wednesday in the second, and final, game between the Orioles and  —  Nationals.  That bumps  —  Stephen Strasburg to Thursday.

Angels beat Astros 7-2 for 5th straight W; Marisnick plunked  —  Albert Pujols hit a bases-clearing double during the Angels' six-run first inning, and Los Angeles remained unbeaten in five games since the All-Star break with a 7-2 victory over the  —  Houston Astros on Tuesday night.