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Here's which teams at the top of the standings could punch their October tickets soon and how the playoff field looks right now.

The signature performance of Pedro Martinez's Hall of Fame career is a matter of debate. Sam Miller sizes up the contenders -- and puts the debate to rest.

There's a new challenger battling Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger and the game's best pitchers look for an edge in the season's final stretch.

Two decades ago, we predicted that Kobe Bryant, Alex Rodriguez, Kordell Stewart and Eric Lindros would lead their sports into the next millennium. They more than justified our faith.

Prospect Nico Hoerner became the second Cub since 1920 to debut with at least three hits and four RBIs in a 10-2 win over the Padres.

With James Paxton warming up, the Yankees might have a rotation anchor. How important is that for New York's title hopes -- or those of the other playoff teams?

Pete Alonso hit two home runs to take the major league lead, Jacob deGrom struck out 11 and the New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 Monday night in the opener of a crucial four-game series for both teams.

Zack Greinke struck out five in six strong innings, Robinson Chirinos and Yordan Alvarez each homered twice as Houston hit a major league-record six home runs in the first two innings, and the high-scoring Astros routed the Oakland Athletics 15-0.

David Ortiz made a surprise visit to Fenway Park on Monday, throwing out the first pitch against the Yankees.

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard was reportedly very unhappy with having to pitch to Wilson Ramos on Sunday.

Yankees left fielder Mike Tauchman is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after straining his left calf, an injury that effectively will rule him out for the postseason.

Outfielder Mike Trout underwent a procedure to address a pinched nerve in his toe and is day-to-day, the Angels said.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he was "very surprised" Dave Dombrowski was fired as president, but he expressed trust and admiration for the new group of interim baseball-operations leaders.

Yankees left fielder Mike Tauchman is expected to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks after straining his left calf, an injury that effectively will rule him out for the postseason.

Mike Trout is out of the Angels' starting lineup for the third straight day with discomfort in his toe.

The Cubs are calling up former first-round pick Nico Hoerner to play shortstop because of injuries to Javier Baez and Addison Russell.

Where did the Diamondbacks come from? Can the Indians save their season? Buckle up for late-season drama.

As the stretch runs turns into the postseason, we go player by player to break down the battered Bombers -- and what they still could mean to the team.

Philadelphia star Bryce Harper is still out of the starting lineup because of an injured right hand, but he did pinch hit in the Phillies' 10-7 win over the New York Mets on Sunday.

With the Cardinals pulling away from the Cubs in the NL Central, the regular-season intrigue might be limited to the push for the wild-card spots.