An infield -- and defense -- for the ages propels Cubs
Buoyed by nine runs and a strong defense, the Cubs inched toward clinching the National League Central and this season's first playoff berth.
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Daily wild-card watch: Orioles on the rise, Cardinals on tough road
The Orioles and Mets are winning, while the Yankees, Blue Jays and Cardinals are not. David Schoenfield breaks down all the important races and players you should be watching.
What we learned: Giants can still catch Dodgers
The odds suggest the Dodgers will win a fourth straight division title, but don't count out the Giants yet.
Big Papi's power pads Red Sox's playoff position
Once again, David Ortiz got the best of Joaquin Benoit to help the Red Sox increase their lead over the Blue Jays in the AL East.
Yankees' playoff percentage takes a hit as winning streak ends
The New York Yankees' winning streak had to end sometime, but as Danny Knobler notes, their loss to struggling Rays starter Matt Andriese still hurts.
Baseball provides comfort even in worst of times (2:33)
Butler, who fought with teammate, released by A's
Billy Butler, who was involved in a fight with teammate Danny Valencia in August, has been released by the Athletics with one year remaining on his contract.
Tigers to skip RHP Zimmermann's next start
Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will have his next turn in the rotation skipped, manager Brad Ausmus said Sunday, and will instead pitch a simulated game Wednesday.
Good riddance: Mets close door on Turner Field with rubber-match rout
Yoenis Cespedes hit a grand slam to lead the Mets to a 10-3 victory over the Braves in their final game at Turner Field.
Mark Reynolds blasts go-ahead HR in 10th (0:27)
Roberts says Hill had signs of potential blister
After pulling Rich Hill from his perfect game Saturday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts clarified the situation Sunday morning.
Stronger rotation has Dodgers upbeat even after defeats in Miami
The Dodgers are walking tall despite a 3-0 loss to the Marlins. Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, and Kenta Maeda give the Dodgers reason to feel good.
MLB roundup: Roberts' actions underscore Hill's importance to Dodgers' rotation
Buster Olney looks at the circumstances behind Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' decision to pull Rich Hill after seven perfect innings; plus other notes.
Vendor makes one-handed grab on Cespedes' grand slam (0:28)
Jake Arrieta endures illness, still wins NL-best 17th game
Jake Arrieta made it through five solid innings while feeling under the weather and got his 17th victory, as the Cubs cruised past the Astros.
How they won: Dexter Fowler selective from the start
The Cubs' selectivity at the plate has been integral to their success. It was on display in the person of Dexter Fowler on Sunday night.
The week in interesting and unusual stats: Everyone loves the long ball
Brian Dozier, Joey Votto and Yoenis Cespedes all had cool accomplishments tied to their home runs. Stats & Info looks at that and the rest of the week.
Harper hustles all the way from first to score (0:29)
Alex Bregman's bat keeping Astros in playoff picture
The Astros enter Sunday just 2.5 games back in the AL wild-card race. Alex Bregman has been a big reason why.
Cardinals activate SS Diaz from disabled list
The St. Louis Cardinals have activated shortstop Aledmys Diaz before Sunday's game against Milwaukee. Diaz had been on the disabled with a right thumb fracture.
The syndrome that might have led to the Pirates' disappointing 2016
After winning 98 games a year ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a losing record. Buster Olney lays out a theory behind their collapse this season.
Piazza's post-9/11 homer captivates a nation (0:39)
Puig joins rookies in cheerleader garb
The outfielder wore the outfit for the team's flight to New York.
Pierzynski's future uncertain after trip to DL
Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski has been put on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.
Angels' Shoemaker hospitalized as precaution
Angels RHP Matt Shoemaker, who had emergency brain surgery on Sunday after taking a line drive off his head, was hospitalized Saturday and will remain overnight as a precautionary measure.
Simmons' two HRs giving Angels the edge (1:03)
Dodgers manager: I'll lose sleep over pulling 'perfect' Rich Hill
Dave Roberts said he was doing "the best thing to do for us to win a championship" when he removed Rich Hill after seven perfect innings.
'Even year' magic could be over for Giants (0:55)
Braun's solo shot give Brewers the win (0:21)
Numbers show Seth Lugo's success not likely to last
Seth Lugo has come out of nowhere to put the Mets into a good position in the National League wild-card race. Is it legit, or can we expect regression?
Bourn's two-run shot gives O's lead (0:29)
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MLB pennant races
The Big Papi Bracket: On to the Sweet 16!
All four No. 1 seeds survived the opening round of 32 -- but there were a few upsets. Which moment will you choose as David Ortiz's greatest? The voting continues today with the Sweet 16.
Puig saves perfect game with diving catch (0:47)
Masahiro Tanaka back to being Yankees' best option
Masahiro Tanaka looks like an ace again. And the Yankees are making a case for a postseason berth after winning their seventh straight game.
Sanchez almost blasts HR on intentional walk pitch (0:34)
Trout's greatest catch: The art of robbing a home run
What's it like climbing the outfield wall and taking away a would-be home run from a hitter? The man who does it better than anyone else (Mike Trout, of course) explains.
Why Chris Sale and Justin Verlander should be among Cy Young favorites
It's easy to look at ERA to pick Cy Young candidates. But a deeper dive into defensive statistics should be part of the decision-making process and might yield some different favorites.
MLB roundup: Dozier's power, pennant race updates and more
Buster Olney looks at Brian Dozier's approach at the plate and checks in with the latest news and notes from the pennant races.
Clayton Kershaw fine after return, set to start Wednesday in New York
Clayton Kershaw pitched for the first time in more than two months on Friday, and though he didn't fare well, the next day he felt good.
The growing legend of Kris Bryant
In the 2013 draft, the Astros passed on taking Kris Bryant with the first pick in favor of Mark Appel. The decision changed the future for the Cubs.
Andrew McCutchen, Chris Sale among big names who could be traded this offseason
Chris Sale and Andrew McCutchen highlight Jim Bowden's look at players on non-contending teams who could be dealt this offseason.
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Fantasy Baseball
Cubs' D continues to be key to their success
The Cubs score runs and the pitching staff is excellent. But the backbone of the team -- the most consistent part of the club -- is the defense.
Yoan Moncada's rough week continues with baserunning miscue
In a tight playoff race, the Red Sox can't wait for slumping Yoan Moncada to work things out, but they think he can benefit from time on the bench.
Returning to the field only part of Clayton Kershaw's goal
Yes, Clayton Kershaw was happy to be back on the mound. But his shaky three-inning outing in a loss to the Marlins left him wanting much more.
The Cubs' Chase: In pursuit of history
From walk-off home runs to zany suits, no team has been better or had more fun this year than the Cubs. Follow their season with features, advanced stats and other oddities.
Cubs' D continues to be key to their success
The Cubs score runs and the pitching staff is excellent. But the backbone of the team -- the most consistent part of the club -- is the defense.
Royals, Cain to decide in week if he'll be shut down
Lorenzo Cain and the Royals have agreed to wait a week before deciding whether the outfielder will be shut down for the rest of the season.
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Mets sign Tim Tebow
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Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Watch Joe Maddon break down the Cubs 9-5 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday. There was plenty of offense though Maddon liked his defense best.
Seattle Storm @seattlestorm
Seattle, today was a good day! Cc: @Seahawks @SeattleReignFC @Mariners @SoundersFC #SeattleLove
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Jake Arrieta wasn't feeling well. Said he had no energy at all tonight so getting into the sixth probably a good accomplishment. Puts a different spin on his rough finish.
Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer
The Red Sox are 25-18 in their last 43 games, 31 of which were played on the road. So, yes, their two-game lead in the AL East is well-earned. And now, they get to finish with 10 of their last 20 at home.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Cubs win 9-5 over Houston and reduce their magic number to clinch the division to 5. And now they play the team that's behind then in the standings so every win over the Cardinals the next 3 days reduces the number by 2. It means they can clinch as soon as Wednesday.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
The Cubs aren't exactly finishing strong, they haven't had a hit since the fourth and have been outscored 5-0 since then. Joe Maddon had to pull reliever Trevor Cahill after he gave up home runs on successive pitches in the ninth but they still lead 9-5.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Gurriel and then Gattis club homers; two pitches, two homers, and the Astros are within 9-5 in the bottom of the ninth.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Is there concern over Jake Arrieta? He couldn't manage to finish 6 innings on Sunday even when handed a 9-0 lead. Two wild pitches contributed to a baffling inning as he seemingly lost it very quickly. It's not the first time it's happened this season lending credence to the short leash theory come playoffs. If Joe Maddon sees him losing feel for his pitches it'll undoubtedly be a quicker hook come October.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Astros rallying: Down 9-3, Arrietta out of the game, and Grimm walks a hitter to load the bases.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
It's like every Cub wants to get in a web gem tonight. Kris Bryant checks the box with that.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Addison Russell 14th in Wins Above Replacement among all National League players before tonight's game; 3-for-3 tonight, three runs.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
The only other Cubs SS with 20 or more home runs and 90 or more RBI in a season is Ernie Banks after 22 year old Addison Russell achieved both stats with one swing in the fourth inning. The Cubs have 10 hits and 9 runs already as they lead Houston 9-0.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Cubs just keep pounding: 7-0 after Almora's two-run single, top of the third.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Cubs' run differential at +227. espn.com/mlb/standings Second best: Boston +163.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Cubs end Mike Fiers' night after just 2 1/3 innings, and Chicago leads 5-0.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Jorge Soler just hit his 11th home run of the season on a 91 mph fastball. He's a .202 hitter on off speed pitches but hits .290 on fastballs. The Cubs got their hacks in on Astros starter Mike Fiers. It's 5-0 in the third on 7 hits as he's been pulled from the game.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
Dexter Fowler increased his .485 OBP leading off a game with his first inning walk. He came around to score then had a base hit in the 2nd. The Cubs are 44-11 when he scores at least one run.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Jake Arrieta on pace to finish this season with about 25-30 fewer innings than in 2015. espn.com/mlb/player/sta…
OTD: Babe Ruth hits home run No. 50
On this date in 1927, Babe Ruth hit his 50th home run of the season. It marked the third of Ruth's four 50-homer seasons. '27 Yankees on Twitter
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Giants win today, the Mets win, the Cardinals lose, and here are the NL Wildcard standings: espn.com/mlb/standings/…
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
We're getting started on Sunday Night Baseball, Fowler batting against Fiers, Cubs vs. Astros.
ESPN @espn
Jake Arrieta takes the hill seeking win 17 for MLB's top team. Cubs-Astros on ESPN/here: es.pn/2co8u1X pic.twitter.com/1GJeYIEcqE
