Nationals reportedly considering Lynn

The Nationals are already above the $197 million luxury-tax threshold but are looking into options to shore up their rotation. According to a report from MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, the team is eyeing free-agent right-hander Lance Lynn.

Washington is currently slated to have A.J. Cole as its fifth starter with Joe Ross a possibility to start late in the season as he recovers from July 2017 Tommy John surgery. The Nationals could also stand to add starting-pitching depth, as Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark are set to hit free agency after the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively.

The luxury tax could become a problem for the Nationals, as they already project for a $201.4 million payroll, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. They paid a $1.43 million penalty for surpassing the threshold last season, and their penalty rate will increase from 20 to 30 percent this season. That penalty will further increase should their payroll exceed $217 million.

Earlier in the offseason, the Nationals were connected to top free-agent starters Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish, but Lynn would prove to be a cheaper option.

Lynn, 30, had an excellent 2017 season with the Cardinals after missing the previous year recovering from Tommy John surgery. He went 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA and 153 strikeouts over 186 1/3 innings. He held an ERA under 4.00 in each of his six seasons.

If Lynn joined the Nationals, he would be reunited with pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, who had been the Cardinals' pitching coach throughout Lynn's tenure in St. Louis. Lynn has also been connected to the Rangers, Brewers and Orioles, among other teams.

Wild Game 5 win sends Cubs to NLCS

(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, who endured a rough series behind the plate, caught the third strike and pumped his fist.

Chicago closer Wade Davis, asked to get the last seven outs, leaned over in front of the rubber and appeared to give thanks.

The Cubs, in a game that lasted nearly five hours, will have a chance to defend their National League championship.

Addison Russell had two hits and four RBIs, and Chicago scored four runs off Max Scherzer in the fifth inning to beat the Washington Nationals 9-8 on Thursday in the fifth and deciding game of the NL Division Series.

"I think the bats have been there the whole series," Russell said. "It's just balls fell tonight, back and forth, the whole ballgame. It was a great ballgame."

The Nationals had a chance to tie the game in the eighth, but backup catcher Jose Lobaton, who entered the game for starter Matt Wieters, was picked off first by Contreras for the last out after reaching on a single.

"We didn't play a very good game," said a dejected Dusty Baker, the Washington manager. "We had a lot of opportunities."

The winning pitcher was Cubs reliever Brian Duesning (1-0), who recorded two outs without giving up a run. Davis allowed one run but survived 44 pitches for his third save of the series.

"We needed to chip away," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon, whose team fell behind 4-1 early on. "And then once we got into the bullpen, I thought anything was possible."

The Cubs advance to play the Dodgers on Saturday in Los Angeles in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.

Washington has lost in the first round of all four of its playoff showings since 2012.

The game featured 15 walks and three wild pitches.

"It's very disappointing, not to be going to L.A., not go home and see my family and play in Dodgers Stadium and go to the next step," said Baker, a former Dodgers star who grew up in California.

Russell hit an RBI double in the sixth to give the Cubs an 8-4 lead. The Nationals scored two in the bottom of the sixth as Jayson Werth came home on a wild pitch and Daniel Murphy added an RBI double to make it 8-6.

The Cubs' Kris Bryant drove in a run in the seventh on a fielder's choice to make it 9-6. The Nationals challenged that Jon Jay's slide into Murphy at second amounted to interference, but the call stood. Bryce Harper drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, and Michael A. Taylor had an RBI hit in the eighth to make it 9-8.

Taylor also hit a three-run homer in the second inning. He drove in four runs for the second game in a row, as he hit a grand slam Wednesday at Chicago.

Taylor became the first player in major league history to drive in at least four runs in consecutive postseason games.

Jay led off the game with a double that stood after a reply challenge. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout by Anthony Rizzo.

The Nationals scored four in the second inning as Murphy led off with a homer, and later in the inning Taylor hit a three-run shot to left to make it 4-1.

In the third, the Cubs trimmed the lead to 4-3 as Russell drove in a run on a grounder, and another run scored on a wild pitch.

Chicago then scored four runs in the fifth off Washington ace Scherzer, who took over after Matt Albers threw a scoreless fourth.

Russell had a two-run double and scored on a throwing error by Wieters. Scherzer (0-1) then hit Jay with a pitch with the bases loaded with two outs to make it 7-4.

Washington starter Gio Gonzalez allowed three runs in three innings. Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks went four innings and gave up four runs on nine hits.

NOTES: Washington LHP Gio Gonzalez, who started Thursday, also started Game 5 of the NL Division Series at home in 2012 against the St. Louis Cardinals. ... Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks, the Thursday starter, was the Game 1 starter of the series and started Game 7 of the World Series last year against the Cleveland Indians. ... Washington 2B Daniel Murphy, who homered in the second, hit four homers off the Cubs in the 2015 NLDS when he played for the New York Mets.

History on line as Nats return home for Game 5 vs. Cubs

Stats, LLC

CHICAGO — The Nationals have yet to reach the National League Championship Series, as they were eliminated in the NL Division Series in each of their previous three postseason appearances since moving to Washington.

However, when the Nationals face the Chicago Cubs in the deciding game of the best-of-five NLDS on Thursday night in Washington, their past playoff shortcomings won't factor into their confidence.

At stake is a chance to advance to the NLCS to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Washington, after staving off elimination behind a dominant performance by right-hander Stephen Strasburg on Wednesday in a 5-0 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, will continue to focus on the business at hand.

Anything else -- including attempting to make franchise history -- doesn't matter.

"I've kind of said this all year -- I don't believe in that because it's a different team every year," Nationals shortstop Trea Turner said of the club's past. "You play different teams, different players, trades, free agents -- whatever it may be.

"It doesn't really matter (what happened in prior years). ... Whoever plays better, whoever executes more, you're going to move on."

Nationals manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday he hasn't yet decided who will start for his team Thursday in the winner-take-all game. After Strasburg bumped right-hander Tanner Roark from his scheduled start on Wednesday, Baker said Roark could be a candidate to start Thursday against the Cubs.

But so could Gio Gonzalez, who took a no-decision in Game 2 of the NLDS. The left-hander allowed three runs and three hits over five innings, striking out six and walking two.

"We're going to make up our mind, see the condition of everybody," Baker said.

The Cubs faced elimination during the 2016 World Series after falling behind three games to one against the Cleveland Indians. Now, after failing to close out the Nationals at home on Wednesday night, manager Joe Maddon said he would attempt to keep his players even-keeled as they look to advance to the NLCS for the third straight year.

Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who got the win in Game 1 when he allowed just two hits and struck out six over seven innings, will start Game 5. Hendricks is 2-2 in five career starts against the Nationals and is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA against Washington this season, including the victory last week in Washington.

Given the fact his team has staved off elimination before, Maddon and his players are confident heading into Thursday. Yet after scoring just two runs in the last two games, the Cubs know they must be better on offense if they are to give Hendricks the support he needs.

"Our guys are ready to play," Maddon said after the Wednesday game. "It's been a really interesting series. Both teams have reflected one another pretty closely, and they got us tonight, and we have to fly back east and try to get them tomorrow night."

The Nationals face the same challenge.

"As a team, we feel good," said Michael A. Taylor, whose grand slam extended Washington's lead in Game 4. "We talked about it a little before the game about taking it one game at a time, and obviously, today was a necessary step to take it back to D.C. ... We're going back, and we'd just like to have another quality game."

LEADING OFF: Cubs, Nationals settle NLDS in Game 5

Associated Press

A look at what’s happening all around the majors today:

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GOING THE DISTANCE

It’s a win-or-go-home Game 5 in the NL Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals at 8:08 p.m. EDT. Kyle Hendricks pitches for the World Series champion Cubs after beating Stephen Strasburg 3-0 in the opener. Washington manager Dusty Baker was non-committal when asked about his starter, with Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark the most likely candidates.

Back home after saving their season Wednesday with a 5-0 win at Wrigley Field behind Strasburg, the NL East champions have a chance to avenge years of playoff heartache. The Nationals also made it to the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016 and fell in the first round each time, including five-game losses to St. Louis in 2012 and the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

“Once you get out there, that stuff doesn’t really matter,” said Michael A. Taylor, who hit a grand slam for Washington late in Game 4. “What we did last year doesn’t help or hurt us once we’re in between the lines.”

The winner heads for Los Angeles to play the Dodgers in the NL Championship Series beginning Saturday.

READY AND WAITING

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros are staying home to start the AL Championship Series. They will face the wild-card New York Yankees, who advanced Wednesday night with a 5-2 victory at Cleveland in Game 5 of their Division Series. Game 1 is Friday night in Houston. Dallas Keuchel is scheduled to start for the Astros, who went 5-2 against New York during the regular season. Houston reached the best-of-seven ALCS by eliminating Boston in Game 4 on Monday. Altuve batted .533 in four ALDS games against the Red Sox.

HELP WANTED

The Boston Red Sox are looking for a new manager after firing John Farrell on Wednesday following the team’s second consecutive loss in the AL Division Series. The team announced the move less than 48 hours after it was knocked out of the playoffs with a 5-4 loss to Houston. Farrell managed the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2013, his first season in charge, and his contract had been scheduled to run through the 2018 season. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said the team plans to move swiftly on its next hire and the next manager would “most likely not” be a member of Farrell’s current coaching staff. Dombrowski said it would be important to be comfortable in front of media and relatable to the team’s current young core.

CLEAN IT UP

If the Cubs are going to win at Washington in the deciding Game 5 of their NL Division Series, they may need to tighten up their defense. Chicago has committed seven errors in the first four games of the series. In addition, 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant looks to bounce back from a tough day in Game 4, when he struck out four times as the defending champs went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

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More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Strasburg stars as Nats force deciding Game 5 vs. Cubs

CHICAGO — As the Washington Nationals' team bus sat in traffic en route to the hotel on Tuesday night, the club facing elimination heading into Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, Stephen Strasburg didn't give himself much of a chance of taking an active role in keeping his team's season alive.

Physically drained by flu-like symptoms that set in last week, Strasburg believed he had little to offer. Despite still not feeling at full health when he woke up Wednesday morning, Strasburg arrived at Wrigley Field, walked into manager Dusty Baker's office and said he wanted the ball.

The right-hander made the most of the opportunity.

Strasburg threw seven scoreless innings and struck out 12, and Michael A. Taylor hit an eighth-inning grand slam to draw the Nationals even at two games apiece in the best-of-five series with a 5-0 victory over the Cubs.

The fifth and deciding game will be played Thursday in Washington. The winner advances to the NL Championship Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Strasburg, who held the Cubs without a hit for the first 5 2/3 innings in Game 1 of the series, is a major reason why the Nationals still have life. On Wednesday, he allowed just three hits and walked two while striking out the side three times.

"I'm surprised I was able to hang in there," Strasburg said. "I think it's just one of those situations where, you know, (you) try and break the game down, keep it simple and just know going in, whatever I have in the tank, I'm giving it everything I have."

With the Nationals clinging to a 1-0 lead in the eighth, Taylor blew the game open with the first postseason grand slam in franchise history off Wade Davis. The Cubs closer entered the game with two outs in the inning after reliever Carl Edwards Jr. walked a pair of hitters to load the bases.

Davis took over and surrendered the home run, which drifted into the basket in front of the right field bleachers.

"I was just kind of numb just running around the bases," Taylor said. "I didn't think it was going to get out the way the wind was blowing in."

Taylor's home run proved to be the finishing blow the Nationals needed after Strasburg (1-1), who admitted to not having a lot of energy, kept the Cubs off balance.

"I really stuck to one pitch at a time," he said. "Before I knew it, I was seven innings down."

The Nationals took a 1-0 lead with an unearned run in the third inning. After Trea Turner doubled off Cubs starter Jake Arrieta with one out and advanced to third on a wild pitch, Arrieta struck out Jayson Werth to get within an out of getting out of the inning.

Following a Bryce Harper walk, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell booted a Ryan Zimmerman ground ball, allowing Turner to score.

The Nationals loaded the bases in the fourth inning with Arrieta laboring. Arrieta (0-1) allowed an Anthony Rendon leadoff double and then issued walks to Taylor and Turner. However, Arrieta struck out Werth looking to wiggle out of trouble.

Arrieta allowed two hits and no earned runs over four innings. He walked five and struck out four.

Before the Nationals' four-run eighth inning, the Cubs had no answer for Strasburg, who was dominant with his changeup and kept the Cubs from ever being able to build any offensive momentum.

"We have to be better in the (strike zone)," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who called Strasburg "spectacular."

"We have to force their pitchers in the zone more consistently and not miss your pitch when you see it. It really comes down to that."

NOTES: Nationals SS Trea Turner snapped an 0-for-13 drought with a one-out double in the third inning. The hit was the first of the NLDS for the Washington leadoff hitter. ... Cubs manager Joe Maddon tweaked his lineup prior to Game 4 after the Nationals announced RHP Stephen Strasburg would start in place of RHP Tanner Roark. Cubs RF Jason Heyward was inserted in the No. 7 hole in place of OF Kyle Schwarber. ... Nationals manager Dusty Baker said Roark could be a candidate to pitch in Game 5 on Thursday. ... Cubs LHP Jon Lester entered the game in the fifth inning and made his first relief appearance since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. He was charged with one run in 3 2/3 innings.

Cubs send Arrieta to mound seeking clincher vs. Nats

Stats, LLC

CHICAGO – Jake Arrieta has pitched in his share of big games for the Chicago Cubs, and Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday will be no different.

Following a 2-1 victory on Monday that provided the Cubs with a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, Arrieta has the chance to propel Chicago into a third straight NL Championship Series appearance.

In the back of his mind, though, Arrieta understands the Tuesday start could represent the final time he takes center stage for the home team at Wrigley Field.

Arrieta, who was slowed by a right hamstring injury late in the regular season, insists the ailment will be a non-issue. He recently threw two successful bullpen sessions.

Given his free agent status when the season ends, Arrieta acknowledged Monday that his time with the Cubs may be drawing to a close.

He plans to make the most of every opportunity, starting Tuesday.

"(I'm) just trying to take everything in (and) look around a little bit more trying to, you know, kind of capture some mental images of Wrigley and the fan base and my teammates," Arrieta said Monday. "(I will) just to try and remember as much as I can about these last couple weeks -- if it's my last time in this uniform."

Arrieta dropped his only decision against the Nationals this year and is 1-2 with a 5.48 ERA in nine career starts against Washington.

Like Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who no-hit the Cubs for the first 6 1/3 innings on Monday, Arrieta will make his first start of the postseason after using a few extra days to strengthen his hamstring. Arrieta hasn't pitched since Sept. 26, and he missed 2 1/2 weeks after straining the hamstring during a start on Sept. 4.

He will face a potent Nationals lineup that Arrieta knows he will have to be careful with, but one that again struggled to score runs on Monday. Arrieta said his goal will be to pitch as deep into the game as possible.

Scherzer, who was dealing with a right hamstring injury, said Sunday he felt comfortable throwing 100 pitches. Scherzer threw 98 on Monday and allowed just one hit.

Arrieta won't worry about numbers.

"Pretty much all bets are off in the postseason," Arrieta said. "But every time I toe the rubber, I'm trying to do my best to finish that game."

Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark will face Arrieta in a setting with which he is well-acquainted. Roark, a native of suburban Wilmington, Ill., made his first trip to Wrigley Field as a youngster. Roark is 4-2 in seven career starts against the Cubs and is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA against Chicago this season.

Roark called the experience of pitching at Wrigley "surreal" and knows he will have to channel his emotions as much as possible -- especially with the Nationals facing elimination.

"(You've got to) hold the nerves in, hold the anxiousness and all that stuff in, and just let it come and let it happen," Roark said on Monday. "And that's what you've got to let it do."

The Nationals, who have scored seven runs in three games, will have to produce more if they hope to extend their season. Washington's only run Monday was set up two Chicago errors.

"We know (Game 4 is) right around the corner, and our back's against the wall," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said after his team's Monday loss, "so we've got to get them tomorrow. We've got to get those hits, and hopefully (the Cubs) don't."

Sean Doolittle & Aroldis Chapman Named Relievers of the Month

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle has been voted the National League Reliever of the Month presented by The Hartford for September, and New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has been voted the American League Reliever of the Month presented by The Hartford for September. The announcement was made earlier today on MLB Network.

Doolittle pitched in 11 games during September for the Nationals, converting eight-of-nine save opportunities and striking out 14 opposing batters. The crafty left-hander permitted three walks, surrendered just one home run and allowed two earned runs on six hits over 11.0 innings of work to claim his first career monthly award. Until his final appearance of the 2017 regular season on Thursday, Doolittle did not surrender an earned run in 11 consecutive appearances, dating back to August 29th.

Over the course of his impressive stretch, the 41st overall selection in the 2007 MLB Draft notched 13 strikeouts with just three walks and six hits allowed. Sean, who made his first appearance with the Nationals on July 18th, worked in 20 contests for Washington, going 1-0 with 21 saves across 30.0 innings of work. The 31-year-old veteran posted a 2.40 ERA with his new club, tallying more than one strikeout-per-inning with 31 punchouts. The Nationals, who finished the season with the second-best record in the NL with a 97-65 mark, host the defending champion Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park in Game One of the NLDS on Friday night.

Others receiving votes for NL Reliever of the Month included Hector Neris (2.57 ERA, 9 SV, 14.0 IP, 21 SO) and Edubray Ramos (1-0, 1.35 ERA, 13.1 IP, 20 SO) of the Philadelphia Phillies; All-Star Pat Neshek (1.80 ERA, 12 G, 10.0 IP, 12 SO) of the Colorado Rockies; Brad Hand (1-0, 2.38 ERA, 7 SV, 14 SO) of the San Diego Padres; Jared Hughes (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 13 G, 10.1 IP) and Anthony Swarzak (0-1, 1.72 ERA, 15.2 IP, 18 SO) of the Milwaukee Brewers; All-Star Wade Davis (1-1, 2.77 ERA, 5 SV, 21 SO), Carl Edwards (2-1, 1.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 16 SO) and Pedro Strop (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 9.2 IP, 11 SO) of the Chicago Cubs; All- Star Kenley Jansen (1.80 ERA, 6 SAV, 10.0 IP, 16 SO) of the Los Angeles Dodgers; and Zach Duke (1-0, 2.08 ERA, 11 G, 8 SO) and Juan Nicasio (3-0, 1.46 ERA, 4 SV, 12 SO) of the St. Louis Cardinals.
     
Chapman made 11 appearances for the Yankees and converted each of his six save opportunities en route to claiming his third career Reliever of the Month Award, last winning in consecutive months for July-August, 2012. Aroldis, a four-time All-Star, did not surrender an earned run with 17 strikeouts, just two walks and three hits allowed. The hard-throwing left-hander did not permit a home run during his excellent month, retiring 36 of 41 batters faced. With his converted 1.1-inning save on September 13th, the 29-year-old logged the 200th save of his career, becoming the 49th pitcher in MLB history to reach the milestone, since the save became an official statistic in 1969. On September 19th against the Minnesota Twins, the Holguin, Cuba native recorded his 20th save of the season. Chapman joined Craig Kimbrel of the Boston Red Sox and Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Dodgers as the only pitchers in the Majors to reach the 20-save plateau in each season since 2012. Led by their formidable bullpen, the Yankees host the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium in the AL Wild Card Game tomorrow night.

Others receiving votes for AL Reliever of the Month included Chapman's teammates Chad Green (3-0, 0.75 ERA, 12.0 IP, 17 SO) and David Robertson (3-0, 0.00 ERA, 13 G, 23 SO); Boston's Kimbrel (0.75 ERA, 4 SV, 12.0 IP, 21 SO); Brad Brach (0-1, 0.73 ERA, 1 SV, 12.1 IP) of the Baltimore Orioles; Dillon Gee (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 11.0 IP, 8 SO) of the Minnesota Twins; Mike Minor (1-0, 0.66 ERA, 6 SV, 14 SO) of the Kansas City Royals; and Ken Giles (0-1, 1.64 ERA, 7 SV, 15 SO) of the Houston Astros.

The National League Reliever of the Month presented by The Hartford, Sean Doolittle, and the American League Reliever of the Month presented by the Hartford, Aroldis Chapman, will each receive a specially designed plaque, suitably engraved, for their accomplishments. This is the inaugural season of the Reliever of the Month Awards presented by The Hartford. The Hartford, the Official Business Insurance & Employee Benefits Sponsor of MLB, has presented baseball's annual Relievers of the Year Awards since 2015. The 2017 Relievers of the Year presented by The Hartford will again be presented during the World Series.

Stephen Strasburg & Corey Kluber Named Pitchers of the Month

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been voted the National League Pitcher of the Month for September, and for the second consecutive month, Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber has been voted the American League Pitcher of the Month for September.

Strasburg compiled a perfect 4-0 record with a 0.83 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 32.2 innings of work to earn his third career NL Pitcher of the Month Award, last winning in July 2016. The dominant right-hander allowed just 19 hits and seven walks without surrendering a home run across five outings. Among qualified NL starting pitchers, Stephen finished the period first in ERA; tied for second in wins; third in innings pitched; and tied for third in strikeouts. This is Washington's second NL Pitcher of the Month Award this season, following Stephen's All-Star teammate Max Scherzer, who took home monthly honors in June.

Over the course of his award-winning month, the three-time All-Star collected four scoreless starts, allowing three earned runs in his only non-scoreless outing of the month. Over a five-start span from August 24th-September 17th, the first overall selection in the 2009 MLB Draft recorded a 35.0-inning scoreless streak with 51 strikeouts, six walks and 19 hits allowed, while leading the Nationals to a perfect 5-0 record. The impressive streak was the longest in franchise history, and the longest across the Majors since 2015 when Zack Greinke logged a 45.2-inning scoreless streak and Clayton Kershaw posted a streak of 37.0 innings. Since the 2017 Midsummer Classic, Strasburg did not allow a run in seven of 10 outings. In total, Strasburg's historic second half culminated with a 9-1 record to go along with 76 strikeouts, 14 walks, 37 hits allowed and a 0.86 ERA. According to Elias, it was the second-lowest post-All-Star break ERA in Major League history for any pitcher with at least 10 starts. During his Cy Young Award-winning campaign in 2015, Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs posted a 0.75 ERA to hold the record. Over the course of his excellent second half, Strasburg lowered his ERA by 79 points, finishing his excellent campaign with the fourth-lowest mark in the Majors (2.51).

Starting pitcher Jon Gray (4-1, 2.57 ERA, 35.0 IP, 39 SO) of the Colorado Rockies also received votes for his excellent month. Slated to start the 2017 NL Wild Card Game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, the 25-year-old did not allow more than three earned runs in any start in September, while reaching the 5.0-inning threshold in each outing. In his most recent road start against the D-backs on September 12th, the third overall selection in the 2013 Draft tossed 7.0 strong innings with 10 strikeouts and zero walks, earning the win while holding Arizona's offense to two earned runs.
     
In six September starts, Kluber registered a 5-0 record with a 0.84 ERA and an impressive 50:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio en route to earning his fourth career AL Pitcher of the Month Award, and third of the 2017 season (also: June and August). The 31-year-old veteran is the only hurler in the Majors this season to earn three Pitcher of the Month Awards, and is the first pitcher to accomplish the feat since Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros during his Cy Young Award-winning 2015 season. The crafty right-hander allowed just 31 hits and three home runs across 43.0 innings of work. Among qualified AL starters, Kluber finished the period first in ERA and innings pitched, tied for first in wins and second in strikeouts.

In his start on September 12th against the Tigers at Progressive Field, Kluber tossed a complete-game shutout to lead the Tribe to their 20th consecutive victory. With the five-hit shutout, the two-time AL All-Star improved to 16-4 on the season. According to Elias, the Stetson University product became the third Indians hurler over the last 65 years to notch at least 16 wins across their first 20 decisions in a season, joining Cliff Lee (2005, 08) and Charles Nagy (1996). On September 17th against the Kansas City Royals, Kluber tossed 7.0 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and just three hits allowed to propel the Indians to their second consecutive AL Central title. Per Elias, with the outing, the 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner became the third pitcher in Club history to post multiple 250-strikeout campaigns (also 2014), joining 'Sudden' Sam McDowell (1965, 68-70) and Hall of Famer Bob Feller (1940-41, 46). With the victory, Cleveland became the third team in MLB history to notch 24 wins across 25 games, joining the 1916 New York Giants, who established the Major League record with 26 consecutive victories in 1916, as well as the 1977 Kansas City Royals. On September 24th against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, the Birmingham, Alabama native did not allow an earned run over 7.0 innings, while tallying 10 strikeouts. The dominant outing marked Kluber's 15th start of the season with at least 10 punchouts, matching Max Scherzer for the second-most such games across the Majors this season. Cy Young Award candidate Chris Sale of the Boston Red Sox recorded 18 games with at least 10 strikeouts to pace the Majors. In Indians lore, Kluber's 15 such starts are the second-most in a single season, trailing only McDowell, who posted 17 double-digit strikeout starts in 1965.

Six-time All-Star Justin Verlander (5-0, 1.06 ERA, 34.0 IP, 43 SO) also posted a strong month of September during his first month as a member of the Houston Astros. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner did not allow more than two earned runs in any start, recording at least 6.0 innings in each outing to lead the Astros to a win in each game he started. Over an eight-start stretch dating back to August 20th, Verlander finished his strong 2017 campaign by winning each of his seven decisions with a 1.31 ERA and 69 strikeouts (nine walks) across 55.0 innings pitched. Corey's teammate Carlos Carrasco (5-0, 1.48 ERA, 42.2 IP, 51 SO) received votes as well, finishing the season with career-bests in innings pitched (200.0), strikeouts (226) and wins (18).

In recognition of their Pitcher of the Month Awards, Stephen Strasburg and Corey Kluber will each receive a specially designed trophy, suitably engraved, for their accomplishments.

Murphy homer lifts Nationals over Mets

(TSX / STATS) -- NEW YORK -- Daniel Murphy continued to torment his former team Saturday night, lacing the tiebreaking homer leading off the 10th inning to lift the Washington Nationals to a 4-3 win over the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The National League East champion Nationals (93-61) snapped a two-game losing streak. Washington entered Saturday 5 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the No. 1 seed in the NL.

The Mets (66-88) have lost four of five and nine of 12.

Murphy's homer off rookie right-hander Jacob Rhame (0-1) was his ninth in 37 games against the Mets, with whom he spent the first eight years of his career before signing with the Nationals following the 2015 season. With his 2-for-4 effort Saturday night, Murphy is now batting .393 against New York.

Sammy Solis (1-0) threw a perfect ninth and Sean Doolittle worked around a two-out walk in the 10th to earn his 23rd save of the season, and his 20th since the Nationals acquired him from the Oakland Athletics on July 16.

Adam Lind had two hits, including a two-run homer in the fourth, and Matt Wieters homered leading off the fifth for the Nationals. Lind's round-tripper was the 200th of his career.

Brandon Nimmo (RBI double) and Kevin Plawecki (two-RBI single) each delivered run-scoring hits in the third inning for the Mets. Nori Aoki had two hits.

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings.

Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard started for the Mets and threw a scoreless inning in his first major league action since he tore his right lat against the Nationals on April 30. Syndergaard, who was activated from the 60-day disabled list before the game, allowed one hit while throwing just five pitches.

Matt Harvey, making his first professional relief appearance, followed Syndergaard and gave up three runs on four hits over four innings.

The Mets took a 3-0 lead in the third against Strasburg, who entered the inning having allowed just three runs in his previous 45 frames. Aoki delivered a leadoff single and Asdrubal Cabrera drew a one-out walk before Nimmo's double scored Aoki. Plawecki followed with a two-run single.

The Nationals pulled within 3-2 in the fourth when Murphy doubled with one out and scored on Lind's milestone two-out homer, and tied the game on Wieters' shot leading off the fifth.

NOTES: To make room for RHP Noah Syndergaard on the 40-man roster, the Mets transferred RHP Zack Wheeler (stress reaction in his right arm) to the 60-day disabled list. ... Before Saturday, Mets RHP Matt Harvey hadn't pitched in relief since his sophomore season at North Carolina in 2009. ... Nationals RF Bryce Harper (left knee) and OF Michael Goodwin (left groin) each participated in a simulated game Saturday. Manager Dusty Baker said Harper, who was injured Aug. 12, was closer to returning to the Nationals than Goodwin, who hasn't played since Aug. 13. ... Nationals RHP Shawn Kelley (right forearm) will undergo what Baker called "extensive testing" early next week. Kelley left Friday's game with numbness in his right arm.

Nationals storm back to beat Phillies

(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- The Washington Nationals arrived back home around 3 a.m. Thursday after a three-game series in Miami.

And with Hurricane Irma bearing down on their native state, two young Nationals from Florida were able to put the storm on the back burner for a few hours Thursday night.

Trea Turner had a go-ahead, two-run single in the last of the sixth inning and Michael A. Taylor made a home run-saving catch in the top of the seventh as the Nationals came back for a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

"He threw two tough pitches the first two," Turner said of reliever Adam Morgan. "I felt like I had some pitches to hit (early in the game) and didn't capitalize. I put a decent swing on it."

Taylor made a leaping catch on the warning track on a ball hit by Andres Blanco to lead off the seventh that could have tied the score. Washington reliever Brandon Kintzler, who had just entered the game, tipped his cap toward Taylor after the catch.

"Michael Taylor saved the game on that home run he took away," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said.

The Phillies played the Nationals tough in the spring, going 5-7 in the first four series of the year between the teams. But Washington trimmed its magic number to four as the Marlins lost 6-5 in Atlanta to the Braves.

"We had opportunities to add on, but we didn't cash in," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said.

The first-place Nationals (86-54) posted their fourth win in a row. The Phillies (53-87) are 2-5 in Washington this year.

Matt Wieters hit an RBI double to chase Phillies starter Aaron Nola in the sixth and cut the Nationals' deficit to 3-2. Three batters later, Turner hit a two-run single up the middle off Morgan (3-2) with the bases loaded to give Washington the lead.

"He pitched well enough to win," Mackanin said of Nola. "We just didn't score enough runs. He was not at his best; we have seen him a lot better. He did OK."

Roark (12-9) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings with six strikeouts and one walk. Kintzler and Ryan Madson each pitched a scoreless inning in relief before Sean Doolittle worked a perfect ninth for his 16th save with the Nationals.

Adam Lind was 2-for-3 for Washington, as was Philadelphia's Odubel Herrera.

Nola gave up three runs (two earned) with eight strikeouts and two walks in 5 1/3 innings. Morgan allowed two hits and one run in 1 2/3 innings.

The Nationals took a 1-0 lead in the second on an RBI single by Alejandro De Aza.

The Phillies responded in the third as catcher Jorge Alfaro led off with a solo homer to make it 1-1. It was just the second homer in 75 career at-bats for Alfaro, who was hitting in the No. 8 hole in front of Nola.

"We were on the same page pretty much the whole time. It's always good to throw with multiple catchers to let them see how you work," Nola said of throwing to Alfaro for the first time.

Tommy Joseph hit another solo homer for the Phillies, giving his team a 2-1 lead in the fourth as his 21st long ball down the left field line was just fair and about two rows deep.

"A towering home run. I think it was higher than it was far," Mackanin said.

Freddy Galvis gave Philadelphia a 3-1 edge with an RBI single in the fifth.

Nola got out a jam in the fifth when Ryan Zimmerman grounded into a double play to end the threat.

Herrera extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a double in the third that Lind, normally a first baseman, nearly caught. It is the longest hitting streak in the majors this year.

But the Nationals inched closer to the division title.

"We got in at 3, 4 in the morning. You have to play the game hard and take it one day at a time," Roark said.

NOTES: The Nationals called up top prospect and OF Victor Robles from Double-A Harrisburg and he flied out in his first major league at-bat in the seventh inning. Washington also recalled OFs Andrew Stevenson and Rafael Bautista from Triple-A Syracuse. The Nationals moved RHP Erick Fedde (right forearm flexor strain) to the 60-day disabled list. ... Phillies RHP Jake Thompson (1-1, 4.50) is slated to face Washington RHP Max Scherzer (13-5, 2.19) on Friday. ... Philadelphia INF J.P. Crawford played in his third major league game, again at third base. Phillies 3B Maikel Franco was not in the starting lineup, but manager Pete Mackanin said he expects Franco will start Saturday. Franco struck out as a pinch hitter Thursday.

Nationals begin long homestand with four vs. Phillies

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(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- The first-place Washington Nationals begin their longest homestand of the season Thursday when the Philadelphia Phillies come to town for a four-game series.

The Nationals (85-54), who are a season-high 31 games above .500, will also host the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers while playing 10 games in the next 11 days.

There is a good chance Washington will clinch its fourth division title since 2012 during the homestand. The Nationals are 18 games ahead of the second-place Marlins after an 8-1 victory Wednesday in Miami. The magic number for the Nationals is six to clinch the National League East after first baseman Ryan Zimmerman hit his 31st homer in the victory.

"Just being on the field all year has been fun," Zimmerman, who played in only 210 games in the previous two seasons, told MASN television after the win.

A pair of right-handers are slated to start in the series opener Thursday. Washington's Tanner Roark (11-9, 4.48 ERA) opposes Aaron Nola (10-10, 3.72).

Roark is 5-5 with a 3.47 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) in his career against the Phillies (53-86), who lost 6-3 in a rain-shortened game Wednesday night against the Mets in New York.

Nola is 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA in eight career starts against the Nationals. He is 1-2 with a 6.87 ERA in his past three starts, though he struck out 20 in those games.

In his most recent outing, Nola allowed six runs and 10 hits in five innings in a loss at Miami on Saturday. He has given up five runs or more in three of his past four starts.

"I was consistent at one point during the season, and I want to get back to that," Nola said. "I definitely don't want to have starts like this."

Several Washington hitters have extensive experience against Nola.

Second baseman Daniel Murphy is hitting .389 in 18 at-bats against Nola with one homer. Third baseman Anthony Rendon is hitting .235 in 17 at-bats with a homer against the righty.

Roark pitched well but was the loser in a 1-0 decision on Friday at Milwaukee. He gave up one run in seven innings and struck out 10.

"Very rarely does it happen," Roark said of losing a 1-0 game. "It was a pitchers' duel tonight, and they came out on top. I have the utmost confidence in these guys in here to score runs. It's just one of those games. It happens."

The Washington right-hander does not have a decision in three starts this year against the Phillies even though he has a 3.06 ERA in those outings while allowing only 12 hits in 17 2/3 innings.

Roark was 3-0 with an 0.79 ERA in five starts against the Phillies in 2016, but last year he didn't have to face rookie phenom Rhys Hoskins, who has 12 homers in his first 27 major league games.

Hoskins' pace is slowing though. The 24-year-old California has just one homer in nine game after hitting 11 in his first 18 games. In the just concluded series against the Mets, he went 2-for-9 with no RBIs.

Nationals complete sweep of Marlins

(TSX / STATS) -- MIAMI -- Ryan Zimmerman just kept running.

The Washington Nationals first baseman scored from first on a first-inning Howie Kendrick double. And after crossing home plate, Zimmerman just kept sprinting, into the dugout tunnel at Marlins Park.

That's fitting for the Nationals, who haven't stopped running past the competition all season.

On Wednesday night, Zimmerman also slugged his 31st homer and Gio Gonzalez won his 14th game as Washington swept the Miami Marlins with a 8-1 win.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker saw Zimmerman sprint into the dugout and said he was just glad he didn't get hurt. And Zimmerman acknowledged it wasn't his brightest idea ever.

"I could've stopped," Zimmerman said. "I kept going ... might as well do something stupid."

If so, that was the only dumb thing Zimmerman did on a night in which he went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs.

The first-place Nationals (85-54) increased their division lead over the second-place Marlins (67-72) to 18 games. The Nationals have won eight straight games in their series against Miami.

Against all competition, Miami has lost four games in a row and nine of its past 10. And the only run Miami scored on Wednesday came on an RBI groundout by Miguel Rojas in the bottom of the ninth.

"It's been awhile now," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said of his team's slump. "It's been like 10 days of this. I wish I had an answer for it, but I honestly don't."

Gonzalez (14-6, 2.50 ERA) pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks while pitching out of several jams. Gonzalez leads the majors in batting average allowed with runners in scoring position.

"He's like Houdini out there," Baker said.

A native of Miami Dade County, Gonzalez is 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA against the Marlins this year. For his career against the Marlins, he is 10-3 with a 1.85 ERA.

Gonzalez is now 81-0, with 21 no-decisions, when he gets four or more runs in support.

Unlike previous times when Gonzalez has pitched in Miami, his family was not at Marlins Park for this game. In fact, there were few fans of anyone at the game.

With Hurricane Irma bearing down on Miami and due to arrive by this weekend, there were less than 800 fans at Marlins Park at first pitch.

"Yes, you want fans here," Gonzalez said. "But at the same time, we prefer they be cautious, and safe and prepare for what's coming."

Miami rookie Dillon Peters (0-1), who pitched seven scoreless innings against the last-place Philadelphia Phillies last week in his major-league debut, was not as good against the first-place Nationals. He lasted just five innings and allowed six hits, two walks and three runs. He struck out six.

"They were coming ready to swing at the fastball," Peters said of Washington, "and I left a lot over the plate."

Washington opened the scoring with two runs in the first. Trea Turner hit a leadoff single, advanced on an Anthony Rendon walk and scored on Zimmerman's single. The Nationals made it 2-0 on Kendrick's RBI double.

Zimmerman led off the fourth with a homer to center to give Washington a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Miami used two walks and a single to load the bases with no outs. But J.T. Realmuto lined out to shortstop, and Gonzalez struck out Tyler Moore and rookie Brian Anderson to end the threat. Anderson, looking for an RBI walk, was called out looking at a 3-2 fastball down the middle.

Miami threatened again the fifth, getting runners on first and second. But Giancarlo Stanton, who leads the majors with 53 homers, bounced into an inning-ending double play.

After loading the bases with no outs, Washington doubled its lead to 6-0 in the sixth. The RBI sent to Jayson Werth (sacrifice fly), Jose Lobaton (walk) and Adam Lind (groundout).

Taylor, who like Gonzalez is from south Florida, made it 7-0 with his 14th homer, a solo shot in the eighth, and Rendon had an RBI single in the ninth.

"It's been hectic trying to get everything situated for myself and my family," Taylor said of the impending arrival of Irma. "But I'm kind of glad I'm here, close to home. It gives me a chance to help out before I leave."

NOTES: Marlins OF Ichiro Suzuki got his 25th pinch hit, three short of John Vander Wal's major-league season record set in 1995. ... In terms of multi-hit games this year, the Marlins have four of the top 11 batters in the National League: LF Marcell Ozuna (second), 2B Dee Gordon (fourth), CF Christian Yelich (sixth) and RF Giancarlo Stanton (11th). ... Washington entered with three of the top five starters in the majors in terms of ERA: Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Stasburg. ... Miami opens a four-game series at the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. ... Washington returns home Thursday to open a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Nationals edge Astros in 11th inning

(TSX / STATS) -- HOUSTON -- Nationals manager Dusty Baker had pushed the proper strategic buttons to no avail in the eighth and ninth innings, so when the decision to play small ball paid lasting dividends in the 11th, it felt as if things balanced justly for Washington.

Anthony Rendon and Matt Wieters delivered run-scoring plate appearances in the 11th inning, and the Nationals took advantage of some fortuitous bounces for a 5-4 interleague victory over the Houston Astros on Thursday night at Minute Maid Park.

Rendon (2-for-3) produced a sacrifice fly that gave the Nationals the lead. Wieters (2-for-4) followed with a two-out single to right-center field that scored Ryan Zimmerman from first base. Zimmerman had reached on a wild pitch following a strikeout.

Wilmer Difo scored the first run of the frame after reaching on a bunt single, just beating the throw from rookie third baseman J.D. Davis, who approached the ball with a casual pace. Difo advanced to third on the wild pitch by Astros right-hander Tyler Clippard (2-7).

"The ball just rolled our way," said Rendon, who played his high school and college ball in Houston. "Difo got a little bunt down. He's a quick guy, so he beat it out, and Zim had that play to get runners in scoring position. I got jammed and was able to hit it far enough to get a run home. Everything just happened to fall our way, so we were fortunate."

Davis slugged his first career home run in the bottom of the 11th off Nationals left-hander Sammy Solis, who recovered to retire the next three batters and record his first save.

Houston native Matt Albers (7-2) earned the win for the Nationals with a perfect 10th inning.

Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Astros (77-50) rallied against Brandon Kintzler. The Nationals right-hander flipped roles with southpaw closer Sean Doolittle after Doolittle allowed a run in the eighth when he was summoned to face a lefty-heavy part of the order.

Alex Bregman and Josh Reddick recorded singles against Kintzler, with Bregman scoring on the Reddick hit to slice the deficit to one run. One batter later, Yuli Gurriel, a right-handed hitter like Bregman, doubled to the left-center gap, and Reddick rounded the bases from first to tie the game at 3-3.

"I like the way we swung the bats tonight," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We can build on that."

Stephen Strasburg worked six scoreless innings for the Nationals, retiring his first seven batters. He sidestepped the only significant trouble he encountered by inducing an inning-ending double-play grounder from Gurriel with the teams locked in a scoreless tie in the fourth.

After surrendering a two-out double to Bregman and being visited by trainers for a left calf cramp in the sixth, Strasburg got Jose Altuve to fly out to left field to cap his appearance. He allowed three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts over 90 pitches, including 60 strikes.

"Command has been pretty good," said Strasburg, who departed early as a precaution. "Changeup's been really good, so I'm just trying to keep it together and hopefully do it again next time."

Rendon doubled twice to pace the Nationals (76-49), who scratched across two runs in the fifth off Astros starter Dallas Keuchel. Michael Taylor added a run-scoring double to right-center field in the seventh to plate Wieters from first base to extend the Washington lead to 3-0.

Keuchel allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts over seven innings. The walks came in succession to open the fifth and ignite the Washington rally, one aided by a throwing error by Keuchel, a three-time Gold Glove winner.

"I was not trying to throw balls for sure," Keuchel said. "Rendon is a really good hitter. I made a mistake there my first at-bat, and that one didn't hurt, but the one to Wieters did to put two on. Then I get a 45-footer that I usually make a good play, and I just happened to throw it up the line. It kind of snowballed from there for a little bit."

NOTES: Astros C Brian McCann was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list and went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. McCann missed nine games due to right knee soreness. ... Nationals RHP A.J. Cole will start the series opener against the Mets on Friday, with LHP Gio Gonzalez bumped back to Saturday. Gonzalez threw a season-high 121 pitches in his previous start on Sunday at San Diego, and based on that workload, Nationals manager Dusty Baker deemed it prudent to give Gonzalez an extra day of rest. ... With Double-A Corpus Christi cancelling games this weekend in deference to Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the Gulf Coast, Astros C Evan Gattis (concussion) returned early from his rehab assignment. Gattis could be reinstated from the disabled list this weekend, when the Astros play at the Los Angeles Angels.

Astros back Fiers with 3 homers in 6-1 win over Nats

(TSX / STATS) -- HOUSTON -- As badly as the Houston Astros longed for right-hander Mike Fiers to reverse his recent slippage, they also needed a boost from an offense that has sagged over the past week.

Fiers produced his best start in more than a month and Jake Marisnick, Max Stassi and Alex Bregman clubbed home runs in the Astros' 6-1 interleague victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.

After allowing at least three runs and two homers in each of his previous four starts, Fiers (8-8) surrendered one run on four hits and one walk over seven strong innings. He struck out six.

It marked his longest outing since he worked seven innings over consecutive starts in mid-July, and Fiers did not allow a home run for only the second time in his past nine starts.

"A day like this everything was working," Fiers said. "Those guys were swinging the bat early and often, so I couldn't really make a mistake. Even guys that usually take a lot of pitches were definitely swinging early and trying to get me early. But it worked in my favor, making good pitches and getting early outs. So, it helped me go deep in the game."

Marisnick belted his 15th home run of the season with one out in the fifth inning, off Nationals right-hander Edwin Jackson (4-3). That gave the Astros (77-49) a 2-1 lead.

Stassi bashed his second homer of the season, a 442-foot solo blast to left field, off Nationals reliever Matt Grace with two outs in the eighth inning.

Three batters later, when Bregman clubbed his 16th home run, a three-run shot off righty Shawn Kelley, it marked the first time Houston had scored more than three runs in six games.

"It was huge," Bregman said of the eighth-inning outburst. "Got us some insurance runs. Some guys put together some great at-bats. Stassi (hit a) big-time homer and then Jake and (George) Springer back-to-back ABs just to extend the inning. We played a little 'pass the torch,' and I was fortunate to put a good swing on the ball and give us a good cushion."

The Nationals had their nine-game winning streak against Houston snapped. Jackson allowed two runs, six hits and three walks in six innings, and he recorded one of the Nationals' two strikeouts.

"It wasn't bad," Jackson said of his performance. "It was one of those pitchers' duels to start out the game. Tough lineup to pitch to. We kind of went back and forth, Fiers and myself. It was just one of those games where they tacked some on the end."

Fiers hadn't logged a quality start since July 21 at Baltimore, but he was the picture of efficiency early, setting the side down in order in the second after overcoming a two-out single by Daniel Murphy in the first with a fielder's choice groundout from Ryan Zimmerman.

The Nationals (75-49) managed back-to-back hits with one out in the third. With Andrew Stevenson on third base after he doubled and Howie Kendrick singled, Wilmer Difo produced a sacrifice fly to center field that gave the Nationals a 1-0 lead.

However, after a leadoff single from Zimmerman in the fourth, Fiers faced only 12 batters while completing the ensuing four innings, rolling to the close of his start with a lead.

"He was just doing a good job mixing," Stevenson said. "He had command of his stuff and kept us off balance. His fastball got on you a little quicker than normally -- 89-91 (mph) gets on you. He was in command of his stuff today."

NOTES: Astros SS Carlos Correa (left thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Fresno on Thursday. Although the club hasn't determined a precise timetable for how long Correa will remain on assignment, he is expected to spend at least a week with the Grizzlies. ... Nationals RHP Ryan Madson remains in Arizona undergoing tests to determine the extent of the right finger sprain that landed him on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 17. Madson, 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in nine games for Washington, did not accompany the team on its trip to Houston from San Diego. ... With tropical depression Harvey expected to wreak havoc on the Gulf Coast this weekend, the Astros will move the rehab assignments of RHPs Lance McCullers, Will Harris and Michael Feliz, plus LHP Tony Sipp from Double-A Corpus Christi to Fresno.

LEADING OFF: Cubs check Bryant, Nats still rolling vs Astros

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

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BRUISED BRYANT

The Cubs will see how Kris Bryant is feeling, a day after he was hit by a pitch in the left hand and exited the game. The MVP was nicked in the ninth inning, and left-hander Anthony Rizzo shifted across the diamond from first base to make his first career appearance at third. Bryant will likely miss the NL Central leaders' game at Cincinnati.

DIVISION DOMINANCE

NL East-leading Washington is once again making things tough on the Astros. The Nationals beat Houston for the ninth straight time Tuesday night, a winning streak that dates to 2012. Edwin Jackson will try to help the Nats make it 10 in a row when he starts on the road vs. Mike Fiers and the AL West leaders.

BACK AGAIN

Indians ace Corey Kluber, who is 8-1 with a 2.09 ERA at home this season, faces Boston in a matchup of division leaders. Drew Pomeranz was pitches for the Red Sox - the left-hander was forced to leave his last start in the fourth inning with back spasms.

ANOTHER START

Left-hander Mike Montgomery returns to the Cubs' rotation, filling in for the injured Jon Lester. It'll be Montgomery's ninth start of a season that's seen him move back-and-forth between roles for Chicago. In his last appearance on Aug. 17, he threw 4 1/3 shutout innings in relief against the Reds. The Cubs envision him as a starter long-term, but have used him to supplement the rotation and the bullpen this season.

ON THE MEND

Mets All-Star closer Jeurys Familia is expected to pitch for Class A Brooklyn, a day after throwing a hitless inning for the Cyclones. He could rejoin the Mets this weekend in Washington. Familia has been out since May following surgery for a blood clot in his shoulder.

Roark, Nationals bullpen hold off Astros

(TSX / STATS) -- HOUSTON -- Quality starting pitching and a revamped bullpen are carrying the Nationals through their injury woes, and facing the challenge of an opponent as talented and injury-ravaged, Washington got more of the same to maintain its positive momentum.

Tanner Roark recovered from a shaky start, and the Nationals delivered extra-base hits with two outs in consecutive innings to claim a 4-3 interleague win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park.

Roark (10-8) pitched into the sixth inning after dealing with early traffic before handing over a one-run lead to his bullpen, with four relievers responding to the challenge of protecting it.

The Astros (76-49) mounted their biggest threat in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases with one out against right-hander Brandon Kintzler, recently acquired from the Twins. Max Stassi followed by grounding into an inning-ending, 5-4-3 double play, with second baseman Daniel Murphy having the time to nab Stassi with the throw despite double-clutching.

"He certainly saved the game," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said of Kintzler. "We needed a double play and turned a very, very near double play. That was a close call at first base that was right on time."

The Nationals (75-48) first struck with two outs against Astros right-hander Charlie Morton (10-6) in the third inning. Howie Kendrick drilled a two-run triple to center field that scored Matt Wieters and Michael Taylor, who beat out a double play by hustling down the line.

Wieters socked a two-run home run to center, his ninth homer on the season, in the fourth to erase a one-run deficit and set the table to Roark to get rolling and the bullpen to deliver again.

Left-hander Sean Doolittle notched his 12th save with Washington, throwing a perfect ninth.

Houston struck for a solo run in each of its first three at-bats, doing so with two outs in the first and second. However, an inability to post a crooked number in the third inning proved costly.

Josh Reddick and Derek Fisher delivered two-out RBIs in the first and second innings, respectively, with Reddick plating George Springer for a 1-0 lead and Fisher driving home Carlos Beltran to double the advantage.

After taking a 3-2 lead on another RBI single by Reddick, this one an infield hit that ricocheted off Roark, the Astros loaded the bases with one out. Roark responded by striking out Marwin Gonzalez and inducing a groundout from Carlos Beltran, the first two of 10 consecutive batters he retired to cap his outing.

"They did a good job of winning those spots, especially in the third when we had a little bit of an opportunity, and in the eighth as well," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "Those big moments are big swing moments."

When the Nationals scored in the fourth, the Gonzalez strikeout and Beltran groundout loomed large. Roark allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk over 5 2/3 innings.

"I felt like I got a little mad, got a little fight within me and I knew it was going to be a battle right off the bat," Roark said of his closing surge. "So, I just tried to use that to my advantage and just go out them and be aggressive and just make my pitches."

Morton allowed four runs on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings.

"In retrospect, you look back in those situations, you're in two-out situations," Morton said of the Kendrick and Wieters at-bats. "You don't have to make perfect pitches, but you have some room there to be a lot better than that. I just grooved them two pitches."

NOTES: Astros RHP Will Harris (right shoulder inflammation) pitched one scoreless inning for Double-A Corpus Christi, and the club will evaluate his progress before rendering a decision on his reinstatement from the 10-day disabled list. LHP Tony Sipp and RHP Michael Feliz also worked scoreless innings in their rehab appearances. C Evan Gattis (concussion) has a three-day program with Corpus Christi. ... While Nationals RHP Max Scherzer continues to receive treatment for neck inflammation, the club has not determined if he will be reinstated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday when he is eligible. ... Astros C Brian McCann (right knee soreness) is set for reinstatement from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday and should play in the series finale against Washington. McCann landed on the DL on Aug. 14.

Spangenberg, Padres aim to keep rolling vs. Nats

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(TSX / STATS) -- SAN DIEGO -- The Washington Nationals kick off a four-game series with the San Diego Padres on Thursday. That means one of baseball's hottest players will be in America's Finest City.

"It's just his energy," Padres manager Andy Green said. "The way he flies down the line, the way he flies around from first to third. He never takes a play off, and he's always locked in. I think it's those kinds of things fans appreciate a great deal. It's fun to show up and watch him play baseball."

Is Green talking about Nationals All-Star Bryce Harper?

Nope. Try the Padres' Cory Spangenberg.

While Harper is on the shelf with a bum knee, Spangenberg continues to shine.

"He's done a great job for us," Green said.

Spangenberg remade his swing, ditching his line-drive-based approach. Instead, he is shooting for the fences. His bat angle is different when making contact, and his results have flipped, too.

After hitting three homers in his past four games, Spangenberg has already has set a career high with 12. In the second half of the season, he has become one of the Padres' more reliable sluggers.

"When he stays committed to a small zone, he can take a very aggressive pass, and when he squares the baseball up, he is very good about that," Green said. "His struggles are when he gets above the zone and behind the zone."

Spangenberg leads a lineup facing former Padre Edwin Jackson (3-2, 3.86 ERA). Jackson went 5-6 for San Diego last year and he could be a comforting sight for his former teammates.

Jackson, who has won two of his past three starts, has gone 0-6 with a 6.63 ERA in his career against the Padres (54-66). However, he was keen against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, recording six quality innings after escaping an early jam. He allowed one run on five hits in a 3-1 win.

"(It) was definitely one of those 'dig deep and see what you're made of' days," Jackson told MLB.com. "I was fortunate enough to come out with good results and also help out the bullpen at the same time with a solid six innings. It's one of those days when you really don't have your best stuff."

While the Nationals' best player, Harper, is idle, Green agrees that Jhoulys Chacin (11-8, 4.06) has quite a task in front of him Thursday. Chacin is 3-2 in his career against the Nationals with a 3.43 ERA.

He won three of his past four decisions, although he didn't get one his last time out on Saturday versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chacin went five innings and surrendered only one run on four hits against a vaunted offense. He will see another one when he opposes the Nationals (71-47), though Washington fell 3-2 Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"That's a really good lineup, it's a long lineup with a lot of really good players that makes it a really good team," Green said. "Obviously, Bryce is out now and that changes it a little bit. But Daniel Murphy is as dangerous as anybody in the game.

"They got speed still. They got power. They got hitters. They have been the best team in the NL East for some time now."

The rebuilding Padres don't mind playing David to the Nationals' Goliath. San Diego recently played the surging Dodgers tough when talking one game in a three-game set. The Padres are also coming off a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, capped by a 3-0 win Wednesday.

"It will be a fun challenge for our guys," Green said of facing Washington. "I like how we played in a hostile park at Dodger Stadium. I expect us to play just as good here, if not better."

Calhoun, Nolasco lift Angels to series split vs. Nationals

(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- It has been a difficult season for Ricky Nolasco, a veteran pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander entered Wednesday with a 5.24 ERA, allowed five earned runs in each of his last two starts and hadn't won on the road in nearly two months.

But Nolasco got credit for the win as he survived cramps in his calves on a humid day in the nation's capital as the Angels posted a 3-2 win over the first-place Washington Nationals. His victory gave the Angels seven wins in eight games going into a series Friday in Baltimore against another team with wild-card aspirations.

"Every five days, I give the team everything I have," the serious-minded Nolasco said while standing by his locker. "It takes 25 guys to do what we have to do. We have to keep it going."

Nolasco is 2-0 in his last four starts while allowing 13 runs.

"He works quick. As a defense we love that," first baseman C.J. Cron said of Nolasco.

Kole Calhoun belted a two-run homer to right in the sixth as the Angels earned a split of a two-game interleague series.

It was the 14th homer of the year for Calhoun, who went deep against starter Tanner Roark to make it 3-2. Nolasco (6-12) left the game in the sixth inning with two outs and a 2-2 count on catcher Jose Lobaton.

"It was a hot one today," Nolasco said. "I just tried to slow the game down a bit."

The Nationals will begin a road trip Thursday in San Diego after going 6-3 on the homestand.

"It went well but you tend to remember your last game. (Going) 7-2 sounds better than 6-3, but we'll take 6-3," Washington manager Dusty Baker said.

Nolasco picked up his first road win since June 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Angels led 3-2 when the right-hander left the game. He allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Nolasco was replaced by Jesse Chavez, who recorded four outs. Angels rookie Keynan Middleton pitched a scoreless eighth. Cam Bedrosian worked the ninth for his sixth save as he retired Howie Kendrick on a grounder for the last out with a runner on third after nearly throwing a wild pitch to allow the tying run to score.

Roark (9-8) went seven innings and allowed three runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts, and gave up two homers.

"He threw the ball great today except for the two home runs by left handed hitters. I'm sure that he'd probably want those fastballs back on location," Baker said.

Ryan Zimmerman hit his 28th homer of the year, a two-run shot in the first, to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead.

It was the fourth homer for Zimmerman in 54 at-bats against Nolasco, a former member of the Marlins starting rotation.

"That is what he does," Nolasco said of Zimmerman. "He is still a really good hitter."

Nolasco gave up his major league-leading 31st homer of the season to Zimmerman, who singled in the eighth but was thrown out at third after Adam Lind reached on an error to stymie a threat.

The Nationals also left the bases loaded in the fourth as Wilmer Difo, who had singled in his first two at-bats, struck out off Nolasco. "I wasn't trying to give in," said the pitcher.

Luis Valbuena, who doubled in the second, hit a solo homer in the fifth just over the fence in center to pull the Angels to within 2-1 against Roark.

"Turned out to be a pitcher's duel and we ended up on the bottom of that," Roark said.

The Angels are 62-59 while the first-place Nationals are 71-47.

"Ricky battled," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "With Zimmerman, he missed a spot with his fastball. It was hot out there. He started to cramp with two outs in the sixth and we made the change. It was just dehydration. It looked like he was a little uncomfortable out there."

NOTES: Washington OF Brian Goodwin (left groin strain) went on the disabled list Wednesday and the Nationals called up OF Alejandro de Aza from Triple-A Syracuse. In addition, SS Trea Turner (right wrist fracture) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. ... Angels LHP Andrew Heaney (left elbow UCL injury) will make his 2017 debut when he starts Friday in Baltimore. "We are excited to have him back," manager Mike Scioscia said. ... Washington RHP Edwin Jackson (3-2, 3.86 ERA) will start Thursday in San Diego against Padres RHP Jhoulys Chacin (11-8, 4.06). ... Angels OF Ben Revere played in 103 games last season for Washington. He started Wednesday and was 0-for-4.

Roark, Nolasco meet as Angels, Nats finish series

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(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- When Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Parker Bridwell, 26, made the move from the bullpen to the rotation this year, one of the veteran teammates he spoke to was Ricky Nolasco, 34.

"I asked him certain things about his routine, and I also watched him throw," said Bridwell, who broke into the majors with two games out of the bullpen for the Baltimore Orioles in 2016.

While Bridwell has been a surprise at 7-1 this year, Nolasco has struggled. He enters his start on Wednesday afternoon against the first-place Washington Nationals (71-46) having allowed five runs or more in four of his past seven outings.

Nolasco (5-12, 5.24 ERA) will oppose Washington right-hander Tanner Roark (9-7, 4.74), who has not faced the Angels since 2014.

The Nationals won 3-1 Tuesday as the Angels didn't get a hit until the sixth inning.

"Tomorrow we have to pick it up and start momentum early," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Tuesday.

Nolasco will be making his first start against the Nationals since July 19, 2013, seeking his first win against Washington since Sept. 9, 2012. The California native is 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in eight games (all starts) in his career at Washington and 11-7 with a 3.65 ERA in 23 games overall, including 21 starts, against the Nationals.

Roark, in his only appearance against the Angels, did not figure in a decision three years ago as he went 6 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed seven hits.

Current Angels are hitting 9-for-45 (.200) against Roark.

Andrelton Simmons, a former member of the Atlanta Braves, has the most at-bats of any Angels player against him and is 2-for-17 (.118). Mike Trout is 1-for-3, Albert Pujols is 0-for-3, and former Washington outfielder Ben Revere is 1-for-9 against his former teammate.

The last time Pujols played a series in Washington was when he hit homer No. 500 of his career against Taylor Jordan of the Nationals in 2014. Playing first base Monday with no designated hitter in effect, he made an error and went 0-for-2 with two walks.

When the Angels and Nationals met last month in California, Trout and Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper, both former Most Valuable Players, each hit a homer in the first inning of a game. However, the current series is missing Harper.

The Nationals' Opening Day outfield is now on the disabled list: center fielder Adam Eaton (went on the DL on April 29 with a left knee strain), left fielder Jayson Werth (June 5 with a left foot contusion), and Harper (Sunday with a hyperextended left knee).

The Nationals have used 12 outfielders this year.

"It has been a tough year injury-wise. At least we have guys to replace them. They have been carrying most of the weight," Washington manager Dusty Baker said, referring to first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (27 homers) and Daniel Murphy (20).

Zimmerman is 14-for-53 (.264) with three homers against Nolasco.

Center fielder Michael A. Taylor returned to the Nationals on Sunday as Harper went on the DL.

"We have to hold onto until the rosters expand. I am glad he is back," Baker said of Taylor. "He is going to get better and better."

The Angels (61-59) have a mediocre record, but they hold a half-game lead for the second American League wild card.

"We are still right there," Revere said. "It has been a crazy year."

Nationals halt Angels' six-game winning streak

(TSX / STATS) -- WASHINGTON -- A pair of former West Coast players made life difficult for the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.

Left fielder Howie Kendrick, who played for the Angels from 2006-14, hit two solo home runs, and lefty starter Gio Gonzalez, who played for the Oakland A's from 2008-11, threw six scoreless innings as the Washington Nationals beat the Angels 3-1 in the first of a quick two-game interleague series.

The loss ended the Angels' six-game winning streak.

"Gio has been rolling all year," said Kendrick, who came to the Nationals in late July in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. "I have been keeping an eye on him."

And Angels veteran manager Mike Scioscia has been keeping his eye on Kendrick, his former player who hit a career-high 18 homers for the Angels in 2011.

"He had a walk-off the other day," said Scioscia, noting the grand slam Kendrick hit Sunday against the San Francisco Giants. "He had a couple of pitches that were in his zone and he didn't miss them tonight. You have to tip your cap to him. He hit the ball hard."

Gonzalez has had a better pace this season, and gives a lot of credit to pitching coach Mike Maddux.

"A good pace means you are throwing strikes," said Dusty Baker, the Washington manager.

Gonzalez watched his ERA go up each of the past four seasons. But after posting a mark of 4.57 last year, his ERA is down to 2.49 in 2017. Gonzalez took a no-hitter into the ninth inning July 31 in Miami before giving up a hit.

The lefty from Miami (11-5) walked three and struck out four Tuesday. He didn't give up a hit until there were two outs in the sixth, when Cameron Maybin reached on an infield single.

"We didn't get too many good looks at him. He had good movement, moved the ball around. He definitely put those guys in a good spot and the bullpen held it," said Scioscia.

Mike Trout followed Maybin's hit with a single to center, and Albert Pujols was given an intentional walk to load the bases. That brought up Jefry Marte, who lined out to second to end the threat.

"There is no doubt it ties the game," said Scioscia, who bemoaned the fact that Marte's shot was right at an infielder.

Kendrick hit solo homers in the third and fifth innings to open a 2-0 lead.

Washington's Anthony Rendon (3-for-4) singled and went to second on a wild pitch in the sixth. He then scored on an error by Pujols, who was making just his sixth start of the year at first, on a ball hit by Matt Wieters. That made it 3-0.

Cliff Pennington hit a solo homer in the eighth off Brandon Kintzler to trim the lead to 3-1. It was just the second homer in 151 at-bats for Pennington this year.

Sean Doolittle threw a perfect ninth to get his ninth save with the Nationals (71-46). He came to Washington in late July in a trade with the Oakland A's.

"This is a role I'm capable of pitching in," he said. "It is just a case of coming over here and getting an opportunity."

The Angels (61-59) managed just three hits off four Washington pitchers.

Angels starter Tyler Skaggs (1-3), who has not won a game since April 22, gave up two runs on seven hits in five innings. He was on the disabled list from April 29-Aug. 5 with a right oblique muscle strain.

"There was a lot of work he put in," Scioscia said of Skaggs. "Last time he pitched a real strong game in Seattle. His stuff stayed true at the end. He had to work hard to get through five. He really came back and finished some innings strong. He ran out of gas after five."

Daniel Murphy had two hits for the Nationals.

Kendrick led off the third with a homer just over the glove of left fielder Maybin and into the Angels bullpen. It was the 100th homer of Kendrick's career. Kendrick went deep again in the fifth as he drilled a 3-0 pitch from Skaggs into the seats in right.

The only baserunners Gonzalez allowed through the first five innings came on a walk to Trout in the first and a walk to Pujols in the fourth.

NOTES: Washington RHP Stephen Strasburg (right elbow nerve impingement), who last pitched July 23, could make a start this weekend in his native San Diego, manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday. Strasburg threw five innings of one-run ball in a rehab outing Monday for Class A Potomac. ... Angels hitting coach Dave Hansen is not with the team for the two-game series. He is in California due to health reasons, according to the team. ... Nationals RHP Tanner Roark (9-7, 4.74 ERA) will face Angels RHP Ricky Nolasco (5-12, 5.24) on Wednesday. ... The Nationals called up C Pedro Severino from Triple-A Syracuse and sent RHP A.J. Cole to Syracuse.