Red Sox can clinch as Papi begins Bronx goodbye
It's a big night in the Bronx for David Ortiz and the streaking Red Sox. Boston can clinch the AL East title with a win or a Toronto loss as Big Papi begins his final three-game series at Yankee Stadium.
The 40-year-old slugger, set to retire after this season, has said he'd like to be cheered by New York fans as part of his farewell. Meanwhile, left-hander David Price (17-8) goes for his ninth consecutive victory as Boston seeks its 12th straight overall.
A look at what's happening all around the majors Tuesday:
LIMPING TOWARD OCTOBER
The playoff-bound Indians and Nationals nervously await word on injured players critical to their postseason aspirations. Cleveland ace Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA) left his start Monday night after four innings because of right groin tightness, yet the Indians beat Detroit to clinch their first AL Central crown in nine years. The Cy Young Award contender has won 10 of his last 11 decisions for a team already dealing with injuries to pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar.
Meanwhile, Washington catcher Wilson Ramos will have an MRI on his right knee after being helped off the field by trainers Monday night. He clutched at his knee after landing awkwardly on it - he tore the ACL and medial collateral ligament in that knee in 2012. Ramos is batting .307 with 22 homers and 80 RBIs for the NL East champs.
KIDS IN A BIG SPOT
The Blue Jays and Orioles begin a pivotal three-game series in Toronto that could bring some clarity to the AL wild-card race. Both teams will turn to young, emerging pitchers in Game 1. Baltimore right-hander Kevin Gausman (8-11, 3.57 ERA) is 6-3 with a 2.57 ERA since Aug. 1. Toronto's Aaron Sanchez (13-2, 3.12) has a 4.54 ERA in seven starts since Aug. 1, though he most recently threw six innings of one-run ball against Seattle.
STILL IN IT
Felix Hernandez (11-6) pitches for the Mariners at Houston in a matchup of AL West teams still clinging to wild-card hopes. Both clubs are chasing Baltimore for the league's final playoff berth. Mike Fiers (11-8) gets the ball for the Astros.