The AL East race could end this weekend  —  BOSTON — A harsh reality is beginning to set in for the New York Yankees: This might not be their year to win the American League East.  —  As they continue to trudge through a second half that so far has been defined by mediocrity …

Astros edge Dodgers in World Series rematch  —  LOS ANGELES — In a game dripping with World Series nostalgia, not everybody was willing to embrace the symbolism Friday after the Houston Astros earned a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Borucki shines as Blue Jays beat Mariners, 7-2  —  SEATTLE (AP) Ryan Borucki was tiring as he prepared to enter the eighth inning for the first time in his major league career.  Fortunately, the Blue Jays' rookie left-hander had the boisterous assistance of a crowd packed with Canadians vacationing a bit south of the border in Seattle.

Frazier's RBI single in 8th lifts Pirates past Cardinals 7-6  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) Chris Archer didn't make it past the fifth inning in his Pittsburgh Pirates' debut.  —  However, he still got a standing ovation when he was removed from the game.  And his team pulled out a win, too.

Laureano's first major league hit in debut lifts A's in 13  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Ramon Laureano reached his hands out to each side and knew he had his first major league hit at last, a big one at that to end the game.  —  Laureano somehow forced himself to relax with the game on the line …

Nine teams in 11 years?  Jesse Chavez's life as a baseball journeyman  —  ST. LOUIS — At least he didn't have to change his clocks this time.  —  Unlike the cross-country trips Jesse Chavez has twice had to endure during midseason trades, the reliever remained in the Central time zone …

Andrew Miller throws scoreless inning of relief for Cleveland Indians against Los Angeles Angels  —  Despite missing nearly two months because of a knee injury, reliever Andrew Miller threw a scoreless inning for the Cleveland Indians against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field Friday night.

Chicago Cubs realize there are no gimmes in series with San Diego Padres  —  CHICAGO — Considering all the Chicago Cubs are playing for as they enter the final two months of the regular season, manager Joe Maddon won't allow his team to look past anyone.  —  That message became abundantly clear …

Pat Gillick believes building Phillies' 2008 World Series winner was his ticket to Hall of Fame  —  Pat Gillick already had built two World Series-winning teams in Toronto and a 116-win club in Seattle.  Still, he felt like his legacy was not nearly complete.

Cards' Dexter Fowler fractures foot  —  A tough season for St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler got even worse Friday night.  —  Fowler left St. Louis' 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning with a left foot injury.  X-rays taken later showed a slight fracture …

A Pitchers' Duel Lifts the Braves Over the Mets  —  Ozzie Albies hit a tiebreaking double off Jacob deGrom, Anibal Sanchez pitched six effective innings, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Mets, 2-1, on Friday night at Citi Field for their fifth straight win.  —  Mixing an effective cutter …

Cincinnati Reds notes: Mahle sent to Triple-A, Schebler returned from rehab after struggling to throw  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rookie right-hander Tyler Mahle looked lost in his last four starts with the Reds.  —  The club decided to send him to Triple-A Louisville to find himself.