Phillies beat Mets to make playoffs, near coveted NL East title  —  NEW YORK — The only remnants of a clinched postseason appearance Friday night was the champagne on a table in the middle of the visiting clubhouse at Citi Field.  The customary debauchery was absent.  Goggles weren't worn because they weren't needed.

Sources: Nats demote All-Star CJ Abrams after all-nighter  —  The Washington Nationals demoted All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues after he stayed out all night at a Chicago-area casino, leaving only hours before a Friday day game against the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani has MLB's first 50-50 season after 3-homer day  —  MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani announced his presence as the lone member of the 50-50 club with authority.  —  Ohtani had a career-high six hits on Thursday - including three homer runs and two doubles - with 10 RBIs and two stolen bases.

Diamondbacks run win streak to four by blasting Brewers again  —  (This story was updated to add new information.)  —  MILWAUKEE - It was not so long ago that the worst-case scenario seemed possible.  The Diamondbacks were struggling.  Rival clubs were surging.

Two Stars Signed With San Francisco Long Term.  Now They Have to Rebuild It.  —  BALTIMORE — Logan Webb was a teenage pitching prospect, just a couple months removed from his high school graduation, when he received his unofficial welcome to professional baseball.  —  It was not a gracious welcome.

A bow at Busch Stadium?  Matt Carpenter ‘open’ to playing in 2025, enjoys role: Cardinals Extra  —  On the day he officially retired as a Cardinal, Matt Adams describes the emotions of returning to Busch, his most famous homer, and his next act in baseball.  He wants to manage in the majors.

Rangers' Corey Seager expects to be ready for spring training  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager expects to be ready for the start of spring training with the Texas Rangers after the shortstop's second hernia surgery in less than eight months.

Kyle Hendricks ‘absolutely’ intends to pitch in 2025, even if it isn't for the Cubs  —  CHICAGO - Kyle Hendricks “100 percent” intends to play next year, the Chicago Cubs pitcher told The Athletic, confirming he plans to explore his options as a free agent for the first time.

Tina Charles' record night lifts Atlanta Dream into postseason with 78-67 win over New York Liberty  —  Tina Charles and her Atlanta Dream teammates packed for an extended trip to New York.  They got their wish by reaching the postseason with a 78-67 win over the Liberty on Thursday night to earn the eighth seed.

What I'm hearing about how the Warriors are filling out their roster amid financial constraints  —  As has become September tradition, the Golden State Warriors' practice facility is currently filled with high-energy scrimmages on a regular basis, mixing roster guys with younger players …

First-place Galaxy falls in Portland  —  Gabriel Pec scores in fist-half stoppage time and Joseph Paintsil adds a goal in the 59th minute, but Evander scores twice for Portland as the host Timbers earn a 4-2 win  —  PORTLAND, Ore. — The Galaxy sits atop the Western Conference standings …

Surprising Padres Pitcher Has Been the 2nd-Best in MLB Since May 1  —  He has helped keep the Padres' rotation afloat through rocky periods.  —  The San Diego Padres' blockbuster trade for Juan Soto has loomed over the franchise since the four-time All-Star flamed out and the team fell short of their heavy expectations in 2023.

Top Red Sox reliever: ‘I think next year will be my last year’  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Red Sox righty Chris Martin said last July that he plans to pitch for as long as a team wants him.  —  “I'm going to play for as long as they let me — as long as I can still do it,” Martin said.