Epstein, Cubs join together for belated celebration

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein had made a deal with his staff that the day after they clinched the National League Central: they would watch a game from the bleachers at Wrigley Field. And that’s what the club’s architect did in Chicago’s 5-4 walk-off win Friday before joining the Cubs to celebrate the NL Central title.

Braves’ Ramirez suspended, fined for pitch

As soon as Braves reliever Jose Ramirez threw a pitch over Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez’s head on Wednesday night at Turner Field, the only question was how significantly he would be punished. The answer was provided on Friday afternoon, when Major League Baseball suspended Ramirez for three games and issued an undisclosed fine.

Lagares rejoins Mets; Duda back on Saturday

The Mets are growing healthier en masse. By the end of the weekend, they will have three new players on their roster, including two they once feared lost for the season. In addition to Sunday’s starter, Jacob deGrom, the Mets welcomed back outfielder Juan Lagares on Friday, and expect to do the same for Lucas Duda on Saturday.

deGrom returning to Mets’ rotation Sunday

For more than a week, Jacob deGrom played catch and threw off mounds in Atlanta, Washington and New York, without specific expectations as to when he might return. That changed Friday, when the Mets announced that deGrom, who has not pitched since Sept. 1 due to right forearm inflammation, will return to the rotation Sunday against the Twins.