Jason Groome, who was a high school senior just a few months ago and is now ranked the Red Sox’s No. 4 prospect, was a bit awestruck by his surroundings on Friday.

The Phillies’ rebuild might have sustained a setback in August when they placed Aaron Nola on the disabled list with a season-ending right elbow injury. The team hopes Nola will be ready by Spring Training, but nobody knows for certain.

Mallex Smith returned to Turner Field wearing that same smile he had when his rookie season was rudely interrupted in June by a pitch that fractured his left thumb. Having spent the past couple of weeks getting back in the swing of things with Double-A Mississippi, the always upbeat outfielder is ready to take advantage of any playing time he gets over the remainder of the season at the big league level.

Nick Franklin’s status remains day to day after the Rays’ utility man suffered a left hamstring strain on Thursday. To compensate for the unknown regarding when Franklin will again be available, the Rays selected outfielder Jaff Decker from Triple-A Durham before Friday’s opener vs. the Orioles.

Darren O’Day’s simulated game at Camden Yards on Friday afternoon went well, and barring any setbacks, the Orioles will activate the right-hander on Sunday or Monday, manager Buck Showalter said.

The Reds placed center fielder Billy Hamilton and left-handed pitcher Cody Reed on the 15-day disabled list Friday. Both moves were retroactive to Sept. 5.

On Friday, Indians manager Terry Francona announced that catcher Yan Gomes sustained a non-displaced fracture in his right wrist after being hit by a pitch in his final Minor League rehab game on Wednesday. Gomes, who has dealt with a series of setbacks throughout this season, was previously scheduled to come off the disabled list ahead of Friday’s game against the Tigers.

It’s been a decade since no-hitters were this sparse.

The Rays placed first baseman Logan Morrison on the 60-day disabled list and selected outfielder Jaff Decker on Friday. Morrison, who has a torn left wrist sheath, will undergo surgery.

The Cubs lost to the Brewers on Thursday night, but the Giants’ 6-2 win over the Cardinals helped Chicago secure the division for the first time since 2008. Manager Joe Maddon and his club celebrated individually when they heard the late news.

Entering a game Friday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Brewers had 161 steals, and Keon Broxton stole a bag in the first inning. Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said the club uses the threat of the stolen base to win ballgames.

Tampa Bay Rays vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is among the candidates to take over the Minnesota Twins’ leadership position, sources told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal on Friday. Neither club has confirmed the report.

Ryne Sandberg said this Cubs season has been unlike any other, and it’s not just because the team clinched the National League Central earlier than ever before. He credited the young players for the good vibe at Wrigley Field.

It was a special night in Kansas City for one mother and son.

You can even show off your defensive skills in the dugout.

Rangers bench coach Steve Buechele knows a little something about big-time college football. After all, he roomed with future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway at Stanford. It’s not a stretch, however, to suggest that Buechele’s greatest gridiron-relayed thrill occurred on Sept. 4, when his son Shane, a true freshman, started at quarterback for Texas and helped the Longhorns upset Notre Dame.

Good things come to those who wait 59 years.