It seemed as if Michael Pineda and the Yankees were in for a long day on Monday after Pineda allowed four runs to the Orioles in the second inning of the series opener. But the Yanks’ offense chipped away to rally behind Pineda and New York ultimately pulled out an 8-6 win. Greg Bird’s three-run shot in the seventh broke open a tie and ended up being the difference-maker for the Yanks, who pulled to within a half-game of the Blue Jays in the American League East.

If not for an exceptional defensive play by 21-year-old shortstop Ketel Marte, the Mariners’ hopes of staying in Monday’s game might have ended with a hard hit ball toward short by Elvis Andrus.

The battle for the National League East title began in earnest on Monday afternoon at Nationals Park. The Mets increased the division lead to five games in an 8-5 victory over the Nats.

The Yankees announced on Monday that starter Nathan Eovaldi has right elbow inflammation and will be shut down for two weeks. Eovaldi was evaluated by head team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad and underwent an MRI at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, which revealed the inflammation.

Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado left the Rockies’ 6-4 win over the Padres in the eighth inning with a chest contusion and was awaiting X-ray results, a team spokesman said.

David Wright slid home, past Wilson Ramos’ tag, carrying a critical run in the Mets’ 8-5 win over the Nationals on Monday. Wright scrambled to his feet and, as a dugout full of his teammates looked on, one of the most even-keeled stars of this generation unleashed a powerful whoop and a fist pump.

It used to be that Dexter Fowler and Cubs manager Joe Maddon would exchange a playful message before each game. Now, the two do so before each one of the center fielder’s at-bats.

A duo of young Yankees paved the way on Monday. Of the Yanks’ eight runs, 22-year-old Greg Bird and 24-year-old John Ryan Murphy drove in five of them.

Coming into Fenway Park as one of the league’s hottest teams, the Blue Jays were quieted in Monday afternoon’s 11-4 Labor Day loss to the Red Sox and lost ground atop the American League East. Toronto’s division lead fell to a half-game with the Yankees picking up a victory over the Orioles.

Phil Hughes threw a 45-pitch bullpen session without any issues at Target Field on Sunday and is scheduled to join the Twins in Kansas City on Wednesday to throw a simulated game.

Phil Gosselin crushed a three-run homer and A.J. Pollock also homered to propel the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-1 triumph Monday over the San Francisco Giants. D-backs starter Patrick Corbin (5-3) worked six scoreless innings, allowing six hits.

Southpaw specialist Ryan Raburn homered twice off White Sox ace Chris Sale on Monday afternoon, carrying the Indians to a 3-2 victory in Chicago.

On the heels of losing for the fourth time in five games — during which the Cardinals have been outscored 30-11 — Mike Matheny chose to display minimal reaction. Not one to celebrate exuberantly when things go well, the Cardinals manager also doesn’t show signs of panic when things spiral in the other direction.

What started as a glorious day for baseball turned into something more specific: A glorious day for the Chicago Cubs. Any time the Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals play meaningful games in September is a special time. This rivalry, like any rivalry, is at its best when both teams are genuine contenders. The Cubs haven’t been contenders for the last five seasons. But they certainly are now.

Although Monday’s pitching line might not have shown it, Blue Jays veteran Mark Buehrle took some positive elements away from his performance in an 11-4 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

An extra three days of rest did Lance Lynn no good, as the Cubs jumped on the starter for six quick runs en route to opening a key three-game series at Busch Stadium with a 9-0 pummeling of the Cardinals in a Labor Day matinee.

Led by 7 1/3 strong innings from right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and aided by four Pirates errors, the Reds defeated the Bucs, 3-1, on Monday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.