Todd Frazier changed things up a bit during the Reds’ weekend series against the Nationals, in which Cincinnati dropped two of three games. But the tweak wasn’t to his batting stance; it was to his walkup music.

Todd Frazier changed things up a bit during the Reds’ weekend series against the Nationals, in which Cincinnati dropped two of three games. But the tweak wasn’t to his batting stance; it was to his walkup music.

Ervin Santana tied a career high with 11 K’s over eight shutout frames and Evan Gattis provided the offense as the Braves downed the Padres, 2-0, on Monday at Turner Field.

Ervin Santana tied a career high with 11 K’s over eight shutout frames and Evan Gattis provided the offense as the Braves downed the Padres, 2-0, on Monday at Turner Field.

Twenty of baseball’s 30 teams began Monday within 5 1/2 games of a playoff berth. Sixteen teams were within 3 1/2 games. So there’s opportunities out there as Thursday’s Trade Deadline approaches.

Twenty of baseball’s 30 teams began Monday within 5 1/2 games of a playoff berth. Sixteen teams were within 3 1/2 games. So there’s opportunities out there as Thursday’s Trade Deadline approaches.

The Dodgers acquired middle infielder Darwin Barney and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs on Monday for a player to be named or cash.

The Dodgers acquired middle infielder Darwin Barney and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs on Monday for a player to be named or cash.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday that Angel Pagan’s condition has improved and he’s close to beginning a rehab assignment.

Baltimore ended a tremendous three-city trip on the West Coast with Sunday’s 3-2, 10-inning win over the Mariners at Safeco Field, the latest example of a thriving starting staff backed by solid defense and just enough from the bats.

For almost all of us, it starts the same way. Mom or dad give us a bat and a ball, maybe even a glove. They send us out to play and they keep an eye on us to see what happens. You never ever know. That’s the best thing about baseball, whether the players are the best in the world or the kids on your block.

After getting shut out Saturday afternoon, the Nationals turned the tables Sunday. Right-hander Doug Fister was outstanding for seven innings as Washington defeated the Reds, 4-2, at Great American Ball Park.

Adam Wainwright bounced back from a shaky outing and led the Cardinals to a 1-0 win over the Cubs Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Danny Salazar overcome a slow start, while Carlos Santana belted his fourth and fifth homers of the series to help the Indians earn a 10-3 win over the Royals on Sunday.

The big day finally arrived on Sunday for a memorable Hall of Fame Class of 2014 — 300-game winners Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, slugger Frank Thomas and managers Joe Torre, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa. The Big Six were inducted during the annual ceremony held on a stage behind the Clark Sports Center before a crowd of approximately 48,000.

David Ortiz knows there are bound to be many trade rumors in the coming days, with the Red Sox in the rare position of perhaps being a seller leading into Thursday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline. But he cringes when he hears his longtime teammate Jon Lester mentioned in trade talks.

Frank Thomas did promise during Saturday’s interview session that his Hall of Fame induction speech was all about thanks. But why did the “Big Hurt” feel the need to point out so many on Sunday in Cooperstown? The idea that no man is an island emerges as the most precise answer.