Jason Hammel will start Friday’s important game against the Rays, but with Bud Norris battling right elbow soreness and Miguel Gonzalez due to miss one start with a right groin strain, manager Buck Showalter predicted there could be an unfamiliar name starting for the O’s on Saturday.

On an emotional Tuesday in D.C., Denard Span — who pushed his hit streak to 27 in the opener — hit a grounder that went for a game-winning error in the ninth in the Nationals’ 6-5 win over the Braves.

It’s likely no other club in the Majors has leaned as heavily on rookie pitchers as the Cardinals. And it’s brought them plenty of success. St. Louis rookie pitchers have combined for 34 wins this year, best in the Majors and the club’s most since 1952. Shelby Miller has led the way, going 14-9 with a 3.01 ERA in 29 starts.

Instructional league games begin on Tuesday and will be the next step for Nelson Cruz in his quest to be on the Rangers’ postseason roster. Cruz is currently serving his suspension at the Rangers’ facility in Surprise, Ariz., and is eligible to play in instructional league games.

Voting is under way as fans help decide the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet, as MLB commemorates the extraordinary legacy of No. 21 with its 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day on Tuesday and then ultimately announces a recipient during the 109th World Series.

After missing his most recent start with right forearm tightness, Stephen Strasburg said on Tuesday that his bullpen session went well, and added that he will start Thursday against the Marlins.

Every lineup, every day, as they are made public by the clubs.

No official decision has been made on whether the Nationals and Braves will play their scheduled game Monday night, after a shooting took place at the Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters, which is a few blocks away from Nationals Park.

Nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet were announced on Monday by Major League Baseball, in advance of Tuesday’s 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day and the start of fan voting to help determine the recipient of this prestigious honor.

As usual, there has been no drama to the Braves’ run this season. They make winning look easy. They are simply a smart, efficient baseball machine, a team that does everything well.

The top of our MLB.com Power Rankings remains unchanged after another thrilling week of September baseball. The MLB standings, though, saw a bit more of a shakeup.

Jonathan Mayo makes his picks for the 2013 All-Prospect team, the position player and pitching prospect of the year and more.

Jim Callis makes his picks for the 2013 All-Prospect Team, the position player and pitching prospect of the year and more.

In his first full season as a Major League starter, Matt Carpenter has learned a new position and taken on a new offensive role, doing both while posting one of the most impressive campaigns in recent Cardinals history.

This looks like it could very well be Clinch Week for a number of teams whose dominant seasons should be celebrated before October begins.

Hunter Pence’s eruption has pushed his numbers in September to include nine home runs, 25 RBIs and a .421/.493/.965/1.457 line.

For Wil Wheaton — actor, writer, Trekkie, hanging out at Dodger Stadium doesn’t come with any pretense or ulterior motives. It’s simply a way of life, dating back to birth. And for other members of his family, Dodger fandom goes back even further.