The Angels plated four runs in the first and Dan Haren took it from there, working six-plus innings to defeat the White Sox and trim the Halos’ Wild Card deficit to 2 1/2 games.

The Angels plated four runs in the first and Dan Haren took it from there, working six-plus innings to defeat the White Sox and trim the Halos’ Wild Card deficit to 2 1/2 games.

Yunel Escobar made his return to the Blue Jays
starting lineup on Saturday night following a four-game absence.

Yunel Escobar made his return to the Blue Jays
starting lineup on Saturday night following a four-game absence.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has ramped up his rehab work in hopes of reaching a comfort level that could get him back on the field before the season ends.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has ramped up his rehab work in hopes of reaching a comfort level that could get him back on the field before the season ends.

Jimmy Van Ostrand blasted two of Canada’s five home runs and drove in five runs in a 16-7 rout of Germany on Saturday to reach the final of the World Baseball Classic qualifier.

Jimmy Van Ostrand blasted two of Canada’s five home runs and drove in five runs in a 16-7 rout of Germany on Saturday to reach the final of the World Baseball Classic qualifier.

Jim Leyland may someday look back and see this as the toughest season he has ever had. Nothing, absolutely nothing, has come easy to these Tigers. But they still can win it all.

Jim Leyland may someday look back and see this as the toughest season he has ever had. Nothing, absolutely nothing, has come easy to these Tigers. But they still can win it all.

The remaining games will determine whether the Angels make the playoffs or fall short of expectations, but they will not determine whether Mike Scioscia returns as the Angels’ manager in 2013, owner Arte Moreno said Saturday.

Dallas Keuchel picked up his second win a row, holding the Pirates to one run on four hits in seven strong innings. Jason Castro broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give Houston a 4-1 victory.

Dallas Keuchel picked up his second win a row, holding the Pirates to one run on four hits in seven strong innings. Jason Castro broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give Houston a 4-1 victory.

The Rays used four home runs to pace an 11-5 thrashing of the Blue Jays in the second game of a three-game weekend set between the clubs. With its 82nd win on the year, Tampa Bay ensured itself a winning season for the fifth straight year.

The Rays used four home runs to pace an 11-5 thrashing of the Blue Jays in the second game of a three-game weekend set between the clubs. With its 82nd win on the year, Tampa Bay ensured itself a winning season for the fifth straight year.

Miguel Cabrera’s quest for history became a lot more than a lofty thought as he belted his 42nd home run on Saturday to tie for the AL homer lead and put him atop all three Triple Crown categories.

Right-hander Doug Fister rounded back into form with a seven-hitter on Saturday afternoon — his first career shutout — as the Tigers rolled to an 8-0 win over the Twins at Comerica Park.