The Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs will see a lot of each other in the near future, as they play seven games over two weeks. In their first meeting, the Nationals struck first, edging the Cubs, 2-1, on Memorial Day at Wrigley Field.

Kris Bryant has settled into the Major Leagues after 36 games with the Chicago Cubs. Bryant spoke up for himself after home-plate umpire Ryan Blakney initially ruled that he struck out on a foul tip to begin the bottom of the ninth in the Cubs’ 2-1 loss to the Nationals on Monday afternoon

The Yankees snapped their six-game losing streak in grand fashion on Monday, cruising to a 14-1 victory over the Royals in the series opener at Yankee Stadium. New York hit three homers during a decisive eight-run first inning.

Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista missed his second consecutive game on Monday night as he continues to recover from a cortisone shot in his injured right shoulder.

Ryan Braun’s fifth-inning home run vs. the Giants sailed clear out of Miller Park on Monday, conjuring memories of Russell Branyan against Greg Maddux and Sammy Sosa in the All-Stat Home Run Derby more than a decade ago.

Shortly after defeating the Red Sox on Monday, starter Ricky Nolasco was in the Twins’ clubhouse dancing for his teammates. And while Nolasco’s dancing skills admittedly might not be up to par, the righty had plenty of success on the mound, giving up just two runs in 7 2/3 innings and securing his 100th career victory in Minnesota’s 7-2 win.

Caleb Joseph and Steve Pearce each hit two-run home runs to send Astros ace Dallas Keuchel to his first loss since last August in the Orioles’ 4-3 win in the series opener on Monday afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant grew up in Las Vegas and traveled in many of the same baseball circles as young players. But personality-wise, the two Major League rising stars almost appear as if they’re from different planets. Bryant is mostly quiet and reserved, while Harper is not.

Major League Baseball observed Memorial Day Monday, with clubs finding unique ways to honor those lost while serving in the armed services and recognizing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. MLB has participated in the tribute since 1997.

The A’s are prepared to reinstate left-hander Sean Doolittle from the disabled list Tuesday, marking the long-awaited return of their All-Star closer.

The next step in David Wright’s rehab process is a week of rest and therapy, which he will complete with back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins at his facility in California.

Andre Ethier beat Matt Kemp to the big time by 26 days in May 2006, and they played side by side in the Dodgers’ outfield for nine seasons. Finally parting company over the winter, they came into 2015 with dramatically different expectations, both personally and in the public perception.

The trade market is the fastest way to improve your roster and weaken the competition at the same time. Smart owners should immediately send offers for the five players listed below, and then watch their teams soar up the standings.

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

Catcher prospect Tommy Joseph remains “sidelined indefinitely,” and will be doing vestibular rehabbing for a recent concussion, per the Phillies.

Red Sox starter Justin Masterson continues making progress while recovering from the right shoulder tendinitis that sent him to the 15-day disabled list on May 13.

Without rushing anything, the Marlins do have some urgency in regards to their rotation. Three starters are on the disabled list, and there is optimism at least two of them can be back shortly after their 15-day stints are up.