Quick trip around Major League Baseball – Chicago Tribune
American League
Central Division
White Sox: Had same record after 115 games (55-60) as in 2014 and 2015. #Progress
Indians: Prospect Francisco Mejia becomes first minor-leaguer since 1954 with 50-game hitting streak.
Royals: With 10 wins in 12 games entering weekend, champs finally showing a pulse.
Tigers: Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski returns to place where Tigers owner said he “didn’t win enough.”
Twins: Closer Brandon Kintzler tells himself, “This hitter is trying to steal food away from my son.”
East Division
Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson’s dust-up with John Gibbons doesn’t end in punch like Ted Lilly’s.
Orioles: Jonathan Schoop still the only player to play every inning played by his team.
Rays: Owner says major leagues’ lowest payroll “ain’t going up.” Neither is Rays’ attendance.
Red Sox: Big Papi closes in on 1,500 RBIs with Red Sox; trails Carl Yastrzemski (1,844), Ted Williams (1,839).
Yankees: Yanks hoping Baby Bombers Aaron Judge, Tyler Austin can replicate Rizzo-Bryant combo.
West Division
Angels: Mike Trout’s 6.9 WAR tops in majors, ahead of Bryant (6.3), Jose Altuve (6.3).
Astros: Altuve has 43-point lead in batting race. Rod Carew had 52-point win over Lyman Bostock in ’77.
Athletics: Miguel Tejada only A’s shortstop to hit more homers in a season than Marcus Semien’s 23.
Mariners: Nintendo America’s sale of M’s approved. Seattle still waiting for first World Series.
Rangers: Elvis Andrus concedes the obvious — he’d rather play under retractable roof than in Texas heat.
National League
Central Division
Cubs: If they maintain .642 winning percentage until the end, it would be Cubs’ highest since 1935.
Brewers: Swept at Wrigley, Brew Crew now 8-23 vs. Cubs over last two seasons.
Cardinals: On pace to finish with second-most home runs in franchise history, behind 235 in 2000.
Pirates: Ten wins in first 15 games of August leaves Bucs in wild-card contention, despite trading closer.
Reds: Joey Votto has 51 pizzas delivered to Ichiro’s locker. Funny guy.
East Division
Braves: White Sox flashback: Tyler Flowers activated while A.J. Pierzynski placed on disabled list.
Marlins: Like swallows returning to Capistrano, Giancarlo Stanton ends season on DL for third straight year.
Mets: Owners decide to release postseason ticket prices despite mounting evidence.
Nationals: Mouthy reliever Jonathan Papelbon granted release after becoming obsolete.
Phillies: Chase Utley gets several standing O’s in Philly while Ryan Howard forced to watch.
West Division
Diamondbacks: Daniel Hudson on emotions: “Everybody thinks we’re all cookie-cutter guys.”
Dodgers: Cool promotion: Beach towel depicting ticket to 1966 Beatles concert at Chavez Ravine.
Giants: Jeff Samardzija vs. Noah Syndergaard on Sunday night in Battle of Flowing Locks.
Padres: Labeled “miserable failures” three months ago, Padres finally making it official.
Rockies: Ex-Cub DJ LeMahieu hitting .483 in August entering weekend series against former team.