The Latest Breaking News from Max Muncy

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are averaging 6.9 runs per game during their nine-game win streak, batting .307 with an .865 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, 11 homers, 31 doubles and two triples since July 31.

Walker Buehler, the Dodgers’ top starting pitcher, is slowly working his way back from mid-June surgery to remove bone spurs in his elbow. Another lower-back injury sent Clayton Kershaw, the three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, to the injured list last week for the second time this season.

Seiya Suzuki’s inside-the-park home run, Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega’s double steal, and Christopher Morel’s push bunt highlight different elements of the Cubs’ plan of attack.

CINCINNATI — The Queen City is not known for its hot springs, mineral baths or restorative cures – unless you have deep, unfounded faith in the healing powers of Skyline chili. But a three-day visit was very therapeutic for the Dodgers’ hitters.

CINCINNATI — As Freddie Freeman hit just four home runs in his first 260 plate appearances this season, he would tell you it didn’t worry him — and then recite the exit velocities and launch angles of the fly balls he felt deserved a better fate.

NEW YORK — Tough times last week for two of baseball’s most enduring managers. At 68 years old and 56 games into the final year on his contract, Joe Maddon was fired as manager of the Angels in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. A couple of days later…

Chicago has lost nine of its last 14 games and sits third in the AL Central with a 27–30 record.

La Russa doubled down on his ill-fated decision to walk Trea Turner on Thursday. The Sox scored five in the eighth to top the Rangers.

After intentionally walking Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner on a two-strike count on Thursday, the White Sox manager doubled down on his decision.