AROUND THE HORN
Mets: RF Jay Bruce homered for the third straight game and drove in three runs as the Mets moved closer to securing a wildcard berth with a 5-1 win over the Phillies. The defending NL champions reduced their magic number to one. RHP Robert Gsellman (4-2) scattered seven hits and struck out seven.
Reds: The Reds announced manager Bryan Price will return next season. Price and the Reds agreed to a one-year contract with a team option.
Yankees: Alex Rodriguez arrived at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa to work with prospects taking part in the instructional league. The 41-year-old, who played his final game with the Yankees on Aug. 12, signed a contract to work with minor leaguers in the Yankees farm system through 2017. “We owe the game,” Rodriguez said. “In many ways it’s our responsibility and privilege to pay it forward.”
Nationals: Bryce Harper is ready to return after the outfielder sat out the previous four days with a left thumb injury. Harper was given additional time to heal after jamming his thumb on a slide Sunday against the Pirates. “If a guy tells me he’s ready, if I have a luxury, I like to give them one more day off,” manager Dusty Baker said. “I just noticed that a lot of guys say they’re ready, and you bring them back and they’re really not ready. I would prefer that you be champing at the bit to get back (instead) of a person to just say that you’re ready.”
Tigers: The Tigers’ makeup game against the Indians will be played Monday if the contest is deemed necessary. The game, which was postponed Thursday, will only take place if it has any impact on the wild-card race or playoff seeding.
Cubs: Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer and scouting and player development director Jason McLeod agreed to contract extensions through the 2021 season, mirroring president of baseball operations Theo Epstein’s deal two days earlier.