AROUND THE HORN

Mariners: Dee Gordon homered in the 12th to break a scoreless tie and provide a 2-0 victory over the A’s, avoiding a three-game sweep. Jean Segura had four hits to help the Mariners close within 21⁄ games of the A’s for the second AL wild-card spot. Mike Leake pitched eight innings of two-hit ball. ... LHP James Paxton went on the DL with a bruised forearm a day after he was struck by a liner. Recently demoted Felix Hernandez will take Paxton’s turn in the rotation, and RHP Christian Bergman was recalled.

Brewers: RHP Jimmy Nelson is unlikely to return this season, manager Craig Counsell said. Nelson, who had shoulder surgery in September, has been working out but is running out of time. “Pitching for us, the timetable to get there just doesn’t seem likely,” Counsell said. ... OF Ryan Braun and C Manny Pina left an 8-4 loss to the Cubs. Braun had tightness in his rib cage, and Pina hurt his left shoulder in a collision on the base paths. Anthony Rizzo homered and had three RBIs as the Cubs restored their three-game NL Central edge.

Twins: Logan Forsythe had three RBIs and the bullpen tossed 51⁄ shutout innings in a 6-4 victory over the Pirates. The Twins are 16-4 in their last 20 home games. Josh Harrison had three hits for the Pirates, who have lost three straight.

Marlins: Part-owner Derek Jeter is instituting a program that will require English-speaking players and coaches to learn Spanish, just as Spanish-speaking players and coaches do with English. “Especially here in Miami, if you don’t speak Spanish, you don’t fit in,” Jeter said. “I think it’s important.” Jeter is said to be learning Spanish as well.

Astros: Minus MVP Jose Altuve, the AL West leaders had tied a season high with five straight losses and had dropped nine in a row at home going into Wednesday’s game against the Rockies. GM Jeff Luhnow said Altuve would play with knee discomfort after he returns. Altuve has been out since July 25.