Betts helps Bosox clinch AL East title
Mookie Betts went 4-for-5 with a three-run home run, two doubles and five RBI, and the visiting Red Sox wrapped up the American League East crown with an 11-6 victory Thursday against the rival Yankees.
The Red Sox have the best record in the majors at 104-49 and reduced their magic number for clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs to two.
The Yankees got a grand slam from Giancarlo Stanton and a two-run homer from Luke Voit, who gave the team a major-league record 12 players with at least 10 round-trippers this season.
Angel makes history in big loss
Angels catcher Francisco Arcia began the day behind the plate, did a brief stint on the mound and ended up in the major-league record books.
Arcia pitched two innings of relief and hit his sixth homer in the Angels’ 21-3 loss to the Athletics. In doing so, Arcia became the first player to catch, pitch and homer in the same game in the modern era (since 1900), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Mattingly likely to be back
Marlins CEO Derek Jeter signaled that Don Mattingly likely will return as manager next season, providing continuity for a team in transition. When asked about Mattingly returning in 2019, Jeter said: ‘‘He’s under contract.’’
Mattingly has one season left on a four-year contract he signed before the 2016 season. The Marlins are 59-92 this season, giving him a three-year record of 215-259.
Pirates’ Kuhl has Tommy John
Pirates right-hander Chad Kuhl had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and will miss the entire 2019 season. Kuhl was 5-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 16 starts this season before going on the disabled list with soreness in his right forearm June 26.
Mets’ Flores, 27, has arthritis
Mets infielder Wilmer Flores will miss the rest of the season because of soreness in both knees. Manager Mickey Callaway said Flores, 27, has early-onset arthritis and will receive injections to alleviate the pain.
Dodgers add big-name owner
Tennis legend Billie Jean King and partner Ilana Kloss have joined the Dodgers’ ownership group. King grew up a Dodgers fan in Southern California, and her brother, Randy Moffitt, pitched 12 seasons in the majors.