Brewers keep edge
The Milwaukee Brewers keep finding ways to stay atop the National League Central.
Milwaukee has been alone or tied for first since April 5, but it’s been a high-wire act atop the division, especially since July 1.
The latest brush with second came Sunday, when Milwaukee entered the day with a half-game lead over St. Louis and went home that night with a 1 1/2-game cushion following another nice outing by fill-in starter Mike Fiers and a Cardinals’ loss to Philadelphia.
Call it a coincidence, Scooter Gennett said. For the second baseman, it’s more about Milwaukee proving to be a good team over the long haul.
“I think it’s just a coincidence. It’s just, you know, playing hard,” Gennett said after getting two hits in Sunday’s 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh to snap a three-game slide. “Sometimes you lose them, sometimes you win them, and I think we’re winning them at the right times.”
Milwaukee began its second California road trip in two weeks on Monday with the start of a three-game series in San Diego.
The Pirates have showed resilience of late, too, following up a seven-game losing streak by taking three of their last four, including two of three from the Brewers on the road.
After falling seven back, Pittsburgh’s deficit was back to five going into an important three-game series with St. Louis starting today.
“We’re right where we need to be,” said Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Clearing the bases
Right-hander Tim Lincecum has been moved to the Giants’ bullpen as he tries to work through his latest struggles. Yusmeiro Petit will replace him in the rotation. … Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and right-hander Michael Wacha will report to Double-A Springfield this week to continue their rehabilitation from injuries. … Rangers left fielder Shin-Soo Choo will have surgery to remove a bone spur from his left elbow and won’t play again this season. … The Red Sox placed shortstop Xander Bogaerts on the seven-day concussion disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, and selected the contract of infielder Carlos Rivero from Triple-A. … The Pirates sent struggling rookie outfielder Gregory Polanco to Triple-A and recalled outfielder Jose Tabata. … The White Sox have optioned outfielder Jordan Danks to Triple-A.