SAN DIEGO -- Four weeks ago, it appeared this would be the weekend that the Arizona Diamondbacks would be locking up a playoff berth -- and possibly the National League West title -- at Petco Park in San Diego.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants get an opportunity to play spoiler against the team they'd most enjoy spoiling -- the Los Angeles Dodgers -- when the longtime rivals close out the regular season with a three-game series that begins Friday night.

When Cole Hamels joined the Chicago Cubs earlier this season, the veteran starter didn't expect he would take on such a vital role.

Hyun-Jin Ryu has experienced more success against the San Diego Padres than any other major league team, and the Los Angeles Dodgers hope the left-hander continues that trend Sunday in the series finale at Dodger Stadium.

CHICAGO -- For the first time in a month, the Chicago Cubs will play after an off-day as they head into the stretch run of what they hope leads to their third straight National League Central Division title.

HOUSTON -- The Astros on Saturday added outfielder Myles Straw to the big-league roster with one primary objective: to utilize his exceptional speed on the basepaths as a pinch-runner.

Trade deadline additions, coupled with the sudden emergence of rookie right-hander Josh James, have provided Astros manager A.J. Hinch with options.

Trevor Story set a franchise record for home runs by a shortstop in the Colorado Rockies' 10-3 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

HOUSTON -- Even at this advanced stage of the season, with the Astros having long ago cemented their reputation as a dominant road team, their success away from Minute Maid Park remains stunning.

The Seattle Mariners seem to have run out of time in their quest to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

DENVER -- Left-hander Kyle Freeland, the most consistent Colorado starter, will take the mound Thursday as the Rockies attempt to win their four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

DENVER -- Zack Greinke, who relies more on guile these days but is still very effective, will start Tuesday for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Colorado Rockies.

The Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks, both coming off series losses, begin a key four-game series Monday in the tight National League West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series against the last-place Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Monday night.

Two young starters who have assumed prominent roles in their rotations will face each other Saturday when the Colorado Rockies play the Los Angeles Dodgers.