The National League wild-card race is tightening and the Pittsburgh Pirates are still hanging around.

DENVER -- Even with a starting staff that has been first rate since the start of July, the Colorado Rockies have more room on the rotation bandwagon to get even better.

As soon as the Cincinnati Reds picked up Matt Harvey from the New York Mets, there was speculation they got him mostly so they could get rid of him later.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Pitchers who have survived recent demotions will go head-to-head Friday night when the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants continue a four-game series.

DENVER - First place in the National League West has been changing hands in recent days and placement in the standings might only get more volatile when the Los Angeles Dodgers meet the Colorado Rockies for four games in the Mile High City.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Two teams that haven't taken advantage of a stretch of games against fellow National League playoff contenders square off in an important four-game series when the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants duel Thursday night.

DENVER -- Chad Bettis will return to the Colorado Rockies' rotation and make his first start for them since July 1 on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Rays will have their work cut out for them in a three-game series that starts Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.

After averting complete disaster Sunday on a very disappointing road trip, the Colorado Rockies begin a seven-game homestand against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Chicago Cubs and manager Joe Maddon continue to preach the importance of starting pitching as they head into a series against the Kansas City Royals.

MIAMI -- Marcell Ozuna is coming home, but it remains to be seen whether his return will be a triumphant one to Marlins Park.

LOS ANGELES -- The Houston Astros' feel-good return to Dodger Stadium will take a slightly different turn Sunday when reliever Roberto Osuna is activated.

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have managed to do just enough in the past two days against San Diego to put themselves in position to walk away with a series victory when they host the Padres on Sunday.

Chris Archer had six strikeouts, but allowed five runs in his debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals.

NEW YORK -- How well can a human being pitch while getting little to no support from his team? If the last three months are any indication, Jacob deGrom is going to find out again Friday night.