A look at what’s happening around the majors today:BUBBLY ON ICEFor the third night in a row http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-dj-lemahieu-jersey , the Red Sox attempt to clinch the AL East championship at Yankee Stadium. Boston entered the three-game set needing one victory over rival New York to secure its third consecutive division crown. But the Yankees have put the party on hold with two wins, including a 10-1 rout Wednesday night. Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 3.53 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Red Sox against Masahiro Tanaka (12-5, 3.47), who has a 2.09 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break. Rodriguez has allowed one run or fewer in five of his past six starts. New York has 245 home runs this season, matching the franchise record set in 2012.NOW OR NEVERTrailing the first-place Braves by 5½ games in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies begin a four-game series at Atlanta. In fact, seven of Philadelphia’s final 11 games are against the Braves, so the Phillies still feel they have a realistic chance to catch up. “We’re in a pretty unique, exciting position that doesn’t happen that often,” slugger Rhys Hoskins said. “It’s going to be a fun Gerardo Parra Jersey , really, really competitive, really, really intense series.” Vince Velasquez (9-11, 4.26 ERA) pitches the opener for Philadelphia against Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.92), who is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four starts at SunTrust Park. Velasquez is 1-3 with a 7.52 ERA in his past seven starts. Atlanta’s magic number is six over the Phillies to clinch its first division title since 2013.FOR THE PRIZESeeking his third straight NL Cy Young Award, Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.53 ERA) is on the mound when the Washington Nationals host the Mets. That means his main competition, New York ace Jacob deGrom, will be watching from the opposing dugout.ON A ROLLTime is running out for the late-surging Rays http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-todd-helton-jersey , but they keep on winning. Tampa Bay goes for its sixth consecutive victory when the team opens its final road series of the season with the first of four games at Toronto. The surprising Rays (85-66) have won 14 of 17 in September and trail Oakland by 5½ games for the second AL wild card with 11 remaining. Tampa Bay’s record would be good for at least a share of first place in three of the six divisions, yet the Rays are third in the AL East behind the Red Sox and Yankees. Blue Jays starter Sam Gaviglio is 1-8 since July 20 and has lost both his games against Tampa Bay this season. Alex Rodriguez, a three-time American League MVP and 14-time MLB All-Star selection, said he's still hopeful for induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame despite being suspended for the entire 2014 season after violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.On Friday, TMZ Sports provided comments from A-Rod, who didn't shy away from the errors in judgment during his playing career."There's rules, and you have to follow the rules. I made those mistakes, and at the end of the day I have to live by those mistakes," he said. "Whether I get in or not鈥攁nd let's be clear, I want to get in, I hope I get in Nolan Arenado Jersey , I pray I get in鈥攊f I don't, I think I have a bigger opportunity yet again."Along with his 2014 suspension, Rodriguez told ESPN'sPeter Gammonsin 2009 he used a banned substance for a three-year period beginning in 2001."Back then, [baseball] was a different culture," he said. "It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive. And I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time. I did take a banned substance. And for that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful."Rodriguez posted a .295/.380/.550 triple-slash line with 696 home runs, the fourth-highest total in history; 2,086 RBI; 2,021 runs scored; and 329 stolen bases in 2,784 games across his 22-year career.Along with the All-Star appearances and MVPs, his resume also includes 10 Silver Slugger Awards Charlie Blackmon Jersey , two Gold Glove Awards and a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 2009.Those numbers and accolades would make him a surefire Hall of Fame choice if not for the history of PED use.His chances are questionable at best, though. Barry Bonds, MLB's all-time leader in homers,receivedjust 56.4 percent of votes during 2018 HOF balloting because ofallegationshe used steroids, though he was never suspended during his playing career.Rodriguez both received a suspension and admitted PED use, which will make it difficult for him to reach the 75 percent voting threshold once eligible. He understands the potential ramifications."The other message is, maybe I'm not a Hall of Fame player, but I get a chance to be a Hall of Fame dad, a Hall of Fame friend," he told TMZ Sports.Rodriguez's playing career ended in August 2016. He currently works as a baseball analyst for ESPN.
