LEADING OFF: NL Central getting tight, Tulo out for Jays

A look at what’s happening around the major leagues today:

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SEPTEMBER STRUGGLES

The Cardinals will try to avoid their first four-game sweep by Cincinnati since 2003. The NL Central leaders have the best record in the majors but have dropped three straight to the last-place Reds and eight of 10 overall. St. Louis right-hander Michael Wacha (15-5, 2.96 ERA) faces Raisel Iglesias (3-7, 4.18).

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The Pirates look to cut into St. Louis’ lead some more as they wrap up a four-game series with the Brewers. Pittsburgh has won 12 of the last 13 games started by Francisco Liriano (10-7, 3.28 ERA). Milwaukee’s Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 2.87) is coming off his worst start this season in a 6-4 loss to Miami.

CRACK IN THE ARMOR

The Blue Jays will be without Troy Tulowitzki for their series finale against the Yankees and beyond. The star shortstop cracked his left shoulder blade in the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader during a collision with center fielder Kevin Pillar. Toronto said Tulowitzki will be monitored for the next week as the team determines a timetable for his return. R.A. Dickey (10-10, 4.01 ERA) pitches for the Blue Jays against Masahiro Tanaka (11-6, 3.57).

ACE OFF

Johnny Cueto looks to snap his four-game losing streak when the Royals visit the Orioles in prime time. Acquired from Cincinnati in July to anchor Kansas City’s rotation, Cueto has struggled, allowing at least four earned runs in four straight starts. Baltimore sends out Wei-Yin Chen (8-7, 3.48) against a Royals lineup that scored 14 runs Saturday, including a club-record nine RBIs by Mike Moustakas.

POWERFUL PAPI

A day after David Ortiz hit his 500th home run, the Red Sox wrap up a three-game series at Tampa Bay. Ortiz connected twice Saturday, becoming the 27th player to reach the milestone. It was the 50th multihomer game of his career, giving him 34 homers on the season and eight in 14 games. Red Sox lefty Rich Hill makes his first big league start in six years, while the Rays counter with Drew Smyly (2-2, 3.59).

WELCOME BACK, PAX

Mariners lefty James Paxton (3-3, 3.70) pitches for the first time since being placed on the DL in May with a strained tendon in the middle finger on his pitching hand. Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon said Paxton is 100 percent and will pitch without restrictions. Kyle Kendrick (5-12, 6.25) goes for the Rockies.

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