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All but two divisions have been decided, but that doesn’t erase the intrigue surrounding the final two days of baseball season.

The American League East is still up for grabs, as the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees battle it out for the crown.

The same goes for the AL West. The Texas Rangers hold a one-game lead over the Oakland Athletics, but the underdog A’s can clinch the crown with two wins over Texas, beginning Tuesday night.

As far as the National League goes, a tiny sliver of competition in the wild-card race leaves the door open, but things on that side of the league are mostly decided.

Only two nights of regular-season baseball action remain. Check back here for all of Tuesday night’s recaps as they come in.

*All times p.m., ET 

American League

Boston 3, NY Yankees 4 – F/12

The Yankees had two hits—including two from league leader Derek Jeter—to earn an extra-innings win over their heated rival.

With Baltimore’s win earlier in the night, this victory became even more important. Now, the two teams head into the regular season’s final day separated by one game.

Raul Ibanez’s game-winning single scored Francisco Cervelli to give New York the win and Derek Lowe the victory in relief.

Yankees: 94-67 (first in AL East)

Red Sox: 69-92 (out)

Baltimore 1, Tampa Bay 0 – F

Miguel Gonzalez pitched like the AL East was on the line for the Orioles, which is good, because it was.

Through 6.1 innings, the right-hander struck out seven. He was picked up by the Baltimore bullpen, with Jim Johnson eventually earning his 51st save of the season.

The Orioles’ lone run came in the fourth inning via a Chris Davis solo shot.

Orioles: 93-68 (second in AL East, first in AL wild card)

Rays: 89-72 (out)

Detroit 2, Kansas City 4 – F

Detroit lost the game, but good news Detroit fans: Miguel Cabrera still leads the Triple-Crown race. At least until Josh Hamilton finishes up tonight, he does.

Jeremy Guthrie earned the win for the Royals, but Cabrera did pick up one RBI in the losing effort.

The Tigers clinched the AL Central last night, giving any loss less meaning.

Tigers: 87-74 (clinched AL Central)

Royals: 72-89 (out)

Texas 1, Oakland 3 – F

Well, folks, it all comes down to this. One night, one game for the AL West title. Oakland’s win Tuesday night sets up a one-game showdown for all the marbles on Wednesday.

Travis Blackley earned the win for the As, allowing one run through six innings. He outdueled Matt Harrison  and was fueled by a Derek Norris single that scored two runs.

Jonny Gomes’ solo shot in the sixth inning was just gravy.

Tune in Wednesday; you don’t want to miss it.

Rangers: 93-68 (tied for first in AL West, tied for first in AL wild card)

Athletics: 93-68 (tied for first in AL West, ties for first in AL wild card)

National League

Atlanta 1, Pirates 5 – F

The Braves’ playoff spot isn’t in jeopardy, and the Pirates aren’t going to make .500 (again), but Atlanta would prefer to stay hot entering the playoffs.

Kevin Correia earned his 12th win of the season for Pittsburgh, allowing one run through 6.2 innings, while Tommy Hanson continues to struggle for Atlanta.

Braves: 93-68 (second in NL East, first in NL wild card)

Pirates: 79-82 (out)

Philadelphia 2, Washington 4 – F

The Nationals sewed up the NL East with Atlanta’s loss on Monday, but it never hurts to ride out a little momentum.

Washington used six pitchers and nine total hits to earn Tuesday night’s victory. Zach Duke wound up earning his first decision of the season, as the squad halted their two-game losing streak.

Nationals: 97-64 (clinched NL East)

Phillies: 81-80 (out)

Cincinnati 3, St. Louis 1 – F

St. Louis is in the playoffs, unless it loses its final two games and the Dodgers snag their final two contests against the Giants. Well, St. Louis is one step closer to disappointment.

Chris Carpenter allowed three runs through six innings, and the Cards could not solve Mat Latos and the Reds bullpen.

With Clayton Kershaw set to go for Los Angeles tomorrow, a Dodgers win on Tuesday could make things very interesting.

Reds: 97-64 (clinched NL Central)

Cardinals: 87-74 (first in NL wild card)

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 10:10

The Dodgers must win Tuesday night if they want to have a chance at an NL wild-card berth. If they can’t, it’s over.

Chris Capuano will take on Barry Zito in the Tuesday nightcap.

On Deck for Wednesday

*All times p.m., ET

Atlanta at Pittsburgh, 12:35

Philadelphia at Washington, 1:05

Texas at Oakland, 3:35

LA Angels at Seattle, 6:40

Boston at NY Yankees, 7:00

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:00

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 7:15

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:10

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:15

American League Standings

*AL Central title has been decided 

National League Standings

*NL West, NL Central and NL East titles have already been decided 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman didn’t just hit a two-run walk-off home run to beat the Miami Marlins 4-3 Tuesday night; he clinched a National League wild-card berth for his team.

Freeman’s towering shot to dead-center field couldn’t have been more fitting. Not only did it clear the wall, but it scored Chipper Jones from third base. Jones is in his final season with the team and making his final postseason run.

This latest outcome was just another domino in a torrid hot streak for Atlanta. They have won eight of their last 10 games, utilizing excellent pitching for the entire month of September. This isn’t a team you want to play in October. They’re no longer coached by the legendary Bobby Cox, but their winning ways have not subsided in the least.

The Braves don’t boast one of the league’s most prolific offenses. Instead, they rely on a stable of reliable arms. As a team, they’re sixth in the majors in ERA (3.52). Opponents are hitting under .250 against Atlanta’s arms and it doesn’t even seem to matter much which pitcher they put on the mound.

Mike Minor, Tim Hudson and Tommy Hanson are all double-digit winners in the Braves starting rotation. Throw in nine-game winner Kris Medlen and you have yourself one of baseball’s deepest staffs.

If those guys fail, Atlanta turns to Craig Kimbrel and Eric O’Flaherty. Both are among the best at what they do, with sub-2.00 ERAs out of the bullpen.

Freddie Freeman’s 22nd home run on Tuesday night puts him at second on the team, trailing only Jason Heyward’s 27. The Braves lineup doesn’t pop balls over the fence frequently, but their offense is timely.

Atlanta will be a force in October and their season couldn’t have found a more perfect ending. The Washington Nationals made their quest for a NL East crown extremely difficult, but that doesn’t mean this team can’t make a World Series run.

Freeman’s two-run bomb was an epic clincher of a special season. Jones is heading for a fitting sendoff and the Braves won’t go down easy.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

With just nine days remaining in Major League Baseball’s regular season, postseason races are in full tilt.

Two division champions have already been decided, with two others all but over. Everything else is wide open, including each league’s wild-card spots.

Tuesday gives us 13 games with playoff implications. Check back here for recaps and updated standings as each game comes to a close.

*All times p.m., ET 

American League

Cleveland 4, Chicago White Sox 3 – F

Paul Konerko hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, but it wasn’t enough to keep Chris Perez from earning his 37th save of the season. Chicago is in a dogfight with Detroit at the top of the AL Central, and every loss is a big deal.

White Sox: 82-72 (tied for first in AL Central)

Indians: 64-91 (fifth in AL Central)

Toronto 4, Baltimore 0 – F

Aaron Laffey combined with five other pitchers to shutout the Baltimore offense on Tuesday night. Joe Saunders struggled on the bump for the Orioles, and they couldn’t take a step forward in their race for the AL East title.

Blue Jays: 68-86 (fifth in AL East)

Orioles: 88-67 (second in AL East, first in AL wild card)

Detroit 2, Kansas City 0 – F

Anibal Sanchez hurled a complete game shutout when Detroit needed it the most. He only allowed three hits and struck out 10. Prince Fielder and Delmon Young each supplied an RBI.

Tuesday night’s win was massive, with Detroit tying the White Sox for the AL Central lead.

Tigers: 82-72 (tied for first in AL Central, tied for fourth in AL wild card)

Royals: 70-84 (third in AL Central)

Tampa Bay 5, Boston 2 – F

David Price tied Jered Weaver for the AL’s league lead in wins with his 19th victory on Tuesday. Jeff Keppinger’s three-run shot in the second inning set the pace for the Rays’ offense.

Rays: 84-70 (third in AL East, third in AL wild card)

Red Sox: 69-86 (fourth in AL East)

Oakland 3, Texas 2 – F

Josh Hamilton started Tuesday night’s scoring with a two-run single in the first inning, but the Athletics closed the job, George Kottaras and Christ Carter each supplied home runs.

Athletics: 87-67 (second in AL West, second in AL wild card)

Rangers: 91-63 (first in AL West)

Minnesota 5, NY Yankees 4 – F

The Yankees’ offense was given three home runs, including a solo shot by Andruw Jones in the ninth inning, but they couldn’t take advantage of the Orioles’ loss on Tuesday. Phil Hughes started the game, but gave up four runs in 6.2 innings.

Twins: 65-90 (fourth in AL Central)

Yankees: 89-65 (first in AL East)

Seattle at L.A. Angels, 10:05

The Angels sit two games back in the AL wild-card race, even though an AL West crown is virtually out of the question. Zack Greinke seeks his sixth win with Los Angeles in a Tuesday nightcap.

National League

Philadelphia 6, Washington 3- F

Darin Ruf, Carlos Ruiz and Dominic Brown all went yard for the Phillies in Tuesday night’s win, and Cole Hamels earned his 16th win of the season. Washington still has a firm hold on the NL East lead, but they didn’t get closer to clinching.

Phillies: 78-76 (third in NL East, fourth in NL wild card)

Nationals: 93-61 (first in NL East)

Atlanta 4, Miami 3 – F

Kris Medlen wasn’t as sharp as normal, but he still struck out eight over seven strong innings. The Braves continue their torrid pace, winning eight of their last 10 games, and this win meant the most. Freddie Freeman’s two-run walk-off homer in the ninth clinched them the NL wild card.

Braves: 89-65 (second in NL East, first in NL wild card)

Marlins: 66-88 (fifth in NL East)

Cincinnati 4, Milwaukee 2 – F

Johnny Cueto snagged his 19th win of the season Tuesday night, throwing seven strong innings. The Reds had nine hits as a team, and the Brewers couldn’t take grab a game in the NL wild-card race.

Reds: 93-61 (first in NL Central)

Brewers: 79-75 (third in NL Central, third in NL wild card)

St. Louis 4, Houston 0 – F

Jaime Garcia earned his sixth win of the season behind seven shutout innings on Tuesday. Garcia received nine hits worth of support from the Cardinals offense as they try and secure a NL wild card spot.

Cardinals: 84-71 (second in NL Central, second in NL wild card)

Astros: 50-105 (sixth in NL Central)

L.A. Dodgers at San Diego, 10:05

The Dodgers are 3.5 games out of a wild-card spot with time running out. Josh Beckett is 1-2 with a 3.45 ERA since joining the Dodgers in August, and he will battle 10-game winner Edinson Volquez in Petco Park. 

Arizona at San Francisco, 10:15

The Giants already locked up the NL West crown, but it wouldn’t hurt to get Tim Lincecum back on track before postseason play begins. Lincecum will seek to improve on his 4.91 ERA as the Giants battle the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

On Deck for Wednesday

*All times p.m., ET

NY Yankees at Minnesota, 1:10

L.A. Dodgers at San Diego, 6:35

Washington at Philadelphia, 7:00

Toronto at Baltimore, 7:05

Kansas City at Detroit, 7:05

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:10

Miami at Atlanta, 7:10

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 7:10

Oakland at Texas, 8:00

St. Louis at Houston, 8:05

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox, 8:10

Seattle at L.A. Angels, 10:05

Arizona at San Francisco, 10:15

American League Standings

National League Standings

*NL West and NL Central titles have already been decided 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Major League Baseball’s playoff picture is being hashed out night by night, with each day’s games becoming more and more important.

Some races have been tied up. The National League’s division races are in the bag, and terming them “races” would be misleading. Everything else, on the other hand, is coming down to the wire.

Saturday’s action will bring us another step closer to the end.

Game recaps will be available as each game ends.

*All times ET

American League

NY Yankees 10, Oakland 9 – F

Five different pitchers for each team allowed at least one run on Saturday in this 14-inning extravaganza. Eventually, Corey Wade was able to close the door in the 14th to earn the victory.

Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 16 games, and the Yankees remain on top of the AL East.

Yankees: 88-63 (first in AL East)

Athletics: 85-66 (second in AL West, first in AL wild card)

Baltimore 9, Boston 6—Final

Fifteen runs, 28 hits and 12 innings later, the Orioles have defeated the Boston Red Sox. Baltimore’s offense was paced by Adam Jones and Manny Machado, and four relief pitchers threw shutout baseball after Pedro Strop blew the lead late in the game.

Orioles: 87-64 (second in AL East, first in AL wild-card standings)

Red Sox: 68-85 (fourth in AL East)

 Detroit 8, Minnesota 0 – F

Doug Fister earned his 10th win of the season, keeping the Tigers in the thick of the AL pennant race. He was helped by Austin Jackson, Miguel Cabrera and Delmon Young, all of which hit home runs.

Tigers: 80-70 (second in AL Central, fourth in AL wild card)

Twins: 62-89 (fourth in AL Central)

Tampa Bay 11, Toronto 5 – F

The Rays continued their playoff push with a big victory Saturday night. The offense supplied three hits, including three home runs. Seven Rays pitchers took the mound, with Burke Badenhop earning the win.

Rays: 82-70 (third in AL East, third in AL wild card)

Blue Jays: 66-84 (fifth in AL East)

LA Angels 4, Chicago White Sox 2 – F

The Angels rode a solid six-run start from Dan Haren to a four-run lead to start the game. The White Sox tried to come back, but Paul Konerko and company couldn’t make it happen.

The AL Central holds one of baseball’s most interesting races at this point, and Chicago’s loss only adds to that fact.

Angels: 83-69 (third in AL West, second in AL wild card)

White Sox: 81-70 (first in AL Central)

Seattle 1, Texas 0

Blake Beavan threw seven-scoreless innings en route to a Mariner victory Saturday evening. Michael Saunders’ home run was the only run scored in the entire game, but it would be enough to hand Matt Harrison his 10th loss of the season.

Rangers: 89-62 (first in AL West)

Mariners: 72-80 (fourth in AL West)

National League

St. Louis 5, Chicago Cubs 4—Final

This game was back and forth. St. Louis took a 3-0 lead to start the contest, but the Cubs would bounce back with four unanswered runs. The Cardinals would not be denied, however, as Carlos Beltran’s solo shot in the eighth evened the game.

Jon Jay’s double in the 10th scored Matt Carpenter and earned St. Louis the victory.

Cardinals: 81-71 (second in NL Central, second in NL wild-card standings)

Cubs: 59-93 (fifth in NL Central)

Washington 10, Milwaukee 4—Final

The Nationals used another stellar effort from Gio Gonzalez to win their 92nd game of the year on Saturday. Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Laroche all hit home runs to pace the offense.

Gonzalez’s victory made him baseball’s first 20-game winner.

Nationals: 92-59 (first in NL East)

Brewers: 78-73 (third in NL Central, T-third in NL wild-card standings)

Cincinnati 6, LA Dodgers 0 – F

Mat Latos earned his 13th win of the season as the Reds continue running away with the NL Central title. The Dodgers couldn’t get anything going, and a three-run eighth inning put this one out of reach.

Reds: 92-60 (first in NL Central)

Dodgers: 78-74 (second in NL West, third in NL wild card)

 Atlanta 8, Philadelphia 2 – F

Mike Minor allowed two runs in six frames to add to Atlanta’s win total this season. Roy Halladay allowed seven runs in 1.2 innings, and Jason Heyward had three RBI for the Braves’ offense.

Braves: 87-65 (second in NL East, first in NL wild card)

Phillies: 77-75 (third in NL East, fourth in NL East)

Arizona 8, Colorado 7 – F

The Diamondbacks are barely in it, but they are. This game included 27 hits, but David Hernandez and J.J. Putz provided enough pitching out of the bullpen to earn Arizona the victory.

Colorado just wants this season to be over.

Diamondbacks: 76-75 (third in AL West, fifth in NL wild card)

Rockies: 58-93 (fifth in NL West)

On Deck for Sunday

*All times p.m., ET

Oakland at NY Yankees, 1:05

Minnesota at Detroit, 1:05

Baltimore at Boston, 1:35

Milwaukee at Washington, 1:35

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1:35

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 1:40

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 2:20

Arizona at Colorado, 3:10

Chicago White Sox at LA Angels, 3:35

Texas at Seattle, 4:10

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:05

American League Standings

National League Standings

You can look here, but the drama has been taken out of the National League division races.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Baltimore Orioles‘ 12-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night meant more than your average, everyday win. When the Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays a bit later, Baltimore pulled even in the American League East standings.

This may sound like “This Week’s Sign of the Apocalypse” in the next issue of Sports Illustrated. Baltimore has been toiling away in baseball purgatory since 1997—the last time they had a winning record.

On the other hand, New York is the standard of success in Major League Baseball (and sports). These aren’t the Yanks from the 1950s, but those same expectations still apply.

The Orioles are a middle-of-the-road team in terms of team pitching (No. 17) and team hitting (No. 18). However, Buck Showalter has his team believing and delivering.

Baltimore has been above .500 from tape to tape this season. It seemed to lull in early July, but Showalter was able to rally the troops.

The resurgence has been led by a handful of players. Nick Markakis and Adam Jones have anchored Baltimore’s offense, while guys like Chris Davis, Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy have provided timely hitting.

The pitching staff has been led by Wei-Yin Chen’s 12 wins and a collection of talented bullpen arms including Darren O’Day and Pedro Strop.

Tuesday night’s victory was emphatic. Toronto held the team scoreless for the first four innings, but Baltimore exploded for 12 runs on 18 hits in the final five frames.

Zach Britton earned his fifth victory of the season behind seven scoreless innings, while Kevin Gregg and Zach Phillips finished the game out, ensuring the shutout and an altogether perfect evening for the O’s.

Baltimore has now won nine of their last 12 games and appear to be peaking at the most opportune time.

The Yankees, on the other hand, have dropped seven of 11. The pitching staff has struggled in recent weeks, ultimately resulting in a nullified division lead.

Arguably baseball’s toughest division, the AL East hasn’t seen a contending Baltimore squad in 15 years. If the Yankees are challenged, it’s normally Boston or Tampa Bay doing the pushing.

This latest win by Baltimore sent one message loud and clear: the Orioles aren’t going away.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The St. Louis Cardinals hold a half-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League wild card race and adding Chris Carpenter to their starting rotation for the duration of the season would provide a major boost.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told MLB.com reporter Jennifer Langosch this in regard to his recovering veteran right-hander:

Given the guys we have now in our bullpen, you can see some sort of piggyback scenario if it worked out that way. He has to build up his pitch count. Given the fact he hasn’t been able to throw much prior to surgery, he does feel good. It looks like he’s on track to contribute. We’re hopeful that’s what happens.

Prior to that, the report mentions that Carpenter must get to approximately 90 pitches in simulated game action in order for Mozeliak and the Cardinals to be comfortable with this possibility.

Carpenter’s presence, in any capacity, would be a major addition to this team as they make a playoff push.

He has a 3.76 ERA in his 14-year career and he’s won 144 games. He’s thrown in nine postseason series, going 9-2 with a 3.05 ERA over that span.

Carpenter is consistently reliable. Kyle Lohse and Lance Lynn have combined for 27 wins this year, but Carpenter’s proven resume would be a welcome addition to the team’s pitching staff.

Adam Wainwright has been good, but not great in his return this season and the Cardinals will need all the help they can get down the stretch.

This adds to the news that Langosch reported on Monday. The Cardinals will call up their No. 1 overall prospect, Shelby Miller, on Tuesday. He is expected to pitch out of the bullpen, leaving room for Carpenter to slot in among the starters.

St. Louis has a World Series title to defend. One key arm could be the difference between triumph and disappointment, and Carpenter is an ideal addition should his arm hold up in simulated action.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals are in the middle of a pivotal series in the National League wild-card race, and Yadier Molina felt the full intensity Tuesday night.

In the bottom of the second inning, after Jose Tabata singled to right, Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran came up throwing as Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison rounded third base.

Update: Tuesday, August 28 at 8:56 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

MLB.com reporter Jenifer Langosch quelled concerns regarding Molina’s injury status Tuesday evening:

#STLCards announce that Yadier Molina left with an upper back/neck/shoulder strain. Day-to-day. This is good news…

— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) August 29, 2012

This is good news for the Cardinals and better news for Molina. A collision like this could have had more worse results.

—————End of Update——————–

I’ll let Baseball Tonight host Steve Berthiaume tell you what happened next:

OUCH! #StlCards Yadier Molina leaving game after he was CRUSHED in plate collision with #Pirates @jhay_da_man

— Steve Berthiaume (@SBerthiaumeESPN) August 28, 2012

As you can see, it was a scary situation:

Molina struggled to get his bearings. He was obviously feeling every inch of Harrison’s stocky frame as St. Louis trainers tended to him near home plate.

Things like this happen every now and then, but that doesn’t make it any easier to see. Molina was taken to the clubhouse for further examination, and we will have to wait to see his status moving forward.

The 30-year-old Molina is hitting .325 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI this year and is arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball. He stood his ground with Harrison bearing down on him, and he didn’t really have a chance to brace himself for impact.

Though vulnerable to impact, he still managed to hang onto the ball. Like a true leader, he put his body on the line just to preserve one run in this pivotal series.

Once Molina was able to clear his head a bit, it was nice to see everyone show some class. Situations like this can be taken the wrong way by both sides, especially in a big game, but everyone applauded Molina as he walked toward the Cardinals dugout.

Stay tuned as more information regarding Molina’s injury comes out in the next few days.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Johan Santana‘s struggles have gotten worse as this season has progressed, and they won’t be getting better any time soon.

According to ESPN reporter Adam Rubin, Santana will miss his upcoming start against Colorado:

Johan Santana won’t start Thursday. So our Jenrry Mejia info looks even more solid with that acknowledgment.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) August 21, 2012

This news comes on the heels of Monday night’s report from New York Times reporter Hunter Atkins. Atkins reported that “he has experienced stiffness in his back that apparently worsened after he threw a bullpen session Monday.”

As Atkins also mentions, Santana was already being monitored. He hasn’t cleared the 200-inning mark since 2008 and missed the entire 2011 season.

Santana started the season by going 6-4 with a 2.76 ERA. Since then he’s lost his last five starts. His ERA currently stands at 4.85, and he hasn’t thrown more than five innings in a game since June 30.

This is a disappointing injury for a pitcher who has had his fair share of bad luck. This injury could prompt Santana being shut down for the year, adding another hurdle in New York’s attempt to salvage what was once a promising season.

Mejia has a 2.75 ERA in seven Triple-A starts. It’s unclear how long the Mets will need him, but Santana’s injury history could put him on the mend for an extended period of time.

Stay tuned as more information surfaces regarding Santana’s injury and how long you can expect him to be on the shelf.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The game played in PNC Park Friday night wasn’t the most important battle that took place inside the stadium’s walls.

The real battle wasn’t even visible to the naked eye.

The Pirates organization partnered with Mylan Specialty L.P. on Friday to sponsor PNC Park’s first ever Allergy Awareness Night. For their first edition, the Pirates chose to focus on life-threatening peanut allergies.

“We are excited to work with Mylan to ensure increased awareness of this important issue, and to help provide a fun experience at PNC Park for our dedicated fans with life-threatening allergies,” said Pirates president Frank Coonelly. “Pirates baseball is one of the hottest tickets in town and we want to take steps to ensure all fans are able to enjoy the best ballpark in America.”

Not only are peanut allergies the most common food allergies among children, but it hits very close to home for the Pirate organization.

Pirate coach Mark Strittmatter is all too familiar with the health risks associated with this all-too-common issue. 

“Peanuts may be a baseball tradition, but not everyone can enjoy them safely. In fact, my own son—of course a huge Pirates fan—has a life-threatening peanut allergy,” said Strittmatter.

“That’s why I’m so proud the Pirates are partnering with Mylan Specialty L.P. to raise awareness of life-threatening allergies. I want to make sure that all our fans are able to enjoy Pirates games,” the Pirate coach added.

Of course, Strittmatter’s son isn’t the only person facing this relatively overlooked affliction. In fact, food allergies in general are more common than most people realize. The only thing separating a peanut allergy’s adverse effects is the severity.

Anaphylaxis.

That word may not be familiar to you, but mentioning it around someone suffering from this would evoke a cautious reaction.

The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ website describes anaphylaxis like this:

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that has many possible triggers, occurs quickly, without warning and should be treated immediately with epinephrine. Symptoms may include hives or redness of the skin, tightness in the throat, nausea, dizziness, breathing problems and/or a decrease in blood pressure.

They then go on to mention that epinephrine is the only “first-line treatment” for anaphylaxis, and people at risk must have the naturally occurring hormone available at a moment’s notice.

At the very least, peanut allergies are an unavoidable, life-altering situation. At their worst, they’re, well, worse than that.

The severity, and the prevalence of this allergy, is exactly why awareness is important. That, at least in a sense, is where I come in.

I attended Friday night’s game for non-baseball purposes. 

I spent the first half of my night in the press room on purpose. When I decided to take a trip down to “The Deck,” I wanted it to look different.

Allergy Awareness Night isn’t about the allergy itself. It’s about promoting awareness so simple things like this can be made possible more often.

“Life-threatening allergies are a growing public health problem, particularly among children and teens. In fact, a recent study shows as many as one in 13 children in the U.S. suffer from a food allergy,” said Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan Inc. “We are proud to partner with our hometown team to help the people of Pittsburgh and their family members with life-threatening peanut allergies experience the fun and excitement of a night out at the ball park.”  

I wanted to feel that when I entered Section 335 and walked the length of The Deck. The press room certainly holds its advantages in terms of observing the game itself, but it does lack a certain human quality. Baseball, at least for me, is defined by that human quality, and that was never truer on Friday night.

I knew it would be different from the second I approached. A sign stating “Private Event: No Access Past This Point” blocked my way, and I had to ask the gentleman standing guard at the gate very nicely if I could pass through. I stated my purpose, and he let me in.

The first feeling that came to me after turning my attention to the section before me was the happiness emanating from every kid and the adults sitting with them. It was contagious. I didn’t know any of these people personally, but you could tell this meant something to them.

Away from any, and all, danger Friday night was just about baseball, in a way that they may not have enjoyed before. The atmosphere was cozy, and the people were happy.

Most of that can be attributed to the food stand located directly behind their seats.

The food was still food per say, but it didn’t include one thing (peanuts) that most people associate directly with America’s pastime. Everything on the menu,­­­­­­ from nachos to salsa to hot dog buns, had their ingredients laid out on a custom-made, peanut-conscious menu.

This allowed kids to order whatever they liked on the menu without a care in the world. They even had two salads on the menu for the ultra-health conscious individual.

PNC Park has played host to 35 Pirate victories this season, but Friday’s was the biggest. Despite the team’s heart-wrenching 9-8 defeat at the hands of the Padres, this was a game everyone could go home feeling good about.

Friday night’s game was the 12th sellout of the Pirates’ season, and that was due, in part, to the individuals sitting by the enormous scoreboard in left field. Their presence goes back to Coonelly saying, “We want to take steps to ensure all fans are able to enjoy the best ballpark in America.”

They should, and they did.

That’s how it should be, and steps should be taken to make this more than a one-time thing. 

Since Friday night’s event was all about raising awareness, let me do my part by supplying you with some more information:

• Strittmatter spoke to fans Friday night via Jumbotron, asking everyone to take a look at myallergysurvey.com. If you have a chance, check it out. It’s quick, easy and there’s a ton of information.
• Check out foodallergyfoundation.org. More major league teams are taking part in events like this. The foundation’s site will tell you when and where to find them.
• This cause has a whole blog dedicated to it. Peanutfreebaseball.com tells you where to find events like this in the minor leagues as well as the majors.
• Lastly, so you’re aware of the attention this movement is getting, NBC Nightly News had a feature on it. Watch the short video here.

Admittedly, I didn’t know much about any of this prior to Friday night’s festivities, but now I’m completely aware.

The information is out there. The Pirate organization, and every other participating group, should be proud. 

Baseball, and sports in general, have a chance to raise awareness like many groups cannot. There are thousands of eyes on professional sports franchises every time they take the field, court or rink. If one person leaves that game, or turns their TV off, knowing more than they did before about something like this, then it’s a victory.

Congratulations, Pittsburgh Pirates. Not only does the Steel City have their baseball team back again, but Friday night allowed everyone to enjoy the ride.

*Quotes supplied by Kenneth Meyer.

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The MLB trade deadline wasn’t uneventful, but it lacked its signature dramatic flair. A handful of teams made moves to benefit their playoff picture, but not all of these will pan out in the end.

Factors have to be considered when picking up a new player. A change of scenery can have a negative, as well as a positive, impact. A new ballpark can impact their productivity, and their new teammates may not lend the same comfort as their previous home did.

Let’s take a look at which players will falter in their new homes for one reason or another.

Shane Victorino

Victorino will flop with the Dodgers for one reason: he isn’t the player he used to be. It’s that simple, but that didn’t stop Los Angeles for rolling the dice.

I can’t say I blame them for picking up “The Flyin’ Hawaiian.” They needed a leadoff hitter, and he fits the bill. At least he did in his prime, but that’s long gone. 

He’s hitting .261 with nine home runs and 41 RBI this season. His on-base percentage is around .320, but that’s just about all he brings to the table. He could fill a role as a table setter, but the change of scenery won’t help him.

Victorino was revered by Philadelphia fans, and that makes a difference. Dodger fans could love him too, but it’s not the same for a player who played his primary years in front of one crowd.

I love the idea behind this acquisition, but the Dodgers won’t get the player they were hoping for.

Ryan Dempster

Dempster’s value was understandable. His 2.25 ERA through 16 starts made him a very intriguing option at this year’s deadline, but his numbers will inflate in hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark.

Texas’ acquisition of Dempster wasn’t misguided. Their minuscule lead in the AL West can be erased quickly, and contending teams can never have too many arms. Dempster will provide a veteran presence, but Ranger fans shouldn’t expect his ERA to remain the same. 

Dempster faces larger expectations in Texas. That, plus the change in venues, will increase his ERA. He doesn’t have dominant stuff, and he won’t get away with the same pitches in the hitter-heavy American League.

This pickup looks good on paper, but Texas will be disappointed sooner rather than later.

Brad Lincoln

Lincoln isn’t a noteworthy name. You may have already forgotten about this deal.

Either way, this is worth paying attention too. Toronto gave up on once-prized outfielder Travis Snider in exchange for starter-turned-reliever Lincoln. In 28 games this year (five starts) Lincoln is 4-2 with a 2.73 ERA. He’s got 60 strikeouts in 59.1 innings, and he’s actually done a very solid job in his new role. 

That was in the NL Central. Toronto plays in the AL East. It’s a completely different world, and it’s littered with hungry power hitters. It will take Lincoln awhile to adjust, and by then it will be too late.

He’s probably going to work as a setup man, or potentially as a closer down the line. He hasn’t proven himself in either role, and this rigorous division isn’t the place to do that.

This was a bit of a head-scratcher for me. Snider has been disappointing, but relievers like Lincoln are a dime a dozen. 

Toronto may not regret losing Snider, but they will wonder why they ever asked for Lincoln.

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