“I owe too much to this organization for the next two years to risk getting hurt for an incentive. My outing (Sept. 12) got rained out and the last inning of my last start got rained out, so for whatever reason, it wasn’t meant to be. There’s a lot bigger problems out there. I’m proud of my season.” – PHIL HUGHES, explaining why he turned an offer to pitch for a $500,000 bonusPhil Hughes, who finished the final start of his season one out short of reaching 210 innings to receive a $500,000 contract incentive because of yesterday’s 66-minute rain delay, is given the opportunity to make a brief relief appearance for the Twins. The right-hander turns down the club’s offer, saying he also he would not have any interest in merely being given the bonus that is worth half-a-million dollars.

Aaron Altherr hits an inside-the-park grand slam and adds three more hits including another homer as the Phillies defeat the Nationals, 8 – 2. The last player to have hit a slam inside-the-park was Randy Winn in 1999 and the last for the Phillies was Ted Kazanski in 1956.

Jose Fernandez has the worst start of his career for the Marlins, giving up a lead-off homer to Nick Markakis of the Braves on his way to a four-run 1st inning, and leaves after allowing 6 runs in 5 innings, but his teammates pick him up, and he ends up a 12 – 11 winner. He is now 17-0 at home for his career, breaking the record for most consecutive wins at home at the start of a career that was shared by Johnny Allen and LaMarr Hoyt.

2015 – The Royals claim their first division title since 1985 as they clinch first place in the AL Central with a 10 – 4 win over the Mariners. The title confirms that their appearance in last year’s World Series was no fluke.

Jake Arrieta of the Cubs becomes the first 20-game winner in the major leagues this year when he defeats the Brewers, 4 – 0, becoming the first Cubs pitcher tor each the mark since Jon Lieber in 2001. 3B Kris Bryant sets a club record for a rookie by belting his 26th homer.

Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, winner of three MVP Awards who also holds the all-time record by playing in 14 World Series, passes away at age 90. He is just as famous for his aphorisms, and one of them is appropriate for the occasion: “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”

The Fresno Grizzlies beat the Columbus Clippers, 7 – 0, in the Triple-A National Championship Game. Chris Devenski throws a perfect game for five innings before Audy Ciriaco singles; Devenski fans 9 in 7 innings of one-hit ball. Alex Presley has 3 hits, two runs and a RBI.

All-Star Shelby Miller loses his 15th straight decision for the Braves, 4 – 0 to the Mets. It is the 23rd consecutive start without a win for Miller, who has been a victim of poor run support all season and falls to 5-16 on the year. Jonathon Niese is the winner

Jeff Samardzija pitches a one-hitter against the Tigers in the opening game was the White Sox sweep a doubleheader, 2 – 0 and 3 – 2. Erik Johnson is the winner in the second game. The losses guarantee that the Tigers will finish with a losing record for the first time since 2008.