Jockey Tomas Mejia was suspended 10 years for using an electrical buzzer in a race at Monmouth Park. With the horseback border patrol under investigation, Mejia will instead field ground balls in hopes of landing a spot on the Houston Asterisks’ roster next spring.
The Astros are on the verge of clinching the AL West. The Athletics are on the verge of being eliminated from the wild-card race.
Houston’s Jake Odorizzi (6-7, 4.22 ERA) returns Sunday, 13 days after injuring his right foot covering first base. Odorizzi has lost once in his last seven starts. The A’s Paul Blackburn (1-3, 5.17 ERA) has allowed nine runs over his last 11 ²/₃ innings. Play 20 units on the ‘Stros.
No Joy in Wrigleyville. Bet against the hottest team in baseball and got burned. The Cardinals, down 4-2 with their winning streak on the line, came back to club the Cubs, 8-5. Skidding. Down -341 buckners.