Author: Jesse Yomtov, USA TODAY

MLB safety rules forced Astros catcher Martin Maldonado to stop using bats Albert Pujols had gifted him.

Bochy won three championships with the Giants and will manage in the American League for the first time.

The Seattle Mariners have made the playoffs for the first time since 2001. A look back at what the franchise has endured since then.

The Dodgers and Astros have been here before, but the Mets (1988) and Braves (2003) can reach 100 wins too.

The Atlanta Braves moved up two spots to No. 3 in this week’s power rankings, right behind the New York Mets.

New York and Atlanta play a critical four-game series this week, while the Phillies have taken command of a playoff spot

New York didn’t make a splash at the trade deadline, but welcomed Jacob deGrom back this week and won a crucial series vs. Atlanta.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone 7-3 since the All-Star break to move ahead of the New York Yankees.

The Midsummer Classic was a nice break in the action, but big things could be happening in the weeks to come.