MLB

As we close in on two weeks since Major League Baseball’s annual roster expansion date, the New York Mets’ September call-ups—both young and old—continue to settle in. In accordance with the interminable digital media world of today, it’s never too soon to analyze and provide some early grades on their respective performances thus far.

We can add back-to-back-to-back home runs to the list of amazing things that the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates have accomplished.

Robinson Cano perennially ranks among MLB's leaders in doubles every year, so it's no surprise he found a creative way to get another one on Friday night.

With the Boston Red Sox infield shifted to the right side during the first inning, Cano laid this unconventional bunt down the third-base line (courtesy of MLB.com):

MLB teams can't earn postseason berths without huge contributions from their veteran mainstays, but in October, managers also rely on their secret weapons to do some damage.

They tend to be younger players who have reached the majors within the past few years. Perhaps these under-the-radar individuals were dominant as prospects (or at least held in high regard), but they certainly aren't perceived as stars at the highest level.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez has been held out of the lineup for Friday night's game against the San Francisco Giants after leaving last night's 3-2 win with an injured hamstring.

Ramirez was pulled out of the game in the top of the seventh inning by manager Don Mattingly with "mild left hamstring tightness," according to the team.

Sometimes the baseball gods just aren't on your side. That certainly appears to be the case for Miguel Cabrera as he chases a second consecutive Triple Crown. 

With about two weeks left in the 2013 Major League Baseball season, the playoff pictures are starting to come into focus, but there's still a whole lot of jockeying for position going on, especially in the wild-card races.

From this Friday, the 13th, until the last day of the regular season on Sept. 29, teams that are already in the picture will be looking to fight for a better position in front of the camera, while those who are on the outside looking in will be hoping to elbow their way into the frame.

A very determined adult Pittsburgh Pirates fan went through a child for a baseball during Thursday night's Pirates-Cubs game. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Resting comfortably next to religion and politics, what you put on your hot dog remains one of the most polarizing things anyone can discuss.

Sadly, we must have that discussion today, as word comes that the Detroit Tigers have dismissed their singing hot dog vendor because he chided fans who would dare put ketchup on their hot dog.

The 2013 Atlanta Braves can pump the breaks on their intensity over the final two weeks of the regular season. After all, at 30 games over .500 (88-58) and with a double-digit lead in the National League East, they are a virtual lock to win the division and host the first two games of a National League Division Series at Turner Field.