Orioles down the stretch (Sept. 17)

[Back for its second year, "Down the Stretch" is a daily Orioles Insider blog that will set up the coming night for the O's and their American League competition as the push for the postseason continues.]

About last night

Orioles on pace to shatter record for fewest errors in a season
DH-INF Wilson Betemit designated for assignment
Adam Jones is Orioles' nominee for Roberto Clemente Award
Peter Schmuck's weekly Orioles grades
Some Monday observations on the upcoming series in Boston
Monday's full scoreboard

AL East standings

BOS     92-59    --
TB       82-67    9
BAL     79-70    12
NYY     79-71 12.5

AL wild-card standings

TEX       82-67     --
TB      81-68      --
CLE      81-69     0.5
BAL      79-70     2
NYY      79-71    2.5
KC       79-71    2.5

[More from sports] Preston: Can Ravens QB Lamar Jackson hold up at this pace for the rest of the season? »

(For full standings, click here.)

Tonight's game

Orioles at Red Sox, 7:10 p.m.

RHP Scott Feldman (5-4, 3.62 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Dempster (8-9, 4.70 ERA)

Key matchup

[More from sports] Former Ravens WR Anquan Boldin’s cousin was killed by an officer. Now he’s calling for police accountability. »

Current hitters on the Orioles roster have batted a combined .203 against Dempster for their careers. It's a particularly grim matchup for J.J. Hardy, who is just 3-for-32 (.094) lifetime against the right-hander.

Other games that matter

Yankees (Pettitte) at Blue Jays (Dickey), 7:07 p.m.

Rangers (Tepesch) at Rays (Hellickson), 7:10 p.m.

Indians (Kluber) at Royals (Duffy), 8:10 p.m.

[More from sports] Ravens bring back Bennett Jackson after rash of safety injuries, place DeShon Elliott on IR »

Angels (Richards) at Athletics (Gray), 10:05 p.m.

Inside enemy clubhouses

Cano says a higher power will help Yankees reach postseason

Rangers hold players-only meeting in hopes of ending slide

Indians' Masterson working his way back, but will he start?

Royals bring up young fireballer Yordano 'Ace' Ventura