All true. But even though the Brewers’ 14-game winning streak ended Sunday with a 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in 10 innings, their record is best in the majors by six games. The team that opened the season with the sport’s eighth lowest payroll is putting the competition to shame.

Mike Kadlick reports that the Boston Red Sox will be without a promising rookie until 2026, as Marcelo Mayer had season-ending wrist surgery. Jim Bowden looks at the top 25 free agents who will become available in the upcoming offseason. ( The Athletic subscription required .)

The Milwaukee Brewers set a single-season franchise record with their 14th straight victory Saturday. And, in keeping with recent form, it wasn’t easy.

Baseball America, the gold standard of baseball evaluation across all levels of the sport, released its rankings of Major League Baseball farm systems and gave the Brewers the No. 1 standing.

The Brewers began a five-game series against the Cubs on Monday, taking a 7-0 shutout victory in the first matchup. If they win the series, or even sweep Chicago, they might not be able to hide under their underdog guise anymore.

He lasted 2.2 innings on Monday, allowing a run on a Brice Turang homer, with four hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. Cubs manager Craig Counsell visited Horton on the mound twice in the early innings before ultimately pulling him. Horton had thrown seven consecutive pitches outside the strike zone before his exit.

Craig Counsell has become more than chilly about the Cubs looking up at his former team in the standings ... and apparently, George Webb burgers.

It might not be reflected in the standings, but the comparison between the Angels and the best team in baseball is obvious to at least one former All-Star.