Central Intelligence

Cleveland: The Indians went 27-1 over 28 games before losing Friday night at Seattle. It is a run matched only by the 1884 Providence Grays. Included were a team-record 14 consecutive road victories and a 22-game win streak, which ended Sept. 15. "I never thought there would be a letdown," manager Terry Francona said. "All the things that I say, and I know sometimes people roll their eyes, but it's why we do it. We play the game today. If you do that, there's no reason to have a letdown."

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Kansas City: The Royals, hoping for a wild-card spot, still will be rebuilding next season. Manager Ned Yost left no doubt that he wants to return, however, rather than retire or seek another job. He told a radio station Friday, when asked if he was 100 percent coming back, "Oh yeah, no doubt. We'll get through this year and see what direction we go in next year." Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar, Mike Moustakas, Jason Vargas and Lorenzo Cain all will be free agents.

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Detroit: Brad Ausmus had a pretty good team when he took over as Tigers manager four seasons ago, but his reign ended with a whimper when GM Al Avila said Ausmus won't be back. Ausmus was 312-326 entering Saturday's game against the Twins, with one playoff appearance, in his first season. Said Ausmus: "I probably wouldn't have come back because I think this team, this organization is starting over. They need a new voice."

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Chicago: Chris Volstad got his first major league victory in five years on Thursday, replacing an injured Carson Fulmer in the first inning and beating the Astros 3-1. His last win came for the Cubs, in September 2012, pitching against the same Astros pitcher he beat Thursday, Dallas Keuchel.