MLB

A capsule look at the Cubs-Nationals playoff seriesBy The Associated PressA look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals:---Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at Washington, 7:31 p.m.; Game 2, Saturday, at Washington, 5:38 p.m.; Game 3, Monday, Oct. 9, at...

Associated PressMorrison's 10th-inning homer leads Rays past Cardinals 3-2By NATE LATSCHST. LOUIS (AP) Logan Morrison hit his second homer of the game in the 10th inning to lead the Tampa Bay Rays past the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday.Morrison drove a 97-mph fastball from Sam Tuivailala into...

Associated PressCubs place LHP Jon Lester on 10-day disabled listBy JOHN JACKSONCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs got an encouraging report on Jon Lester before placing the ace left-hander on the 10-day disabled list on Friday.Lester was examined by team physician Dr. Stephen Gryzlo after he departed Chicago's 13-10...

AP Sports WriterTwins clinch playoff spot, continue unexpected turnaroundBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Minnesota Twins became the first team to make the playoffs after losing at least 100 games the previous season, clinching an AL wild-card berth on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Angles lost 6-4 in 10...

Fielder released by Rangers more than year after last gameARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Prince Fielder has been released by the Texas Rangers, more than 15 months after playing his last game and still owed about $72 million over the next three seasons.The Rangers reached a settlement with the company...

AP Sports WriterTexas teams' plans upended by Hurricane HarveyBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers won't travel to Houston as planned after their games Sunday in California because of torrential floodwaters that have engulfed the city in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.The Rangers had been...

AP Sports WriterCubs' Hendricks to start Game 1 of NLDS against NationalsBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Kyle Hendricks tops out at about 88 mph. He looks and talks more like a college professor than a professional baseball player. He is among the most anonymous players on the star-studded Chicago...

Dodgers acquire Granderson in trade with MetsNEW YORK (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Curtis Granderson and cash from the New York Mets for a player to be named later or cash.The teams announced the deal after their games Friday night. The 36-year-old Granderson is hitting...

Associated PressVenezuelan fans in no mood to 'Play Ball' amid crisisBy JORGE RUEDACARACAS, Venezuela (AP) For years, Venezuela's baseball stadiums served as a sporting sanctuary where fans of all classes and political backgrounds set aside their differences to watch some of the nation's top major league players and...

Baseball World Series MVP award named for Willie MaysNEW YORK (AP) Major League Baseball has named its World Series Most Valuable Player award after Willie Mays.The decision was announced Friday, the 63rd anniversary of Mays' back-to-the-plate catch in deep center field at the Polo Grounds for the New...

AP Sports WriterBryce Boost: Nats thrilled Harper set to provide playoff popBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) When Bryce Harper slipped on a rain-slicked first base and tumbled awkwardly to the ground in apparent agony back in August, many members of the Washington Nationals feared the worst.''Watching that live ...''...

AP Baseball WriterAces low: Lots of top pitchers getting pounded in playoffsBy BEN WALKERClayton Kershaw, raked for four home runs. Corey Kluber, clubbed. Chris Sale, swatted. Luis Severino, slammed.This is October, right? The time when All-Star aces excel?''I mean, I really don't know. You kind of have seen it...