A look at the best-of-five American League Division Series between the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at New York, 7:07 p.m. (MLB); Game 2, Saturday, at New York, 5:07 p.m. (FS1); Game 3, Monday, Oct. 7, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1 or MLB); x-Game 4, Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1); x-Game 5, Thursday, Oct. 10, at New York, TBA (FS1).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Yankees won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Twins: C Mitch Garver (.273, 31 HRs, 67 RBIs, .630 slugging percentage in 93 games), SS Jorge Polanco (.295, 22, 79, 40 2Bs), DH Nelson Cruz (.311, 41, 108, .639 slugging percentage in 120 games), 3B Miguel Sanó (.247, 34, 79, 159 Ks in 105 games), LF Eddie Rosario (.276, 32, 109), CF Max Kepler (.252, 36, 90), 1B C.J. Cron (.253, 25, 78), RF Marwin Gonzalez (.264, 15, 55) or Jake Cave (.258, 8, 25 in 72 games) or LaMonte Wade Jr. (.196, 2, 5, 11 walks in 69 PAs), 2B Jonathan Schoop (.256, 23, 59) or Luis Arraez (.334, 4, 28 in 92 games).Yankees:... [More]

A look at the best-of-five American League Division Series between the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at New York, 7:07 p.m. (MLB); Game 2, Saturday, at New York, 5:07 p.m. (FS1); Game 3, Monday, Oct. 7, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1 or MLB); x-Game 4, Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1); x-Game 5, Thursday, Oct. 10, at New York, TBA (FS1).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Yankees won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Twins: C Mitch Garver (.273, 31 HRs, 67 RBIs, .630 slugging percentage in 93 games), SS Jorge Polanco (.295, 22, 79, 40 2Bs), DH Nelson Cruz (.311, 41, 108, .639 slugging percentage in 120 games), 3B Miguel Sanó (.247, 34, 79, 159 Ks in 105 games), LF Eddie Rosario (.276, 32, 109), CF Max Kepler (.252, 36, 90), 1B C.J. Cron (.253, 25, 78), RF Marwin Gonzalez (.264, 15, 55) or Jake Cave (.258, 8, 25 in 72 games) or LaMonte Wade Jr. (.196, 2, 5, 11 walks in 69 PAs), 2B Jonathan Schoop (.256, 23, 59) or Luis Arraez (.334, 4, 28 in 92 games).Yankees:... [More]

A look at the best-of-five American League Division Series between the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Friday, at New York, 7:07 p.m. (MLB); Game 2, Saturday, at New York, 5:07 p.m. (FS1); Game 3, Monday, Oct. 7, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1 or MLB); x-Game 4, Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Minnesota, TBA (FS1); x-Game 5, Thursday, Oct. 10, at New York, TBA (FS1).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Yankees won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Twins: C Mitch Garver (.273, 31 HRs, 67 RBIs, .630 slugging percentage in 93 games), SS Jorge Polanco (.295, 22, 79, 40 2Bs), DH Nelson Cruz (.311, 41, 108, .639 slugging percentage in 120 games), 3B Miguel Sanó (.247, 34, 79, 159 Ks in 105 games), LF Eddie Rosario (.276, 32, 109), CF Max Kepler (.252, 36, 90), 1B C.J. Cron (.253, 25, 78), RF Marwin Gonzalez (.264, 15, 55) or Jake Cave (.258, 8, 25 in 72 games) or LaMonte Wade Jr. (.196, 2, 5, 11 walks in 69 PAs), 2B Jonathan Schoop (.256, 23, 59) or Luis Arraez (.334, 4, 28 in 92 games).Yankees:... [More]

It's been three years since Andrew Miller led the Cleveland Indians to the brink of a World Series championship by coming out of the bullpen early and often, and bulk work from relievers has been an October staple since. Whether it's Brewers All-Star Josh Hader stretching out for three innings or Astros ace Justin Verlander moonlighting in middle relief, aggressive bullpen management has become standard postseason practice.As the calendar flips, a look at the best relief options — for the biggest outs, and for a bunch of them — for each of the 10 playoff clubs.NEW YORK YANKEESFor The Big Out: In baseball's deepest bullpen, the difference maker is Aroldis Chapman. The 31-year-old left-hander has lost some steam — he averaged about 98 mph on his fastball this year, down from 101 at his peak in 2016 — but he's made up for it with an improved slider that he's throwing more than ever. Although he famously blew a lead for the Cubs in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Chapman has been fantastic... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up their second straight postseason appearance Wednesday night, with Ryan Braun's grand slam sparking a 9-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that also tightened the NL Central race.The Brewers have won six in a row and 17 of 19 despite losing MVP Christian Yelich to a broken kneecap, vaulting from also-ran to at least a wild card. There's more at their fingertips — the division-leading Cardinals lost again, slicing their lead over the Brewers to 1 1/2 games.Milwaukee trails Washington by one game for the wild card lead.The Brewers jogged onto the field and formed a scrum by second base after when Junior Guerra got Christian Colon on a grounder for the final out.Braun had a solo shot in a 4-2 win in the series opener, and got the celebration started early Wednesday with his eighth career grand slam in the first inning. Teammates were on their feet, leaning against the dugout railing in anticipation of a big night, when he connected off Tyler... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up their second straight postseason appearance Wednesday night, with Ryan Braun's grand slam sparking a 9-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that also tightened the NL Central race.The Brewers have won six in a row and 17 of 19 despite losing MVP Christian Yelich to a broken kneecap, vaulting from also-ran to at least a wild card. There's more at their fingertips — the division-leading Cardinals lost again, slicing their lead over the Brewers to 1 1/2 games.Milwaukee trails Washington by one game for the wild card lead.The Brewers jogged onto the field and formed a scrum by second base after when Junior Guerra got Christian Colon on a grounder for the final out.Braun had a solo shot in a 4-2 win in the series opener, and got the celebration started early Wednesday with his eighth career grand slam in the first inning. Teammates were on their feet, leaning against the dugout railing in anticipation of a big night, when he connected off Tyler... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up their second straight postseason appearance Wednesday night, with Ryan Braun's grand slam sparking a 9-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that also tightened the NL Central race.The Brewers have won six in a row and 17 of 19 despite losing MVP Christian Yelich to a broken kneecap, vaulting from also-ran to at least a wild card. There's more at their fingertips — the division-leading Cardinals lost again, slicing their lead over the Brewers to 1 1/2 games.Milwaukee trails Washington by one game for the wild card lead.The Brewers jogged onto the field and formed a scrum by second base after when Junior Guerra got Christian Colon on a grounder for the final out.Braun had a solo shot in a 4-2 win in the series opener, and got the celebration started early Wednesday with his eighth career grand slam in the first inning. Teammates were on their feet, leaning against the dugout railing in anticipation of a big night, when he connected off Tyler... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up their second straight postseason appearance Wednesday night, with Ryan Braun's grand slam sparking a 9-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that also tightened the NL Central race.The Brewers have won six in a row and 17 of 19 despite losing MVP Christian Yelich to a broken kneecap, vaulting from also-ran to at least a wild card. There's more at their fingertips — the division-leading Cardinals lost again, slicing their lead over the Brewers to 1 1/2 games.Milwaukee trails Washington by one game for the wild card lead.The Brewers jogged onto the field and formed a scrum by second base after when Junior Guerra got Christian Colon on a grounder for the final out.Braun had a solo shot in a 4-2 win in the series opener, and got the celebration started early Wednesday with his eighth career grand slam in the first inning. Teammates were on their feet, leaning against the dugout railing in anticipation of a big night, when he connected off Tyler... [More]

Tigers first. Victor Reyes lines out to shallow infield, Randy Dobnak to C.J. Cron. Harold Castro flies out to left field to Luis Arraez. Miguel Cabrera reaches on error. Fielding error by Jorge Polanco. Jeimer Candelario doubles to deep right center field. Miguel Cabrera scores. Christin Stewart pops out to Mitch Garver.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 left on. Tigers 1, Twins 0.Twins seventh. Miguel Sano walks. Luis Arraez homers to center field. Miguel Sano scores. C.J. Cron grounds out to shallow infield, Drew VerHagen to Jeimer Candelario. LaMonte Wade Jr lines out to center field to Harold Castro. Jonathan Schoop pops out to shallow infield to Grayson Greiner.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Twins 2, Tigers 1.Twins eighth. Mitch Garver strikes out swinging. Jorge Polanco triples to deep right center field. Nelson Cruz singles to left field. Jorge Polanco scores. Eddie Rosario homers to right field. Nelson Cruz scores. Miguel Sano strikes out swinging. Luis Arraez walks. C.J. Cron singles to right field. Luis Arraez to second. LaMonte Wade Jr strikes out swinging.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 5, Tigers 1.

A look at what's happening around the majors today:BREWING SOME BUBBLYThe Brewers are on the verge of another postseason berth. Milwaukee can lock up an NL wild card with a win over Cincinnati or losses by the Cubs and Mets. Just like last season, when the Brewers put on a late rush to take the NL Central title, they have closed in on a playoff spot with a September flourish. They've won 16 of 18, positioning themselves for a wild-card showdown with Washington, and they trail St. Louis by 2 1/2 games in the NL Central. Jordan Lyles starts for Milwaukee against the Reds. He's 6-1 with a 2.35 in 10 starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh.CENTRAL POWERThe Twins can clinch their first AL Central title since 2010 with a win over Detroit and a loss by Cleveland against the Chicago White Sox. Minnesota is 97-60, its most victories since going 98-64 in 1970. With three wins in their final five games, the Twins can become the record fourth team in the majors this year with 100 victories. Two... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:BREWING SOME BUBBLYThe Brewers are on the verge of another postseason berth. Milwaukee can lock up an NL wild card with a win over Cincinnati or losses by the Cubs and Mets. Just like last season, when the Brewers put on a late rush to take the NL Central title, the Brewers have closed in on a playoff spot with a September flourish. They've won 16 of 18, positioning themselves for a wild-card showdown with Washington. Jordan Lyles starts for Milwaukee against the Reds. He's 6-1 with a 2.35 in 10 starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh.CENTRAL POWERThe Twins can clinch their first AL Central title since 2010 with a win over Detroit and a loss by Cleveland against the Chicago White Sox. Minnesota is 97-60, its most victories since going 98-64 in 1970. With three wins in their final five games, the Twins can become the record fourth team in the majors this year with 100 victories. Two years after going undrafted, rookie right-hander... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:BREWING SOME BUBBLYThe Brewers are on the verge of another postseason berth. Milwaukee can lock up an NL wild card with a win over Cincinnati or losses by the Cubs and Mets. Just like last season, when the Brewers put on a late rush to take the NL Central title, the Brewers have closed in on a playoff spot with a September flourish. They've won 16 of 18, positioning themselves for a wild-card showdown with Washington. Jordan Lyles starts for Milwaukee against the Reds. He's 6-1 with a 2.35 in 10 starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh.CENTRAL POWERThe Twins can clinch their first AL Central title since 2010 with a win over Detroit and a loss by Cleveland against the Chicago White Sox. Minnesota is 97-60, its most victories since going 98-64 in 1970. With three wins in their final five games, the Twins can become the record fourth team in the majors this year with 100 victories. Two years after going undrafted, rookie right-hander... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:PAIR OF ACESIt's a marquee matchup when Jacob deGrom starts for the Mets against Max Scherzer at Nationals Park. Washington leads the NL wild-card race, New York is chasing.DeGrom (8-8, 2.66 ERA) is 1-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three games vs. the Nationals this season. Scherzer (9-5. 2.46) has a 3.24 ERA in 8 1/3 innings over two starts since returning from the injured list last month.Mets catcher Wilson Ramos owns a 25-game hitting streak, the longest active string in the majors.WELCOME BACKEdwin Encarnación is set to rejoin the Yankees after missing a month because of a broken right wrist. He's hit 30 home runs this year, including nine in 36 games since being acquired from Seattle in mid-June.The slugger returns to the Yankees to take on Texas, a day after they lost 7-0 to Mike Minor and the Rangers — that ended New York's streak of 220 games without being shut out.It was the second longest string without being blanked in the majors since... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:PAIR OF ACESIt's a marquee matchup when Jacob deGrom starts for the Mets against Max Scherzer at Nationals Park. Washington leads the NL wild-card race, New York is chasing.DeGrom (8-8, 2.66 ERA) is 1-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three games vs. the Nationals this season. Scherzer (9-5. 2.46) has a 3.24 ERA in 8 1/3 innings over two starts since returning from the injured list last month.Mets catcher Wilson Ramos owns a 25-game hitting streak, the longest active string in the majors.WELCOME BACKEdwin Encarnación is set to rejoin the Yankees after missing a month because of a broken right wrist. He's hit 30 home runs this year, including nine in 36 games since being acquired from Seattle in mid-June.The slugger returns to the Yankees to take on Texas, a day after they lost 7-0 to Mike Minor and the Rangers — that ended New York's streak of 220 games without being shut out.It was the second longest string without being blanked in the majors since... [More]