8:45 AM ET The American League Division Series pits the Houston Astros against the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees. Here’s Tim Kurkjian’s pick for each series, with three reasons why that team will win — and one reason why they might not. Three reasons the Astros will beat
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8:00 AM ET Tito Francona had hip surgery two days after the 2016 World Series, which ended, again, in heartache for the Indians, their fans and the city of Cleveland. When Francona came to, he was wobbly, which isn’t unusual for him. A doctor and a nurse asked him about the World Series. “I was
7:00 AM ET BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox had a team dinner in March in Florida before the season opener against the Rays. They had another one Wednesday night. Tony La Russa, a special advisor in the front office, was there telling stories. The team was relaxed. Fans at the restaurant recognized the players.
2:59 AM ET LOS ANGELES — For most of two afternoons at Dodger Stadium, the conversation centered on the man who wasn’t getting the ball in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Clayton Kershaw, a walking Hall of Famer pitching on the edges of his prime, had been the guy to get the
11:57 PM ET MILWAUKEE — Opposing pitchers have tried everything, yet Milwaukee Brewers all-world right fielder Christian Yelich keeps hurting them no matter what they throw. Tim Kurkjian makes the case for a Milwaukee-Los Angeles NLCS — and why he might be completely wrong about both teams. Milwaukee completed an epic month-long rally to thwart
7:34 PM ET Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw says he accepts the reasons he was given for not starting Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Whether the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner agrees with them may be altogether different. The Los Angeles Dodgers chose to go with Hyun-Jin Ryu in
Before the game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon called his friend Bud Black “old school.” We might find out just how old school. Kyle Freeland is rolling having set down 12 straight since the second. After an eight-pitch fifth, he’s only thrown 58 pitches. How long will the Rockies let him go? Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Staff
5:30 PM ET MILWAUKEE — Colorado Rockies left-hander Tyler Anderson, who struggled in August before finishing the season with three quality starts, will get the ball in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday afternoon, the team announced. “It’s a great honor,” Anderson said Thursday. “I’m excited. My whole life I’ve
4:12 PM ET Dave Schoenfield BOSTON — Chris Sale insists he feels good and expects to win regardless of questions over his velocity after shoulder issues, as the Red Sox ace gets the ball for Game 1 of Friday’s American League Division Series against the Yankees. Sale has thrown just 301 pitches since the end
5:09 PM ET BOSTON — The New York Yankees will turn to J.A. Happ as the starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. Chris Sale insists he feels good and expects to win regardless of questions over his velocity after shoulder issues, as