Kemp's HR Lifts Dodgers Over Cards, NLDS Tied at 1  —  LOS ANGELES — Matt Kemp yanked the Dodgers from the depths of despair with one swing.  —  Kemp hit a go-ahead home run leading off the eighth inning, lifting Los Angeles to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night …

With mid-level fastball, Padres lefty has developed challenging four-pitch mix  —  Padres starter Eric Stults lasted six innings, allowing two runs and drove in two at the plate as the Padres defeated the D-backs, 6-2  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Eric Stults doesn't have fastball envy.

Changes In Atlanta Extend To Scouting Department  —  As first reported by Peter Gammons (Twitter link), the Atlanta Braves are expected to replace scouting director Tony DeMacio.  In his place, an industry source confirmed to Baseball America, Atlanta will promote crosschecker Brian Bridges …

Mariners Notes: Payroll, Roster Analysis  —  Here's the latest out of Seattle.  — The Mariners increased attendance by about 300,000 fans in 2014, and that means there is extra money to spend, writes Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.  We learned earlier today that fellow Times writer …

Free Agent Profile: Aramis Ramirez  —  Aramis Ramirez had an up-and-down season for the Brewers, who must sort out his mutual option and weigh a potential qualifying offer.  The 36-year-old can still be a force at the plate, and may be the best offensive third baseman available this winter.

There are ways Mets can improve without spending spree  —  This was a losing season for the Mets, but not a lost season.  —  They received huge steps forward by Vic Black, Travis d'Arnaud, Jacob deGrom, Matt den Dekker, Lucas Duda, Jeurys Familia, Wilmer Flores, Dilson Herrera, Jenrry Mejia and Zack Wheeler.

Hosmer's HR gives Royals 2-0 ALDS lead over Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Breaking down Game 2 of the AL Division Series at Angel Stadium:  —  Box score: Royals 4, Angels 1, Royals lead series 2-0  —  Royals 4, Angels 1: The majors' best team in the regular season is one loss away from a quick and ignominious exit from the playoffs.

Closer collects two saves in ALDS after frenzied journey from N.C. for birth of son  —  10/2/14: Royals closer Greg Holland talks about saving Game 1 of the ALDS and the strength of the bullpen  —  ANAHEIM — It's not an understatement to say that Royals closer Greg Holland is having the best week of his life.

Jake Peavy leads Giants over Nationals in opening game  —  Never much of a post-season performer, Jake Peavy sure outpitched Stephen Strasburg in the former No. 1 pick's playoff debut.  —  Guess that October aura the San Francisco Giants proudly own has rubbed off on Peavy.

Pirates Designate Jose Tabata For Assignment  —  The Pirates have designated right-handed-hitting outfielder Jose Tabata for assignment, according to the MLB.com transactions page.  Tabata's struggles led to him being outrighted earlier in the year, though he made his way back to the big league roster …

Process will begin next week with interim manager on list  —  9/27/14: Rangers president and GM Jon Daniels joins the team's broadcast booth to discuss the team's offseason plans  —  ANAHEIM — Tim Bogar is one of six candidates who will interview for the Rangers managerial opening beginning early next week.