Ballbug: More ESPN The Mag — No franchise in America better exemplifies … (ESPN)

What limits? Terry Collins ready to turn Matt Harvey loose in playoffs — PHILADELPHIA — After weeks of consternation about Matt Harvey's availability and willingness to pitch past 180 innings and into the playoffs, Terry Collins said Tuesday that the right-hander will not be limited …

Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors

Colon struggles early as Mets lose to Phillies, 4-3 — The Mets couldn't rebound after falling into an early hole as they lost to the Phillies, 4-3, on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. — With the Mets trailing 4-1 in the ninth inning, Lucas Duda's two-out, two-run homer off Phillies closer Ken Giles cut …

Discussion: Amazin' Avenue, The Good Phight and Yahoo Sports

Marc Carig / Newsday:

Jonathon Niese not sharp but comfortable in new relief role … Mets — Mets vs. Phillies … Mets — Mets playoff hopefuls … Mets — Matt Harvey's career starts

Discussion: Amazin' Avenue

Marc Carig / Newsday:
Mets focus on gaining home-field advantage in NLDS

Discussion: New York Post and Metsblog

Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:

Baseball's culture clash: Vast majority of brawls involve differing ethnicities — A scene from the Texas Rangers' clubhouse at Oakland's Coliseum last week neatly captured the blending of cultures that's so prevalent in baseball. — As Shin-Soo Choo highlights flashed on a TV screen …

Discussion: CBSSports.com, Bleacher Nation and Lone Star Ball

Scott Miller / Bleacher Report:

San Diego Padres Fined for MLB Infraction Before International Draft — An already frustrating season in San Diego took another hit earlier this month when Major League Baseball fined the San Diego Padres an undisclosed amount for holding an illegal international workout this summer, according to Bleacher Report sources.

Discussion: NBCSports.com, Gaslamp Ball, MLB Trade Rumors and The San Diego Union …

Discussion: The San Diego Union …

Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

Piscotty could return to field this weekend — PITTSBURGH • The first person to see Stephen Piscotty lying unconscious, blood trickling from his mouth, in left-center field Monday night at PNC Park after a vicious collision was also one of the last to see him a few hours later at the hospital.

Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors

Associated Press:

Indians OF Michael Brantley out vs. Twins with shoulder injury — CLEVELAND — Indians outfielder Michael Brantley has toughed it out, playing through aches and pains all season long. — Now a right shoulder injury could sideline him for Cleveland's final week.

Discussion: Twinkie Town and Let's Go Tribe

Cincinnati.com:

Reds expect Hamilton to be healthy, switch-hitting, by spring — The Reds expect Billy Hamilton to show up on time this spring, ready to play, batting from both the left and right side. — Hamilton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder on Tuesday and is expected to be ready to resume …

Discussion: redsminorleagues.com

Discussion: Redleg Nation, NBCSports.com, redsminorleagues.com, MLB Trade Rumors and Bleacher Report

John Baker / Fox Sports:

Playing the right way? — The most overused, overwrought cliché in baseball? Play the game the right way. What does that even mean, though? The answer to that question must take into account three important factors: When, Who, and Where. — When.

Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago:

Ventura ‘hopeful’ coaching staff returns — Robin Ventura made it clear early this month that he wants to return for a fourth season as White Sox manager, and he has managed these final weeks of a disappointing season as one who expects to be back. — Indications are the Sox front office …

Discussion: Royals Review, South Side Sox and Yahoo Sports

Associated Press:

Cubs Score 4 in 1st, Beat Reds 4-1 After Long Rain Delay — CINCINNATI — Miguel Montero doubled home a pair of runs during Chicago's four-run first inning, and Dan Haren pitched into the eighth on Tuesday night, leading the Cubs to a 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds following a long rain delay.

Discussion: Bleed Cubbie Blue

John Lott / National Post:

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki encouraged daily by teammates during recovery — BALTIMORE - He is still new to his team, and for the past couple of weeks, he hasn't even been able to play. But thanks to his teammates, Troy Tulowitzki does not feel at all like a stranger.

Discussion: Toronto Star, Yahoo Sports and Bluebird Banter

Associated Press:

Gosselin Wins It for Diamondbacks in 11th, 4-3 Over Rockies — PHOENIX — Pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin singled in the winning run after Colorado reliever Brooks Brown walked the bases loaded in the 11th inning as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 4-3 Tuesday night.

Discussion: Purple Row