Aaron Judge: New York Yankees OF robs home run in ALDS win  —  All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge did nothing at the plate Sunday, but saved the game for the New York Yankees defensively.  —  Judge kept the game scoreless in the sixth inning by making a spectacular catch …

Zach LaVine among Cubs VIPs expected for Game 3; Bill Murray to sing the stretch  —  The next wave of famous Cubs followers includes Roy Wood Jr. and Elisabeth Moss.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Zach LaVine may get a taste of Chicago's playoff atmosphere if the new Bulls guard attends Game 3 …

Justin Verlander gives up 2-run HR to first batter in first career relief appearance  —  BOSTON — Desperate to avoid a winner-take-all Game 5 in this American League Division Series, the Houston Astros asked ace Justin Verlander to do something Monday that he hadn't done as a professional or in college.

Roberts' return to L.A. “was meant to be”  —  “All men are created equal”, in one sense, but all men have different characteristics and qualities.  The good leader knows how to handle each individual player.  — The Dodger Way To Play Baseball, 1954, by Al Campanis.

Brad Ausmus on Mets radar to replace Collins  —  NEW YORK - Brad Ausmus, who was let go by the Detroit Tigers following their last-place finish, is on the radar of the New York Mets and is in fact said to be a candidate to replace Terry Collins.  The Mets have reached out to Ausmus and they've had one conversation to date.

Bryce Harper: Washington Nationals star crushed a game-tying HR vs. Chicago Cubs  —  Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper came through in the clutch Sunday, hitting a game-tying home run against the Chicago Cubs.  —  And he crushed it.  —  The Nationals trailed the Cubs 3-1 in the top …

Derek Jeter swoops in and poaches longtime Yankees exec … Yankees VP of Player Development Gary Denbo is leaving the organization to work with Derek Jeter and the Marlins, according to a person close to the situation.  —  Denbo, who managed Jeter in the low minors and was the Yankees' hitting coach …

Minnesota Twins sign manager Paul Molitor through 2020 season after historic turnaround  —  The Minnesota Twins signed manager Paul Molitor to a three-year contract extension, the team announced Monday.  —  Molitor, who was named as the Twins' manager in November 2014, will remain with the club through the 2020 season.

Joey Votto named finalist for Hank Aaron Award  —  Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award, given out each year to the top offensive performer in each league.  Votto was also a finalist last season, and won in 2010.

Your guide to Monday's LDS games: Can Red Sox, Yankees and D-backs extend their postseasons?  —  Is Columbus Day one of those official holidays in which you don't have to go to work?  If you're a baseball fan, it doesn't matter: You're finding a way to skip work or leave early.  Quadruple-header, baby!

Man sues MLB, Cubs after going blind from foul liner to eye at Wrigley  —  Sign-Up for our News & Politics Newsletter  —  A northwest suburban man who permanently lost sight in his left eye after he was hit by a line-drive foul ball in August at Wrigley Field is suing Major League Baseball and the Chicago Cubs, his attorneys said.

Greg Bird's postseason performance a reminder of his superstar potential  —  With one mighty swing, Greg Bird kept the Yankees' season alive — while reminding everyone of the superstar potential he possesses when healthy.  —  In a stunning development, Bird turned on a 95-mph inside fastball …