After emotional ALDS comeback, Yankees seem destined to beat Astros and advance to World Series  —  HOUSTON — The signs were there all season, really.  The harder the 2017 Yankees were punched in the gut, in particular those forgettable nights when Aroldis Chapman gave away games to the Red Sox …

Cubs come back to stun Nationals, 9-8, in NLDS Game 5 thriller  —  The Chicago Cubs win whenever they need to, with whatever it takes, even a seven-out save by Wade Davis to preserve a shrinking lead and a “Did that really happen?” four-run inning against Washington's Max Scherzer in a thriller of a Game 5.

Report: Rockies' Greg Holland won't exercise player option, will become free agent  —  Greg Holland, an All-Star closer for the Rockies this season, will not exercise a $15 million player option in his contract and instead will become a free agent this offseason, FanRag Sports reported Thursday.

Max Scherzer's unbelievable, impossible, unprecedented loss  —  Max Scherzer didn't deserve the loss.  This is often true of pitchers who get the loss, but this one goes in the Didn't Deserve The Loss Hall of Fame.  I mean, mathematically speaking, he really didn't deserve the loss.  —  Just look at this:

Can the Dodgers fulfill Magic's vision?  —  LOS ANGELES — There is no way to pin down Magic Johnson at any moment.  He's up long before dawn and in the gym for a morning workout.  After that, he's everywhere and anywhere.  The Lakers' new offices, practice courts, Dodger Stadium, a business meeting, a political rally.

How ‘Siamese twin’ helped transform Gregorius into fearsome hitter … HOUSTON — During Didi Gregorius' first spring training with the Yankees in 2015, general manager Brian Cashman had a question for hitting coach Jeff Pentland.  —  “He asked me, ‘When is he going to hit?’ ”

Thumbs Down Guy, who is a devoted Mets fan, now hopes Yankees keep winning  —  Gary Dunaier may be a Mets fan but he doesn't want his 15 minutes of fame to end just yet.  —  Dunaier, 54, became an internet sensation after cameras caught him giving a thumbs down sign following Todd Frazier's home run against the Rays at Citi Field.

Gary Cederstrom, Mike Winters to be umpire crew chiefs in LCS  —  NEW YORK — Gary Cederstrom will be the umpire crew chief for the American League Championship Series and Mike Winters will handle the duties for the National League Championship Series.  —  Major League Baseball made the announcement Thursday.

Rumor Central: Jorge Velandia in contention for Phillies' managerial job?  —  Jorge Velandia, currently a special assistant to general manager Matt Klentak, has emerged as a “strong candidate” for the managerial vacancy of the Philadelphia Phillies, reports Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.