Antonio Brown Accuser Says He Sent Her ‘Intimidating’ Text Messages After SI's Story  — Two days after Sports Illustrated's story about Antonio Brown, the Patriots receiver allegedly included an accuser in a series of text messages claiming she was only out for money …

Wild-card tracker: Cubs drop out of wild-card spot — for now  —  The Nationals took Thursday off.  But, they kept hold of their wild-card lead during the break.  —  Chicago lost to St. Louis in 10 innings.  The Cubs are on a three-game losing streak, which became enough Thursday for them to slip out of a wild-card spot.

After Wong's injury and Martinez's meltdown, Carpenter's clout rescues Cardinals  —  CHICAGO  • Whatever the Cardinals gained in the standings and Matt Carpenter seized by rescuing them from catastrophe, their elation was limited late Thursday night by the reason Carpenter was in the game to win the game at all.

After Overcoming Injuries All Season, Can the Yankees Win Their 28th World Series?  — For the Yankees, a 10-year championship drought feels like a lifetime.  Like some of their previous World Series-winning teams, the 2019 club is deep and boasts plenty of all-stars.  Can these Yankees win their 28th title?

Latest On Jose Ramirez  —  The Indians took a massive hit in late August when third baseman Jose Ramirez fractured the hamate bone in his right hand.  Now, with the Indians fighting for a wild-card spot in the American League, Ramirez is working toward a regular-season return.

Sources: Skaggs' death subject of DEA probe  —  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating where Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs obtained the drugs that were in his system at the time of his July 1 death in Southlake, Texas, two sources with knowledge of the investigation told Outside the Lines on Wednesday.

Blue Jays Claim Breyvic Valera, Designate Ryan Dull  —  The Blue Jays announced that they've claimed infielder Breyvic Valera off waivers from the Yankees and, to create room on the 40-man roster, designated right-hander Ryan Dull for assignment.  Toronto claimed Dull himself off waivers from the Yankees just two days ago.

Marlins give Don Mattingly two-year extension  —  The Marlins have announced that they have inked manager Don Mattingly to a two-year contract extensions.  There's a third year in the form of a mutual option.  —  Mattingly is finishing up the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Marlins prior to the 2016 season.

Why the Venezuelan home run record meant the world to Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez  —  Eugenio Suárez hit his 48th homer Wednesday, the most homers in a season ever by a Venezuelan-born player.  The Reds had a post-game celebration.  —  CONNECT

Eighth death linked to vaping as illnesses surge around the United States  —  (CNN)Missouri health officials announced on Thursday the vaping-related death of a man in his mid-40s.  This is the United States' eighth death linked to severe lung injury and illness tied to e-cigarettes.