Before he goes ‘back into the zoo’ of free agency, Dallas Keuchel must deal for the Braves  —  ST. LOUIS — Atlanta Braves starter Dallas Keuchel is on a mission — and it's not just to win the World Series this postseason in the MLB playoffs.  That goes without saying …

John Middleton nears a decision on Gabe Kapler, asks Phillies players for input  —  Gabe Kapler's future as Phillies manager could be determined by his players, as team owner John Middleton, according to a source, has sought input on Kapler from members of the roster as he nears a decision …

Redskins fire Coach Jay Gruden after 0-5 start  —  Washington Redskins Coach Jay Gruden has been fired after the team's 0-5 start to the season.  —  Gruden was summoned to the team's facility in Ashburn for a 5 a.m. meeting Monday by owner Daniel Snyder and team president Bruce Allen, who informed him of the decision.

Bottle hits Aroldis Chapman in wacky Yankees injury scare  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Yankees' bullpen hardly looked unhittable in the ALDS, and Zack Britton being removed with a right ankle injury in the bottom of the eighth of Game 3 only added to the concern.  —  And in the clubhouse …

Reggie Jackson on Yankees' Didi Gregorius: 'Don't wake him up'  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Of course Mr. October would see it coming.  Back in the dog days of August, when Didi Gregorius was mired in a terrible slump, special adviser to the general manager Reggie Jackson singled out the New York Yankees shortstop …

Red Sox Announce Coaching Staff Changes  —  The Red Sox announced several notable changes to the coaching staff under manager Alex Cora.  In particular, the club will be hiring a new pitching coach duo.  —  While the Boston organization will retain the services of pitching coach Dana LeVangie …

Cole strikes out 15 as Astros top Rays for 2-0 ALDS lead  —  Gerrit Cole struck out 15 batters in 7 2/3 innings, leading the hometown Houston Astros to a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park.

Nationals force a decisive Game 5 with 6-1 win over Dodgers  —  The Dodgers fail to close out the series after giving up four runs in the fifth inning of a 6-1 loss to the Nationals.  The series is tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 on Wednesday.

The Las Vegas A's?  Baseball commissioner tells Oakland it could happen  —  Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made it clear to Oakland officials that the A's proposed waterfront ballpark and the team's desire to develop at the Coliseum is an “all in one” proposition …

Three Needs: Baltimore Orioles  —  We're continuing with our “Three Needs” series, in which we take a look at the chief issues to be addressed for clubs that fell out of contention.  The Orioles were about as bad as expected last year, but have plenty of possibilities in their second season under GM Mike Elias.

Sources: Mets doing background work on Carlos Beltran, mutual interest between player and team  —  Beltran had bumpy tenure as a member of the Mets  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Carlos Beltran- as-Mets-manager speculation has now grown legs and turned into an actual story.

San Francisco 49ers fueled by Baker Mayfield's pregame snub  —  SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As a player whose decorated NFL career has been fueled by a turbulent temperament and a boulder on his shoulder, Richard Sherman understands the nature of rivalry and respects the power of a pugnacious pregame persona.