WILD TIMESThe Rockies head to Wrigley Field for a wild-card showdown with the Cubs after both teams lost tiebreaking games Monday with division crowns on the line. Colorado missed out on a first NL West title in a 5-2 loss at the Dodgers Chris Tillman Jersey , then quickly scooted off for Chicago. The Cubs await them there after falling to Milwaukee 3-1 with the NL Central on the line.Both teams are calling on ace left-handers — Chicago will start Jon Lester and may follow with Cole Hamels, while Colorado gives the ball to Kyle Freeland.Lester will become the first pitcher to start two wild-card games, though his first ranks among his worst postseason performances. The Royals scored six runs off Lester during a dramatic rally for a 9-8, 12-inning win over Oakland in 2014.Freeland set a franchise record with a 2.85 ERA — including a 2.40 mark at Coors Field. He gave up just six home runs in 108 2/3 innings on the road this season, making him an ideal arm on a windy day at Wrigley.DECISIONS, DECISIONSYankees manager Aaron Boone is expected to name his starting pitcher for Wednesday’s AL wild-card game against Oakland. It’s a big decision: young ace Luis Severino wobbled at times down the stretch Eddie Murray Jersey , getting outpitched by veteran teammates Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ. Severino wants a shot at redemption after getting just one out in last year’s wild-card game against Minnesota — the Yankees rallied for an 8-4 victory. There’s also this: Happ has been lights out against the Red Sox, who await the wild-card winner in an AL Division Series.The Athletics are expected to counter with a bullpen game, led by Liam Hendriks in the first inning. Hendriks will make a most unexpected postseason starter — Oakland claimed him off waivers from the Angels in June, but he’s been among its best relievers since.SHO DOWNTwo-way sensation Shohei Ohtani has moved into recovery mode after having Tommy John surgery Monday. Angels general manager Billy Eppler says the surgery went well, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure in Los Angeles. Ohtani was named AL Rookie of the Month for September and is a top contender for AL Rookie of the Year honors. The Angels plan to use Ohtani as a hitter in 2019 while he rehabs his elbow with an eye on returning to the mound in 2020. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Ervin Santana on the 10-day disabled list Sunday and reinstated outfielder Robbie Grossman from the DL.The Twins also recalled right-hander Alan Busenitz from Triple-A Rochester before their 5-4 victory over Detroit. Outfielder Johnny Field was sent down.The 35-year-old Santana, who won 16 games last year Kevin Gausman Jersey , is scheduled to see a hand specialist on Tuesday about recurring finger discomfort that has sidelined him for much of the season.“I’m not sure where it’s going to go from here, we just thought it made sense at this time rather than run him back out there on Tuesday,” manager Paul Molitor said.Santana opened the season on the DL after undergoing surgery on his right middle finger in February. He was reinstated on July 25 and went 0-1 with an 8.03 ERA in 24 2/3 innings over five starts.“It’s very tough for me and obviously for the team because instead of help the team you hurt the team because you don’t locate your fastball where you want it, or your slider where you want it, and then it’s difficult,” Santana said. “Now I’m just trying to get ready and move on.”Santana said he hasn’t spoken recently to his surgeons http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-jonathan-schoop-jersey , but added, “The last time I saw him in New York, he told me the pain will go away. Still here.”Grossman was sidelined by a strained hamstring. He is batting .253 with four homers and 34 RBIs in 92 games.Top prospect Stephen Gonsalves also was in Minnesota’s clubhouse on Sunday. He is slated to start Monday against the Chicago White Sox. Right-hander Tyler Duffey was optioned to Rochester after Sunday’s win to make room for Gonsalves.
