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LEADING OFF: Day off in playoffs, Nats-Dodgers travel to DC

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

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NO GAMES

Baseball takes a day off during the playoffs. A pair of Game 5s were scheduled in the AL Division Series - but the Blue Jays and Indians have already clinched, so they get extra time to rest. They meet in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series on Friday night in Cleveland.

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

The Dodgers and Nationals take a break for travel before the deciding Game 5 of their NL Division Series on Thursday in Washington. ''Biggest start of my life. I'm not going to shy away from it,'' said 20-game winner Max Scherzer, set to pitch for the Nationals. There have been 11 hit batters in the series, a postseason record.

TAKE IT EASY

Thanks to a four-run rally in the ninth inning Tuesday night, the Cubs wrapped up their NL Division Series against San Francisco and avoided the tension of a win-or-go-home Game 5. Now, they get a few days off in Chicago before resuming their quest to end a World Series championship drought that dates to 1908. Four wins from their first pennant in 71 years, the Cubs await the Dodgers-Nationals winner in the NLCS beginning Saturday at Wrigley Field. ''Honestly, I don't have any desire either way,'' Chicago manager Joe Maddon said. ''I'm just happy to be in the dance.''

WAIT AND SEE

The Nationals will see if Stephen Strasburg is feeling any better after the ace felt discomfort in his right elbow earlier this week. Strasburg's bullpen session at Dodger Stadium was cut short Monday. He has been out since tearing a tendon in his elbow on Sept. 7. Strasburg has said he would try to pitch again this season if Washington reaches the NL Championship Series.

HEALING

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome right knee. The team said it was ''a routine cleanup'' and that they lefty is expected to be ready for spring training. ... Royals pitcher Chris Young had surgery to his abdominal area, pelvis and groin this week. The club said the veteran right-hander should be OK for camp. ... Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun is having surgery on a bilateral core muscle injury. He will need at least six weeks of recovery time, but he is expected to head into spring training with no limitations.

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