There were innings considerations, of course, that led the Mets to pencil Matt Harvey in for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Dodgers long before this postseason began. But in explaining his decision at the time, manager Terry Collins also pointed to the importance of any Game 3, regardless of where the series stands.

The question now is not whether Chase Utley’s actions in Game 2 of the National League Division Series are going to inspire a heightened level of intensity from the New York nine in Game 3 on Monday night at Citi Field, but whether the Mets’ emotions will work for them or against them.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly defended Chase Utley’s controversial slide that broke the leg of Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada in Saturday night’s 5-2 win, calling it “hard, aggressive, legal.”

Clayton Kershaw threw an abbreviated bullpen session Sunday night at Citi Field that will prepare him to start either Tuesday’s Game 4 of the National League Division Series on short rest or Game 5 on Thursday at home.

Dallas Keuchel held the Royals to one run in seven innings, and Chris Carter had three hits, including his first postseason home run, to send the Astros to a 4-2 win over the Royals before a raucous crowd of 42,674 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Sunday at Minute Maid Park.

The Cardinals and Cubs are a unique rivalry that’s been forged by the proximity of their cities, shaped by its longevity and enhanced by the frequency they’ve met as part of the same division. Throughout their history, 309 players have played for both St Louis and Chicago.

Brett Anderson, the Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander who’s scheduled to start Monday’s Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets, is neither Clayton Kershaw nor Zack Greinke. However, Anderson has done a nice job this year of being himself.

In the wake of the fractured right fibula suffered by Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada on Saturday night, the result of a hard slide by Chase Utley of the Dodgers, Astros shortstop Carlos Correa said Sunday that measures should be taken to protect middle infielders.

Two of the National League’s leaders in wins square off in a pivotal Game 3 as the Cubs and Cardinals enter tied at one in the National League Division Series.

Free from the discomfort of his second back injury of the season, Steven Matz is scheduled to start Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS. Mets manager Terry Collins announced the decision Sunday, along with his plan to start Jacob deGrom in Game 5, if the series necessitates one.

The Mets will make a final decision on Monday about shortstop prospect Matt Reynolds, who is not on the 40-man roster, to replace injured shortstop Ruben Tejada on their National League Division Series roster.

He’s a lifelong resident of Puerto Rico and plays in Los Angeles, but Enrique Hernandez grew up a Yankees fan.

It’s hardly a surprise to hear how the Cubs’ rookie hitters impressed beyond all expectations this season. But has anyone ever considered that what they’ve done might be historic?

Jake Arrieta’s teammates call him the “best pitcher on the planet.” His coaches are equally optimistic about the right-hander’s ability. Really, it’s tough to find someone who isn’t confident he can pitch well.

Elvis Andrus was once the kid who came up from the Minor Leagues and learned from the great Omar Vizquel because he would one day replace him.

With remarkable power and blazing speed, Major Leaguers turned heads in their efforts to rattle opposing pitchers and put runs on the scoreboard.

The Blue Jays will make left-hander David Price available out of the bullpen if the American League Division Series is extended to four games, and it’s possible he will be used in Sunday night’s Game 3.