9HOUSTON — Houston’s Framber Valdez opened against Chicago’s Lucas Giolito for Game 2 of the AL Division Series. Lance McCullers Jr. pitched a gem to give Houston a 6-1 win in the opener. The Astros were leading 9-4 at the top of the 8th. Corbin Burnes started for the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers and Charlie Morton started for the NL East-winning Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their National League Division Series. That game was scoreless at the top of the third.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Brent Suter will miss the National League Division Series with a right oblique strain. It’s another setback for a bullpen already missing setup man Devin Williams, who punched a wall and broke his throwing hand the night the Brewers clinched the NL Central title. The Atlanta Braves also released their NLDS roster ahead of Friday’s series opener. The Braves’ bullpen won’t have Chris Martin or Richard Rodriguez. Atlanta has five starting pitchers on the roster. The Braves also added speedy outfielder Terrance Gore, a pinch-running specialist who last played in the major leagues for the Dodgers last year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have placed linebacker Jayon Brown and three others on injured reserve after declaring them out against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans also promoted a trio from the practice squad to the active roster. The Titans put rookie wide receiver Racey McMath, offensive lineman Aaron Brewer and tight end Tommy Hudson on injured reserve. Wide receiver Julio Jones and punter Brett Kern have been declared out for Sunday’s game in Jacksonville. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who missed most of the last two games with an injured hamstring, will play Sunday after practicing fully for a second straight day today.

DETROIT (AP) — The latest generation of NHL pucks allow infrared cameras to constantly connect the vulcanized rubber with a puck and player tracking system. Players will also have sensors on their jerseys. The data generated will be used by teams to develop their players. It will also help with scouting opponents. Passing, puck possession and more can be accurately recorded without the potential subjectivity of a scoring crew in an arena. The NHL says fans will be able to see some of it. The data will also open the door to different kinds of gambling on NHL games.

HOUSTON (AP) — MLB Network broadcaster Jim Kaat has apologized during an AL Division Series game between the Astros and White Sox after saying teams should try to “get a 40-acre field full of” players who look like Chicago infielder Yoán Moncada. Kaat, a former All-Star pitcher and longtime commentator for the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins, made the remark in the first inning of Game 2 in response to a comment from broadcaster Buck Showalter. Kaat later said he “used a poor choice of words that resulted in an insensitive and hurtful remark.”

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