nl playoffs

Right-hander Rich Harden's $7 million option for next year has been exercised by the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs acquired the hard-throwing right-hander from Oakland on July 8.

He was the losing pitcher in Game 3 of the NL playoffs on Saturday night as the Cubs were swept in three games by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell left Tuesday's workout because of discomfort in his lower back, a day before Philadelphia opens the NL playoffs.

The Phillies and Milwaukee play Game 1 on Wednesday afternoon. Burrell will be checked before the game. Burrell exited after taking a swing in batting practice.

Yovani Gallardo could be the Game 1 starter for the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL playoffs against Philadelphia, even though he's made just one major league appearance since May 1.

Gallardo returned from a torn knee ligament and pitched four innings last Thursday against Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed one run and three hits while throwing 67 pitches.

Jason Marquis became the second pitcher to hit a grand slam against the Mets this season, and the Chicago Cubs clinched home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs with a 9-5 victory Monday night that ...