No need for Melky

The San Francisco Giants have no plans to bring back suspended outfielder Melky Cabrera for the postseason if the club is still playing when he is eligible to return in the NLCS. Manager Bruce Bochy said he and GM Brian Sabean are meeting to fi- nalize their 25-man roster for the division series. Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer in the ninth to put the host Braves back in the playoffs with a 4-3 victory over the Marlins. Atlanta clinched at least an NL wild-card berth.

Anibal Sanchez threw a shutout and the host Tigers moved into a tie for first place in the AL Central with a 2-0 victory over the Royals. Detroit pulled even with the White Sox, who lost to the visiting Indians, 4-3.

BRONCO BANNED

Broncos LB Joe Mays received a onegame suspension and a $50,000 fine from the NFL for the hit that dislodged Texans QB Matt Schaub’s helmet and took off a piece of his ear. Mays will appeal, the AP said.

COSMOS L.I.-BOUND

The New York Cosmos will play home games at Hofstra’s 13,000-seat stadium on Long Island when they return to the NASL in 2013 after a 28-year absence. The Cosmos played in Hempstead in 1972-73.

FLOYD-MANNY MOVE

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are settling a federal defamation case in Las Vegas, clearing a key hurdle to a long-awaited bout between two top fighters who have never met in the ring.

NHL TALKS SET

The NHL and its players’ union are to resume bargaining in New York on Friday, the first talks since the lockout began Sept. 16.