Let the playoffs begin ...

Here's a wrap of MLB notes heading into the playoffs:

The Washington Nationals fired manager Matt Williams on Monday. The move was expected as the Nationals, with a team-record $164-million payroll, finished with an 83-79 record and failed to reach the playoffs.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina apparently will try to play in the postseason with a splint protecting his injured left thumb. The team announced that Molina had his thumb examined by a hand specialist and was told that damage still exists in the ligament.