Wire Taps: Daniel Murphy 'progressing nicely'; NLDS Games 1 & 2 start times announced; Max Scherzer lobbies Metro to stay open

Well, there's no looking back now. In three-or-so days, for better or for worse, the playoffs will have started. My heart rate is rising just from writing that, actually.

Here's the beat from Half Street.

Daniel Murphy: "I'm progressing nicely"
Murphy, who appeared as a pinch hitter in Sunday's game, isn't too worried about the batting title -- but he feels good in the box, and feels much better in general.

Nats-Dodgers dates, schedule
Here's your schedule for the NLDS.

Games 1 and 2 of NLDS to be played in the late afternoon, but transport issues persist
Games 1 and 2 will start at the traditional start times of 5:38 and 4:08, but Metro (still) probably won't extend service for playoff games -- and you can bet that there's going to be a lot of traffic. (The Nats are working with Uber, Lyft and the city of D.C. to establish designated pickup areas for fans).

Nats happy to earn home-field advantage
The Nats clinched home-field in the NLDS over the weekend -- and everyone from Tanner Roark to Trea Turner is excited to have more than one game guaranteed at home.

Max Scherzer lobbies Metro to stay open late for playoffs
With Metro in the midst of its SafeTrack program, the trains won't come after 11:20. Period. Max Scherzer would like that to change.

Friday's Game: Dodgers vs Nationals - 5:38 PM (FS1, ESPN Radio, WJFK)
Probable Pitchers: Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 1.69 ERA) vs TBD