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Dodger says old team won't play panicked

OF Skip Schumaker came up through the Cardinals system and played for them in four postseasons, including the 2011 World Series title team that was down to its last out several times.

Facing them as a member of the Dodgers in the postseason for the first time, he knows the Cardinals are not panicking after Wednesday's loss, even if St. Louis blew a 3-1 lead last year in the NLCS.

"They've been through a whole bunch of stuff over there the last few years, so I don't think they're shaking at all as far as what's going on," Schumaker said. "They're still winning 3-2."

Prepping for 7: Tigers RHP Justin Verlander threw in the bullpen before Thursday's Game 5 of the ALCS, saying he was preparing as if it will be necessary for him to pitch in a Game 7 on Sunday. "It was just a normal bullpen," he insisted.

Rangers: Nolan Ryan is leaving the Rangers again, stepping away from his CEO role 20 years after ending his Hall of Fame pitching career. In what the team called a retirement, Ryan said he is resigning as chief executive effective Oct. 31. He is also selling his ownership stake to co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson. "It closes a chapter of my life in baseball," said Ryan, 66, who was stripped of his president title less than a year ago. "I feel like it's time for me to move on to other things."

Cubs interview Ray

Rays bench coach Dave Martinez interviewed for the Cubs managerial job, becoming the fourth known candidate, joining Padres bench coach Rick Renteria, former Indians and Nats manager Manny Acta and former Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch. Martinez, 49, started his playing career with the Cubs, returned there briefly in 2000, and said earlier this week he still has an affection for the city. Martinez, 49, has been the Rays bench coach for six seasons.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.