Machado was able to knock in a clutch two-out RBI and second baseman Jake Cronenworth came into the matchup 1-for-13 in the 2026 MLB playoffs and knocked in a home run, going 2-for-2. Third baseman Machado went 1-for-3 with a walk, with right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. going 0-for-4.

Brewers Vs Padres TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Petco Park, San Diego
• TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)/Fubo
• Live stream: YouTube TV

Fans can watch the game for free through the Fubo app, along with a free trial through DirecTV or the Fox One app.

Padres right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler will get the start in Game 4. Buehler started 32 games, going 9-6 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, striking out 131 batters in 153.2 innings.

The winner of this best-of-five divisional series will go on to the National League Championship Series, where they will face the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves series.

Both the Padres and the Brewers have never won a World Series championship as organizations. San Diego has two World Series appearances, losing in 1984 to the Detroit Tigers and in 1998 to the New York Yankees. Milwaukee has one World Series appearance in franchise history, losing the 1982 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Related: Cubs CF Pete Crow-Armstrong Awarded Player of the Year

Related: Phillies Announce Kyle Schwarber News Ahead of Nationals Game

Related: Padres React to Jake Cronenworth News Before Dodgers Game

With a win, the Rays can advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2020. The Yankees are hoping they can rally from two games down to advance to the ALCS. New York has 27 World Series championships, the most in MLB history, but has not won since 2009.

Rays vs Yankees TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx
• TV: TBS/truTV
• Live stream: YouTube TV, Sling TV

There is a free option to view Game 3 if one is not already a DirecTV subscriber. Users can sign up for a subscription that can be canceled within five days of signing up.

New York manager Aaron Boone will send left-handed pitcher Max Fried to the mound for Game 3. Fried has reached the mountaintop before, having won the World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. The All-Star pitcher started 20 games for the Yankees during the 2026 MLB regular season, going 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, striking out 104 batters in 112.2 innings pitched.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash is trusting right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez for the closeout game. In his first season with the Rays, Martinez started 31 games, going 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, striking out 109 hitters in 180.0 innings.

Related: Cubs CF Pete Crow-Armstrong Awarded Player of the Year

Related: Phillies Announce Kyle Schwarber News Ahead of Nationals Game

Another player who has excelled in the postseason is third baseman Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez, who hit a home run off Atlanta starting pitcher Chris Sale. First baseman Freddie Freeman knocked in a home run off Sale as well. Sale was credited with the loss, allowing three earned runs in 5.0 innings. Second baseman Ozzie Albies was the only Braves player with an extra-base hit, knocking a double.

Dodgers vs Braves TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 6 p.m. ET
• Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta
• TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)/Fubo
• Live stream: YouTube TV, Sling TV

The game can be viewed for free through the Fubo app, along with a free trial available through DirecTV or the Fox One app.

Game 4 will be a pitching duel between two Tylers, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will hand the ball to right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow and Atlanta will start right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle.

Glasnow was on the injured list for a lengthy stint of the 2026 MLB regular season. In 13 games started this year, the All-Star went 5-2 with a 3.53 ERA, striking out 98 hitters in 74.0 innings pitched. For Atlanta, Mahle was acquired at the trade deadline from the San Francisco Giants to boost their starting rotation. In nine games for the Braves, Mahle went 4-1 with a spectacular 1.99 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP.

Los Angeles can close out the series with a win and head to the National League Championship Series, where it will face the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres series.

Related: Cubs CF Pete Crow-Armstrong Awarded Player of the Year

Related: Phillies Announce Kyle Schwarber News Ahead of Nationals Game

Los Angeles leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and can advance with another win, while Atlanta needs a victory to force Game 5. The last three meetings have all been decided by two runs or fewer, so don’t be surprised if it’s another close one.

Atlanta is out to put a dent in Los Angeles’ postseason run, something the Braves tried and failed to do on Tuesday. The Dodgers had just enough to edge Atlanta 3-1.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a big game, striking out 10 batters over seven innings while allowing just one earned run on four hits and one walk.

At the plate, Los Angeles’ win was truly a team effort, with six different players recording at least one hit. Enrique Hernández was one of them, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Hernández has been coming through with runners on lately, racking up nine RBIs over his last 11 games compared to five over his previous 26.

How to WatchLos Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

• Date: Oct. 7, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m. ET
• Venue: Truist Park
• TV: Fox Sports 1
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Dodgers at Braves tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Tyler Glasnow LAD
• 2026 Season Stats: 5-2 | 3.53 ERA | 0.95 WHIP | 11.9 K/9
• Lost last start on Sept. 24 vs. SD: 6 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 3 H
• 2-2, 4.39 ERA in last eight starts; 3-0, 2.45 ERA in prior five games
• High run support: 5.6 per game this season
• Last start vs. ATL (Aug. 25, road): (ND) 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 H

• Tyler Mahle ATL
• 2026 Season Stats: 7-10 | 3.87 ERA | 1.22 WHIP | 8.3 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 30 vs. PHI: 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H
• 5-1, 2.22 ERA since July 27; 2-9, 5.31 ERA in prior 16 games
• 1.2 home runs allowed per nine innings this season; 0.5 last season
• Last start vs. LAD (with SF) (April 22, home): (W) 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H

BettingLos Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Odds

Betting lines as of 10/07/2026 at 2:20 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckLos Angeles Dodgers: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Mookie Betts
  .333/.441/.636 since Sept. 1; .239/.298/.404 in prior 100 games
• HOT Teoscar Hernández
  .330/.405/.563 since Aug. 30; .245/.307/.385 in prior 100 games
• HOT Kyle Tucker
  .333/.395/.653 since Sept. 9; .221/.321/.350 in prior 136 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Will Smith
  2-15 in last four games; .259/.355/.427 in prior 72 games
• COLD Tommy Edman
  0-6 in last three games; .247/.329/.385 in prior 83 games
• COLD Andy Pages
  2-11 in last three games; .274/.343/.468 in prior 133 games

Stat CheckAtlanta Braves: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Michael Harris
  .448/.467/.724 in last seven games; .291/.319/.486 in prior 155 games
• HOT Ozzie Albies
  .250/.423/.700 in last six games; .236/.291/.389 in prior 163 games
• HOT Ha-Seong Kim
  .100/.400/.300 in last six games; .110/.204/.118 in prior 44 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Mike Yastrzemski
  0 extra-base hits in 11 straight games
• COLD Austin Riley
  0-10 in last three games; .219/.294/.368 in prior 163 games
  Previous Game: 0-3, 2 K
• COLD Ronald Acuña
  0 extra-base hits in 11 straight games

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Los Angeles Dodgers (7-3)

• Oct. 6 @ ATL W 3-1
• Oct. 4 vs. ATL L 2-3
• Oct. 3 vs. ATL W 5-3
• Sept. 27 @ SF W 5-1
• Sept. 26 @ SF W 4-3
• Sept. 25 @ SF W 2-0
• Sept. 24 vs. SD L 2-4
• Sept. 23 vs. SD L 1-5
• Sept. 22 vs. SD W 7-0
• Sept. 20 vs. SF W 3-1

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Atlanta Braves (4-6)

• Oct. 6 vs. LAD L 1-3
• Oct. 4 @ LAD W 3-2
• Oct. 3 @ LAD L 3-5
• Oct. 1 vs. PHI W 6-2
• Sept. 30 vs. PHI L 3-4
• Sept. 29 vs. PHI W 5-3
• Sept. 27 @ MIA L 3-5
• Sept. 26 @ MIA W 8-3
• Sept. 25 @ MIA L 0-3
• Sept. 24 vs. CIN L 6-7

PredictionFinal Score for Los Angeles Dodgers @ Atlanta Braves on Oct. 7, 2026

Dodgers 5 – Braves 3
Lean: Dodgers
Give us the Dodgers behind Mookie Betts’ hot bat.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The home team had won the previous six meetings between San Diego and Milwaukee, and the Padres kept that streak alive Tuesday with a 4-3 victory over the Brewers, the same score by which they lost Game 2.

For Milwaukee’s part, William Contreras made the most of his time in the batter’s box despite the final result, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs. Contreras has been locked in at the plate lately, hitting .325 over his last 32 games compared to .257 over his previous 118.

How to WatchMilwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres

• Date: Oct. 7, 2026
• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Petco Park
• TV: Fox Sports 1
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Brewers at Padres tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Walker Buehler SD
• 2026 Season Stats: 9-6 | 4.63 ERA | 1.35 WHIP | 7.7 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 26 vs. AZ: 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER (one UER), 5 H
• 3-1, 3.57 ERA in last nine starts; 6-5, 5.07 ERA in prior 23 games
• 3.3 walks per nine innings this season; 4.4 last season
• Last start vs. MIL (Aug. 11, home): (W) 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H

BettingMilwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres Odds

Betting lines as of 10/07/2026 at 1:41 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckMilwaukee Brewers: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Jackson Chourio
  1+ RBI in seven straight games

Who’s Not

• COLD Garrett Mitchell
  0 extra-base hits in 12 straight games
  Previous Game: 0-4, 3 K
• COLD Jake Bauers
  .167/.286/.167 in last five games; .268/.391/.489 in prior 142 games
  Previous Game: 0-4, 4 K
• COLD Cooper Pratt
  4-15 in last four games; .281/.351/.371 in prior 71 games

Stat CheckSan Diego Padres: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Xander Bogaerts
  1+ time on base in 16 straight games
• HOT Jake Cronenworth
  .291/.361/.527 since Sept. 16; .214/.297/.291 in prior 97 games
• HOT Manny Machado
  .391/.500/.739 in last seven games; .215/.302/.402 in prior 156 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Ty France
  Previous Game: 0-4
  3-11, 2 RBIs in last three games; .299/.365/.504 in prior 130 games
• COLD Luis Campusano
  .204/.310/.306 since Aug. 15; .317/.411/.524 in prior 44 games
• COLD Dustin Harris
  .227/.261/.227 in last six games; .289/.352/.383 in prior 42 games

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Milwaukee Brewers (8-2)

• Oct. 6 @ SD L 3-4
• Oct. 4 vs. SD W 4-3
• Oct. 3 vs. SD W 3-2
• Sept. 27 vs. STL W 6-4
• Sept. 26 vs. STL W 3-2
• Sept. 25 vs. STL W 8-4
• Sept. 24 @ PHI W 5-1
• Sept. 23 @ PHI W 4-1
• Sept. 22 @ PHI L 4-6
• Sept. 20 @ BAL W 3-0

Recent FormLast 10 Games for San Diego Padres (7-3)

• Oct. 6 vs. MIL W 4-3
• Oct. 4 @ MIL L 3-4
• Oct. 3 @ MIL L 2-3
• Sept. 30 vs. CHC W 4-1
• Sept. 29 vs. CHC W 8-0
• Sept. 27 vs. ARI W 9-4
• Sept. 26 vs. ARI W 10-7
• Sept. 25 vs. ARI L 4-11
• Sept. 24 @ LAD W 4-2
• Sept. 23 @ LAD W 5-1

PredictionFinal Score for Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres on Oct. 7, 2026

Brewers 6 – Padres 3
Lean: Brewers
We’ll take the Brewers with Walker Buehler still looking for answers after a rough last start.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Baseball America, the leading authority on the sport’s up-and-coming stars, named the third baseman to its 2026 MLB All-Rookie Team, an honor the Blue Jays shared on social media. 

The 30-year-old Japanese star arrived in Toronto on a four-year, $60 million contract after 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. He hit 248 home runs in Japan and made six All-Star teams. 

Okamoto hit at least seven home runs and drove in at least 20 runs in both May and June, earning American League Rookie of the Month honors for June. He broke the franchise rookie home run record in August and later passed Seiya Suzuki’s mark of 32 home runs by a Japanese right-handed hitter in a single season. 

The Blue Jays opened their post with a congratulatory message in Japanese and referred to Okamoto by his nickname, “The Big Oak.”

おめでとう、和真！

The Big Oak is on Baseball America’s 2026 MLB All-Rookie Team 😁 pic.twitter.com/BX5WTO5960

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 6, 2026

He also posted a 2.5 WAR, along with 26 doubles and 81 runs scored. Okamoto led Toronto in home runs and RBIs. 

Unfortunately, the Blue Jays still missed the postseason one year after reaching Game 7 of the World Series, and they were eliminated from contention on September 23. Okamoto still has three years left on his contract, giving Toronto a chance to bounce back into the postseason in 2027 with a proven power bat in the lineup.

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Related: Yankees’ Max Fried Announces Personal News During ALDS Against Rays

The home team had won the previous three meetings between New York and Tampa Bay, and the Rays kept that streak alive Monday with a 5-2 victory over the Yankees.

Cam Schlittler wasn’t at his best in the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. He also struck out only two batters, matching his low from Oct. 8 last year vs. Toronto.

How to WatchTampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees

• Date: Oct. 7, 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Yankee Stadium
• TV: HBO Max, truTV, TBS
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Rays at Yankees tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Max Fried NYY
• 2026 Season Stats: 6-5 | 2.73 ERA | 0.98 WHIP | 8.3 K/9
• Won last start on Sept. 30 vs. BOS: 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H
• 2.02 earned run average in last nine starts; 3.23 earned run average in prior 12 games
• 0.4 home runs allowed per nine innings this season; 0.6 last season
• Last start vs. TB (Sept. 22, home): (L) 6 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H

• Nick Martinez TB
• 2026 Season Stats: 15-6 | 3.10 ERA | 1.09 WHIP | 5.5 K/9
• Lost last start on Sept. 27 @ PHI: 2 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 7 H
• 1.3 walks per nine innings this season; 2.3 last season
• Starts for the first time since Sept. 27
• Last start vs. NYY (Sept. 22, road): (L) 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H

BettingTampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Odds

Betting lines as of 10/07/2026 at 10:59 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckTampa Bay Rays: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Richie Palacios
  .302/.393/.585 since Sept. 4; .224/.318/.338 in prior 102 games
• HOT Jonny DeLuca
  3-11 in last three games; .263/.298/.410 in prior 103 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Chandler Simpson
  0 walks in 15 straight games
• COLD Taylor Walls
  Previous Game: 0-4
  1-12 in last three games; .223/.310/.297 in prior 117 games
• COLD Ryan Vilade
  0 extra-base hits in 16 straight games

Stat CheckNew York Yankees: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Austin Wells
  1+ time on base in 11 straight games
• HOT Ben Rice
  .524/.615/1.238 in last six games; .261/.360/.532 in prior 153 games
  Previous Game: 2 home runs; 2-3
• HOT Ryan McMahon
  .368/.429/.632 in last seven games; .206/.274/.341 in prior 113 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Luis García
  .190/.227/.286 since Sept. 10; .288/.320/.550 in prior 135 games
  Previous Game: 0-4, 2 K
• COLD Trent Grisham
  0 extra-base hits in 15 straight games
  Previous Game: 0-3
• COLD Jazz Chisholm
  0 extra-base hits in 11 straight games
  Previous Game: 0-4

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Tampa Bay Rays (6-4)

• Oct. 5 vs. NYY W 5-2
• Oct. 3 vs. NYY W 1-0
• Sept. 27 @ PHI L 3-7
• Sept. 26 @ PHI W 12-1
• Sept. 25 @ PHI W 2-0
• Sept. 24 @ NYY L 4-6
• Sept. 23 @ NYY L 2-9
• Sept. 22 @ NYY W 6-1
• Sept. 22 @ NYY L 0-2
• Sept. 20 vs. BOS W 5-1

Recent FormLast 10 Games for New York Yankees (6-4)

• Oct. 5 @ TB L 2-5
• Oct. 3 @ TB L 0-1
• Sept. 30 vs. BOS W 9-2
• Sept. 29 vs. BOS W 9-0
• Sept. 25 vs. BAL W 6-3
• Sept. 25 vs. BAL L 2-10
• Sept. 24 vs. TB W 6-4
• Sept. 23 vs. TB W 9-2
• Sept. 22 vs. TB L 1-6
• Sept. 22 vs. TB W 2-0

PredictionFinal Score for Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees on Oct. 7, 2026

Rays 3 – Yankees 4
Lean: Yankees
We’ll take the Yankees with Max Fried building off a strong start last time out.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Chicago gave up the first runs on Monday but overcame the early deficit, coming back to edge Cleveland 4-3.

For Cleveland’s part, Gavin Williams was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result, striking out 11 batters over five innings while allowing two earned runs on four hits.

How to WatchCleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox

• Date: Oct. 7, 2026
• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Venue: Rate Field
• TV: TBS, HBO Max, truTV
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Guardians at White Sox tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Sean Newcomb CWS
• 2026 Season Stats: 2-4 | 2.99 ERA | 1.13 WHIP | 8.4 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 14 @ CLE: 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H
• 6.9 hits allowed per nine innings this season; 9.2 last season
• Starts for the first time since Sept. 14

• Daniel Espino CLE
• 2026 Season Stats: 0-0 | 3.94 ERA | 1.31 WHIP | 14.1 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 24 @ BOS: 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H
• 0-0, 2 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 2 H in last three appearances; 0-0, 2.25 ERA in prior 10 games
• Low run support: 3.0 per game this season

BettingCleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Odds

Betting lines as of 10/07/2026 at 10:10 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckCleveland Guardians: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Steven Kwan
  1+ time on base in 20 straight games
• HOT Brayan Rocchio
  4-13 in last four games; .247/.308/.374 in prior 152 games
• HOT David Fry
  3-9 in last three games; .198/.317/.350 in prior 88 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Angel Martínez
  Previous Game: 0-4, 2 K
  0 times on base in four straight games
• COLD Patrick Bailey
  Previous Game: 0-4
  1-7 in last three games; .208/.274/.338 in prior 103 games
• COLD Jo Adell
  .230/.311/.398 since July 31; .244/.291/.403 in prior 108 games

Stat CheckChicago White Sox: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Chase Meidroth
  .455/.486/.788 in last nine games; .268/.345/.398 in prior 149 games
• HOT Andrew Benintendi
  2-7, 4 RBIs and 2 runs in last four games; .239/.300/.406 in prior 140 games
• HOT Kyle Teel
  .345/.429/.448 in last eight games; .178/.302/.318 in prior 35 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Sam Antonacci
  1-9 in last three games; .277/.372/.395 in prior 140 games
  Previous Game: 0-4
• COLD Braden Montgomery
  0 walks in 15 straight games
• COLD Tristan Peters
  0 extra-base hits in 14 straight games

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Cleveland Guardians (6-4)

• Oct. 5 vs. CWS L 3-4
• Oct. 3 vs. CWS L 0-3
• Sept. 27 @ KC L 2-3
• Sept. 26 @ KC W 11-5
• Sept. 25 @ KC W 12-9
• Sept. 24 @ BOS W 1-0
• Sept. 23 @ BOS L 0-1
• Sept. 22 @ BOS W 3-2
• Sept. 20 vs. ATH W 1-0
• Sept. 19 vs. ATH W 12-6

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Chicago White Sox (8-2)

• Oct. 5 @ CLE W 4-3
• Oct. 3 @ CLE W 3-0
• Sept. 30 @ HOU W 7-3
• Sept. 29 @ HOU W 6-3
• Sept. 27 vs. COL W 4-2
• Sept. 26 vs. COL L 6-9
• Sept. 25 vs. COL W 6-1
• Sept. 24 @ KC W 9-1
• Sept. 23 @ KC L 4-5
• Sept. 22 @ KC W 14-11

PredictionFinal Score for Cleveland Guardians @ Chicago White Sox on Oct. 7, 2026

Guardians 2 – White Sox 5
Lean: White Sox
Give us the White Sox, as we don’t like Espino’s recent form.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The former Sox captain served in various positions within the organization after his retirement in 2011 but became a uniformed assistant coach under Cora in 2020. When Cora was dismissed along with five other staff members, the team announced that Varitek was “reassigned to a new role within the organization.”

While the Red Sox clearly did so in an attempt to preserve the relationship, Varitek did not seem to receive this news as much different from a firing. He joined Cora and the five other fired coaches after they were let go for a now infamous photo, sporting a smile and a thumbs down as they stood arm-in-arm in front of the plane that took them back to Boston.

Jason Varitek gives a thumbs down as the fired group of Red Sox coaches flies back to Boston (via Alex Cora’s IG story). pic.twitter.com/QoOIrhzPTC

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 26, 2026

Loyal to the rest of the staff, it appeared highly unlikely that Varitek would rejoin the club in any role before the end of the season. At the end-of-year press conference, the question of Varitek’s standing within the organization was revisited with CEO Sam Kennedy.

Kennedy’s update, though, seemed like more of the same deflecting to maintain goodwill with fans while admitting that he was not with the team.

“We’ve connected with each other, but I’ve got no update on that,” Kennedy said. “But [we] look forward to continuing dialogue as we move forward.”

Sam Kennedy says that he’s connected with Jason Varitek, but he’s not with the organization in any capacity right now. pic.twitter.com/0iiUIW6O4Y

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) October 5, 2026

It appears the two sides are stuck in the same place they were since Cora’s firing. Varitek, on top of feeling disrespected by ownership and wanting to stick by the former manager, does not want to accept a meaningless title within the front office to appease the public. Kennedy and Craig Breslow, however, do not seem intent on hiring Varitek back on in a true coaching capacity, having moved in a different direction with a more analytically driven staff.

In 2012, Varitek’s first role with the team was as “special assistant to the general manager” under then-GM Ben Cherington. But the 15-year MLB vet clearly believes he has more to give to the game than just that, and it would not come as a surprise if he pursues other coaching opportunities outside of Boston if the Red Sox do not offer him one.

Cora, who took the rest of 2026 off despite strong pursuit from other teams immediately after his firing, is not expected to return as a manager in 2027. This news could delay any decision on Varitek’s future another season.

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Max Fried is scheduled to start Game 3 on Wednesday as the ALDS shifts to New York, while Carlos Rodón is expected to start Game 4 if the Yankees avoid elimination.

However, the Yankees are keeping all options open regarding how they will use their pitching staff in Wednesday’s must-win game. This includes Rodón, as the 33-year-old could pitch as part of the Yankees’ all-hands-on-deck effort.

Carlos Rodón “Potentially” in Play to Come Out of Bullpen

On Tuesday, pitching coach Matt Blake revealed that Rodón could pitch out of the bullpen in Game 3 on Wednesday.

When asked whether New York would stay away from him, Blake said the decision was not yet final.

“Rodón’s one we got to talk to a little more,” Blake said. “Obviously, he’s lined up for Game 4, but does he come into play in an all-hands-on-deck situation, potentially.”

Matt Blake says Carlos Rodón could “potentially” be in play to come out of the bullpen in ALDS Game 3 and Gerrit Cole volunteered to pitch out of the bullpen yesterday in Game 2, but the Yankees weren’t looking to go that route pic.twitter.com/AceTIVFIR3

— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) October 6, 2026

Additionally, Blake revealed that ALDS Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole offered to pitch out of the bullpen on Monday, but the Yankees chose not to use him.

Rodón has yet to pitch this postseason. Although he was limited to 16 regular-season starts because of offseason left elbow surgery and subsequent inflammation, Rodón was impressive when he was on the mound. He went 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 84.1 innings. He recorded 91 strikeouts against 38 walks and held opposing hitters to a .173 batting average.

Notably, Rodón’s lone regular-season start against the Rays, which was also his most recent outing, was his best of 2026. He tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight and walking none.

Despite that dominant outing, Rodón’s postseason track record with New York offers room for improvement.

Carlos Rodon twirls an absolute GEM vs. the Rays 💎

8.0 IP | 3 H | 0 R | 0 BB | 8 K’s

This outing is tied for the longest of Rodon’s Yankee tenure! pic.twitter.com/lsPDLHmqxe

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) September 22, 2026

Over two starts last postseason, he posted a 9.72 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 8.1 innings. In four playoff starts in 2024, Rodón went 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over 17.2 innings. The home run ball was especially damaging, as the southpaw allowed five home runs.

Perhaps Rodón’s postseason struggles have kept him out of the 2026 playoffs so far. However, any Yankee pitcher could be used out of the bullpen in Wednesday’s win-or-go-home Game 3, including Rodón.

Notably, Rodón has never pitched out of the bullpen since joining New York in 2023. All six of his career relief appearances came with the Chicago White Sox, including one during the 2020 postseason.

Still, Rodón remains a key arm for the Yankees. Not having him pitch at all during the ALDS would be a grave mistake. That reality could force New York to use him if they have no other option to save their season.

Game 3 between the Yankees and Rays begins Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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Manager Pat Murphy has not named a Game 4 starter, leaving Robert Gasser and Chad Patrick as the two reported options. Brewers broadcast reporter Sophia Minnaert reported that both pitchers could be considered for the start at Petco Park.

The decision comes after the Brewers surrendered a late lead Tuesday. Jake Cronenworth’s fifth-inning home run gave San Diego the lead for good, while Milwaukee stranded 11 runners despite collecting 11 hits.

Pat Murphy was not ready to name a Game 4 starter, but said Robert Gasser and Chad Patrick could be options.

— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) October 7, 2026

Gasser would give Milwaukee a more traditional starting option. The left-hander finished the regular season 5-5 with a 3.87 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 109 1/3 innings across 21 appearances, including 20 starts. He also finished the regular season in strong form.

In his final two regular-season starts, Gasser allowed one earned run over 13 innings. His last outing came Sept. 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals, when he allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out nine over six innings.

Patrick would offer a different approach. The right-hander went 9-4 with a 3.40 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 57 appearances during the regular season, including six starts, while recording six saves.

However, Patrick’s final regular-season appearance was rough. He allowed four earned runs on two hits and two walks while recording one out against the Cardinals on Sept. 27. He has not pitched since that outing.

The Brewers entered the postseason with a franchise-record 103-59 regular-season record and home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs. The Padres finished 91-71 before sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series and have now forced the NLDS to a fourth game.

Milwaukee will need to win Wednesday to avoid a decisive Game 5 back at American Family Field. Murphy’s choice between Gasser and Patrick will determine how the Brewers begin their attempt to close out the series at Petco Park.

King entered with the Padres holding a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out one across two scoreless innings, finishing the win with a game-ending double play against Christian Yelich.

The performance also put King in the record book. According to OptaSTATS, he became the only pitcher since saves became an official statistic in 1969 to start a postseason game and record a two-inning save within the next two days.

Michael King of the @Padres is the only MLB pitcher to start a postseason game and then notch a 6+ out save within the next 2 days (since saves became official in 1969). pic.twitter.com/Ggxa22j0v7

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 7, 2026

King’s workload was already significant before Tuesday. He started the Padres’ Wild Card Series opener against the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 29, throwing seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in an 8-0 victory. He then started Game 2 of the NLDS on Oct. 4, allowing one earned run over five innings with six strikeouts.

Through those appearances, King has been one of San Diego’s most reliable postseason pitchers. His 2026 regular season ended with a 12-10 record, a 3.21 ERA, 159 strikeouts and 185 innings over 32 starts.

The Padres needed the performance because they entered Game 3 facing elimination after losing the first two games of the series. Milwaukee finished the regular season 103-59, while San Diego went 91-71, giving the Brewers the better regular-season record and home-field advantage to open the NLDS.

San Diego also played without closer Mason Miller, who was placed on the paternity list shortly before Game 3. Wandy Peralta replaced Miller on the postseason roster, leaving the Padres without their primary closer for their most important game of the series to that point.

The Padres now trail Milwaukee 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday night at Petco Park. Walker Buehler is scheduled to start for San Diego, while Milwaukee had not announced its starter as of Wednesday morning.

Sean Newcomb will start Game 3 on Wednesday night, according to MLB.com White Sox beat writer Scott Merkin. The veteran left-hander will be the latest pitcher used in Chicago’s unconventional postseason pitching strategy.

The decision comes with the White Sox holding a 2-0 series lead after winning the first two games against Cleveland.

Sean Newcomb starting Wednesday.

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) October 6, 2026

Newcomb’s start will mark the White Sox’s fifth consecutive bullpen game this postseason. Rather than relying on a traditional starter to work deep into games, Chicago has repeatedly used multiple pitchers to navigate opposing lineups.

That strategy worked again in Game 2. Cleveland starter Gavin Williams struck out 11 batters across five innings, but the White Sox rallied against the Guardians’ bullpen to secure a 4-3 victory.

Braden Montgomery delivered the biggest hit, driving in two runs with a go-ahead double in the sixth inning. Chicago’s bullpen then protected the lead and helped the White Sox move within one victory of the ALCS.

The approach has become particularly important given the injuries affecting Chicago’s traditional rotation options. Instead of asking one pitcher to navigate a lineup multiple times, the White Sox have spread the workload among several arms.

Now, Newcomb will try to give Chicago another strong start to begin Game 3 before the bullpen takes over. The White Sox have already shown they are comfortable winning without a conventional starting-pitching formula.

Cleveland, meanwhile, is facing elimination and will turn to Daniel Espino in an effort to extend the series. If Chicago’s bullpen strategy works once again, the White Sox will complete the sweep and advance to the ALCS.

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Freeman was booed by Atlanta fans during Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday night at Truist Park. He responded with a home run in the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory, giving Los Angeles a 2-1 series lead.

The first baseman said he did not hear the boos during the game. Afterward, he was asked about the reaction and offered a simple explanation for why he expected it.

Freddie Freeman said he didn’t hear the boos during the game, so he was asked what he thought of them after the fact.

“I’ve got a gray uniform on. I expect boos. It’s OK. Like I’ve always said, I enjoyed my 12 years here. … I would be surprised if they cheered me in October.”

— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) October 7, 2026

“I’ve got a gray uniform on. I expect boos. It’s OK. Like I’ve always said, I enjoyed my 12 years here. … I would be surprised if they cheered me in October,” Freeman said, according to Matthew Moreno.

Freeman spent his first 12 major league seasons with Atlanta from 2010 through 2021 and helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series before signing with the Dodgers in free agency. The return carried additional significance because Los Angeles and Atlanta were meeting in a postseason series with a trip to the NL Championship Series at stake.

Freeman also made an impact on the field. He went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Game 3, his second homer of the series. He is now batting .364 with two home runs and two RBIs through the first three games of the NLDS.

The Dodgers entered the postseason as the NL West champions with a 100-62 record, while the Braves won the NL East at 94-68. Los Angeles now has an opportunity to close out the series in Atlanta after Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out 10 over seven innings in Game 3.

For Freeman, the reaction from the Atlanta crowd was not enough to distract from the bigger objective. He spent more than a decade building his legacy with the Braves, but on Tuesday night, he was focused on helping the Dodgers move one win closer to another NLCS appearance.

The organization announced Tuesday that Director of Major League Hitting Jeff Albert, Quality Assurance Coach Danny Barnes and Batting Practice Pitcher Kevin Mahoney will not return to the Major League staff next season.

The moves come after the Mets finished the season outside the postseason picture, giving president of baseball operations David Stearns an early opportunity to address areas that did not meet expectations.

We have made the following updates to the Major League coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/anIi2g0Q4Z

— New York Mets (@Mets) October 6, 2026

Albert’s departure is particularly notable after he was promoted to oversee the Major League hitting program before the 2026 season. The Mets’ offense struggled for much of the year, finishing 20th in MLB in scoring and 23rd in OPS, according to the New York Post.

Barnes is also leaving his role after five seasons with the organization. He served in several positions during his time with New York before becoming the team’s Quality Assurance Coach in 2026. Mahoney, meanwhile, will also move on from his role as the club’s batting practice pitcher.

The Mets have left the door open for all three coaches to potentially remain with the organization in different positions, although they are free to speak with other teams.

The changes also do not represent another complete coaching overhaul. Hitting coach Troy Snitker, assistant hitting coach Rafael Fernandez, bench coach Kai Correa and pitching coach Justin Willard are among those expected to return.

For Stearns and the Mets, the work now turns toward building a staff capable of helping the organization rebound in 2027. After missing October, New York has little reason to wait before addressing what went wrong.

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Hernández’s fourth-inning blast came against Braves starter Chris Sale and gave the Dodgers a lead they would not surrender. The win moved Los Angeles ahead 2-1 in the best-of-five series and left the Dodgers one victory from another NL Championship Series appearance. 

The homer also added another number to a postseason résumé that has earned Hernández the nickname “Mr. October.” According to OptaSTATS, he is the only player in MLB history with at least 10% of his career home runs coming in the postseason, among players with at least 100 total homers.

Kiké Hernández is the only player in MLB history to have at least 10.0% of his career homers (reg & post) come in the postseason (min. 100 total homers). pic.twitter.com/F3LisMRoJ6

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 7, 2026

Hernández entered the postseason after a difficult regular season. He underwent offseason elbow surgery and later suffered a significant left oblique tear that sidelined him for much of the year. The Dodgers activated him in late July after he completed a minor league rehab assignment. 

He finished the regular season with four home runs and a .222 batting average in 41 games, according to Baseball-Reference. That production made his postseason impact even more striking, particularly for a player whose value has often come from his versatility and experience.

Hernández’s Game 3 homer was his 17th career postseason home run. That tied him with Aaron Judge, David Ortiz and Jim Thome for 18th on MLB’s all-time postseason home run list, while his 12 postseason homers as a Dodger rank fourth in franchise history. 

The Dodgers entered the postseason with a 100-62 regular-season record and the NL’s No. 2 seed. Atlanta finished 94-68 before defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card Series, setting up the matchup with Los Angeles. 

Now, Hernández and the Dodgers have a chance to finish the series Wednesday in Atlanta. Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start for Los Angeles, while the Braves will turn to Tyler Mahle as they try to force a deciding Game 5.

Mahle is scheduled to start Wednesday night with Atlanta trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series. The right-hander recently dealt with an abdominal issue, but he does not believe it will prevent him from taking the mound.

According to 680 The Fan’s Barrett Sallee, Mahle downplayed the severity of the injury and said it has not affected him.

Braves pitcher Tyler Mahle says that there haven’t been any issues this week after tweaking an ab muscle before his last start. He will start tomorrow’s game vs. the Dodgers.

— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) October 6, 2026

Mahle’s health became a concern after he experienced abdominal discomfort during his warmups before his wild card series start against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite the issue, he delivered seven innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts.

The Braves will need another strong performance from Mahle with their season on the line. Atlanta fell behind in the series after the Dodgers won Game 3 by a 3-1 score, leaving the Braves one loss away from elimination.

Mahle has also been an important addition since joining Atlanta. After struggling earlier in the season, he finished the regular season with a 4-1 record, a 1.99 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP across nine starts for the Braves.

Those numbers helped make Mahle a key part of Atlanta’s pitching staff, and the Braves will now need him to deliver in their biggest game of the season.

The good news is that Mahle does not believe his abdominal issue will affect him. He reportedly said it would not stop him from pitching Wednesday or in the future.

Now, Atlanta needs that confidence to translate to the mound. A strong outing from Mahle would give the Braves a chance to force a decisive Game 5, while another loss would bring their season to an end.

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Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Cora does not plan to manage anywhere next season, confirming an earlier report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Cora enjoyed spending time with his family this summer and remains under contract with the Boston Red Sox through 2027.

The decision removes one of the most experienced names from Philadelphia’s search as the organization considers whether to keep interim manager Don Mattingly.

Alex Cora does not plan to manage anywhere in 2027, sources confirm @BNightengale’s report. He enjoyed his family time this summer and is being paid by the Red Sox anyway for another year.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 7, 2026

Cora’s connection to Philadelphia was already established before the latest development. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski offered him the manager’s job after firing Rob Thomson in April, but Cora declined and Mattingly took over on an interim basis. 

Mattingly then guided the Phillies to a 79-55 record over the remainder of the regular season. Philadelphia finished 88-74, six games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, before losing to Atlanta in the Wild Card Series. 

Mattingly has made a case to remain in the role. The Phillies improved substantially after he replaced Thomson, and several players publicly supported him following the season. However, Philadelphia has not removed his interim tag, leaving the organization’s decision unresolved. 

The Phillies also have a contractual consideration with Mattingly. He signed a two-year contract to join the organization before the 2026 season, originally as Thomson’s bench coach, before taking over as manager in April.

Cora, meanwhile, managed the Red Sox for 10-17 before Boston dismissed him on April 25. He remains under contract through the 2027 season, meaning the Red Sox will continue paying him while he stays away from the dugout. 

With Cora now off the board, Philadelphia must decide whether Mattingly’s strong finish is enough to earn him the permanent job. The Phillies’ next managerial decision will shape the direction of an 88-win team that is looking to return to the postseason after its early October exit.

Williams struck out 11 batters across five innings in Game 2, becoming the first Cleveland pitcher to reach double-digit strikeouts in a postseason game since Bartolo Colon did so in 2001.

Despite Williams’ dominant outing, the Guardians ultimately suffered a 4-3 loss after the White Sox rallied late.

The Big Rig showed out last night.#GuardsBall | #StandGuard pic.twitter.com/IdrntL6454

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 6, 2026

Williams left the game with Cleveland holding a 2-1 lead after allowing a lead-off single to Miguel Vargas in the sixth inning. Manager Stephen Vogt turned to Erik Sabrowski, but the White Sox quickly took advantage.

Sabrowski walked Munetaka Murakami before Braden Montgomery delivered a go-ahead two-run double. Chicago added another run to turn Cleveland’s narrow advantage into a 4-2 deficit.

Williams could only watch as his strong start slipped away. The right-hander later made his mindset clear when discussing the possibility of helping the Guardians out of the bullpen in Game 3.

“I’d go out of the pen in Game 3 if I got to. You don’t want to be in this position. We’ve backed ourselves into a corner. We know that,” Williams said.

The Guardians now have no margin for error. Cleveland won the AL Central during the regular season with an 85-77 record, but that success means little with the team one loss away from elimination.

Daniel Espino is scheduled to start Game 3 as Cleveland attempts to extend the series. If the Guardians can win, Williams’ historic performance will have another opportunity to matter.

For now, Cleveland needs its pitching and offense to deliver quickly. Otherwise, Williams’ 11-strikeout night could become a footnote in a disappointing postseason exit.

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Wednesday’s MLB playoffs action begins at 4 p.m. ET.

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.

Best MLB Playoff Bets Today

Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Tyler Glasnow Over 7.5 K’s (+198)

Glasnow made just 13 starts this season, and he had nine-plus K’s in five of them – including his last two. He faced Atlanta in August, and he went five innings with seven K’s. It was his first start after missing two-plus months on the IL, and he still punched seven tickets.

Chicago White Sox 3B Miguel Vargas Over 1.5 Total Bases (+132)

Vargas has hits in each game of the series, and he’s 1-for-2 off Wednesday’s opener Daniel Espino. That hit left the park. To get plus-money on an extra-base hit or a two-hit game is extremely attractive.

New York Yankees Moneyline (-162)

The Yanks are in a 2-0 hole on the verge of going home. They’ve scored just two runs in the series. LHP Max Fried has been good against Tampa in his career at 5-1 with a 1.81 ERA over seven starts. He also has a ton of playoff experience with 82 1/3 career postseason innings. Tampa’s Nick Martinez has just 11 1/3.

New York has scored just two runs through the first two games of the American League Division Series. That lack of production has become difficult to ignore with the Yankees now trailing 2-0 and needing three straight wins to advance.

Boone acknowledged the possibility of changes after Monday’s 5-2 loss, according to MLB.com Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch.

That could put several established hitters under the microscope, including Giancarlo Stanton. The veteran designated hitter has struggled to provide the offensive impact New York needs during the first two games of the series.

Aaron Boone said he is considering lineup changes for Game 3. The Yankees have scored two runs in the first two games of this ALDS.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 6, 2026

Stanton has long been one of the Yankees’ most recognizable power hitters, but the team cannot afford another quiet night with its season on the line. Boone must now decide whether to continue trusting his experienced bats or look for a different combination.

The Yankees’ offensive struggles have also been magnified by the absence of Aaron Judge, who remains sidelined with a right calf injury. Without their biggest offensive presence, opposing pitchers have been able to challenge the rest of New York’s lineup more aggressively.

New York’s defensive problems have added to the pressure. The Yankees committed four errors in Game 2, including three in the first inning, as Tampa Bay capitalized on their mistakes.

Now, Boone has to find a way to get his offense moving quickly. The Yankees return to Yankee Stadium with little margin for error, and another slow start could end their season.

Whether Stanton remains in the lineup or Boone makes a significant adjustment, Game 3 will reveal just how far the manager is willing to go to keep the Yankees alive.

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Rojas exited Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning after aggravating his lower back and hip area. The Dodgers currently lead the National League Division Series 2-1, putting them one win away from the NL Championship Series.

Rojas initially appeared to hurt himself on a defensive play in the fifth inning before remaining in the game. He was later removed in the middle of an at-bat after taking a swing, with Tommy Edman replacing him. The Dodgers’ official injury report lists Rojas as day to day and says he is unlikely to play Wednesday.

Miguel Rojas provides an update on his lower back and hip tightness, his hopes to be ready tomorrow and the #Dodgers’ approach at the plate. pic.twitter.com/2XJxbODpsJ

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 7, 2026

Rojas provided a more optimistic assessment after the game, saying he hoped to be available when the Dodgers need him Wednesday. The comments were reported through the SportsNet LA video posted on X.

“I knew batting in the eighth right there, it was going to be against a lefty. I felt like I was the right guy to take that at-bat. I went to the plate without telling anything to the coaches. Unfortunately, when I took the swing, kinda tweaked it a little more. I’m looking forward to be ready to go tomorrow when they need me and obviously try to end this one,” Rojas said, via SportsNet LA. 

Rojas has served as a versatile infield option for Los Angeles this season, appearing at second base, shortstop and third base. He finished the regular season with 60 hits, four home runs and 23 RBIs while batting .267 with a .312 on-base percentage and .703 OPS in 105 games. 

His value against left-handed pitching also made his presence relevant in Game 3. Rojas posted an .809 OPS against left-handers during the regular season, according to StatMuse, although his overall offensive role remained secondary to the Dodgers’ star-heavy lineup. 

The Dodgers enter Wednesday’s Game 4 with a chance to close out the series after Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered seven innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts in Game 3. Atlanta, meanwhile, must win to force a decisive Game 5.

Los Angeles finished the regular season 100-62 and won the NL West, while Atlanta went 94-68 to claim the NL East. Rojas’ availability will be one of the Dodgers’ decisions to watch as they try to finish the series in Atlanta.

The Blue Jays entered 2026 with high expectations after coming within two outs of winning the World Series the previous year. Instead, Toronto fell out of the playoff race and finished with a 79-83 record.

Cease addressed the disappointment in a message shared by the Blue Jays on X, acknowledging how much the season’s outcome hurt.

Flu ❤️s YOU 🤗 #BlueJays50 pic.twitter.com/PGL9VH9dCZ

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 6, 2026

“Leaving this season without playing in October hurts more than I can put into words,” Cease wrote. “I know how much this city believed in us, and wanted to give them more.”

The right-hander also made it clear that he remains proud of his teammates and the organization despite the difficult season. “We fell short together, and I promise we will carry that pain with us into 2027,” Cease added.

Cease had plenty to be proud of individually. After signing a seven-year, $210 million contract, he delivered a strong first season in Toronto, finishing with an 11-6 record, a 2.40 ERA and 239 strikeouts across 169 innings.

Unfortunately for Cease, his performance was not enough to overcome the Blue Jays’ broader problems. Injuries affected the pitching staff, while Toronto struggled to maintain the form expected from a team that had recently reached the World Series.

The Blue Jays also dealt with a difficult finish to the season, ultimately missing October baseball entirely. That outcome made Cease’s message to the fan base even more meaningful.

Toronto now has a long offseason to figure out what went wrong and how to avoid another disappointing campaign. For Cease, the goal is clear: use the frustration of 2026 as motivation.

The Blue Jays may not be playing in October, but Cease’s message suggests the disappointment inside the clubhouse could carry into next season.

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Designated hitter Christian Yelich had the Brewers’ only stolen base, along with the only extra-base hit with his double. Milwaukee closer Trevor Megill was credited with the win, going 1.0 inning without allowing a hit.

Brewers vs Padres TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Petco Park, San Diego.
• TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)/Fubo
• Live stream: Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV

Fans can view the game for free through the Fubo app, along with a free preview offer from Fox One.

Milwaukee will send right-handed pitcher Dustin May to the mound for Game 3. May finished the season 7-9 with a 4.70 ERA, along with a 1.32 WHIP. Brewers manager Pat Murphy is hoping May can bring his World Series champion experience to this Division Series.

San Diego manager Craig Stammen will trust right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta for the matchup. Pivetta missed nearly five months of the 2026 MLB regular season due to a right elbow injury. On the season, the 33-year-old started eight games, finishing with a 3-2 record and a 2.86 ERA to go along with 42 strikeouts in 34.2 innings.

The Brewers can close out the divisional series with a win on Tuesday to advance to the NL Championship Series, where they will face the winner of the Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers series.

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In exchange, they landed Brett Bateman, who has been excellent during his short time with the Blue Jays.

But it also ended the tenure of Gausman in Toronto, who had been a fan favorite since signing a five-year, $110 million contract before the 2022 season.

Gausman operated as Toronto’s ace for most of that deal, owning a 3.62 ERA with 920 strikeouts across 148 starts for the Jays. He also helped them reach the World Series in 2025.

Just like he was five years ago, Gausman is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason, but he will not get the same deal he got last time. He is still weighing his options and retirement is on the table for the 35-year-old veteran.

However, given how much he enjoyed his time in Toronto, and even owns a property near Rogers Centre, a return is possible.

According to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, Gausman admitted it was hard to leave Toronto when the time came. Now he has the chance to return, but the decision is whether or not it makes sense for the Blue Jays.

The Case For a Gausman Reunion

They have plenty of right-handers already with Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and Jose Soriano locked in for next year, with Jose Berrios and Cody Ponce also in the mix.

However, they could also choose to re-sign Shane Bieber to a new deal as well. If there is anything Toronto learned this year, it is that you can never have enough depth. So getting Gausman back on a shorter, lower-cost deal could be worth a shot.

For a pitcher who already knows the city, the organization and what it takes to win there, the fit still makes sense.

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After outfielders Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernández and third baseman Max Muncy all hit home runs for Los Angeles in Game 1, the Dodgers accumulated only six total hits in the game. First baseman Freddie Freeman hit a home run in the fourth inning, while Muncy hit his second home run of the series in the ninth inning.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts trusted starting pitcher Blake Snell for the game. Snell went 3.2 innings, striking out five batters while walking five and allowing only one earned run. Braves relief pitcher Dylan Lee was credited with the win.

Dodgers Vs Braves TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 6 p.m. ET
• Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta
• TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1)/Fubo
• Live stream: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Fans can watch the game for free through the Fubo app, along with a free trial through DirecTV or the Fox One app.

Game 3 will be a battle between two high-profile starting pitchers. Los Angeles will send right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound. Yamamoto went 14-9 on the season, finishing fifth in ERA at 2.53, second in WHIP at 0.87 and 21st in strikeouts with 182.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss will send out veteran left-handed pitcher Chris Sale. Sale finished with the same record as Yamamoto, going 14-9 on the year. Sale’s 2.16 ERA ended up being third-best in the league, and his 0.98 WHIP was fifth. Sale finished with 200 strikeouts, marking his ninth 200-plus-strikeout season of his career.

With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 will be pivotal for both teams, with the winner advancing to the NL Championship Series.

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Chicago right fielder Montgomery knocked in the deciding two-run double in the sixth inning to knock in the deciding run. White Sox right-pitcher Sean Burke got the win, with the 6-foot-6 pitcher allowing only one hit in 5.1 innings pitched, striking out six batters while allowing one earned run and walking one batter.

Guardians vs White Sox Live Stream and TV Channel Options

• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Venue: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago
• TV: TBS/truTV
• Live stream: YouTube TV, Sling TV

There is a free option to view the game, provided one is not already a subscriber to DirecTV. Users can sign up for a subscription that can be canceled after five days.

Chicago manager Will Venable will trust left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb for the close-out pivotal Game 3 matchup. Newcomb is a versatile 33-year-old who appeared in 60 games for the White Sox during the 2026 MLB regular season, starting in six and finishing with a 2-5 record to go along with a 3.09 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 90.1 innings.

If the White Sox are able to advance to the AL Championship Series, it will be their first appearance in 21 years.

Cleveland (85-77) won the AL Central by a hair over Chicago (84-78), taking the AL Central pennant for the third year in a row. The White Sox appear motivated and could clinch a postseason series win at home for the first time since 1906. Chicago is undefeated in the 2026 MLB playoffs (4-0).

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For the first time since he joined the Dodgers in 2024, Ohtani will be batting fifth in the lineup on Tuesday night. Not only is it the lowest Ohtani has ever hit in the Dodgers’ lineup, but it is also the lowest he has been slotted since the 2020 MLB season, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Angels.

Dodgers are dropping Shohei Ohtani to fifth in tonight’s lineup, the lowest he’s hit since 2020 pic.twitter.com/bseso4La0r

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 6, 2026

The move is more of an indictment of how much Ohtani has struggled since returning from the IL on September 23. Since then, Ohtani is 7-for-29, with just one extra-base hit, no home runs, and a single RBI. In Game 2, Ohtani was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and a 53 percent chase rate.

Ohtani has struggled with injuries this year, specifically to his right biceps and left knee. As a result, Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, although the injuries are clearly affecting him at the plate as well. The superstar was limited to 135 games this year, slashing .275/.377/.512, with 30 home runs and 81 RBI. It is the first time since 2022 that Ohtani has had a regular-season OPS lower than 1.014.

Shohei Ohtani is batting fifth in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/zC300ih1fE

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 6, 2026

Another aspect of the drop in the order comes from Ohtani’s historical performance against Chris Sale. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since most of baseball has struggled against the dominant southpaw, but Ohtani has mustered just three hits in 15 at-bats against Sale, with no home runs and five strikeouts.

The Dodgers have chosen to stack the top of the lineup with right-handed batters, starting with Mookie Betts leading off, and Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith batting third and fourth, respectively. Freddie Freeman will remain in his usual spot batting second behind Betts.

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Yankees’ left-hander Max Fried addressed a personal matter Tuesday, confirming that he and his family have a baby on the way, according to Gary Phillips of New York Daily News Sports.

Regardless of the timing, Fried said he’s “definitely” starting Game 3 on Wednesday in the Bronx. The 32-year-old will take the mound with the Yankees’ season on the line.

Max Fried confirmed that he/his family have a baby on the way. Regardless of timing, he said he is “definitely” starting Game 3 tomorrow. #Yankees

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) October 6, 2026

Fried started Game 2 of the AL Wild Card aeries against the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 30, allowing one run on three hits over six innings in a 9-2 win that sent the Yankees to the ALDS.

However, when looking back to last season’s ALDS, in Game 2 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Fried allowed seven runs in three innings during a 13-7 loss.

New York will have to do a reverse sweep in the best-of-five series against Tampa Bay to reach the ALCS. The last team to do so was the 2017 Yankees, who won three straight games against the Cleveland Guardians after losing the first two at Progressive Field.

The Rays, who finished 98-64 and earned the AL’s top seed, are just one game away from reaching the ALCS. Game 4, if necessary, is scheduled for Thursday at Yankee Stadium. A Yankees loss would end the season and extend their World Series drought to 17 seasons.

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It will be another lengthy offseason for the Cubs front office, which will have a decision to make on a ton of impending free agents. The two biggest are definitely in the outfield with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki in need of new contracts, and Chicago likely not having the payroll flexibility to sign both.

For Happ, his exit would be an emotional one, given he has spent his entire 10-year career in Chicago, the longest-tenured player on the club.

Happ had another productive season at the plate, posting a .218 batting average, .326 on-base percentage, .738 OPS, 24 home runs and 68 RBIs across 156 games.

He was durable and played nearly every day, which is the value he provides along with his solid defense. He has also been an All-Star before too.

However, he is also getting up there in age. Next year he will be 33 and hitters tend to start declining around this time. Happ made a radio appearance on Tuesday and addressed where things currently stand in negotiations between him and the Cubs. He said he has no answers right now on his future and has not spoken with the front office.

However, he fully plans on talking and sitting down before he leaves Chicago to go back home for the offseason, via Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network.

Ian Happ @thescorechicago ‘I have no answers right now ‘he told @RahimiGrote . about his possable return to the Cubs. ‘ I am sure we will sit down and talk before I leave.’” . (. go to Austin for the winter) Happ is a free agent after playing 10 years as a Cub.

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) October 6, 2026

The Cubs are going to have to make some tough calls in hopes of building a better roster, and pitching is certainly the biggest issue, which could make it tough to bring Happ back. However, Happ has meant a lot to the organization and is a fan favorite and clubhouse leader.

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The Braves return home Tuesday with the NLDS tied at one game apiece after splitting the first two games at Dodger Stadium. Atlanta won Sunday’s Game 2 by a 3-2 score behind a strong bullpen performance and three hits from Michael Harris II.

The series now shifts to Truist Park, where Sale will make his first NLDS start against the Dodgers. RowdySports.TV reported that Sale spoke via Zoom about Acuña before the Braves traveled back to Atlanta, noting that the team’s confidence in its superstar has not changed.

Before boarding the plane back to Atlanta on the Braves’ travel day, Chris Sale spoke via Zoom about Ronald Acuña Jr.

Acuña’s big bat hasn’t been as loud lately, but Sale says the Braves’ confidence in their superstar hasn’t wavered.#BravesCountry #NLDS pic.twitter.com/uuWpLrJUTQ

— RowdySports.TV (@RowdySports_TV) October 5, 2026

Acuña has gone 3-for-18 without an extra-base hit through the Braves’ first five postseason games, including the Wild Card Series and first two NLDS games. He is hitting .167 with no home runs or RBIs in the postseason, although he has stolen three bases.

That production is well below what Atlanta expected from Acuña after he finished the regular season with a .255 batting average, 20 home runs, 55 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. His .796 OPS also reflected the impact he can have when he is producing from the middle of the lineup.

Sale, meanwhile, gives Atlanta one of its biggest advantages as the series moves to Georgia. The left-hander finished the regular season 14-9 with a 2.16 ERA and 200 strikeouts across 162 2/3 innings. 

He also has recent success against Los Angeles. Sale threw a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers on Aug. 27, allowing five hits while striking out 11. He then worked as a reliever in Atlanta’s Wild Card Series clincher against Philadelphia before being held back for Game 3. 

The Braves and Dodgers enter Game 3 with the series even at 1-1, making Tuesday’s matchup particularly important. Acuña will have another opportunity to break out at the plate while Sale takes the mound against Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Atlanta trying to take its first series lead.

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The Dodgers are probably heading into the contest with a chip on their shoulder after failing to capitalize on home-field advantage, falling just short of the Braves 3-2 in Game 2.

For Atlanta’s part, Didier Fuentes pitched 3 2/3 innings while allowing just one earned run on one hit.

The Braves also took the easy way to first with eight walks, their most since drawing nine vs. Baltimore on July 26.

How to WatchLos Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

• Date: Oct. 6, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m. ET
• Venue: Truist Park
• TV: Fox Sports 1
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Dodgers at Braves tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto LAD
• 2026 Season Stats: 14-9 | 2.53 ERA | 0.87 WHIP | 8.9 K/9
• Lost last start on Sept. 23 vs. SD: 6 IP, 2 ER (two UER), 5 H
• 1.35 earned run average in last three starts; 2.67 earned run average in prior 25 games
• 1.0 home run allowed per nine innings this season; 0.7 last season
• Last start vs. ATL (Aug. 27, road): (L) 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H

• Chris Sale ATL
• 2026 Season Stats: 14-9 | 2.22 ERA | 0.97 WHIP | 11.2 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 29 vs. PHI: 6 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H
• 2-0, 2.38 ERA in last five starts; 12-9, 2.20 ERA in prior 23 games
• 0.5 home runs allowed per nine innings this season; 0.8 last season
• Last start vs. LAD (Aug. 27, home): (W) 9 IP, 0 ER, 5 H

BettingLos Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Odds

Betting lines as of 10/06/2026 at 1:14 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckLos Angeles Dodgers: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Mookie Betts
  .330/.442/.649 since Sept. 1; .239/.298/.404 in prior 100 games
• HOT Max Muncy
  4-10, 2 home runs in last three games; .249/.344/.487 in prior 147 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Teoscar Hernández
  Previous Game: 0-4, 2 K
  0 walks in 11 straight games
• COLD Tommy Edman
  .123/.237/.231 since Sept. 7; .277/.353/.420 in prior 65 games
  Previous Game: 0-3
• COLD Will Smith
  Previous Game: 0-4, 2 K
  1-11 in last three games; .259/.355/.427 in prior 72 games

Stat CheckAtlanta Braves: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• No players currently match our analysis around current trends.

Who’s Not

• COLD Austin Riley
  Previous Game: 0-3
  1-13 in last four games; .220/.292/.370 in prior 161 games
• COLD Michael Harris
  0 walks in 10 straight games
• COLD Mike Yastrzemski
  0 extra-base hits in 10 straight games

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Los Angeles Dodgers (7-3)

• Oct. 4 vs. ATL L 2-3
• Oct. 3 vs. ATL W 5-3
• Sept. 27 @ SF W 5-1
• Sept. 26 @ SF W 4-3
• Sept. 25 @ SF W 2-0
• Sept. 24 vs. SD L 2-4
• Sept. 23 vs. SD L 1-5
• Sept. 22 vs. SD W 7-0
• Sept. 20 vs. SF W 3-1
• Sept. 19 vs. SF W 10-4

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Atlanta Braves (5-5)

• Oct. 4 @ LAD W 3-2
• Oct. 3 @ LAD L 3-5
• Oct. 1 vs. PHI W 6-2
• Sept. 30 vs. PHI L 3-4
• Sept. 29 vs. PHI W 5-3
• Sept. 27 @ MIA L 3-5
• Sept. 26 @ MIA W 8-3
• Sept. 25 @ MIA L 0-3
• Sept. 24 vs. CIN L 6-7
• Sept. 23 vs. CIN W 3-2

PredictionFinal Score for Los Angeles Dodgers @ Atlanta Braves on Oct. 6, 2026

Dodgers 5 – Braves 3
Lean: Dodgers
Give us the Dodgers behind Mookie Betts’ hot bat.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

It is a small sample size. Atlanta has played just five postseason games and is set to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in Game 3 of the NLDS. The winner puts the other club on the brink of elimination.

Acuña entered the postseason on a tear. In September, the 28-year-old posted a .307 batting average, .347 on-base percentage, .949 OPS, seven home runs and 19 RBIs.

Off the field, Acuña has been busy as well. This year, he debuted his own podcast called La Bestia, interviewing MLB players throughout the season. He recently released an episode in which he announced his plans for the upcoming offseason.

Acuña shared that he plans to work once again with Fernando Tatis Sr., the father of San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., this winter.

“I’m going to train throughout the entire offseason with Fernando Tatis Sr. Now that he’s in La Guaira, I’m going to head to the stadium every day,” Acuña said, via MLB reporter Wilder Sanchez. He added, “The year I won MVP, I trained during the offseason with him.”

Ronald Acuña Jr. volverá a trabajar con Fernando Tatis Sr 😱

“La Bestia” tiene como objetivo ganar el MVP en 2027 y repetirá una fórmula que ya le dio resultados en el pasado.

“Voy a practicar durante toda la offseason con Fernando Tatis Sr. Ahora que está en La Guaira voy a… pic.twitter.com/e1jvZZhr8X

— Wilber Sánchez (@wilberdata) October 6, 2026

That year was 2023, when Acuña won the National League MVP unanimously while becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in the same season.

Acuña is not in the offseason yet, but he is already making clear that he wants to return to the best version of himself in 2027.

He dealt with a recurring left hamstring strain this year and his overall numbers were not at the level he has set for himself. Going back to the trainer who helped him reach his peak is a smart career move.

For now though, the focus is on the Dodgers. A big Game 3 from Acuña could change the entire series.

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The Yankees struggled defensively from the opening inning, committing four errors and allowing Tampa Bay to create extra opportunities. Schlittler was pulled in the fifth inning after allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits and a walk with two strikeouts.

Despite the mistakes behind him, Schlittler did not point the finger at his teammates after the loss. Instead, the 25-year-old right-hander put the result on himself.

“I’m not disappointed in our defense. I’m not disappointed in the offense. Really just disappointed in myself. That’s baseball and those things are gonna happen. But I’ve got to be able to work through those. I wasn’t able to do that today”

– Cam Schlittler pic.twitter.com/ZabLUYEgUL

— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) October 6, 2026

“I’m not disappointed in our defense. I’m not disappointed in the offense. Really just disappointed in myself,” Schlittler said, according to SNY Yankees. “That’s baseball and those things are gonna happen. But I’ve got to be able to work through those. I wasn’t able to do that today.”

The outing was a sharp contrast to Schlittler’s first postseason appearance this year. He shut out the Boston Red Sox for 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10 in the Yankees’ 9-0 wild card series win, continuing a regular season in which he went 14-6 with a 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts.

Tampa Bay’s contact-heavy approach eventually wore down Schlittler. The Rays put together a four-run fifth inning, with Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero reaching before Chandler Simpson’s grounder and a throwing error extended the inning. Richie Palacios then delivered a two-run single to give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead.

Ben Rice provided the Yankees’ only offense with two solo home runs. Rice now has four home runs and eight RBIs through four postseason games after finishing the regular season with 41 homers and 97 RBIs.

The Rays entered October with a 98-64 record, winning the AL East ahead of the Yankees, who finished 93-68.

The Yankees must win three straight games to advance, beginning with Game 3 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. New York will need a cleaner defensive performance and more support for its pitching staff if it is going to extend the season.

The home team had won the previous five meetings between San Diego and Milwaukee, and the latter kept the tradition alive on Sunday. The Padres fell just short of the Brewers by a score of 4-3. That’s two games in a row now in which the Padres have lost by just one run.

Mason Miller played a role in the loss, as he tossed 1 2/3 innings while giving up two earned runs off only one hit. He also issued three walks, tying his high from May 17 last year vs. San Francisco.

How to WatchMilwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres

• Date: Oct. 6, 2026
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: Petco Park
• TV: Fox Sports 1
• Streaming: Stream on Fubo
• Buy tickets: Buy Brewers at Padres tickets on Gametime

MatchupProbable Starting Pitcher Analysis

• Nick Pivetta SD
• 2026 Season Stats: 3-2 | 2.84 ERA | 1.05 WHIP | 10.9 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 30 vs. CHC: 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H
• 1-0, 13 IP, 2 ER, 11 H in last three starts; 2-2, 3.60 ERA in prior six games
• 0.5 home runs allowed per nine innings this season; 1.1 last season
• Last start vs. MIL (Sept. 22, 2025, home): (ND) 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H

• Dustin May MIL
• 2026 Season Stats: 7-9 | 4.70 ERA | 1.32 WHIP | 8.9 K/9
• No decision in last start on Sept. 26 vs. STL: 3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H
• 0-0, 7 1/3 IP, 7 ER, 10 H in last three starts; 3-4, 3.05 ERA in prior 11 games
• High run support: 6.1 per game this season with MIL
• Last start vs. SD (Aug. 12, road): (ND) 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H

BettingMilwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres Odds

Betting lines as of 10/06/2026 at 12:26 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Stat CheckMilwaukee Brewers: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Jackson Chourio
  2 RBIs in three straight games
• HOT William Contreras
  .268/.348/.571 since Sept. 9; .269/.338/.402 in prior 134 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Garrett Mitchell
  0 extra-base hits in 11 straight games
• COLD Jake Bauers
  Previous Game: 0-4, 2 K
  3-14 in last four games; .268/.391/.489 in prior 142 games
• COLD Brice Turang
  1-11, 1 SB in last three games; .268/.367/.452 in prior 149 games
  Previous Game: 0-4

Stat CheckSan Diego Padres: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Who’s Hot

• HOT Xander Bogaerts
  1+ time on base in 15 straight games
• HOT Jackson Merrill
  .371/.394/.596 since Sept. 7; .237/.290/.411 in prior 139 games
• HOT Manny Machado
  .400/.500/.800 in last six games; .215/.302/.402 in prior 156 games

Who’s Not

• COLD Dustin Harris
  Previous Game: 0-5
  .250/.286/.250 in last five games; .289/.352/.383 in prior 42 games
• COLD Jake Cronenworth
  Previous Game: 0-4
  1-13, 1 RBIs in last four games; .225/.308/.321 in prior 108 games
• COLD Fernando Tatis
  1-14 in last three games; .291/.361/.475 in prior 160 games
  Previous Game: 0-5

Recent FormLast 10 Games for Milwaukee Brewers (9-1)

• Oct. 4 vs. SD W 4-3
• Oct. 3 vs. SD W 3-2
• Sept. 27 vs. STL W 6-4
• Sept. 26 vs. STL W 3-2
• Sept. 25 vs. STL W 8-4
• Sept. 24 @ PHI W 5-1
• Sept. 23 @ PHI W 4-1
• Sept. 22 @ PHI L 4-6
• Sept. 20 @ BAL W 3-0
• Sept. 19 @ BAL W 1-0

Recent FormLast 10 Games for San Diego Padres (6-4)

• Oct. 4 @ MIL L 3-4
• Oct. 3 @ MIL L 2-3
• Sept. 30 vs. CHC W 4-1
• Sept. 29 vs. CHC W 8-0
• Sept. 27 vs. ARI W 9-4
• Sept. 26 vs. ARI W 10-7
• Sept. 25 vs. ARI L 4-11
• Sept. 24 @ LAD W 4-2
• Sept. 23 @ LAD W 5-1
• Sept. 22 @ LAD L 0-7

PredictionFinal Score for Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres on Oct. 6, 2026

Brewers 3 – Padres 5
Lean: Padres
The Padres get there on the back of what Xander Bogaerts has been doing at the plate.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The move, which filled needs for both sides on paper, provided next to zero results for either club. Early, who was still recovering from an elbow injury that sidelined him in June, returned for just one game in Washington, pitching three scoreless innings on September 26.

Strangely, Mead also appeared in just one game for his new team. The 25-year-old was hit by a pitch and suffered a broken wrist during his second plate appearance for the Red Sox on July 27. While he healed up enough to replace Roman Anthony on the postseason roster, he never got an at-bat in Boston’s season-ending loss to New York.

Turning the page to next season, the club’s new full-time manager Chad Tracy and recently extended chief baseball officer Craig Breslow were asked about how Mead fits into the roster going forward during Monday’s end-of-year presser.

Tracy, while refusing to “anoint” Mead as next year’s starting second baseman, said that slotting him in at second base is “broadly our plan.”

“He was acquired for a reason, that one hurt when that [injury] happened,” Tracy said. “Pending a healthy offseason where everything progresses well, I would say I wouldn’t be speaking out of turn to say we’d be excited to see what that looks like in our lineup.”

Sounds like Plan A is to have Curtis Mead at second base for the 2027 Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/6rFFmOTnLr

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) October 5, 2026

Before the injury, Mead was up to 17 home runs in Washington with a .852 OPS in 87 games. A former top prospect, Mead’s 2026 offensive explosion was unlike anything he had done in his prior three seasons where he bounced around from the Rays to the White Sox before being designated for assignment in March and traded to the Nationals.

The Red Sox, desperately in need of power and an ability to handle velocity, particularly on the infield and from the right side of the plate, are betting on this season being a true breakout rather than an anomaly. If the bat is as advertised, the more pressing question will be where he fits defensively.

Curtis Mead (16) GOES DEEP 🔥
100.5 mph · 372 ft · 33°
RHP Cam Schlittler · 96 mph cutter

⚾ NYY 0 – WSH 2 • Bot 1st pic.twitter.com/iEauXXW5vg

— PlayPulse HRs (@PlayPulseHRs) July 11, 2026

Mead has been a below-average defender playing mostly third and first base with some time at second. With Boston’s infield defense being a strength in 2026, Mead’s ability to hold up there will be an important factor in his long-term placement on the team. But on a team without a set DH, the club will be able to find at-bats for him even if the glove is not serviceable.

If this is the case and Mead can’t become the everyday second baseman, Nick Sogard made an excellent case to man the position and Anthony Seigler and Andruw Monasterio remain solid options.

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The Yankees committed three errors in the first inning alone, with Chisholm’s throwing error coming on a routine play. New York eventually finished with four defensive miscues as Tampa Bay took a 2-0 series lead.

Chisholm took responsibility for his mistake after the game, admitting that he tried to do too much instead of making the simple play.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. on that ill-advised throw he made in the first inning:

“Honestly, I’d probably still throw it in the play that was trying to be made. I just feel like I could have probably tried to make an even better throw. Where I’d throw it, I’d try and throw it a little…

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) October 6, 2026

“Honestly, I’d probably still throw it in the play that was trying to be made. I just feel like I could have probably tried to make an even better throw. Where I’d throw it, I’d try and throw it a little more close to the base. My back was turned.

“I’m just trying to make a play, trying to get my pitcher out of the play. My shortstop made a great play. I tried to make a great play too.”  Chisholm said, according to New York Daily News reporter Gary Phillips.

The error was especially costly because the Yankees were already struggling to generate offense. Chisholm went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Game 2, while New York managed only two runs through the first 18 innings of the series.

That offensive production has put even more pressure on a defense that struggled badly Monday night. Ben Rice provided the Yankees’ biggest offensive spark with two solo home runs, but the rest of the lineup could not do enough against Tampa Bay.

Chisholm had a productive regular season, hitting 19 home runs and stealing 41 bases. The Yankees need that version of him now more than ever with their season on the line.

New York returns home for Game 3 on Wednesday, facing elimination after losing both games in Tampa Bay. Max Fried is expected to start as the Yankees attempt to extend the series.

For Chisholm, the focus will be on putting his mistake behind him and helping the Yankees respond when they have no room left for another setback.

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The Padres suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 walk-off loss in Game 2, with Jackson Chourio delivering the decisive hit after Mason Miller struggled to close out the game in the ninth inning.

The loss prompted former MLB star David Ortiz to rule out the Padres in the series, but Machado clearly is not ready to concede anything with the series heading to San Diego.

Manny Machado was asked what he thought about David Ortíz saying the Padres were done after 2 very tough losses in Milwaukee @FriarTerritory pic.twitter.com/d6cTa3I59S

— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) October 5, 2026

San Diego entered the postseason with legitimate expectations after another strong regular season from its veteran core. Machado was once again a major part of that group, finishing the regular season with 30 home runs and 91 RBI.

The Padres now face a difficult situation after dropping the first two games of the series. They will need to win three consecutive games to keep their postseason run alive, but Machado and the rest of the clubhouse still have an opportunity to change the narrative.

Game 2 was particularly painful because San Diego appeared to have a chance to steal the victory before Milwaukee rallied late. Miller issued three walks in the ninth inning before Chourio’s game-winning hit ended the contest.

Despite the disappointing result, Machado’s response reflects the mindset San Diego needs with its season on the line. The Padres cannot afford to dwell on what happened in Milwaukee.

The series now shifts to Petco Park, where San Diego will have the benefit of playing in front of its home crowd. Machado and the Padres will need to respond quickly if they want to prove Ortiz and everyone else who has counted them out wrong.

For now, the Padres remain alive, and Machado is making it clear that the fight is not finished.

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After being no-hit through nearly eight innings in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees had another letdown in Game 2.

New York dropped Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rays Monday night, losing 5-2 and falling behind 2-0 in a playoff series for the second year in a row.

Despite having their ace on the mound and AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler, the Yankees’ defense let them down. The Yankees committed three errors in the first inning alone and four overall, as the Bronx Bombers fell flat to their division rivals.

Yankees defense was a DISASTER in Game 2.

It was the fifth time in franchise history they committed four errors in a postseason game. Second time under Aaron Boone, first was Game 4 of the 2019 ALCS. pic.twitter.com/zuBVOekxlH

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) October 6, 2026

The Yankees’ high-powered offense, which scored 18 runs in two games during the AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, has been held to just two runs so far in this series and is now on the verge of another disappointing playoff exit.

With the Yankees now in danger of seeing another promising season end, who better to dissect a brutal Yankees postseason loss than sports commentator and Yankees superfan Stephen A. Smith?

“This is a disgrace,” Smith said on Tuesday’s First Take show. “You can’t have a team out there looking like the Bad News Bears. It’s bad enough that only Ben Rice is hitting the damn ball after scoring 18 runs against the Red Sox, but you can’t have a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball looking like this. This is disgraceful,” Smith added.

“This is a disgrace.”

—@stephenasmith on his New York Yankees being one game from elimination 😳 pic.twitter.com/MoCSTFPk8d

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 6, 2026

To put it bluntly, the Yankees picked the absolute worst night to have their worst game of the season, coming during what was, without question, a must-win game for them.

If there is any glimmer of hope in this series, it is that the Yankees return home Wednesday night for Game 3, hoping to extend the series to Game 4 and send it back to Tampa Bay for a winner-take-all Game 5.

The Yankees will now flush the first two games of this series and turn to left-hander Max Fried, while the Rays will throw out veteran Nick Martinez.

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Despite the tough end to the season, PCA led the Cubs to an 89-73 regular-season record. The 6-foot-0 center fielder led Major League Baseball with a 9.8 WAR, along with leading the league with 119 runs, 357 total bases and 84 extra-base hits. The Harvard-Westlake School graduate finished tied with Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber for the league-leading 45 home runs, was fourth in RBIs with 107 and finished tied for fourth in stolen bases with 41.

Although the 24-year-old emerged as an established star last season, being named to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, his profile skyrocketed this year. Now, with the playoff Division Series beginning, regular-season awards are starting to be doled out. On Monday, the California native received a major award.

On Monday, Baseball America went to the social media website Instagram to announce its 2026 MLB Player of the Year Award winner. It was revealed that Crow-Armstrong had won the MLB Player of the Year Award for 2026.

In the Instagram caption, the publication wrote how PCA became the seventh member of the 40/40 (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases) club, led the league in multiple statistical categories and became the first Cubs player to win the award in the 28-year history of the award.

“Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is Baseball America’s 2026 MLB Player of the Year,” Baseball America wrote on Instagram. “⭐ PCA became the seventh member of the 40 HR/40 SB club this season, en route to leading MLB in HR (45), R (119) and OPS (1.065). In the 28-year history of BA’s MLB Player of the Year award, PCA is the first Chicago Cub to win the honor.”

View this post on Instagram

Chicago fans can look forward to watching Crow-Armstrong at Wrigley Field next season, as the superstar signed a six-year, $115 million contract in March 2026.

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With Los Angeles preparing for Game 3 of its National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Yamamoto has made it clear that he is willing to adjust his role.

According to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, Yamamoto told manager Dave Roberts that he is open to pitching on short rest or coming out of the bullpen if necessary.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto said (via interpreter) that he is willing to pitch on shorter rest and/or in relief if the Dodgers need him to this postseason. pic.twitter.com/5id7aSVNCT

— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) October 5, 2026

The decision comes with the Dodgers and Braves tied 1-1 after Atlanta’s 3-2 victory in Game 2. Los Angeles now faces a crucial stretch as it looks to take control of the series.

“Yamamoto said through an interpreter that he is willing to do whatever the team needs from him this postseason,” Chen reported.

Yamamoto has been one of the Dodgers’ most important starters this season. He finished the regular season with a 2.53 ERA and 182 strikeouts across 185 innings, establishing himself as a key part of the pitching staff.

His willingness to take on a different role could give Roberts another option as the Dodgers navigate their postseason pitching plans.

Whether that means taking the ball on short rest or providing innings out of the bullpen, Yamamoto appears ready to prioritize the team’s needs over his normal routine.

With the series moving forward and the margin for error shrinking, that flexibility could become valuable for the Dodgers as they try to advance deeper into October.

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Suffering a hand injury in early May, Anthony went through several months of rest and rehab before starting a hitting progression in late July. He returned to major league action on August 30 after a minor league rehab stint and appeared in 25 games before the end of the regular season.

During the first Wild Card game, Anthony reaggravated the same hand that put him out for much of the season and was forced out of the game. Imaging revealed additional strains on top of what was previously affected, and the 22-year-old was replaced on the playoff roster by Curtis Mead.

There were several reasons why the Red Sox were unable to get by the Yankees for a second straight year, but not having their lead-off man healthy and able to play was one that carried both an immediate impact and long-term concern. But given the reaction from both Anthony and the club over the past week, there is important context as to why this popped back up when it did.

Shortly after the original injury, the Red Sox indicated that Anthony would not resume swinging until he was pain-free. As time went on and no updates came on his health, it seems the team adjusted this expectation to fit a timeline that would have him back for a postseason push.

In the early stages of his hitting progression, manager Chad Tracy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow were careful to avoid the term pain-free, instead emphasizing that Anthony was responding well and feeling good. With the use of hindsight, it’s clear that it became about pain management in order to get one of the team’s best hitters back out there for October.

When speaking about Mead filling in on the postseason roster coming off of a broken wrist, Breslow explained that “there are times when you accelerate timelines and compress things,” which also seems to fit the approach used with Anthony this summer.

Anthony was effective upon his return, slashing .262/.321/.476 with four home runs and 10 RBI, but the September workload turned out to be too much to handle as pain crept up at the end of the month and intensified in the final games.

“I’ve been experiencing some things with the swings and check swings over the past six weeks, and last night just felt a little more intense than past swings have and lingered a little bit longer than the ones that I had before, so it was super alarming,” Anthony said ahead of Game 2 in the Bronx last week. “It got to a point where it was tough to grip a bat, so I knew this was similar to the one earlier on in the year, and that’s why we decided to go get imaging.”

A tough ending to 2026 for Roman Anthony, who worked hard the past two months to return to the Red Sox and be available for the postseason. pic.twitter.com/41xknIZBPL

— Tommy Cassell (@TommyCassell_) September 30, 2026

Still, Breslow insisted that to his knowledge, the timeline they used “was the appropriate one.” The question now is what they can do to prevent the issue from lingering beyond this year.

Red Sox’s Roman Anthony Expected to Avoid Surgery

Breslow addressed this in his end of season press conference alongside Tracy and team CEO Sam Kennedy. According to him, Anthony will avoid offseason surgery and lean on rest to get back to full strength before spring training.

“Yeah, he’s had a bunch of follow-up appointments here, including imaging,” he said. “We’re still collecting information, still working through what the kind of right course of treatment is. And at this point, it doesn’t seem that there’s any type of surgical intervention. It looks like rest is likely the best path to recovery.”

The decision, Breslow explained, is largely based on the fact that his unique injury seemingly cannot be addressed by a procedure.

“My understanding is that there’s no surgical intervention at this point, that’s planned or that merits consideration because what we’ve been told is that the [doctors] don’t even know what surgery we would do.”

Roman Anthony has had a bunch of follow up appointments. but it seems like no surgery will be needed.

Rest is the best path to recovery. pic.twitter.com/ODRoHhPWwM

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) October 5, 2026

So, while at face value it is good that Anthony can avoid the lengthy recovery from a surgery, there still exists some concern that the issue could come back. In just two seasons, the young outfielder has suffered significant injuries while swinging, last year going down with a strained oblique in September.

There is no denying that Anthony is a special talent. But with Boston’s future staked heavily on his performance, consistent availability remains a major question mark.

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Under first-year manager Tony Vitello, the Giants went 65-97 and struggled in every facet of the game. On the hitting side, San Francisco scored the fifth-fewest runs (669), posted the second-lowest on-base percentage (.306), and drew the fewest walks (449).

The Giants’ pitching didn’t fare much better, finishing 23rd in team ERA (4.33) and giving up the eighth-most runs (760).

Even more worrisome was the fact that injuries to several key players, including Rafael Devers and Logan Webb, made San Francisco’s major league roster on the final day of the regular season hardly recognizable.

It’s safe to say the Giants need to improve in every area to compete next season. But it appears the organization has its first priority set.

Buster Posey Identifies Improving Bullpen As Starting Point of Offseason

In an October 1 interview, president of baseball operations Buster Posey revealed that improving the bullpen will be the team’s offseason starting point.

“I think the bullpen is where we’ll start. That’s where we’ll start our process,” Posey said. “Then the rotation will be right behind it.”

The Giants’ relief corps posted a 4.14 ERA, ranking 19th in MLB this season. While that number could be worse, San Francisco’s bullpen was largely defined by turnover and instability throughout the year.

The Giants lacked a true closer for most of the season, and 11 different pitchers recorded a save. Only one of them recorded more than five saves. Caleb Kilian, who recorded eight saves and was the only player Vitello named the team’s closer all season, was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Luis Arraez at this summer’s MLB trade deadline.

San Francisco’s bullpen woes also show up in the team’s 16-29 record in one-run games this season. Too many times, Giants relievers faltered in high-leverage situations. The team’s 30 saves in 57 opportunities reflect that.

The most notable moment came on Aug. 26, when the bullpen allowed seven unanswered runs in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds and ultimately lost 10-9.

Reds score 7 runs in the 9th to take the lead

Giants were 3 outs away from their first 3-game sweep of the season.pic.twitter.com/uo0UThEt25

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 26, 2026

During San Francisco’s end-of-season press conference last Tuesday, Posey took responsibility for the group’s struggles this season.

“The bullpen struggled this year, and I’ll take the blame for that,” Posey said. “That was something that (we) probably overestimated some of the guys that we had in the pen, and that’s something that we’re going to do our best to try to address this offseason.”

Buster Posey shoulders the blame for the Giants’ bullpen struggles pic.twitter.com/6NH4xjCyFE

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) September 29, 2026

The Giants should receive a key internal reinforcement next season, as All-Star Randy Rodríguez will pitch in the Arizona Fall League this month after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late September 2025 and missing all of 2026.

The right-hander emerged as San Francisco’s primary closer last season, dazzling with a 1.78 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over 50.2 innings before being sidelined.

The Giants could also bring longtime reliever Camilo Doval back to fill a high-leverage role. The 2023 All-Star was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates after they designated him for assignment following his trade from the New York Yankees at the MLB trade deadline.

Doval, 29, posted a 4.15 ERA across the three teams this season, but recorded back-to-back scoreless appearances in San Francisco’s final regular-season series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Either way, the Giants have a lot to do to improve their bullpen, along with several other areas, to put themselves in a better position in 2027.

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After Tampa Bay defeated the New York Yankees 5-2 in Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday, Peralta praised the team’s approach and the confidence he sees throughout the clubhouse.

The Rays have now won the first two games of the series at Tropicana Field, putting the Yankees on the brink of elimination.

“I think that we are amazing in general, man,” Peralta said after the game. “These guys, you can see the confidence when they are going to the plate, doing the little things in every at-bat.”

#Rays Freddy Peralta on his Game 2 start and the way his lineup put pressure on Cam Schlittler in the win. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/pM28WL0veO

— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 6, 2026

Tampa Bay’s offense consistently pressured New York’s defense, which committed four errors during the loss. The Rays then broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning.

Junior Caminero went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Jonathan Aranda finished 2-for-5 with a run. Richie Palacios delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run single.

Peralta also continued his strong stretch since joining Tampa Bay. He allowed one earned run on three hits across 4 2/3 innings while striking out three and walking one. The veteran right-hander credited the entire roster for the team’s current momentum.

Now, the Rays will head to Yankee Stadium with a chance to complete the sweep. Tampa Bay will look to Nick Martinez to finish the job in Game 3 as New York attempts to keep its season alive.

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident his lineup will produce a different result against the veteran left-hander after struggling in their previous matchup.

The Dodgers lost Game 2 by a 3-2 score, evening the series at 1-1 and shifting the matchup to Atlanta.

Sale has already given the Dodgers plenty to think about. During the regular season, he delivered a dominant performance against Los Angeles, creating an obvious challenge for a lineup that needs to rediscover its offensive rhythm.

Dave Roberts is expecting the results in Game 3 to be different than the last time the Dodgers faced Chris Sale. pic.twitter.com/qiXt6ex2Tn

— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) October 6, 2026

The Dodgers managed only two runs on six hits in Game 2, continuing an inconsistent start to the series. Roberts now has to find a way to generate more production against one of the National League’s toughest starters.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the ball for Los Angeles in Game 3, giving the Dodgers an opportunity to counter Sale with one of their own frontline pitchers.

The matchup also puts added pressure on Los Angeles’ offense. The Dodgers have championship expectations, and another quiet performance could put them in a difficult position heading into the later games of the series.

Roberts, however, is not dwelling on what happened the last time Sale faced his lineup. His confidence suggests the Dodgers believe adjustments can make a difference when the two teams meet again.

Now, Los Angeles has to prove it. With the series tied and the Braves holding home-field advantage, the Dodgers need their offense to make Roberts’ prediction come true.

The Yankees fell 5-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday, putting them one loss away from elimination after dropping the first two games of the series.

With the season suddenly on the line, Boone delivered a blunt message to his clubhouse as the Yankees prepared to head back to New York. 

“It’s going to be a rough ride back, but you’ve got to find out what you’re made of,” Aaron Boone said, as reported by Gary Phillips on X. “It’s gut check time.”

“It’s going to be a rough ride back, but you’ve got to find out what you’re made of,” Aaron Boone said. “It’s gut check time.

“We can’t dwell on what just happened to us.”

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) October 6, 2026

The Yankees’ defense was at the center of their latest loss. New York committed four errors, including three in the first inning, and the mistakes ultimately contributed to three unearned runs. The four errors tied the second-most in franchise postseason history.

Ben Rice was the lone bright spot offensively. Rice hit two solo home runs, but the rest of the lineup struggled to provide enough support.

The Yankees also left opportunities on the table against Tampa Bay pitching. After Rice tied the game in the fourth, the Rays responded with a four-run fifth inning to take control. Richie Palacios delivered a two-run single during the decisive rally.

Now, the Yankees return to the Bronx needing to win three straight games to keep their season alive. The challenge is straightforward: play cleaner baseball and finally give their offense enough support to capitalize on its opportunities.

Boone knows the margin for error has disappeared. His message after Game 2 was less about assigning blame and more about finding out how his team responds when its season is on the line.

The Yankees will get that opportunity Wednesday night. Max Fried is expected to start Game 3 as New York tries to avoid an early exit and force the series back to Tampa Bay.

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Tuesday’s MLB playoffs action begins at 6 p.m. ET.

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.

Best MLB Playoff Bets Today

Atlanta Braves LHP Chris Sale Over 7.5 K’s (+115)

Sale pitched in two games in the Wild Card Round and struck out 12 in 7 2/3 IP. In two regular-season starts against the Dodgers, he went 1-1 with a 1.13 ERA and 18 K’s in 16 IP. The last time he saw them, he threw a complete-game shutout with 11 K’s. It’s a tall number, but it’s a hittable one.

Milwaukee Brewers Moneyline (+113)

The Brew Crew have won two wild games. In Game 1, Padres 1B Ty France hit what could have been a home run, but the ball hit the roof, which enabled a Brewers outfielder to catch it for the out. They held on to win 3-2. In Game 2, the Padres led the entire game, but renowned closer Mason Miller coughed it up in a 4-3 loss. Brewers RHP Dustin May went 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA in three starts against the Friars this season. Milwaukee ends the Padres’ season.

Dodgers 1B Freddie Freeman Over 1.5 Total Bases (+178)

Of the Dodgers hitters, Freeman is the only one that has had success against Sale. He’s 5-for-16 (.313) lifetime off of him, and four of those five hits went for extra bases. With a chance to nearly double up, and the fact that he homered in Game 2, Freeman is a good bet to rack up a couple of total bases.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Ramírez is seeking a hitting coach job in MLB. The former All-Star outfielder is reportedly willing to work in the minor leagues if that is what it takes to get back in the game.

Manny Ramirez is seeking a hitting coach job in MLB, agent Hector Zepeda said. Ramirez, who hit 555 HRs and batted .312, last worked as a player/coach for the Sydney Blue Sox in Australia in 2020-21. He’s so determined to get back in the game he’s willing to go to the minors.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 5, 2026

Ramírez, 54, has not held an official role in baseball since January 2021, when he was released from his role as a player-coach for the ABL’s Sydney Blue Sox. He was one of MLB’s most feared sluggers throughout his 19-year playing career, batting .312/.411/.585 with 555 home runs.

During his time with the Boston Red Sox, Ramírez earned eight of his 12 All-Star selections and helped the franchise capture two World Series titles. The right-handed slugger was especially dominant in October, finishing his career with a .937 playoff OPS. He was named MVP of the 2004 World Series and still holds MLB’s all-time record for postseason home runs (29).

Manny REALLY being Manny. #RedSoxEncore | @NESN pic.twitter.com/6nRSqjfDTv

— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 27, 2020

Ramírez retired from MLB in 2011 after being handed a 100-game suspension for his second violation of the league’s drug policy. After his ban was later reduced, he attempted several minor league comebacks in the years that followed. He never made it back to the majors, however.

This is not the first time Ramírez has publicly expressed interest in coaching. In May 2025, he told baseball reporter Héctor Gómez that he was available to work as a hitting coach for any of the 30 MLB teams, adding that he was confident he could help “significantly” improve any offense. His agent, Hector Zepeda, also told the New York Post in October 2025 that Ramírez wanted to “bring his greatness to teach the young guys.”

Ramírez previously served as a major and minor league hitting consultant from 2014-16 with the Chicago Cubs, where he was credited with “bridging the language and cultural gap” between the coaching staff and some of their young Latin American players. Several of his former Red Sox teammates have held coaching roles in the majors more recently, including Dave Roberts, Alex Cora and Jason Varitek.

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Rasmussen went eight innings, allowing one hit and recording 10 strikeouts, with closing pitcher Bryan Baker receiving the save. Yankees manager Aaron Boone will have to rally his troops for Game 2 on Monday.

Yankees vs Rays TV Channel and Live Stream Options

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
• TV: TBS/truTV
• Live stream: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

There is a free option to view the game, provided one is not already a subscriber to DirecTV. Users can sign up for a subscription that can be canceled after five days.

New York will send right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler, who is in the running for the American League Cy Young Award, to the mound for Game 2. Schlittler went 14-6, finishing second in the league with a 1.95 ERA, tied for third with 239 strikeouts and was fourth with a 0.92 WHIP.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash will trust veteran right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta in the game. The 6-foot-0 starting pitcher was dealt at the 2026 MLB deadline from the New York Mets to Tampa. The 30-year-old started 10 games for the Rays, going 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.

Tampa Bay (98-64) finished with the best record in the American League, winning the AL East. New York (93-68) was second, right behind them. The Rays can close the series out on Monday to head to the AL Championship Series.

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The core is beginning to get up there in age, and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is one of those players who may be slowing down. He did have a strong season and playoff series, collecting four hits in 11 at-bats against the Braves including a home run.

But in the second half he hit just .199 with a .336 on-base percentage, .751 OPS, 13 home runs and 38 RBIs in 63 games. He was still productive, but next year will mark his age-34 season where hitters tend to decline, and the second half could be a sign of what’s to come.

Still, Schwarber’s overall season was one of the best in the league, and on Monday MLB officially released the nominees for the Hank Aaron Award with Schwarber included among the 10 candidates.

The Hank Aaron Award is an annual honor given to the best offensive player in the American League and National League.

Given Schwarber is a designated hitter, it makes sense why he would be a strong candidate for the award since that is where he provides the most value. He was the only player selected from the Phillies, as first baseman Bryce Harper narrowly missed out.

Here are your finalists for the 2026 Hank Aaron Award!

One player from each league will be recognized as the most outstanding regular season offensive performer.

Fans can vote now through Oct. 12 at https://t.co/S5n6GWcpVw.

Winners will be announced at the MLB Awards on Nov.… pic.twitter.com/zOEV5tBxQ9

— MLB (@MLB) October 5, 2026

Schwarber has been nominated before. He was a candidate last year but lost out to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Last year may have been his best chance to win it given he also finished second in NL MVP voting, again losing to Ohtani.

For a team that once again fell short in October, the Hank Aaron Award nomination is a silver lining in what was ultimately another disappointing postseason.

Individual recognition is nice, but for Schwarber and the Phillies, another early exit is what will define this year long after the awards are handed out.

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