Last updated: September 30, 2026, 2:13 PM ET
Wild-Card Day 1 Results
The 2026 MLB postseason opened with a full slate of wild-card games, and the White Sox made an emphatic return to October by stunning the Astros 6-3 in Houston. Chicago's victory came in front of a sparse crowd that audibly booed the home team, leaving Astros players extremely frustrated by the lack of support. The White Sox received an unusual boost before the game: a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV, a longtime fan and Chicago native, which the team described as divine intervention.
In the National League, the Padres made a perfect statement by shutting out the Cubs 8-0 in Game. San Diego added RHP Joe Musgrove to their NLWCS roster in a surprise move, despite the fact that he last pitched in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Cubs, meanwhile, had named Matthew Boyd as their Game 1 starter opposite Padres righty Michael King, but the decision backfired as Chicago's offense never got going.
The Braves edged the Phillies 4-3 in Game, fueled by Austin Riley's clutch eighth-inning homer off All-Star closer Jhoan Duran. Riley shook off a down regular season to deliver the pivotal blast. Philadelphia manager Don Mattingly's early decision to bring in reliever Jhoan Duran, described as "our best guy," backfired when the Braves tagged him for the game-winning runs.
The Yankees rolled past the Red Sox in Game, powered by Cam Schlittler's another playoff gem against Boston and Ben Rice's offensive contributions. The Red Sox, however, suffered a blow when outfielder Roman Anthony sustained a hand injury, leaving his availability for Game 2 uncertain.
Wild-Card Day 2 Preview
Tuesday's slate features four Game 2 matchups, with the Braves-Phillies and Yankees-Red Sox series among those that could either end in a sweep or force a decisive Game. Our full preview breaks down the pitching matchups and key storylines for each contest.
Dodgers and Brewers Await Postseason Openers
The Dodgers, who earned a first-round bye, are using their extended break to prepare for their postseason opener. Los Angeles expects a healthy Shohei Ohtani to be in "great spot" for the NLDS. The Brewers are also idle, but remain cautious with Joey Ortiz as they prepare for their NLDS opener. Ortiz believes he's healthy enough to play, but Milwaukee's medical staff is taking a measured approach.
Regular-Season Grades and Playoff Predictions
With the regular season complete, we've handed out grades for all 30 teams, evaluating which clubs exceeded expectations and which fell short. Our experts have also made their full playoff predictions, forecasting the wild-card winners all the way through the World Series champion.
Retirement and Legal News
Three-time All-Star reliever Liam Hendriks, who overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma during his career, has retired after a 14-year MLB run. In legal news, Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has sued the Tigers, Ilitch Holdings, and the city of Detroit over damages caused by a metal fence that injured him during a game.
Front Office Moves
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said the team must learn from the Pride Night cap controversy that drew criticism earlier this season. The Marlins have committed to manager Clayton McCullough for 2027 and are weighing a $21 million option on pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Mets executive David Stearns acknowledged there are no mulligans on Pete Alonso's exit, reflecting on the difficult decision to let the star first baseman walk in free agency.