MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 18, 2026, 2:03 PM ET

Dodgers Clinch NL West Again

The Dodgers clinched the NL West for the 13th time in 14 seasons, securing their fifth consecutive division title. Los Angeles becomes the latest contender to punch its October ticket, joining a growing field of teams that have already locked up postseason berths.

Power Rankings Shuffle

With playoff spots filling up, MLB's power rankings show several contenders on the move ahead of October. Some clubs have already clinched, while others are surging into position down the stretch. Yet every contender carries a fatal flaw that could end its season early — from Milwaukee's lack of power to the Dodgers' late-inning struggles.

Awards Races Tighten

The Cy Young and MVP debates are heating up as candidates make their final cases. In the NL, Sanchez vs. Miz headlines the Cy Young conversation, while Schlittler has entered the MVP discussion. Jacob Misiorowski has built a Cy Young-caliber season, with his 105 mph fastball drawing comparisons to a flash of lightning.

Two-Way Stars Remain Rare

Shohei Ohtani was expected to blaze a trail for two-way players, but his unprecedented success has not produced a wave of imitators. The league has yet to see another player replicate his dual role at the major league level.

Padres Rookie Makes History

Ethan Salas made history with a two-homer game, becoming the youngest catcher ever to record a multi-home run performance. His first two major league home runs helped power the Padres to a win and bettered a mark that had stood since 1980.

Cubs' Crow-Armstrong Sets Record

Pete Crow-Armstrong shattered the Cubs' record with his 43rd and 44th home runs of the season, finishing 3 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. The Cubs looked on "in amazement" as their young star rewrote the franchise record book.

Alonso Haunts Former Team

Pete Alonso homered again at Citi Field against his former team, giving the Orioles a lift with a big blast and drawing another ovation from Mets fans. The slugger continues to torment the club he spent his entire career with before this season.

Alcantara Earns First Save

Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara earned his first career save on Wednesday night at Arizona, just two days after throwing 101 pitches as a starter. The workload raised eyebrows, but the result added a new line to the former Cy Young winner's résumé.

Injury Concerns Mount

Yankees star Aaron Judge was pulled with leg tightness and replaced by a pinch hitter against the Twins. Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras left Thursday's win at Texas after being hit by a pitch, though the team described his hand as bruised and day-to-day.

Mets' Scary Collision

Mets first baseman Jared Young was carted off the field in the sixth inning Thursday after a frightening collision. He showed concussion symptoms, but a CT scan came back negative. In a separate blow, Mets right-hander Robert Stock's comeback season is over due to finger numbness.

White Sox, Phillies Moves

The White Sox moved Luis Castillo to the bullpen amid his 7.76 ERA, ending his run in the rotation for the foreseeable future. Philadelphia, meanwhile, claimed José Urquidy off waivers from Chicago, adding rotation depth for the stretch run.

A's Prospect Leaves Hospital

Paralyzed Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko was released from the hospital after two months of treatment following an on-field injury. His recovery marks a significant milestone as he continues rehabilitation.