MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 11:17 PM ET

Yankees Roll Behind Schlittler; Cole Searching for Answers

Cam Schlittler delivered another dominant outing Sunday against the Mets, lowering his ERA to 1.95 and strengthening his case as the clear-cut favorite for the American League Cy Young Award. The young right-hander has anchored New York's rotation throughout what manager Aaron Boone has called an awesome season. The news was less encouraging for Gerrit Cole, who could not make the proper adjustments in Saturday's 12-2 loss to the Mets and admitted afterward that the cause of his latest poor outing was tough to pin down. Help is on the way for the bullpen, as Clarke Schmidt will be activated this week and rejoin the club as a reliever, 14 months after elbow surgery. Before Sunday's game, the Yankees honored 9/11 victims in a ceremony that included first pitches from Brielle Saracini and Sean McGuire, with Derek Jeter among the members of the 2001 team on hand.

Rays First to Clinch; Red Sox Roll With Tolle and Contreras

The Tampa Bay Rays became the first major league team to secure a postseason spot, beating the Astros 3-1 on Junior Caminero's game-ending, two-run homer. Boston got a historic start from left-hander Payton Tolle, who opened Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals with an immaculate inning. The Red Sox also welcomed back first baseman Willson Contreras, activated from the 10-day injured list and slotted to bat cleanup in the series finale.

Injury Wave Hits Phillies, Cubs, Pirates and Orioles

Philadelphia received reassuring news when an MRI on Jesús Luzardo showed no serious issues in his left shoulder, though the star pitcher won't throw for a couple of days while dealing with stiffness. The Phillies also reinstated left-hander Tanner Banks from the 60-day injured list before Sunday's game against the Braves in Atlanta. In Chicago, the Cubs activated Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list, with manager Craig Counsell moving the right-hander to the bullpen for now. Pittsburgh placed rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez on the 10-day injured list after he hurt himself running to first base. Baltimore's season took another hit as right-hander Kyle Bradish was put on the 15-day injured list with lower abdominal discomfort, effectively ending his year.

Devers Done; Freeman Returns; Gurriel DFA'd

San Francisco's Rafael Devers will miss the rest of the season and may undergo surgery for a core muscle injury, a significant blow to the Giants' lineup. The Dodgers got a boost with Freddie Freeman back in the lineup Saturday after a right knee issue sidelined him for two games ahead of the playoff push. Arizona made a surprising move, designating Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment, potentially ending the tenure of an outfielder who played a key role in the franchise's recent World Series run but struggled after tearing a ligament.

Verlander Eyes Final Start as Tigers Plan Farewell

Justin Verlander is progressing in his return from a hamstring injury, and he and the Detroit Tigers hope he can make one last start during a planned two-day celebration of the retiring former ace. The 42-year-old right-hander, who won a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP and a Cy Young in Detroit, would get a fitting sendoff in front of the fans who watched him become one of the game's premier pitchers.