MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 18, 2026, 6:03 AM ET

Dodgers Clinch NL West Again

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West for the 13th time in 14 seasons, securing their fifth consecutive division crown. The milestone further cements the franchise's decade-long dominance of the National League's toughest division. Los Angeles now turns its attention to October, where a deep postseason run remains the only acceptable outcome.

Injury Concerns Mount in the Bronx

Aaron Judge was pulled for a pinch hitter due to lower leg tightness during the Yankees' matchup against the Twins. The reigning MVP's status will be closely monitored as New York braces for the postseason. Meanwhile, in Boston, Willson Contreras exited after an HBP that left him with a bruised hand, listed as day-to-day. The Red Sox can ill afford to lose their catcher's bat with the wild-card race tightening.

Mets' Rough Night

Jared Young was carted off the field in the sixth inning after a frightening collision, though a CT scan came back negative and he is showing concussion symptoms. The Mets also learned that right-hander Robert Stock's comeback season is over due to finger numbness. The injuries add to a brutal stretch for a New York club fighting to stay in contention.

Dodgers' Rotation Worry

Blake Snell exited after one inning against the Reds with groin tightness, a concerning development for a Dodgers team already managing workloads ahead of October. The left-hander's status will be reevaluated as Los Angeles weighs its playoff rotation. Snell's health is critical to a staff that has leaned heavily on its top arms down the stretch.

Roster Moves Around the League

The White Sox have moved Luis Castillo to the bullpen amid a 7.76 ERA, a stunning fall for a pitcher once counted on as a frontline starter. Philadelphia, meanwhile, claimed José Urquidy off waivers from the White Sox, adding rotation depth for the stretch run. The move gives the Phillies another experienced arm as they position for October.

History in San Diego

Ethan Salas made history with two homers, becoming the youngest catcher ever to record a multi-home run game as the Padres rolled to victory. His first two major league home runs bettered a mark set in 1980. The 19-year-old's emergence adds another layer to a San Diego club with October aspirations.

Cubs' Record-Breaker

Pete Crow-Armstrong shattered the Cubs' rookie record with his 43rd and 44th home runs, finishing 3 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. Teammates looked on "in amazement" as the young outfielder continues a remarkable breakout campaign. Chicago's lineup has found a genuine star in the making.

Alonso Haunts His Former Team

Pete Alonso homered again at Citi Field, delivering a big blow for the Orioles while receiving another ovation from Mets fans. The slugger's return to Queens has been one of the season's most compelling storylines. His production for Baltimore has been a significant lift in their playoff push.

Awards Races Heat Up

The debate over NL Cy Young candidates is intensifying, with Sanchez and Misiorowski making late cases while Schlittler enters the MVP conversation. Voters face a difficult choice as the season's final days approach. The races remain among the most compelling in recent memory.

The Two-Way Dilemma

Why haven't more players followed Shohei Ohtani's two-way path? Ohtani's unprecedented success has only reinforced how difficult the feat is to replicate. Teams continue to search for the next dual-threat star, but the physical and developmental demands remain prohibitive.

Power Rankings Shuffle

With postseason berths being clinched, our MLB Power Rankings show contenders on the move ahead of October. Several clubs are peaking at the right time, while others are limping into the bracket. The next week will sort out seeding and matchups across both leagues.

Season in Review

Every club has a story to tell, and we break down the biggest success and disappointment for all 30 MLB teams. Whether your team is headed to October or headed home, there are lessons to take from the 2025 campaign. The exercise offers a clear-eyed look at what went right and what went wrong across the league.

Alcantara's Unlikely Save

Sandy Alcantara earned his first career save just two days after throwing 101 pitches, an unusual usage for the Marlins ace. The moment capped a strange week for a pitcher normally relied upon as a starter. Miami's willingness to deploy him out of the bullpen speaks to the improvisation required late in the season.

A's Prospect Leaves Hospital

Ryan Lasko, the Athletics prospect paralyzed in an on-field accident, has been released from the hospital after two months. The organization and baseball community have rallied around him throughout his recovery. His departure from care marks a significant step in a long rehabilitation journey.