MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 7, 2026, 10:03 PM ET
Division Series Action
The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead over the Braves in their NL Division Series after Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominated Atlanta ace Chris Sale in a 3-1 win. Los Angeles will be without second baseman Miguel Rojas, who is held out of Game 4 with a back issue, while Ronald Acuña Jr. moves to right field for Atlanta.
In San Diego, the Padres forced a Game 4 with a 4-3 victory over the Brewers, as Beast King stepped up in relief after starter Michael King had promised a big outing. Jake Cronenworth provided a solo homer that helped keep San Diego in front. Closer Mason Miller returns from the paternity list and is available to pitch in Game, while Milwaukee has tabbed Robert Gasser to start.
American League Series
The Guardians stayed alive with a bats-led win in Game, breaking out after managing just three runs in the first two games. Cleveland and the White Sox will both start openers in Game 3 of the ALDS, with Chicago looking to complete a sweep. In Tampa Bay, the Rays beat the Yankees in Game, as New York committed four errors, including three in the first inning, in what manager fans called a really rough night.
Postseason Storylines
Our experts weighed in on a week of postseason baseball, offering early takes on Brewers momentum and comeback chances across the bracket. Alex Cora again declined the chance to manage the Phillies, reportedly planning to take the 2027 season off. Meanwhile, the playoffs have sparked debate over the sport's labor future, with players and executives weighing whether a deep Dodgers run could push a salary cap into the 2026 CBA negotiations.
Around the League
Fan culture also stood out, as a Padres crowd's Blink-182 chant left the band's front man emotional. Ballpark menus drew attention too, with the Rays' "Clubhouse Tomahawk" and the Dodgers' "Colossal Burger" headlining the postseason food offerings. The sport also marked notable losses, as former Dodgers GM Fred Claire, who oversaw the 1988 World Series team, died at, and four-time AL strikeout leader Sam McDowell passed away at. Finally, San Francisco led the majors in injured list days with 2,379, ending the Dodgers' three-year run atop that category.