MLB Baseball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 8, 2026, 6:01 PM ET
Playoffs Roundup
The Dodgers advanced to a third straight NLCS after No. 9 hitter Andy Pages delivered a clutch hit, proving that the stars are not the only ones carrying the load in Los Angeles. The Brewers also set up a rematch with the Dodgers after Garrett Mitchell robbed Manny Machado of a potential game-tying home run in a win over San Diego.
American League Division Series
The Rays completed a sweep of the Yankees, with Victor Mesa Jr. hitting the home run that effectively ended New York's season. Afterward, the Rays' clubhouse spread the news with a musical jab at their rivals. Aaron Judge stayed in the home dugout at Yankee Stadium to watch the elimination unfold, saying he was "just hating every single moment" of it, and a fan-interference call in the sixth inning cost the Yankees a chance at a tying two-run homer.
In Cleveland, Jose Ramirez delivered a do-it-all performance to keep the Guardians alive in a "do-or-die" Game, and the series now turns to whether Cleveland can force a Game.
Managerial and Off-Field News
Alex Cora again declined the chance to manage the Phillies and plans to take the 2027 season off. Separately, President Donald Trump announced he will award Roger Clemens the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Labor and Analysis
With the postseason underway, questions about the sport's labor battle are intensifying, and players and executives were asked whether a Dodgers three-peat could push a salary cap forward. ESPN's experts also offered early hot takes on a first week of October baseball that has already produced surprises.