MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 26, 2026, 10:11 PM ET

Wild Card Race Intensifies

The Phillies turned to Aaron Nola on two days' rest to halt a skid and protect their slim NL wild-card lead, as managers scramble for every edge in the final stretch. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks lost Corbin Burnes to a 15-day IL stint with shoulder inflammation, dealing a blow to their playoff push. The Cubs, powered by Pete Crow-Armstrong's breakout MVP-caliber season, clinched their first playoff berth since 2020, with the center fielder delivering elite defense and offensive production all year.

Individual Performances and Injuries

Juan Soto exited Saturday's Mets win after being hit by a pitch, but X-rays came back negative, easing concerns over the star outfielder's availability. In Detroit, Justin Verlander departed his final MLB start to hugs from family and teammates, marking an emotional end to a Hall of Fame-caliber career. Elly De La Cruz joined the 30-30 club for the Cincinnati Reds, becoming just the fourth player in franchise history to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in a season, alongside legends like Barry Larkin and Eric Davis.

Transactions and Future Moves

Max Scherzer delayed a decision on his future until the offseason, telling Blue Jays reporters he wants to evaluate his options after the season concludes. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walked back earlier contract remarks, expressing regret over comments that suggested he might prioritize money over winning, and reaffirming his commitment to Toronto. On the White Sox, infielder Colson Montgomery set a new single-season franchise record with 224 strikeouts, showcasing his swing-and-miss prowess despite the team's struggles.

Roster Questions and Playoff Outlook

The Yankees face uncertainty around Aaron Judge's status and infield alignment as they finalize their playoff roster, with lingering questions about health and positioning. Josh Jung joined the Rangers' injury list with a broken right hand, further complicating their tight AL West race. The Red Sox and Cubs will meet at Tropicana Field on Sunday after their finale was relocated due to Boston weather, setting up an unusual cross-league showdown with playoff implications for both teams.

Legacy and Rivalry Notes

Bill Giles, the longtime Phillies executive who helped create the Phanatic and brought Pete Rose to Philadelphia, passed away at age, leaving behind a transformative legacy in Philadelphia sports. Dave Roberts expressed full confidence in Shohei Ohtani's readiness for the playoffs, citing his two-way talent and preparation as key to the Dodgers' postseason hopes. Finally, the Yankees and Red Sox are set to meet in the postseason for the seventh time in history, renewing one of baseball's most storied rivalries with both teams aiming for deep October runs.