Last updated: September 29, 2026, 2:21 PM ET
Wild Card Series Openers
The MLB postseason is underway as eight teams begin their wild-card series Tuesday. The Red Sox turn to rookie left-hander Payton Tolle for Game 1 against the Yankees, while New York will be without Aaron Judge. Judge took batting practice on the field Monday in a bid to return, but the team confirmed he will not play in the series. Giancarlo Stanton made the roster and is expected to be in the lineup. Boston also added left-hander Garrett Crochet, who has not pitched since April, to the wild-card roster as a bullpen option. Live updates from Day 1 of the wild-card series are available.
The Cubs will send lefty Matthew Boyd to the mound for Game 1 against the Padres, while Alex Bregman's status at third base remains uncertain. The Phillies, who clinched the NL's final wild-card berth with a 7-3 win over the Rays on Sunday, will be without Luis Arraez due to an ankle injury, and Jesús Luzardo gets the start in Game.
Playoff Predictions & Previews
ESPN's MLB experts have released their predictions from the wild-card round through the World Series. A comprehensive preview breaks down World Series odds, likely MVPs, and how far all 12 playoff teams could go. For fans looking for the ideal Fall Classic, the best matchups for every type of fan have been identified.
Roster & Injury Updates
The Rangers announced that shortstop Corey Seager has a bone spur in his elbow and may need minor surgery.
Regular Season Wrap-Up
The Astros clinched the AL West with an 81-81 record, winning their fifth division title in six years despite a .500 finish. Owner Jim Crane said the playoff berth will factor into the decision on manager Joe Espada's future. The Mariners fired manager Dan Wilson after a 76-86 season, one year after he led the team to the ALCS. In Arizona, Torey Lovullo admitted his future is murky after the Diamondbacks missed the playoffs again. The White Sox's Colson Montgomery is focusing on the positives from his season rather than his strikeout record.
Statistical Highlights
Fastball velocity in Major League Baseball hit a record high for the sixth straight season. The average time of a nine-inning game increased by 3 minutes, 43 seconds, partly due to ABS challenge reviews. Houston's Yordan Alvarez and Arizona's Gabriel Moreno won batting titles, while Misiorowski led the majors in ERA, strikeouts, and opponent batting average.
Fantasy Baseball Awards
Eric Karabell handed out his fantasy MVPs and LVPs for the 2026 season for hitters, and also for pitchers.
Other News
A potential MLB game at Grand Teton National Park has drawn criticism from politicians and environmental groups. Mets president David Stearns said there are no mulligans on Pete Alonso's exit.
Umpire Crew Chiefs
MLB announced the umpire crew chiefs for the Wild Card Series: Jordan Baker, Bill Miller, Alan Porter, and Mark Wegner will officiate.