MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 16, 2026, 4:33 AM ET

ALCS

Petey Halpin delivered a go-ahead, two-run homer as the Guardians edged the Rays 3-2, giving Cleveland a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series. José Ramírez has been the engine of the run, with the veteran slugger turning it on in October and the Guardians feeding off his confidence. Junior Caminero struck out four of the Rays' 13 in their Game 3 loss, and Tampa Bay has vowed to make adjustments. Cleveland starts Gavin Williams, a workhorse who threw 210 pitches over six days, in the next game against the Rays' Jax. MLB also moved up the start time of Game 3 by five hours to 1 p.m. ET because of inclement Cleveland weather.

NLCS

Shohei Ohtani snapped a 25-game home run drought with a prodigious three-run shot in the second inning, and the Dodgers responded by moving him to leadoff for Game. Los Angeles still trails 3-0 in the series, and the Brewers are looking to complete a sweep of the two-time defending champions. Lineups and updates from both series are set for the championship round, and odds favor Cleveland in Game.

Postseason Overview

Bullpen battles and breakout performers have defined this postseason, raising questions about whether the trends will hold through the final rounds.

Managerial & Front Office Moves

Joe Espada will not return as Astros manager despite guiding Houston to two AL West titles. In Philadelphia, Don Mattingly agreed to a two-year deal to remain Phillies manager after guiding the club to the playoffs, and he said he is ready to put his stamp on the team.

Transactions

Oswaldo Cabrera, the former Yankees infielder and outfielder, agreed to a $1 million, one-year deal with the Reds.