MLB Baseball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 7, 2026, 9:39 PM ET
Playoff Action
The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the NL Division Series after Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominated Atlanta ace Chris Sale in a 3-1 win. Los Angeles will look to close out the series in Game, with Miguel Rojas sidelined by a back issue and Ronald Acuña Jr. slotted into right field for the Braves. Follow live coverage of the Braves and Dodgers as the matchup develops.
Padres and Brewers
San Diego gets a boost as closer Mason Miller returns from the paternity list and is available to pitch in Game. Milwaukee has tabbed Robert Gasser as its starter in the same contest. ESPN's experts have also shared early takes on the Brewers, no-hitters and comeback chances from the first week of postseason play.
American League Division Series
The Guardians kept their season alive with a bats-driven Game 3 victory after managing only three runs in the first two games. Chicago, meanwhile, aims to complete a sweep, and both clubs will send out openers in Game.
Front Office and League News
Alex Cora again declined the chance to manage the Phillies and plans to take the 2027 season off. Beyond the field, the postseason is also being watched for its influence on the sport's labor negotiations, with players and executives weighing in on whether a salary cap could follow.
Remembrances
Baseball lost two former standouts this week. Sam McDowell, who led the American League in strikeouts four times, died at 84. Former Dodgers general manager Fred Claire, who oversaw the 1988 World Series champion team, died at 91 after a career that spanned roughly three decades in the front office.