MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: September 17, 2026, 10:03 PM ET

Dodgers Clinch NL West Again

The Dodgers clinched the NL West for the fifth consecutive season and the 13th time in 14 years, with players calling the achievement "a big deal" as Los Angeles locks up another division crown. The club's sustained dominance in the division continues to define the National League playoff picture.

Cubs' Crow-Armstrong Makes History

Pete Crow-Armstrong smashed the Cubs' record with his 43rd and 44th home runs of the season, finishing 3 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs scored as Chicago watched "in amazement." The young outfielder's power surge has been a defining storyline of the Cubs' season.

Padres' Salas Enters Record Books

Ethan Salas made history for San Diego, becoming the youngest catcher ever to post a multi-home-run game. His first two major league homers powered the Padres to a win and bettered a mark that had stood since 1980.

Marlins' Alcantara Shows Versatility

Sandy Alcantara earned his first career save Wednesday night at Arizona, just two days after throwing 101 pitches as a starter. The Marlins ace's rare dual role underscored his value to a Miami club navigating a demanding late-season stretch.

Alonso Haunts Former Team

Pete Alonso homered again at Citi Field, delivering a "big" blast for the Orioles and drawing another ovation from Mets fans who once cheered him. The slugger's continued success against his former club has been one of the more compelling subplots of the season's final weeks.

Yankees Manage Judge's Health

The Yankees pulled Aaron Judge for a pinch hitter against the Twins due to lower leg tightness, a precautionary move with playoff positioning at stake. New York will monitor its star right fielder closely as the postseason approaches.

Mets' Stock Done for Season

Mets right-hander Robert Stock is done for the year after finger numbness ended his comeback campaign. The injury removes a depth arm from New York's pitching staff down the stretch.

A's Prospect Lasko Leaves Hospital

Paralyzed Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko was released from the hospital after two months of treatment, a significant milestone in his recovery. The organization and baseball community have rallied around the young outfielder.

Awards Races Heat Up

With the season winding down, analysts are debating whether Sanchez should edge out Miz for the NL Cy Young and whether Schlittler deserves MVP consideration. The final week offers candidates their last chance to make a case for the league's biggest honors.

Two-Way Stars Remain Rare

Despite Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented success, MLB has not seen another true two-way star emerge, confounding expectations that he would blaze a trail. The physical and developmental demands of pitching and hitting at an elite level remain a formidable barrier.

Playoff Picture Takes Shape

With some teams already clinching berths and others surging into contention, the power rankings reflect a fluid postseason race. Several contenders are on the move as the bracket crystallizes.