MLB Baseball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 4, 2026, 6:05 AM ET
ALDS Game 1
The Yankees will face the Rays without Aaron Judge, as the superstar slugger was left off the ALDS roster. Even without him, New York's game plan hinges on elite pitching — and perhaps a 6-foot-7 MVP candidate stepping up. The Rays, meanwhile, got a near-perfect outing from Drew Rasmussen and Bryan Baker, who combined on a one-hitter as Tampa Bay took Game.
The White Sox shut out the Guardians 3-0 to open their ALDS, with Chicago's staff dominating Cleveland's lineup.
NLDS Game 1
Tarik Skubal was "as advertised" in his postseason debut, allowing one run over six innings while retiring 15 straight batters, staking the Dodgers to a 1-0 NLDS lead over the Braves. In Milwaukee, the Brewers escaped with a Game 1 win after a potential go-ahead Padres home run hit the American Family Field roof and fell for an out.
Around the League
A full roundup of Saturday's division-series action breaks down every game, from pitching duels to late-inning drama. Cubs president Jed Hoyer said finding pitching "quality" is the club's top offseason priority, signaling a significant overhaul this winter.