Welcome to Jays Watch, where we'll have you covered throughout the Toronto Blue Jays' postseason ...

<p><em>Welcome to Jays Watch, where we'll have you covered throughout the Toronto Blue Jays' postseason run. Here are our takeaways from the Seattle Mariners' 3-1 win in Sunday's ALCS Game 1.</em></p><h3>'He kept throwing the ball so well'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/cropped_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805396/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240652895.jpg?ts=1760330622 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Mariners' biggest question mark heading into Game 1 turned out to be their biggest strength. </p><p>Seattle needed to go to Bryce Miller on short rest after throwing starters George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Luis Castillo in its marathon Game 5 win in the ALDS.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Miller, who allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in the ALDS' Game 4, absolutely dominated Sunday against the Blue Jays.</p><p>"Coming back tonight and getting Game 1 is obviously a big momentum shift for us," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said.</p><p>After surrendering a home run to George Springer on the first pitch of the game, the 27-year-old was virtually unhittable and kept the Blue Jays off balance all night. Miller didn't overpower anyone, only striking out three over six innings and generating eight whiffs. However, he limited hard contact. Only five of the 17 balls the Blue Jays put into play off Miller had an exit velocity over 100 mph.</p><p>"The job that Bryce Miller did tonight was phenomenal," Wilson said. "I thought after that first inning, he went into a different gear, and you saw him getting ahead using all his stuff. The fastball kept coming out really good."</p><p>Wilson likely didn't dream he'd get six innings from Miller, and having his starter pitch deep into the game allowed him to deploy his best relief arms. Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andres Muñoz threw three perfect innings, converting nine outs on 24 pitches.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-h4z1x" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/h4z1x/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="291" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Seattle's arms needed just 100 pitches in the game compared to Toronto's 129.</p><p>"It was one of those situations where you knew the bullpen was ready to bail him out at any time, but he just kept coming out, and he kept throwing the ball so well," Wilson said.</p><p>The Blue Jays' offensive outburst starkly contrasted their dominating performance against the New York Yankees in the last series, especially against their starters.</p><p>Springer's home run represented 50% of the Blue Jays' hits for the entire contest Sunday. The team didn't post a hit after the second inning, and it managed just one baserunner over the final seven frames. Toronto's two hits were the fewest in a postseason game in franchise history.</p><p>Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finished 0-for-4, though he had two of the six hardest-hit balls of the night.</p><p>For Miller to do what he did on just three days' rest, facing a lineup that put up 34 runs over four games in the ALDS, is incredible. His performance gives the Mariners a shot at no worse than a split before heading back out west, and it came when Seattle could've easily had enough excuses to justify a loss.</p><h3>'He's been unbelievable'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/cropped_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805399/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240343533.jpg?ts=1760331106 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jorge Polanco's only 6-for-26 this postseason, but almost every one of those hits has come in big moments.</p><p>The Mariners' second baseman homered twice off Tarik Skubal in a 3-2 win in Game 2 of the ALDS, collected the walk-off single in the series-clincher in Game 5, and opened the ALCS by driving in the winning run in Game 1. </p><p>"He's been unbelievable," Cal Raleigh told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1977580282115936540">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a> about Polanco. "He's been so clutch for us this last month and into the playoffs. He's been what we really needed."</p><p>Seattle's offense presents a much different look for Toronto's pitching compared to New York's. The lineup is deep, powerful, and incredibly athletic. Just look at how the Mariners scored their three runs in Game 1:</p><ul>
<li>
<strong>6th inning: </strong>Raleigh solo home run</li>
<li>
<strong>6th inning:<em> </em></strong>Julio Rodríguez<em> </em>walks, wild pitch, Polanco RBI-single</li>
<li>
<strong>8th inning: </strong>Randy Arozarena walks, steals second and third base, Polanco RBI-single</li>
</ul><p>Two of the three runs Seattle scored originated by putting a fast runner on base via a walk and allowing them to get an extra 90 feet by either a wild pitch or a stolen base.</p><p>Before Rodríguez and Arozarena manufactured runs with their legs, Raleigh's big swing - a 420-foot homer - tied the game. Considering how the Blue Jays tried their best to pitch around Aaron Judge in the ALDS, it was a bit confusing to see the club not give Raleigh the same treatment in a 1-0 matchup.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CAL RALEIGH CONNECTS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALCS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALCS</a> <a href="https://t.co/obubngM6fq">pic.twitter.com/obubngM6fq</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1977548412166807735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Mariners catcher hit 60 homers during the regular season and posted a 1.051 OPS during the ALDS. Sure, there were two outs in the inning and Rodríguez is an imposing presence on deck, but the Jays need to let anyone other than Raleigh beat them. </p><p>"I think every time he comes to the plate, I'm considering it," manager John Schneider said of intentionally walking Raleigh. "Great hitters and hitters in general, I think they capitalize on mistakes, and that split from (Kevin Gausman) kind of just leaked back over the middle a little bit."</p><p>We'll see if Schneider's decision-making changes moving forward.</p><h3>'This one's on me'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/cropped_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804917/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238847183.jpg?ts=1760035980 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>While Schneider pushed all the right buttons during the Blue Jays' bullpen game in the ALDS, his decision to lift Kevin Gausman after allowing just one run on 76 pitches over 5 2/3 innings will be second-guessed.</p><p>That's how life goes for an MLB manager. </p><p>Gausman retired 16 consecutive batters before the Raleigh dinger in the sixth inning. The right-hander followed by walking Rodríguez, and that was enough for Schneider to summon Brendon Little from the bullpen to face Polanco.</p><p>Seattle was clearly happy to see Gausman leave.</p><p>"I wish there was a little more swing and miss. You've got a fully rested bullpen, and wanted him to get Julio," Schneider said of his decision to pull Gausman. "It's kinda pick your poison there. I was kinda just reading the situation after the walk. You try to squash it - you're not expecting the wild pitch and things like that.</p><p>"I thought Kev threw the ball really well. Kinda did what we expected him to do." </p><p>The switch-hitting Polanco actually has better numbers facing lefties this season (.896 OPS vs. LHP/ .808 vs. RHP), so bringing in Little ran contrary to the platoon advantage. Little immediately threw a wild pitch, allowing Rodríguez to advance into scoring position, and then surrendered a single to Polanco that plated the eventual winning run.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jorge Polanco puts the <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mariners</a> in front! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALCS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALCS</a> <a href="https://t.co/5i3pnUa6Z1">pic.twitter.com/5i3pnUa6Z1</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1977550719432425643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I know Kev had retired him twice. I get it, totally get it. I think it's a good thing to turn switch-hitters around, at times, and I think it depends on who you're bringing in and what they're going to be featuring, so that's what made sense in the moment," Schneider said.</p><p>Little's tendency to struggle throwing strikes cost him in Game 1, raising the question of whether Schneider will lean on fellow southpaw Mason Fluharty in future high-leverage opportunities.</p><p>Gausman, for his part, took the blame for the outing. </p><p>"I thought I was pitching pretty well, and the last two guys I faced were a home run and a walk, so I'm not too happy about that," Gausman said. "We're in the playoffs, you don't really see guys go that deep into games.</p><p>"I try to just do my job as much as I can. Like I said, I gave up a home run and a walk. Up to that point, I had been throwing the ball really well, had the game right there. This one's on me."</p><h3>'We'll see how he is tomorrow'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/cropped_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805378/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240668181.jpg?ts=1760320341 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nathan Lukes' health could play a significant part in the remainder of the series.</p><p>Lukes fouled a ball off his knee in the first inning and was removed later in the game. Schneider said Lukes' X-rays and CT scan returned negative for a fracture, adding that he'll likely be in the lineup for Game 2 if he's medically cleared. The Blue Jays will certainly need him.</p><p>"He's doing all right," Schneider said. "Nate is one of those guys, he doesn't want to come out of a game ever. I think if he's medically good to play tomorrow, he'll be in there. There's no fracture or anything, but that was a hell of an at-bat after - before and after fouling the ball off his knee, so we'll see how he is tomorrow."</p><p>Not only has Lukes enjoyed a strong postseason (.819 OPS), but he's a key part of the top of the lineup against the Mariners' predominantly right-handed pitching staff.</p><p>Slotting in Lukes' left-handed bat into the lineup helps break up Springer and Guerrero, while allowing Addison Barger to hit fourth. Toronto doesn't really have another great alternative to replace Lukes in the two-hole should he miss time. He's also one of the Blue Jays' better defenders.</p>

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Jays Watch: Miller's gem helps Mariners steal Game 1

<p><em>Welcome to Jays Watch, where we'll have you covered throughout the Toronto Blue Jays' postseason run. Here are our takeaways from the Blue Jays' 5-2 series-clinching win over the New York Yankees in Wednesday's ALDS Game 4.</em></p><h3>'They took it to us'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/cropped_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804842/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239471246.jpg?ts=1759982163 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After finishing last in the AL East a season ago, Toronto is off to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016 after knocking off the Yankees in the Bronx. </p><p>What a statement series it was from the Blue Jays.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto finished tied with New York for the AL's best record and, despite dominating the regular-season series, entered the ALDS as underdogs in many people's eyes.</p><p>The two teams had contrasting styles. The Yankees, powered by Aaron Judge, outslugged everyone, while the Blue Jays used a balanced attack based on putting the ball in play, relied heavily on their depth, and converted outs with strong defense.</p><p>It's clear which brand of baseball was more conducive to winning in October.</p><p>Toronto didn't just eliminate the Yankees - it dominated them for the majority of the series, and the result will likely bring about some significant changes in New York.</p><p>The Blue Jays beat their division rivals in every facet of the game. Their starters were better. They hit for power, they hit for contact, and they didn't strike out. They took care of the baseball (with the exception of Game 3). They were the aggressors. Toronto wasn't at all intimidated.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jUJH7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jUJH7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="314" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>"Credit to the Blue Jays and the year they've had," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "They beat us this series, simple as that."</p><p>He added: "They've had a terrific year and built an outstanding team. Credit to John (Schneider) and those guys. They took it to us this series."</p><p>The Blue Jays were paced by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. but, as was the case all season, the supporting cast was integral to the team's success.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Start spreading the news, bitches.” -Blue Jays manager John Schneider <a href="https://t.co/iENR2IMGkq">pic.twitter.com/iENR2IMGkq</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1976120726357684355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Utility man Ernie Clement went 9-for-14 with five RBIs. Daulton Varsho collected five extra-base hits over four games. Nathan Lukes drove in five runs in 12 at-bats.</p><p>"Ernie had an unbelievable first postseason series for a guy that has been through it a little bit," Schneider said. "I think he kind of epitomizes what we are in terms of how we play. So I'm thrilled for him, but the bottom part of our lineup has been relentless the entire season."</p><h3>'Just missed it'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/cropped_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804849/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240028503.jpg?ts=1759986164 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Yankees' cleaned up a suspect defense over the last few months, but a sloppy play in the seventh inning led to the end of their season.</p><p>All series, it felt like New York was a moment away from a big gaffe, and then it finally happened.</p><p>With the Blue Jays up 2-1, Andrés Giménez hit what looked to be an inning-ending double play. However, the ball ate Jazz Chisholm Jr. up, putting runners on the corners. Giménez then stole second, and he scored when Lukes ripped a two-RBI single to make it 4-1.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jazz boots an inning-ending double play. Instead it's first and third with no outs <a href="https://t.co/TUJKAjJWQ7">pic.twitter.com/TUJKAjJWQ7</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1976093426014642585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>New York had played pretty well defensively for the better part of the series until Chisholm's critical error, which led to the eventual winning run.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nathan for You<br><br>Nathan Lukes delivers a clutch 2-run single in the 7th! <a href="https://t.co/cIvnwP7ExS">pic.twitter.com/cIvnwP7ExS</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1976095360649949386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Didn't think it would play the way it played and just missed it," Chisholm said, according to <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/yankees-jazz-chisholm-jr-error-cost-blue-jays-game-4-alds">SNY's Phillip Martinez.</a> "Been thinking about it since the play happened, still thinking about it now. Can't get it out of my head. Got to move on eventually - have three months to move on. Will probably think about this when the season starts next year."</p><h3>'Their job is to go execute'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/cropped_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804850/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759986816 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays' bullpen struggled at times in the series. Luckily for them, they saved their best bullets for the clincher.</p><p>Toronto's relievers entered Game 4 having allowed 13 runs over 12 1/3 innings, many of them charged to the team's lower-leverage arms. But with a bullpen game on tap, almost everyone played a part in closing out the series.</p><p>Schneider was incredibly aggressive with his bullpen deployment in Game 4, using a number of his high-leverage arms in the early innings. You've heard of pitching backward; this was bullpenning backward. Louis Varland opened the game and handed the ball to Mason Fluharty, who handed it to Seranthony Domínguez. A trio that was responsible for so many late-inning outs during the regular season secured the first 12 outs for Schneider on Wednesday.</p><p>Varland, who surrendered a pair of homers to the Yankees in Game 3, told Schneider that he wanted to start Game 4 to atone for that outing.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“The first thing I wanted to do was get out there as soon as possible, and that was literally as soon as possible”<br><br>Louis Varland spoke with <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ken_Rosenthal</a> after starting in Game 4 for the Blue Jays <a href="https://t.co/t3gTvsHDqZ">pic.twitter.com/t3gTvsHDqZ</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1976118394345882055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"You're kind of mapping out best possible scenarios, and the guys have to go do their part," Schneider said. "Again, it's not fun per se, but I think we view it as a good challenge. And our guys have really kind of accepted that this year and done really well with it."</p><p>Eight relievers combined to allow two runs over nine innings, striking out 10. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Blue Jays' relievers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EIUTA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EIUTA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="477" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>"My job is to try to put them in the right spots," Schneider said. "Their job is to go execute, which they all did. So you can have a plan, you can have a script, whatever, it is what it is, but the players have to go do it."</p><h3>'I had a great series'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/cropped_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804851/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240033630.jpg?ts=1759986990 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Guerrero's faced a lot of scrutiny during his career. That's only been amplified since he signed his $500-million extension.</p><p>This October, he's rewritten a lot of the narratives about him.</p><p>Toronto won the series based on a number of contributions from across the roster, but make no mistake, the team followed its superstar's lead.</p><p>Guerrero went blow for blow with Judge, finishing the ALDS 9-for-17 with three home runs, nine RBIs, and just one strikeout.</p><p>"It feels great," Guerrero said. "Like I say all the time, every time I come here I try to do my best to help my team win. I put in all the work, and thank God this time I had a great series, and we won the series."</p><p>The fact that Guerrero did this to the Yankees, in the Bronx, had to be even sweeter for him. Though he's attempted to downplay his previous comments about never wanting to play for the Evil Empire, it was clear during his celebration that he was soaking everything in - especially the champagne. And he didn't miss the opportunity to take one more shot at New York.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vladdy Jr. just did "DAAAAAA YANKEES LOSE!" 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/VBwQEkmFm9">pic.twitter.com/VBwQEkmFm9</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1976119989817221492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>'Didn't finish the goal'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/cropped_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804852/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240034680.jpg?ts=1759987139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Judge will shoulder the blame for the Yankees' postseason failures, but he was one of the few players in pinstripes who showed up against the Blue Jays.</p><p>The two-time MVP slashed .600/.684/.933 in four games. He led the Yankees in runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, and walks. His heroics were the entire reason they were able to take one game off the Blue Jays.</p><p>"We didn't do our job, didn't finish the goal," Judge said postgame. </p><p>He added: "You play to win, and when you don't win it's not a good year. Just gotta put in more work, review the season, see what I can keep doing to put this team in the best position to win every night."</p><p>The responsibility for this postseason failure rests heavily on Judge's supporting cast.</p><p>Giancarlo Stanton went 4-for-15 with four strikeouts in the series. Cody Bellinger finished 3-for-16. Chisholm and Trent Grisham combined to go 4-for-31 with one RBI. Anthony Volpe struck out 11 times in 15 at-bats. </p><p>And as poor as the offense was, the starting pitching - outside of rookie Cam Schlittler - was a major issue. Luis Gil, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón allowed 15 runs over eight innings. Fried and Rodón failed to pitch into the fourth inning.</p><p>"I think, once again, it comes down to the little things - making the little plays, coming through with the big hit. If you don't do that, teams are going to capitalize," Judge said. "What a season for the Blue Jays."</p><p>The Yankees haven't won a World Series since 2009. This marks the first time in their last three trips to the postseason that they've fallen short of the ALCS.</p><p>"I'm confident we'll break through, and I have been every year, and I believe in so many of the people in that room," Boone said. "That hasn't changed. The fire hasn't changed. It's hard to win the World Series. Been chasing it all my life."</p><h3>'Nice to take a deep breath'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/cropped_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804853/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239454531.jpg?ts=1759987416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Schneider was adamant that the Blue Jays benefited from avoiding the wild-card series. It's clear the players were fresh.</p><p>Toronto will once again enjoy a break - the ALCS doesn't open until Sunday at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays will also benefit from the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers needing a Game 5 on Friday. The Mariners have yet to announce a starter, but the Tigers have tabbed ace Tarik Skubal, which will probably keep him from pitching until Game 3 of the ALCS if Detroit advances.</p><p>"It's nice to take a deep breath," Schneider said. "It's really nice to go home and know that we're playing at home, and it's nice to kind of sort through what we think is the best way to try to beat whoever we're going to play."</p><p>The Blue Jays went 4-3 against Detroit and 4-2 against Seattle this season, though Toronto hasn't played either team in months. It likely won't hurt that Blue Jays fans usually travel well to Seattle and Detroit given both cities' proximity to the Canadian border.</p><p>This handful of days off also allows shortstop Bo Bichette to continue to recover from a knee injury that's kept him out of the postseason. He said he believes he's making progress toward a return, though it's unclear when he might be ready.</p>

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Jays Watch: Guerrero bests Judge as Toronto's team effort floors Yankees

Welcome to Jays Watch, where we'll have you covered throughout the ALDS between the New York Yank...

<p><em>Welcome to Jays Watch, where we'll have you covered throughout the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Here are our takeaways from the Yankees' 9-6 win in Tuesday's Game 3.</em></p><h3>'He's the real deal'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/cropped_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804695/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239375384.jpg?ts=1759898638 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The clinching game is always the hardest.</p><p>The Yankees looked toast. Facing elimination and trailing 6-1 heading into the bottom of the third inning, you could hear the discontent ringing throughout the Bronx.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But New York's best player provided a lifeline. Aaron Judge made it 6-2 with an RBI double in the third and followed that up an inning later with one of the biggest swings of his postseason career.</p><p>Judge hammered a game-tying, three-run home run off Louis Varland that clanked off the left-field foul pole. Judge joked postgame that maybe some of the ghosts from Monument Park kept it fair.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Louis Varland on Aaron Judge: “He made a really good pitch look really bad”</p>— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1975781921201528949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 99.7-mph pitch was the fastest Judge has hit for a homer in his career, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1975744338714865702">Sportsnet Stats</a>, and moved him into a tie with Hall of Famer David Ortiz for the most postseason home runs when facing elimination (6), according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1975743977937641864">MLB.com's Sarah Langs</a>.</p><p>"Just trying to do my job," Judge said postgame. "What I've been trying to do all year."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron James Judge 🫡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllRise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllRise</a> <a href="https://t.co/AoIxdi3z8i">pic.twitter.com/AoIxdi3z8i</a></p>— New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1975743192319365348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Judge has taken plenty of heat for his postseason resume, but he's the biggest reason this series is going to Game 4.</p><p>"He's the real deal," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "As beloved a player as I've ever been around - by his teammates. They all admire him, look up to him, respect him, want his approval. And that's just a credit to who Aaron is and how he goes about things."</p><p>Judge is 7-for-11 with three extra-base hits and a team-leading five RBIs through three games.</p><p>"It was best-player-in-the-game-type performance," Boone said.</p><p>New York is 3-0 when facing elimination this postseason.</p><h3>'Gotta take care of the ball'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/cropped_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804693/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239378392.jpg?ts=1759898377 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays' calling card all season has been strong defense, so it was certainly uncharacteristic to see them commit multiple errors at critical points in the game.</p><p>Isiah Kiner-Falefa's error in the first inning led to the Yankees' first run and forced Shane Bieber to throw 11 more pitches. Addison Barger's two-base error in the fourth inning was the big blow though. A pop-up bounced off his glove, and Judge homered two batters later to make it 6-6.</p><p>Things kept unraveling from there. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. couldn't knock down a ball hit under his glove, resulting in New York's eighth run. It wasn't ruled an error, but it's one Guerrero should have at least kept in front of him. An inning later, Anthony Santander made a poor diving attempt on a ball that should've been caught. That misplay opened the door for the Yankees' ninth run.</p><p>"We kinda didn't play our game really when you look at things as a whole," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "Defensively, you give them extra outs and they can (score runs) in a hurry. It's not one thing, it's a couple things."</p><p>In a season - and series - in which the Blue Jays have looked so confident defensively, it was jarring to see how disconnected they were across the diamond.</p><p>Toronto struck out 11 times in Game 3 after entering the night having struck out seven times over the previous two games.</p><p>Game 3 was the first time this season the Blue Jays lost when holding a five-run lead. Toronto was 39-0 in those games.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">POSTSEASON WHEEEEEEE!! <a href="https://t.co/lEuJL3ESMf">pic.twitter.com/lEuJL3ESMf</a></p>— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1975771717998932067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It happens," Schneider said of the defensive miscues. "It just gets magnified this time of year. You gotta take care of the ball. Was it frustrating? Yeah. It's frustrating today, but you gotta come to work tomorrow, get prepared. Physical errors happen. You gotta move on."</p><h3>'An awesome team win'</h3><p>The Yankees continue to get nothing from their starting pitchers, as Carlos Rodón allowed six runs in 2 1/3 innings. Rodón, Luis Gil, and Max Fried have combined to surrender 15 runs over eight innings this series.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/NjOH2z9fll">pic.twitter.com/NjOH2z9fll</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1975739885941133586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Credit to Boone for being aggressive with his bullpen early Tuesday to keep things close and allow the offense to, at least temporarily, save the season. Fernando Cruz and Camilo Doval were the first two arms out of the bullpen and gave the Yankees 2 1/3 shutout innings while their bats tied the game.</p><p>New York's relievers threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the win. </p><p>"Just an awesome team win," Boone said. "So many guys playing an important role in some shape or form." </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Yankees' relievers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nCA8Z" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nCA8Z/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Cam Schlittler will get the ball in Game 4 coming off his historic outing. The 24-year-old tossed eight shutout innings and struck out 12 in the wild-card series clinching game against the Boston Red Sox.</p><p>Schlittler faced Toronto twice this season, surrendering six runs in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs over five innings in July but was shelled for four runs over 1 2/3 innings in September when he believed he was tipping pitches.</p><h3>'We have to flush it'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/cropped_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804692/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239851386.jpg?ts=1759897082 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays picked up Bieber for games like this. Unfortunately, the right-hander didn't deliver.</p><p>Bieber was spotted a 6-1 lead but couldn't make it out of the third inning. He surrendered three runs (two earned) off five hits and a walk, struck out two, and generated only five whiffs on 36 strikes. Bieber allowed eight balls hit over 100 mph.</p><p>With two on and two out in the third inning, Schneider went to Mason Fluharty. The left-hander got pinch hitter Amed Rosario to pop out, ending the threat.</p><p>"It's a tough decision obviously," Schneider said. "I thought he was throwing the ball fairly well. I thought his secondary stuff was really good in the second inning. Then (he) just looked like he was having a little bit of trouble missing bats."</p><p>Taking Bieber out after only 54 pitches was aggressive, especially with a bullpen game looming, but it was the right call given how Bieber's stuff looked.</p><p>"I get how it looks with the bullpen game tomorrow and all that kind of stuff," Schneider said. "Man, these guys are going to be ready to go."</p><p>Bieber's been solid for the Jays since joining them at the trade deadline, posting a 3.57 ERA over 40 1/3 innings across the final two months of the regular season. There will be questions of how much he'll have in the tank the rest of the way coming off Tommy John surgery. Was Game 3 a blip or a sign that he's hitting a wall?</p><p>"It would have been great to sweep, but I don't think many people would have expected that," Bieber said postgame. "We have to flush it and focus on tomorrow."</p><p>He added: "I'm very excited to see how we bounce back."</p><h3>'You're trying to take chances to win today'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/cropped_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804694/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239856543.jpg?ts=1759898469 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bieber's struggles put the Blue Jays in a precarious position.</p><p>Toronto used six relievers in Game 3 ahead of a bullpen game Wednesday. </p><p>"You're trying to take chances to win today, and it didn't work out," Schneider said. "Everyone's available tomorrow, just not exactly sure who is going to start yet." </p><p>Arguably the most concerning development was Varland surrendering a pair of home runs, including the blast to Judge and a solo shot to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Varland's pitched in all three games this series and will serve as the opener in Game 4. He's given up three homers in six career plate appearances against Judge, who he'll face in the first inning Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Blue Jays' relievers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xkhPU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xkhPU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="306" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Blue Jays' bullpen has surrendered 13 runs (12 earned) over 12 1/3 innings this series, with Fluharty, Eric Lauer, Justin Bruihl, Tommy Nance, Braydon Fisher, and Brendon Little all giving up at least one.</p><p>The silver lining for Toronto is that its two highest-leverage arms, Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Dominguez, have yet to allow a run and didn't pitch in the loss.</p><h3>'Unbelievable, this guy' </h3><p>Guerrero continues to put his stamp on the series, with a two-run homer in the first inning followed by an incredible Superman slide home during the third inning to score the fourth run of the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER HOMER FOR VLADDY! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/uZTzXVHZR7">pic.twitter.com/uZTzXVHZR7</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1975716580739645915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guerrero's been incredible this postseason. He's the first player in franchise history to homer in three straight games and is 8-for-13 with a series-leading eight RBIs and no strikeouts.</p><p>"(Judge) and Vlad are taking their game to a different level," Schneider said. "You can look at those two guys as really rising to the occasion." </p><p>The latest home run is Guerrero's 17th in 49 career games at Yankee Stadium - the most he's hit in any venue besides Rogers Centre.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32729026/related

Jays Watch: Judge gives Yankees new life with Game 3 heroics 

We'll have you covered throughout the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. He...

<p><em>We'll have you covered throughout the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Here are our takeaways from the Blue Jays' 13-7 win in Sunday's Game 2. </em></p><h3>'This has got to be cloud nine'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/cropped_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804415/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239444731.jpg?ts=1759712848 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Trey Yesavage said prior to his Game 2 start - just the fourth of his MLB career - that he was "built for this" moment. </p><p>He wasn't kidding. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old, who began the season pitching in A-Ball in Dunedin, held the Yankees hitless over 5 1/3 innings, striking out 11. Yesavage did this against a New York team that finished the regular season with the highest OPS against right-handed pitching in MLB.</p><p>"This has got to be cloud nine," Yesavage said postgame after receiving a curtain call for his outing. "I couldn't imagine a better feeling right now."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">By Game Score, Trey Yesavage's postseason debut (78) is the second-best start in Blue Jays playoff history, behind only Dave Stieb's eight shutout innings in Game 1 of the 1985 ALCS.</p>— Jonah Birenbaum (@birenball) <a href="https://twitter.com/birenball/status/1974955725077315679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Things were going so well for the rookie that fans briefly booed John Schneider when the manager went to the mound to remove Yesavage in the sixth inning after 78 pitches with the Blue Jays leading 12-0.</p><p>"I know I was getting booed when I went out there, but he wasn't going to go 120, 130 pitches," Schneider said with a laugh. "Just wanted to let him get recognized for a job well done."</p><p>Schneider added: "I'll take getting booed like that every time."</p><p>Aaron Boone acknowledged pregame that Yesavage's splitter had the potential to cause problems for his team, especially against left-handed hitters. His assessment proved spot on. Yesavage generated 11 whiffs on 16 swings on his splitter, while seven of his 11 strikeouts came on the pitch.</p><p>"That was nasty stuff," Boone said following the loss. "That split is unlike much you ever run into. He got it going, starting it up a lot, breaking it down off the plate, using his fastball enough and slider enough. But we just didn't have an answer for the split. He was on his game."</p><p>Yesavage set the bar high with his pregame comments, and he more than delivered.</p><p>"I was sitting in there thinking about the comment I made the other day, where I said, 'I'm built for this.' And I was like, well, I'd better back that up," Yesavage said postgame. "I wanted to go out there and do the best I possibly could. Thankfully, it stayed true to that."</p><h3>'He's our dude'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/cropped_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804417/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239442234.jpg?ts=1759713061 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Following the series opener, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said one of his primary goals after signing his extension is to win a World Series - not only for the organization, but for his father, who never won a championship during his Hall of Fame career.</p><p>While the Blue Jays still have a long road to go this postseason, the goal will be a lot more attainable if Guerrero keeps swinging like this. The 26-year-old went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Game 1, then followed it up by going 3-for-5 in Game 2, including the first postseason grand slam in franchise history.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">VLADDY SLAM!!!!!!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tOchTWRUOa">pic.twitter.com/tOchTWRUOa</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1974948381945733375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"That's a huge swing for him, huge swing in the game obviously, but kind of cool for him the last two to have some moments, right, because he's our guy," Schneider said. "He's our dude."</p><p>Guerrero's now 6-for-9 in the ALDS<strong> </strong>with two home runs and six RBIs. He's yet to strike out.</p><p>He finally seems to be putting his mark on the organization and carving out his own place in the team's history.</p><h3>'I totally blacked out'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/cropped_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804422/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239076150.jpg?ts=1759714554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Chisholm / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Of course, it's not all about Guerrero. The Blue Jays' balanced attack is one of the reasons the team's been so successful this season.</p><p>Nathan Lukes was one of the offensive heroes in Game 1, and utility man Ernie Clement got things going in Game 2 with his second-inning home run off Max Fried.</p><p>It was the first postseason homer of Clement's career.</p><p>"I had to walk back into the clubhouse and kind of gather myself because my heart was beating so fast. I was so excited," Clement said. "Had to reel it back in and then finish the ballgame."</p><p>Clement added: "I don't remember anything. I totally blacked out. I honestly don't know what I was doing. I looked like an idiot, but it is what it is."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ERNIE CLEMENT!<a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLUEJAYS</a> SCORE FIRST IN GAME 2! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/XHCb9U8y9L">pic.twitter.com/XHCb9U8y9L</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1974936473721008396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Daulton Varsho finished Game 2 4-for-5 with two home runs and a double to improve to 6-for-8 in the series. What's most encouraging was his two doubles off the lefty Fried. Varsho had an excellent offensive year, but injuries derailed his campaign. He hit 20 homers in 71 games during the regular season.</p><p>Schneider made a point to mention Varsho in his postgame availability, as so many other key performers overshadowed the center fielder's night.</p><p>"Yesterday was Lukey with a big day, Gimmy (Andrés Giménez) with a big day. Today was Ernie. I think we're kind of not really talking about Varsho's day at the plate, kind of ho-hum, a couple doubles, a couple homers," Schneider said. "But I think it's cool for everyone to kind of chip in."</p><p>Seven of Toronto's nine starters recorded hits in both Games 1 and 2. Additionally, the club's 6-through-9 batters are 10-for-29 (.345) in the series, with six RBIs and four strikeouts.</p><p>The Blue Jays' 23 runs<strong> </strong>are the most for any team through the first two games of a playoff series in MLB history. They're pairing power with discipline, posting eight home runs to seven strikeouts compared to New York's one homer and 21 punchouts.</p><p>"The not striking out thing is pretty awesome because we're just grinding in there, trying to be a tough at-bat, and it's one through nine not giving away at-bats," Clement said. "Just trying to make it tough on their pitchers."</p><h3>'I didn't get it done'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/cropped_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804421/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239439479.jpg?ts=1759714511 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Fried was excellent in Game 1 of the wild-card series, throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox. However, he almost immediately ran into trouble with the Blue Jays' contact-oriented lineup.</p><p>After a scoreless first inning, Fried allowed a two-run home run to Clement in the second. The left-hander had bigger problems in the third, surrendering three more runs off three hits and a walk. He allowed a single to Giménez and a walk to Myles Straw - who tried to lay down a sacrifice bunt before taking ball four - and then was lifted from the contest.</p><p>"They obviously had a really good approach. They were on a lot of my pitches," Fried said, according to <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1974981338529775943">SNY</a>. "Credit to them, I didn't get it done. It's frustrating, especially coming out in a game like this. I needed to have a good one, and to come out with a 5-0 lead with two guys on, it's putting (the team) in a pretty big hole."</p><p>Fried struck out six and generated a game-high 19 whiffs while allowing four hits against the Red Sox, but he managed only one strikeout and five swing-and-misses against the Blue Jays.</p><p>"They obviously had some hard contact," Boone said. "They were able to find some holes with their contact. Just not his sharpest, obviously."</p><p>Rogers Centre hasn't been kind to the Yankees this season, with the loss dropping them to 1-8 at the stadium. Fried's allowed 15 runs over 14 1/3 innings (9.42 ERA) in Toronto in 2025.</p><h3>'The needle can change'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/cropped_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804420/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238665956.jpg?ts=1759714413 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">New York Yankees / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Yankees will have their work cut out for them if they're to come back in this series.</p><p>Teams that have won the first two games of the League Division Series have gone on to win 31 out of 34 (91%) times. The 2017 Yankees - Aaron Judge's rookie season - were the last squad to overcome a 0-2 deficit when they rallied to beat Cleveland.</p><p>"We got experience," Judge said, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1974990009137598506">YES Network</a>. "We've got guys that have been to the World Series, have been in some tough moments (with our) backs against the wall, especially all season long. We just got to show up and do our thing."</p><p>The Yankees' offense was held to one run over the first 14 innings but managed to erupt for seven runs across the sixth and seventh innings of Game 2 against a number of Toronto's relievers. The Blue Jays needed five different pitchers to record five outs after Yesavage departed with one out in the sixth.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Blue Jays relievers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N2ldb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N2ldb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="367" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Boone said he believes his clubhouse will remain confident despite being outscored 23-8 through the first two games. New York did go 50-31 at Yankee Stadium this year, including a 4-2 record against the Blue Jays.</p><p>"Baseball is a funny game. I know we'll show up and be ready to go expecting to win Tuesday night," Boone said. "It feels like the world's caving in around you, you lose two games like that in their building where it doesn't go right. But all of a sudden, you go out there and win a ballgame on Tuesday, the needle can change.</p><p>"We haven't lost any confidence. Obviously, they've had our number and gotten the better of us so far this year, but I don't think anyone in our room doesn't feel like we can't go out and beat them."</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32705404/related

'Cloud 9': Yesavage's brilliance hands Blue Jays 2-0 ALDS lead 

<p><em>We'll have you covered throughout the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Here are our takeaways from Toronto's 10-1 victory in Game 1.</em></p><h3>'Epitome of what we've built'</h3><p>In a Blue Jays season built on so many unexpected contributions, it should come as no surprise that one of their role players had the biggest hit of the game.</p><p>Nathan Lukes' two-RBI double in the seventh inning helped give them some much-needed breathing room after the Yankees pulled within two runs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nathan Lukes!<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJays</a> have scored 3 runs in the 7th! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/02W6rQUQk9">pic.twitter.com/02W6rQUQk9</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1974603154374439104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 31-year-old has had to fight for everything in his big-league career - he didn't even debut in the majors until he was 28. Lukes has been an integral part of Toronto's success this season, making an impact with his bat, baserunning, and defense.</p><p>"I'm thrilled for him, for a guy who has grinded in the minor leagues," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said postgame. "I thought his at-bats were awesome all day. He's the epitome of what we've built here. ...</p><p>"That was kind of the blueprint of what we've done all year."</p><p>Lukes doesn't come up with the bases loaded without hits from the Blue Jays' two biggest - and most scrutinized - offseason acquisitions, Anthony Santander and Andrés Giménez. Santander singled to put a runner in scoring position, while Giménez's RBI single made it 3-1. The pair can counter a lot of criticism with a solid October.</p><p>"You get to the postseason, and you never know who it's going to be," Schneider said.</p><p>The Blue Jays' offense showed no signs of rust despite the layoff. Toronto pounded out 10 runs on 14 hits and struck out just twice.</p><h3>'He's so electric'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/cropped_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804255/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238848521.jpg?ts=1759626986 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins made it a priority to add velocity to the back end of the bullpen at the trade deadline, and one of the arms he acquired got the ball in a critical spot Saturday.</p><p>After Kevin Gausman allowed a run and loaded the bases in the sixth inning, Louis Varland entered to face Giancarlo Stanton with Toronto clinging to a 2-1 lead. Varland struck out Stanton on a 100.7-mph fastball - the fastest pitch of the game and the second-fastest pitch of Varland's career.</p><p>"Varland executed a good heater that G was late on," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Blue Jays dugout was FIRED UP at Louis Varland striking out Giancarlo Stanton to strand the bases loaded in the 6th<br><br>📺: FOX <a href="https://t.co/iGtzSxPFtH">pic.twitter.com/iGtzSxPFtH</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1974595380856893719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Schneider said Varland's ability to throw breaking balls as well as 100-mph fastballs was exactly what he wanted in that situation against Stanton.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Varland vs. Stanton" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-z9waN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/z9waN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="264" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Varland's efforts helped preserve a really nice outing from Gausman, who finished with one run allowed over 5 2/3 innings. Gausman also picked up the first win of his postseason career.</p><p>"He's so electric," Gausman said. "That was one of the greatest trades we've ever made."</p><h3>'The face of our franchise'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/cropped_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804210/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239234995.jpg?ts=1759611418 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays need Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to be a $500-million player this postseason, and boy, did he ever make a statement in Game 1.</p><p>Guerrero hammered his first career playoff home run in the first inning off Luis Gil. He followed that up in the second inning with an <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1974574563225895343">incredible diving defensive play</a> to double off Jazz Chisholm Jr. at first base. Guerrero walked off the field to a loud ovation.</p><p>"He's the face of our franchise," Gausman said.</p><p>"When Vlad's locked in, it can be contagious," Schneider said.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">VLADDY GETS US STARTED 💥<br><br>His FIRST Postseason <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLAKATA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLAKATA</a>! <a href="https://t.co/3cEC3WCeE0">pic.twitter.com/3cEC3WCeE0</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1974571100773187940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guerrero's received plenty of criticism for his postseason struggles, although it's a small sample size - he'd gone 3-for-22 with one extra-base hit and one RBI in six playoff games entering Saturday.</p><p>"When you think of his time in the postseason, it hasn't been fun for him," Schneider said. "I was interested to see how he came out today. There was a bit of a different feel about Vlad today."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Guerrero's Game 1 performance" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YYDAe" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YYDAe/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="192" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The five days off between the end of the regular season and the start of the ALDS seemed to give Guerrero a bit of a boost after he struggled down the stretch.</p><p>"I think (the few days) off was good for him to sort some things out," Schneider said. </p><h3>'He did enough'</h3><p>Gil was perceived as the weakest part of the Yankees' playoff rotation, and the right-hander lasted 2 2/3 innings on 48 pitches. After he surrendered a two-out single to Guerrero, Boone emerged from the dugout and pulled him for Tim Hill.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yankees starting pitching in this postseason<br><br>Game 1 - Max Fried 6.1 innings<br>Game 2 - Carlos Rodon 6 innings<br>Game 3 - Cam Schlittler 8 innings<br>Today - Luis Gil 8 outs</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1974580364208443631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Boone credited Gil's "moxie" going into the start, but the 27-year-old clearly didn't have much Saturday. He surrendered home runs in both the first and second innings and finished his outing having allowed two runs off four hits.</p><p>"He did enough where we felt we could still piece it together there," Boone said. </p><p>Gil's been playing catchup for the better part of the season. He didn't debut until August after suffering a lat strain. He did have a somewhat encouraging September, posting a 2.93 ERA over five starts and allowing two or fewer runs in four of those outings. Those numbers don't tell the full story, though: Gil really struggled with his command, walking 14 batters over 27 2/3 innings and striking out 12.</p><p>Hill and Camilo Doval were brilliant for the Yankees, combining to throw 3 1/3 shutout innings and keep New York in the game. A lot of that good was quickly undone by Luke Weaver in the seventh, as last year's playoff hero has likely pitched himself out of any high-leverage spots the rest of October.</p><p>Weaver's faced six batters this postseason and has yet to record an out (walk, double, single, walk, single, single).</p><h3>'Hard work paying off'</h3><p>The Blue Jays needed someone to step up in Bo Bichette's absence. Enter Alejandro Kirk.</p><p>The catcher homered twice in four at-bats in Game 1 and now has four home runs and a double in his last 10 plate appearances.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">ALEJANDRO KIRK AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/Z5VbnJdcHN">pic.twitter.com/Z5VbnJdcHN</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1974608197324615777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's hard work paying off," Kirk said. </p><p>The All-Star appeared to be running on fumes in September; going into the final day of the regular season, he was hitting .172/.257/.297 in his last 20 games with four extra-base hits.</p><p>Kirk flipped a switch in Game 162. He hit two homers and drove in a career-high six runs in the AL East-clinching contest, and he looks to be carrying that hot streak into the postseason.</p><h3>'Didn't get the job done'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/cropped_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804256/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239246107.jpg?ts=1759627903 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Judge is off to a solid start this postseason, going 6-for-15 through four games, but he failed to come through in a massive spot Saturday.</p><p>Gausman loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth inning with Judge coming to the plate. It was a massive opportunity for Judge to flip the game. </p><p>"It didn't feel great, honestly," Schneider said of the situation. "With Judge coming up, bases loaded, nobody out, that's not what you want to see. But Kev made big pitches, man."</p><p>Gausman got Judge to chase a splitter on what would have been Ball 4 for the first out of the inning. It was Judge's only plate appearance of the game where he didn't put the ball in play.</p><p>"In the end, I didn't get the job done," Judge said, according to <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1974630216803799177">YES Network</a>.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32686911/related

'Epitome of what we've built': Blue Jays use whole team in Game 1 win

TORONTO - George Springer wasn't going to allow a teammate to feel like they let everyone down.  ...

<p>TORONTO - George Springer wasn't going to allow a teammate to feel like they let everyone down.</p><p>It was a tough day on the mound for Brendon Little in a crucial late August series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Toronto Blue Jays reliever had loaded the bases after committing a pair of errors, and he was left to watch helplessly from the dugout as Tommy Nance came in and managed to escape the jam without allowing a run.</p><p>Moments after Nance recorded the third out, Springer emerged behind Little to offer him a hug and some words of encouragement. It was one brief moment in a grueling 162-game season, but it stayed with<strong> </strong>the sophomore reliever.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It was awesome," Little told theScore about the exchange. "On those days where you come up short, and for him to come up and say, 'Hey, you're gonna have a lot more outs the rest of season and move on from this one,' it was cool."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">if you ever question who this team’s leader is, it’s george. his impact &amp; the type of teammate he is can’t be put into words <a href="https://t.co/r5mWS75mCl">pic.twitter.com/r5mWS75mCl</a></p>— maddie (@maddiecholette) <a href="https://twitter.com/maddiecholette/status/1962231507986022550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Clubhouse culture can be eyewash, and it doesn't automatically translate to winning. But small moments and gestures like Springer's toward Little are clearly part of the fabric of what's been a successful season in Toronto.</p><p>"It wasn't something that I planned. It just kind of happened," Springer explained. "This game is so hard, and there's not one guy in this locker room that goes up there trying to fail. Whenever it doesn't go your way, you always tend to feel like it's on you.</p><p>"I just felt like in my heart right there that I wanted him to know that it doesn't matter. I don't ever want him, or anybody for that matter, to lose confidence in themselves just off of one thing in a game because there's always another day."</p><p>The Blue Jays ended up beating the Brewers that day for one of the 94 wins that helped the team capture its first division title since 2015. They all count.</p><p>Springer's been in Toronto for five years now, joining the Blue Jays ahead of the 2021 season on a then franchise-record six-year, $150-million contract. Landing a three-time All-Star, World Series champion, and World Series MVP was a massive get for a franchise that, at the time, was never in the running for the biggest free-agent stars.</p><p>The early returns were excellent. Even with some injury issues over the first two seasons, Springer was a strong offensive presence. He helped lead the club to playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, although the team got swept in both series. He showed some signs of decline in 2023, but he bottomed out in 2024, posting a career-worst .674 OPS as Toronto finished last in the division and creating considerable concern that the 35-year-old's best days were behind him.</p><p>His 2025 turnaround has been completely unexpected - at least for almost everyone outside the organization. Armed with a new offensive approach and spending more time in the designated hitter role to keep him fresh, Springer's been resurgent, hitting 32 home runs and posting a team-leading .959 OPS. He's one of the biggest reasons the Blue Jays enter the postseason as the American League's No. 1 seed.</p><p>"It's just great to see someone that is truly a great human, good father, good husband, and then went through struggle, but found his way back out," Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. told theScore. "He's having a legitimate MVP-caliber season."</p><p>McCullers spent five years in Houston with Springer. The pitcher says it's easy to know who's real and who isn't when you play with someone for so long. McCullers deems Springer as real as they come and considers him one of his favorite teammates.</p><p>"It doesn't surprise me that he did something like that," McCullers said of Springer looking out for a teammate. "George is an amazing leader, but it's a quiet leadership. It's an example-set-forth type of leadership. You just watch guys and you see the way they show up to the field. You see the way they prepare, and the way they work, and how hard they play.</p><p>"You can't fake that type of infectious personality for that long. George is one of those guys where it didn't matter if he was going through rough stretches or not, he's just one of those guys that is very infectious and a stable part of the clubhouse. Teams find root in those type of players."</p><p>McCullers' assessment aligns with how Springer describes his own leadership. While Springer's been praised for his work as the clubhouse DJ - both McCullers and Carlos Correa said that was one of the biggest things they missed when Springer signed in Toronto - he said he prefers to let his play and preparation be his calling card<strong>.</strong></p><p>"My way of (showing leadership) is just by how I play," Springer said. "I'm not very vocal. I think I've learned to be a little bit more vocal in my time here. I just do it the best way I think I know how and that's just to go play. And if I can give every ounce of my strength and every ounce of my body, hopefully somebody else sees it, and wants to do the same thing."</p><h3>'A very special season'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/cropped_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803238/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235583678.jpg?ts=1759032579 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Carlos Correa always makes sure to check in with Springer before they play each other. Correa was on the field pregame ahead of a late September series between the Astros and Blue Jays to catch up with his friend and former teammate, and he brought a special request from his son.</p><p>"When I called home today, my 3-year old doesn't even say good morning. He says, 'Papi, tell George to come back to the Astros,'" Correa recalled. "And I was like, 'I don't think it works like that, buddy, but I'll try.' So then I went out there and I put him on the phone, and he asked him the same thing. My kids already know the history of the Astros and want him back."</p><p>Correa's kept close tabs on Springer since he left Houston, and Springer's dominant 2025 season came as no surprise to him. The Astros third baseman - a member of the Minnesota Twins at the time - spoke with Springer on the phone after the Blue Jays hired David Popkins, the former Twins hitting coach, last October.</p><p>"Popkins is a huge difference-maker in a team," Correa said. "When Springer called me in the offseason to ask me about Pop, I told him, 'If you guys get him, you're gonna rake,' and that's exactly what he's been doing. Pop knows what he's doing out there."</p><p>"I talked to Carlos about Pop at some length and everything he said has been 100% accurate," Springer said. "I trust (Correa's) word. Whenever he speaks, his words hold weight. I was able to kind of let my guard down faster."</p><p>Springer and Popkins got to work almost immediately, and Correa's recommendation allowed them to form a bond more quickly. They had numerous conversations and spent a lot of time diving into video dating back to Springer's minor-league days.</p><p>Coming off the worst season of his career made Springer receptive to feedback. He wasn't satisfied with his performance and wasn't willing to give into the aging curve. Springer wanted to keep contributing to the team and ensure he was giving the Blue Jays a good return on his contract.</p><p>So when Popkins approached Springer about some adjustments, he was all ears.</p><p>"I mean, hitting is weird, right? There's no secret sauce to it. Everybody has their own styles, own opinions," Springer said. "I think one of the things for me as a hitter is learning to trust somebody else, because at the end of the day, no one's going to try to do something that's not going to help.</p><p>"The older I've gotten, it's been easier to trust somebody else to really dive into and really embrace what they're saying and learn from that."</p><p>The changes worked. Not only has Springer bounced back, but he's been the Blue Jays' best offensive player. He finished the season third in OPS behind Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani - the likely MVPs in their respective leagues.</p><p>Springer's improved in essentially every offensive metric over last season. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was with Springer in Houston, sees Springer using the entire field again and being aggressive. Cora also thinks Toronto's kept him fresher by giving him more days at DH.</p><p>The year-over-year statistics show that Springer's barreling the ball more, swinging faster, and chasing less. When he makes contact, he's hitting the baseball with much more authority.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Springer's 2024 vs. 2025" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-e0vF4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/e0vF4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="411" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Popkins is quick to deflect any praise he receives back to his players.</p><p>"I mean, he's in the box swinging," Popkins said. "That's all him."</p><p>He continued, "Getting to know George and helping him put that puzzle together is what we're addicted to in our field. It's been a very special season. I can't tell you how proud I am of him to overcome the adversity that he had last year."</p><h3><strong>'He's a winner' </strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/cropped_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/w220xh124_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/w320xh180_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/w640xh360_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/w768xh432_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803934/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2237975627.jpg?ts=1759420145 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If the Blue Jays are going to be successful this October, they'll need Springer to live up to his reputation as a clutch playoff performer.</p><p>Springer enters the ALDS tied with Albert Pujols, Corey Seager, and Alex Bregman for the sixth-most postseason home runs (19) in MLB history. His next playoff homer will tie him with Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.</p><p>"I think when you match preparation with work ethic and talent, those guys tend to just step up more often," McCullers said of Springer's ability to excel in big moments.</p><p>"George just has so much talent - one of the most talented guys I've ever seen play baseball - but also he's very smart, and he really does work at this game daily. When those big moments arise, it's not a moment where he would feel intimidated or overwhelmed. It's just another opportunity to show off that skill and that preparation."</p><p>That's exactly what the Blue Jays are hoping for. With a number of young players set to make their postseason debuts Saturday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider believes his clubhouse will lean on Springer's experience as not only a champion, but a World Series MVP.</p><p>"It's nice to have guys to kind of say, 'This is what it's like.' ... It's good to have that knowledge," Schneider said. "It's nice to have that for everyone else to kind of talk through."</p><p>Springer's magical season has already led the Blue Jays to two celebrations:<strong> </strong>the first for securing a playoff spot and the second for capturing Toronto's first AL East title since 2015. The Jays haven't played in the<strong> </strong>Fall Classic since defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993.</p><p>"He's a winner," Cora said. </p><p>The Blue Jays are hoping he's a World Series winner in Toronto. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32656931/related

'He's a winner': Blue Jays hoping to ride Springer's magical season to World Series

theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continu...

<p><em>theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, continuing Wednesday and running through Thursday if necessary. Keep checking back for updates as the opening round unfolds and check out our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3342755" href="https://thescore.com/news/3342755">Game 1</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3358529" href="https://thescore.com/news/3358529">Game 2 takeaways</a>.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#DET">DET vs. CLE</a> I <a href="#CHC">SD vs. CHC</a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j1Jxw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j1Jxw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Final:</strong> The Yankees get the best of their rivals by taking the last two games of the wild-card series to advance to the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cam Schlittler was incredible, completely shutting down the Red Sox offense in the clincher. New York went 5-8 against the Blue Jays this season but took two of three in September. Boston now faces another critical offseason in which it'll need to add more starting pitching and determine the long-term future of Alex Bregman. The wild-card round was great. Bring on the LDS.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>8th inning: </strong>Cam Schlittler is making a name for himself on the biggest stage. The Yankees right-hander absolutely dominated the Red Sox, striking out 12 -the most by a Yankee rookie ever in the postseason - over eight shutout innings. Boston has managed five singles and just one runner in scoring position. If only the Red Sox had Rafael Devers for a game like this. Schlittler might have even pitched himself into a job on the Lumon softball team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Schlittler 🔥</p>— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenStiller/status/1973932187956490502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>4th inning:</strong> The Yankees are putting the ball in play and good things are happening. New York finally gets to Connelly Early as the rookie isn't getting a lot of help from his defense or the BABIP gods. The Yankees score four runs in the inning courtesy of a double, three singles, and an error. Early is lifted with two outs, though you have to wonder why Alex Cora left him in there so long without even a mound visit. Boston's been plagued by its poor defense all season, so it should come as no surprise that it led to its undoing here.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Giancarlo Stanton's "hustle" double (lol) is stranded at second base. The Yankees DH rips a 114.5-mph rocket to the gap in left-center field that he thinks is launched over the wall. Stanton looks into his dugout in celebration before quickly realizing the ball is landing well short. He does somehow make it to second base, but Connelly Early buckles down to retire the next three batters to end the threat. It's been impressive how composed these young starters have been in the early going.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giancarlo thought he hit a home run <a href="https://t.co/QWAXRRq8AT">pic.twitter.com/QWAXRRq8AT</a></p>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1973910794732478970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>1st inning:</strong> After an incredibly entertaining undercard, we've reached the main event. Cam Schlittler is gassed up, topping out at 100.5 mph as he breezes through Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, and Alex Bregman with relative ease. Six of the 24-year-old's 14 pitches in the opening frame registered triple digits. Fellow rookie starter Connelly Early also looked unfazed in his first taste of postseason work, retiring the Yankees in order on just eight pitches.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o45zJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o45zJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><a id="CHC" name="CHC"><strong>Final:</strong></a> Hey, Chicago, whaddya say? The Cubs hang on - with a little help from home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn - to knock off the Padres to clinch their first postseason series since 2017. The win sets up an NLDS clash with the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago scored only six runs over the three games, but pitched well and played excellent defense to secure the series victory. An encouraging development is that Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker combined to go 5-for-8 in Game 3. For the Padres, it's just another disappointing playoff finish for a club that faces a lot of questions this offseason.</p><p><strong>7th inning:</strong> That's an enormous insurance run off the bat of Michael Busch. The Cubs first baseman, who hit a career-high 34 homers this season, is 3-for-4 in Game 3. It's just the second run the Padres' relievers have surrendered in 14 1/3 innings this series.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MIKE DROP. <a href="https://t.co/gmmV86xhvz">pic.twitter.com/gmmV86xhvz</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973891964077814114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>Mike Shildt is pulling every lever to keep this game close in hopes his offense can finally wake up. Yu Darvish, Jeremiah Estrada, Michael King, Wandy Peralta, and now closer Robert Suarez have already appeared as we head into the seventh. The Padres are 0-for-2 with RISP in Game 3 and 3-for-20 in the series. Can they finally break through?</p><p><strong>5th inning:</strong> It's certainly been a series to forget for Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres star is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts on the afternoon and 1-for-11 over the three games. In Tatis' defense, facing Daniel Palencia can't be easy. Craig Counsell is using his once-closer in a fireman role in the mid-innings this series, and the flamethrower's been electric. Palencia threw 1 2/3 perfect innings in Game 1, and he came out firing 100-mph four-seam fastballs in the fifth to retire Tatis with a runner in scoring position.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="eu" dir="ltr">G A S O L I N A. <a href="https://t.co/cD9zbbT3HG">pic.twitter.com/cD9zbbT3HG</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1973882838648045784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>4th inning: </strong>If you haven't watched a lot of the Cubs this season, you might not have known how good Jameson Taillon's been. The big right-hander posted a 1.57 ERA over his final six regular-season starts and looked fantastic today, tossing four shutout innings with four strikeouts before being lifted to start the fifth. The Padres have had only one runner in scoring position early on.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Not having a fully healthy Michael King is a major blow for the Padres, and they're paying for it early in Game 3. The right-hander threw just 15 2/3 innings in September and is a big reason why Yu Darvish started this contest. Darvish faces seven batters and doesn't record an out in the second inning after allowing a single, double, hit-by-pitch, and RBI single. Mike Shildt is forced to go to former Cubs reliever Jeremiah Estrada, who gets out of the inning by surrendering only one inherited run. San Diego has already used its bullpen for 8 1/3 innings this series and will need to ask for at least 24 outs today.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kKa9H" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kKa9H/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="141" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><a id="DET" name="DET"><strong>Final:</strong></a> The Tigers move on, winning the right to face the Seattle Mariners in a best-of-five ALDS matchup starting Saturday. Tarik Skubal will likely go in Sunday's Game 2. Let's be honest, this result is probably for the best. The Guardians entered the postseason as the only club with a negative run differential. They wind up scoring 10 total runs over the three-game series against a Tigers pitching staff that ranked 17th in the majors by ERA despite playing half its games in the spacious Comerica Park. Cleveland showed some late life, but Ramírez once again got caught advancing to second base by a great tag from Báez to end the eighth-inning rally.</p><p><strong>7th inning</strong>: So ... why is Sabrowski still out there? Instead of counting himself lucky that he managed to get an out from Sabrowski in a third straight game, Vogt rolls the dice on giving him another clean frame. The lefty coughs up a very loud double to Báez and then allows Parker Meadows to reach on a dribbler that he played a little too lazily. Vogt goes to the bullpen and signals for Hunter Gaddis, who's also working in his third straight game. The Guardians do, in fact, employ other relievers. I'm sure of it. He gives up a two-run single from Wenceel Pérez, and it's all Tigers. Sabrowski and Gaddis end up combining to allow four runs on five hits and one walk while retiring only two batters. Matt Festa mercifully gets the final two outs of the inning, but the damage is done. Why is this the first time the Guardians have used Festa in this series? Vogt will have to answer for this.</p><p><strong>6th inning:</strong> Call it the Dillon Dingler Game. There's no telling how that Guardians rally could've gone in the fourth inning if Dingler didn't catch Ramírez stealing. And now, he's hit the go-ahead homer into the left-field bleachers of Progressive Field. It feels like this contest will come down to the wire, but the Tigers are 12 outs away from heading to the ALDS. Meanwhile, on the Guardians' side, Vogt does end up calling upon Sabrowski for a third straight game, and the southpaw gets Zach McKinstry to ground out. His workload will surely end there.</p><p><strong>4th inning:</strong> Nothing can ruin a rally quite like the collective defense of Dillon Dingler and Javier Báez. The Guardians tie it up, thanks to a Ramírez single that cashes in George Valera. However, Ramírez gets a bit greedy and tries to steal second base. The throw and tag to get him are simply a thing of beauty.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">The classic Javier Báez no-look tag 🫣 <a href="https://t.co/qfswDUoq60">pic.twitter.com/qfswDUoq60</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973846404335296692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's no one better in the game. Dingler caught nearly 32% of would-be base-stealers this year. And Báez? He's not nicknamed El Mago for nothing. We're back to even at 1-1.</p><p><strong>3rd inning:</strong> Stephen Vogt is once again showing his managerial acumen. A quick hook for Cecconi after he gives up back-to-back singles with one out in the third, and the skipper calls upon lefty Tim Herrin with Kerry Carpenter as the assignment. Herrin winds up allowing an RBI double to Carpenter but settles in to retire Wenceel Pérez for the second straight day and then strikes out Spencer Torkelson. Cleveland has only one other usable lefty remaining in the 'pen in Kolby Allard. Erik Sabrowski is also in there, but the fact that he worked Games 1 and 2 likely makes him unavailable. Early advantage: Tigers.</p><p><strong>2nd inning:</strong> Chase DeLauter's first big-league hit is a single into shallow right field during a must-win playoff game. Doesn't get much better than that after dropping the fly ball in the first inning of his debut Wednesday. It doesn't pay dividends, as Gabriel Arias strikes out next and Bo Naylor pops up to end the inning, but a hit is a hit.</p><p><strong>1st inning:</strong> Although Cecconi wasn't very efficient, he was effective, getting out of the first frame with two strikeouts on 26 pitches. Gleyber Torres squared up a Cecconi slider to lead off but hit it right at left fielder Steven Kwan. Flaherty looks a lot more comfortable early, getting through the first on 14 pitches and ending on a José Ramírez strikeout.</p><p><strong>Pregame:</strong> It's what sports fans live for: Win or go home. Tigers-Guardians kicks off three elimination games Thursday as only one of the wild-card matchups didn't go the distance. Slade Cecconi will take the mound first for the slightly favored Guardians at home (-130 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet). Cecconi has 236 MLB innings under his belt with a 5.07 ERA, but he put together the best season of his career this year in his first campaign as a full-time starter. He'll go up against Jack Flaherty, who signed a fresh two-year contract with the Tigers this past offseason. While Cecconi has made a couple postseason relief appearances, Flaherty has quite a lot of playoff experience as a starter, including last year's decisive World Series Game 5 for the victorious Los Angeles Dodgers. The righty allowed two homers and was yanked after recording four outs, but he's been here before. And that might count for something.</p>

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Chasing October: Wild-card series takeaways for Game 3

The League Division Series is set to begin play Saturday, with four games on the schedule.  Major...

<p>The League Division Series is set to begin play Saturday, with four games on the schedule.</p><p>Major League Baseball released game times through the first two contests of each series.</p><h3>Saturday</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ppyx3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ppyx3/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="408" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>Sunday </h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-SEPV2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SEPV2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="279" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>Monday</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NLDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Dm1O6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Dm1O6/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure>

TORONTO, ON - JULY 02: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees talks to José Berríos #17 and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays during a game at Rogers Centre on July 02, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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MLB releases League Division Series schedule

Major League Baseball will feature three elimination games Thursday in what's setting up to be a ...

<p>Major League Baseball will feature three elimination games Thursday in what's setting up to be a fantastic day for the sport.</p><p>The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians kick off the day at 3:08 p.m. ET. The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs follow at 5:08 p.m. before the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees wrap things up at 8:08 p.m.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Thursday schedule" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-X1vI8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/X1vI8/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="254" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>MLB adjusted the game times after the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. The defending World Series champs will now travel to Philadelphia to face the Phillies in the National League Division Series. Both the NLDS and ALDS open Saturday.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees dives into home plate to score a go-ahead run during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game two of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on October 01, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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MLB wild-card series set for 3 elimination games Thursday

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Chasing October: Wild-card series takeaways for every Game 2

theScore provides running analysis and insights throughout the 2025 MLB wild-card series, startin...

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Chasing October: Wild-card series takeaways for every Game 1

Major League Baseball's postseason is set to begin, and that means it's time to continue our annu...

<p>Major League Baseball's postseason is set to begin, and that means it's time to continue our annual tradition of simulating the playoffs on MLB The Show 25 to see how things could shake out. We've had some hits (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2708573" href="https://thescore.com/news/2708573">2023</a> and 2021) and some misses. Let's have some fun, and as we always say: Don't get mad, it's only a video game.</p><h3>Wild-card series</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9wjUV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9wjUV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees battle back to take the series from the rival Red Sox after dropping Game 1 to Garrett Crochet. Boston's offense is completely shut down, scoring just four runs over three games as Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, and Alex Bregman combine to go 4-for-36 (.111).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Mf5ey" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Mf5ey/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Tigers get revenge over the Guardians after choking away the AL Central title. Detroit rides Tarik Skubal to a win in Game 1 (6 1/3 IP, 1 ER) and gets another great start from Jack Flaherty (7 IP, 0 ER) in Game 3. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pAYf2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pAYf2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="137" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Chicago stuns San Diego with a sweep. Seiya Suzuki and Kyle Tucker each drive in a pair of runs in Game 2 to give the Cubs their first postseason series win since 2017.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OZgBX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OZgBX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Down go the reigning champs! After dropping the opener, the Reds win the next two to eliminate the Dodgers in one of the biggest upsets in recent postseason history. Four different Cincinnati players drive in two runs in Game 3, while Andrew Abbott allows one run over six innings.</p><h3>League Division Series</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0rsUq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0rsUq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="212" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees knock off the AL East champion Blue Jays in four games as New York's potent offense scores 22 runs. Aaron Judge goes 3-for-16 in the series but gets help from his supporting cast: Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton combine to drive in 14 runs.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hu2iY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hu2iY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>It clearly doesn't matter how you finish the regular season as the Tigers follow their series win over the Guardians with a stunning sweep of the Mariners. Kerry Carpenter homers twice to go with a series-high six RBIs, while Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh combine to go 2-for-23 in a losing effort.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xRlnQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xRlnQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="212" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Reds are really doing this. After knocking off the Dodgers, Cincinnati completes another shocker by eliminating the Phillies in four games. It's the first time the Reds have reached the NLCS since 1995. The series loss represents another enormous missed opportunity for this core in Philadelphia. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JXQUT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JXQUT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Milwaukee's playoff demons show up once again as the Brewers get swept by the rival Cubs. Chicago starts its postseason a perfect 5-0 against some excellent opposition. Pete Crow-Armstrong rediscovers some of his magic at the plate from the first half of the season as he drives in nine runs over the three games.</p><h3>League Championship Series</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Kj7hB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Kj7hB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="212" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees sweep the Tigers to return to the World Series for a second straight season. Chisholm takes home ALCS MVP honors after going 6-for-17 with three home runs.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pGjGo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pGjGo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Cincinnati is so close to pulling off a miracle run but blows a 3-1 series lead to the Cubs to fall short of the World Series. It's the first time Chicago's reached the Fall Classic since breaking the curse in 2016. Kyle Tucker wins NLCS MVP with two home runs and nine RBIs in the series.</p><h3>World Series</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/cropped_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/w220xh124_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/w320xh180_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/w640xh360_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/w768xh432_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803587/w1080xh607_image0__2_.jpg?ts=1759206235 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 25/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="World Series" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qNk3s" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qNk3s/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="285" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Evil Empire is fully functioning once again. The Yankees win their first World Series since 2009 by beating the Cubs in five games. Stanton's named MVP after hitting the game-winning home run in Game 5. It's the first championship for Judge and cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in history. Start spreading the news. </p><p>And for whatever it means, our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3229907" href="https://thescore.com/news/3229907">preseason simulation from March</a> also had the Yankees beating the Cubs in the World Series. </p>

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MLB The Show postseason sim: Yankees finally champs again

The 2025 Major League Baseball playoff field is set with the wild-card round getting underway Tue...

<p>The 2025 Major League Baseball playoff field is set with the wild-card round getting underway Tuesday. Here's the full schedule throughout the League Division Series. Game times will be added when announced. </p><h3>Wild-card Round</h3><p><strong>American League</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="No. 5 Red Sox vs. No. 4 Yankees" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9Wwhg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9Wwhg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="265" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="No. 6 Tigers vs. No. 3 Guardians" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QIqiM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QIqiM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="265" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>National League</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="No. 5 Padres vs. No. 4 Cubs" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5oi0s" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5oi0s/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="240" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="No. 6 Reds vs. No. 3 Dodgers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9qWlW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9qWlW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="240" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>League Division Series</h3><p><strong>American League</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox/Yankees vs. No. 1 Blue Jays" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZCPfC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZCPfC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="463" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Guardians/Tigers vs. No. 2 Mariners" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xVBXn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xVBXn/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="463" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>National League</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="No. 5 Padres vs. No. 4 Cubs  (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-g4CnL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/g4CnL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="334" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Reds/Dodgers vs. No. 2. Phillies" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-wIJFk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wIJFk/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="463" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure>

Los Angeles, CA - November 01: Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate as he hoists the championship trophy during a celebration of the 2024 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, November 1, 2024.

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MLB postseason schedule set: Wild-card round opens Tuesday

The San Diego Padres are postseason bound once again.   San Diego booked its ticket after beating...

<p>The San Diego Padres are postseason bound once again. </p><p>San Diego booked its ticket after beating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 in 11 innings on Monday at Petco Park.</p><p>The Padres are enjoying their most successful stretch in franchise history, having appeared in the postseason four times over the last six seasons. It's just the second time the franchise clinched a playoff spot in back-to-back years (2005-06). </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ve got fight. <a href="https://t.co/n046D66jFw">pic.twitter.com/n046D66jFw</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1970401507272163764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Padres' performance since 2020</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>W-L</th>
<th>PCT</th>
<th>Playoffs</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td>86-71</td>
<td>.548</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>93-69</td>
<td>.574</td>
<td>Lost NLDS (3-2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>82-80</td>
<td>.506</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>89-73</td>
<td>.549</td>
<td>Lost NLCS (4-1) </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>79-83</td>
<td>.488</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>37-23</td>
<td>.617</td>
<td>Lost NLDS (3-0)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Freddy Fermin was the hero Monday in San Diego. The deadline addition lined the first pitch he saw from Grant Anderson into center field to plate automatic runner Bryce Johnson with one out in the 11th, sparking on-field celebrations after the come-from-behind win.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you look up the word ‘dawg,’ you’ll be redirected to this video of Freddy. <a href="https://t.co/3i7qERtj7f">pic.twitter.com/3i7qERtj7f</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1970355917062615411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jose Iglesias keyed the comeback with a leadoff bomb in the fifth off Brewers starter Freddy Peralta. The Padres trailed until the seventh inning when three-time batting champ Luis Arraez drove in Iglesias to make it 3-3. The two teams traded runs in the 10th inning before Fermin ended it one frame later.</p><p>San Diego occupies the second wild-card spot and heads into its final five games of the regular season trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 2.5 games for first place in the NL West. The Dodgers hold the tiebreaker over the Padres after winning the season series 9-4. San Diego hasn't won the division since 2006.</p><p>The NL playoff field is almost set, with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Brewers, and Dodgers having already secured spots.</p><p>The Padres will most likely travel to Wrigley Field to face the Cubs in the wild-card series if they're unable to win their division. </p>

San Diego, CA - September 22: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Jose Iglesias #7 in the clubhouse after beating the Milwaukee Brewers to secure a playoff spot at Petco Park on September 22, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

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Padres walk off Brewers in extras to clinch playoff spot in back-to-back years

There's plenty to play for over the final two weeks of MLB's regular season. Here's everything th...

<p>There's plenty to play for over the final two weeks of MLB's regular season. Here's everything that's at stake heading into October.</p><h3>American League</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1QckP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1QckP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="318" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Blue Jays hold a four-game lead over the Yankees as they aim to put the finishing touches on their first AL East title since 2015. It would be the franchise's seventh division crown and just the second since 1994. However, Toronto still has seven games remaining against Tampa Bay, a club that's had its number this season. The Blue Jays are just 1-5 versus the Rays in 2025 with a minus-22 run differential. New York has won two of the last three AL East titles and faces the easiest schedule down the stretch. The Yankees' final 13 contests (.438 opponent winning percentage) are against teams with losing records.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OU00k" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OU00k/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="199" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Tigers are on the verge of their first AL Central title since 2014 and will be the fourth different division winner in the last five seasons. The Guardians need a miracle if they want to catch Detroit, but they still have six regular-season games left against the Tigers. Detroit holds a 4-3 edge in the season series.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-K6P70" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/K6P70/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The AL West race tightened significantly over the last week. The Astros had held at least a share of first place since June and led by as many as seven games on July 6, but they watched the Mariners leapfrog them in the standings Sunday. Seattle hasn't won the division since 2001, while Houston has claimed five straight AL West titles. The Astros have back-to-back significant series this week against the Rangers and Mariners.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL wild card" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oktf1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oktf1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="402" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees and Red Sox look to be fighting for home-field advantage in the wild-card round, potentially setting up a postseason showdown between the rivals to open the postseason. The Rangers have closed in on the Astros and have a shot at overtaking them when they go head-to-head to open the week.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALDS bye" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3SdTk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3SdTk/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="382" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Blue Jays and Tigers appear set to finish with the two best records in the AL and clinch a bye into the ALDS.</p><h3>National League</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tHQBa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tHQBa/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="199" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Phillies are on the verge of becoming back-to-back NL East champs for the first time since winning five straight titles from 2007-11. Philadelphia's magic number sits at one. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-sy0MP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sy0MP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="199" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Brewers trailed the Cubs by 6.5 games in mid-June but went on a heater over the season's second half to comfortably lead the division. Milwaukee's looking for a third straight NL Central crown and fourth in five years. Meanwhile, Chicago hasn't finished first since the COVID-shortened 2020 season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Qc2wC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Qc2wC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="241" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Dodgers have left the door open for the Padres, although San Diego hasn't managed to capitalize on it. Los Angeles led the division by nine games in early July and briefly relinquished top spot to the Padres for one day (Aug. 23) before moving back into first. The Dodgers have won the NL West 11 times in the last 12 years, while the Padres haven't done so since 2006.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL wild card" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JwOaz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JwOaz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="388" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Cubs and Padres sit comfortably in a playoff spot, even if they don't win their respective divisions. Meanwhile, the Mets' September collapse has them just 1.5 games ahead of the Giants heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. San Francisco has only three contests remaining against teams with a winning record before closing out against the MLB-worst Rockies. New York concludes the campaign with a six-game road trip, a tough task for a club that's posted a 31-44 away record this year.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NLDS bye" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ty8aw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ty8aw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="283" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The NL's top two seeds look like a formality at this point, with home-field advantage for a potential NLCS still left to be decided. If the Dodgers fail to catch either the Phillies or Brewers, it'll be the first time they've played in the wild-card round since 2021.</p>

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What's at stake over the final weeks of MLB season?

The New York Yankees took two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx this weekend. Here...

<p><em>The New York Yankees took two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx this weekend. Here are our takeaways from the AL's closest divisional race: </em></p><h3>Blue Jays give Yankees life</h3><p>The Blue Jays entered the series with a chance to extend a three-game division lead to six, which would've effectively put the race to bed.</p><p>However, winning the AL East was never going to be that easy, and Toronto watched its lead in the division shrink to two games by the end of the weekend.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blue Jays set themselves up nicely by taking Friday's Game 1, but their offense struggled over the final two contests, going 3-for-22 with runners in scoring position in back-to-back losses.</p><p>The Yankees have looked lost at times this season, but they've been playing well lately, winning 11 of their last 14 games and rattling off four straight series victories, including wins over the Houston Astros and Blue Jays. The surge has put New York within two contests of the division lead for the first time since July 13.</p><p>Toronto, playing Sunday without Bo Bichette due to a shin injury, will be especially frustrated with the loss in the finale. The club outhit the Yankees 8-3 but went 2-for-12 with RISP and failed to score with runners at second and third with no outs in the third inning.</p><p>The Blue Jays opened the series with 70.8% odds to win the division, courtesy FanGraphs. The number jumped to 81.9% after Friday's win before dipping to 66.9% following the series loss.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Odds to win AL East" aria-label="Grouped column chart" id="datawrapper-chart-xSxc0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xSxc0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="286" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The silver lining for Toronto is that it still has control over its own destiny and holds the tiebreaker over New York after winning the season series. The Yankees' next six contests come against the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox, two teams they've struggled against with a combined 3-10 record. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, head home for a pair of three-game series against the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles.</p><p>Toronto has MLB's 12th-hardest remaining schedule, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/mlb/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>, while the Yankees have the fifth-easiest schedule. It feels like this race will come down to the final weekend.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Remaining schedule" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZcZeI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZcZeI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="199" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Toronto holds an 8.5-game lead in clinching a playoff spot, but the top priority should be winning the division and securing a first-round bye to the ALDS. Avoiding the wild-card round and locking down home-field advantage - where the Blue Jays have thrived with a 45-24 record - could be crucial to making a deep playoff run.</p><h3>Both bullpens looked pretty good</h3><p>So much talk heading into the series surrounded each team's struggling bullpen, but both relief corps pitched well over the weekend.</p><p>Blue Jays relievers Ryan Borucki, Braydon Fisher, Jeff Hoffman, Brendon Little, and Yariel Rodriguez combined to throw 7 1/3 shutout innings, striking out 10 and walking two. Louie Varland was the team's only reliever to allow a run during the series. Even with the series loss, Toronto will feel a lot better coming down the stretch if its beleaguered bullpen can pitch better. </p><p>All of the Yankees' high-leverage arms also pitched well in the series. Devin Williams, David Bednar, Luke Weaver, and Fernando Cruz combined to throw four shutout innings with five strikeouts. Bednar picked up a pair of saves while allowing just one baserunner over 2 1/3 innings. He's been excellent since coming over at the deadline, giving the Yankees a proven closer who's capable of throwing multiple innings.</p><h3>Guerrero loves New York</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/cropped_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/w220xh124_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/w320xh180_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/w640xh360_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/w768xh432_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800484/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2234147296.jpg?ts=1757296698 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>A trip to the Bronx always seems like the remedy to get Vladimir Guerrero Jr. going. Toronto's first baseman entered the series in a 6-for-34 rut with no extra-base hits but proceeded to go 8-for-13 with two home runs, two walks, and one strikeout against New York.</p><p>Guerrero boasts an impressive track record at Yankee Stadium, entering Sunday with a .299/.364/.627 slash line in 46 career games. His 16 home runs are the most at any visiting stadium he's played at.</p><p>The Blue Jays need Guerrero to be at his best if they want to lock down their first division title since 2015. September's historically been Guerrero's worst month by OPS for his career, so it's encouraging to see him post a 1.527 OPS over his first six games of the month.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Guerrero's career by month" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YxtIN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YxtIN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="254" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>Judge's elbow remains a concern</h3><p>Aaron Judge returned to the outfield Friday for the first time since July 27 after suffering a right flexor strain, and it's clear his throwing remains limited. Judge was immediately tested in the first inning and opted to make a soft lob to second base rather than attempt a throw home.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's a look at Aaron Judge's first throw in a game since late July: <a href="https://t.co/5TuwjTls57">pic.twitter.com/5TuwjTls57</a></p>— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1964109218555777436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Both Judge and manager Aaron Boone downplayed any limitations, but the Yankees are certainly being cautious. Judge said his elbow doesn't bother him when he swings, but it's important he doesn't risk further injury by launching a throw. Still, it puts Boone in a difficult spot. He needs both Stanton and Judge in the lineup.</p><p>Stanton deserves credit for his willingness to play right field when Judge couldn't, but he ranks as one of the worst defensive players in the game. Although Judge's throwing may be limited, he can still cover more ground than Stanton and is clearly the superior defender, even if his arm isn't at full strength.</p><p>Judge returned to DH on Saturday, with Cody Bellinger in right field. While it hurt to start Stanton on the bench, having Bellinger in right field helped prevent the game-tying run in the sixth inning.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Got 'em 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/Cody_Bellinger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cody_Bellinger</a> 🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/wellsius16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wellsius16</a> <a href="https://t.co/lySqh0cH3k">pic.twitter.com/lySqh0cH3k</a></p>— New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1964400526725906894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Judge was back in right field Sunday, looking better on an early throw to second base before opting against a throw to home later in the contest. The Blue Jays aggressively challenged Judge's arm throughout the series, and that'll likely be something other teams try to exploit moving forward.</p><h3>Yankees' keen eye leads to big swing </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/cropped_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800485/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233655809.jpg?ts=1757296771 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Credit to the Yankees for picking up on Max Scherzer tipping his changeup in Sunday's series finale - a key insight that led to a three-run home run from Ben Rice in the first inning.</p><p>While standing on first base, Bellinger noticed Scherzer was tipping his grip. Bellinger relayed that information to Judge at second base, who informed Rice at the plate by stretching out his arms.</p><p>Rice's home run eventually came on a 95-mph fastball, but the ability to rule out the changeup helped him during the 10-pitch at-bat. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer was tipping his changeup (see Aaron Judge) before that Ben Rice HR, which came on a fastball. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yankees?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yankees</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> <a href="https://t.co/tyGlPHyDhY">pic.twitter.com/tyGlPHyDhY</a></p>— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1964749201864327387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Scherzer admitted following the game that he's had problems this season with tipping his changeup and said that he and the team are actively trying to tweak his glove positioning. The right-hander added that he thought he had corrected the issue.</p><p>Any slight advantage can help in September when the games are so tight and there's little margin for error. Credit to the Yankees players for legally picking up on it.</p><h3>Gausman looks like playoff Game 1 starter</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/cropped_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797987/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156099005.jpg?ts=1755551187 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kavin Mistry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays can feel confident handing Kevin Gausman the ball for Game 1 of any playoff series. He held the Yankees to one run - a solo homer to Stanton - and four hits over eight innings in the series opener.</p><p>Gausman's latest start continued a string of dominance for the right-hander, who owns a 2.61 ERA over his last 13 appearances. He's been especially impressive lately against some really good competition, allowing four runs in 22 innings against the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Yankees over the last month.</p><p>Whether it's in the ALDS or wild-card round, Gausman should be the first to get the ball when Toronto opens its playoffs. </p><h3>Quick hits</h3><ul>
<li>Baserunners have stolen 22 straight bases off Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk.</li>
<li>Anthony Volpe's 19 errors rank second in MLB behind Elly De La Cruz.</li>
<li>The Yankees' 6-7-8-9 hitters combined to go 2-for-32 (.062) with 14 strikeouts in the series.</li>
<li>Toronto outhit New York (24-12) in the series.</li>
<li>Max Fried owns a 1.67 ERA over his last four starts after surrendering a season-high seven runs Aug. 16 in St. Louis.</li>
<li>Judge went 2-for-8 with four walks and no RBIs in the three games.</li>
<li>The series marked Toronto's first against an AL East opponent since July 28-30. The Blue Jays are 20-19 against the division, while the Yankees are 19-23.</li>
</ul>

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Blue Jays leave AL East door open after series loss to Yankees 

A little over one month removed from Major League Baseball's trade deadline, it's time to look at...

<p>A little over one month removed from Major League Baseball's trade deadline, it's time to look at which additions have had the most impact with their new teams.</p><h3>10. Merrill Kelly, Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35.1</td>
<td> 3.31</td>
<td>1.02</td>
<td> 28</td>
<td>4.88</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Kelly won't ever blow anyone away with his stuff, but he's an underappreciated veteran starter who continues to provide quality innings. The right-hander threw a team-leading 35 1/3 innings in August for a Rangers team trying to navigate an injury to ace Nathan Eovaldi while attempting to remain in the wild-card race. Kelly allowed two or fewer runs in four of his six starts last month and sits eighth in WHIP among AL starters since the trade.</p><h3>9. Steven Matz, Red Sox</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>1.29</td>
<td> 0.71</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>4.34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Red Sox needed help bridging the late innings to Aroldis Chapman, and Matz has done just that. The left-hander hasn't allowed a run in 10 of his 12 outings, having permitting just 11 baserunners over that span. While Matz doesn't rack up big strikeout numbers, he's limited hard contact and has the ability to pitch multiple innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>8. Miguel Andujar, Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>AVG/OBP/SLG</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>.364/.425/.591</td>
<td>1.016</td>
<td>0.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Andujar's fit with the Reds was a bit puzzling at the time of the trade, but he's hit his way into the everyday lineup in Cincinnati. The 30-year-old went 24-for-65 (.369) with nine extra-base hits in August. He's driven in 13 runs for the Reds in 22 games after posting 27 in 60 with the Athletics while putting up 0.6 fWAR with his new team.</p><h3>7. Jhoan Duran, Phillies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/cropped_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797673/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230217983.jpg?ts=1755307665 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>10.2</td>
<td>1.69</td>
<td>0.94</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0.69</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Phillies paid a hefty price to bring in Duran from the Minnesota Twins, but so far, there's been no buyer's remorse. The flamethrower's already picked up nine saves, while his 0.43 FIP in August was the second-lowest mark in the majors for any pitcher with at least five innings pitched. Duran's strikeout numbers have climbed (11.0 K/9) in Philadelphia, and he has yet to walk a batter since the trade.</p><h3>6. David Bednar, Yankees</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>2.70</td>
<td>0.97</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>2.22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bednar's been a steadying presence for a bullpen with no shortage of issues. After a rough debut, Bednar owns a 1.54 ERA with 18 strikeouts over his last 10 appearances (11 2/3 IP). The two-time All-Star has converted three saves and threw the second-most innings of any Yankee reliever in August while tossing multiple innings three times.</p><h3>5. Mason Miller, Padres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/cropped_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/w220xh124_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/w320xh180_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/w640xh360_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/w768xh432_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796624/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2228132300.jpg?ts=1754398824 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>1.64</td>
<td>1.00</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>2.21</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Miller may not be closing games for the Padres, but he's still been incredibly effective. The right-hander's thrown 10 scoreless appearances in his 11 outings with San Diego and allowed just three hits over his last nine innings while striking out 16. Miller arrived at the perfect time as a number of other Padres relievers scuffled in August; his five holds tied for the team lead last month.</p><h3>4. Shane Bieber, Blue Jays</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>11.1</td>
<td> 2.38</td>
<td> 0.62</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>3.04</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Blue Jays' risk in trading for Bieber is being rewarded: The former Cy Young winner looked like an ace in his first two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery. Bieber's struck out 15 over 11 1/3 innings and has yet to walk a batter. Most importantly, it doesn't seem like there are any restrictions on his workload heading into October as he threw 92 pitches in his last start and is scheduled to pitch on regular rest moving forward.</p><h3>3. Ramón Laureano, Padres</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/cropped_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797457/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230001036.jpg?ts=1755126439 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>AVG/OBP/SLG</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>7</td>
<td> .310/.355/.566</td>
<td>.922</td>
<td>0.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Laureano's given a significant jolt to a Padres team that was desperate for offense. His team-leading seven home runs in August accounted for 26% of the team's total homers for the month. Laureano also led San Diego with 23 RBIs, 32 hits, and 18 runs scored. He's already eighth on the team in homers on the season despite playing in just 29 games.</p><h3>2. Kyle Finnegan, Tigers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>FIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14.1</td>
<td>0.00</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>0.42</td>
<td>1.10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Tigers were criticized for missing out on some of the higher-profile relievers dealt at the deadline, but Finnegan's performance is showing everyone that maybe Detroit's front office acquired the most impactful arm. The right-hander's yet to surrender a run in 12 appearances with his new club and has allowed just six baserunners. His strikeout rate has skyrocketed, as he sports a career-best 11.9 K/9 to go with a 1.9 BB/9. His 0.8 fWAR in August led all MLB relievers.</p><h3>1. Mike Yastrzemski, Royals</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>AVG/OBP/SLG</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>fWAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>7</td>
<td> .256/.340/.593</td>
<td>.933</td>
<td>1.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Yastrzemski's been incredible since coming over from the San Francisco Giants in one of the deadline's more under-the-radar moves. The 35-year-old hit seven home runs and eight doubles while recording a team-leading .976 OPS in August. Kansas City received almost no power from its outfield for the bulk of the season until Yastrzemski's arrival.</p>

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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is dealing with left hamstring inflammation...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> is dealing with left hamstring inflammation and is considered day-to-day after undergoing an MRI, manager John Schneider said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1957904371737587754">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>Guerrero will be out of the lineup Tuesday for the second contest of the three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.</p><p>"Just inflammation. ... It was kind of precautionary for him, and he's feeling a little bit better today," Schneider told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/1957905007589708274">Hazel Mae of Sportsnet</a>. "Just trying to be as careful as we can with him, and glad we kind of got him out when we did."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guerrero left Monday's game against the Pirates in the fifth inning with hamstring tightness.</p><p>Sportsnet showed video of Guerrero pointing to the back of his upper leg during the first inning. He remained in the game and made a defensive play in the third inning in which he did the splits.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bo and Vlad do it AGAIN 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/bpLCwHpSX3">pic.twitter.com/bpLCwHpSX3</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1957590558915826005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guerrero has appeared in all but one of Toronto's 125 games this season. He leads the Blue Jays with 21 home runs and an .894 OPS.</p><p>The 26-year-old's been incredibly durable throughout his career, missing just 13 contests over the last six campaigns. He's never been on the IL in his seven-year career.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 8: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Commissioner Rob Manfred believes Major League Baseball could look very different in the future. ...

<p>Commissioner Rob Manfred believes Major League Baseball could look very different in the future. </p><p>Manfred was candid when asked about potential expansion in the upcoming years during ESPN's broadcast of the Little League Classic on Sunday.</p><p>"I think the first two topics (expansion and realignment) are related in my mind," Manfred said. "I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign. I think we could save a lot of wear and tear on our players in terms of travel, and I think our postseason format would be even more appealing for entities like ESPN."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Manfred added: "I think the owners realize there's demand for Major League Baseball in a lot of great cities, and we have the opportunity to do something good around that expansion process." </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said during the Little League Classic broadcast that he can see expansion and realignment in the near future <a href="https://t.co/0RBvNJ36wZ">pic.twitter.com/0RBvNJ36wZ</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1957251707777294482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>MLB hasn't expanded since 1998 when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays joined the league to bring the total amount of teams to 30. Manfred has spoken previously about potentially growing the league to 32 teams in order to have an even number of clubs in each league - similar to the NHL and NFL. </p><p>Manfred had been reluctant to speak about expansion due to prior uncertainties surrounding the A's and Rays. Those two organizations have received more clarity this season. The A's broke ground on a new Las Vegas stadium in June, while the Rays are set to be sold in September, with new ownership intent on keeping the team in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area.</p><p>The current collective bargaining agreement expires at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The expectation is that negotiations will be tense, with the belief that owners could broach talks of implementing some form of a salary cap.</p><p>Manfred has not been hesitant to innact change to MLB during his time as commissioner. The league's implemented expanded playoffs, the pitch clock, shift restrictions, video review, and the extra-innings ghost runner. MLB also appears to be on the verge of implementing the ABS challenge system in the coming years.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 13: Rob Manfred speaks during the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft at Coca-Cola Roxy on July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Boston Red Sox have acquired some help at first base.  Nathaniel Lowe signed a one-year deal ...

<p>The Boston Red Sox have acquired some help at first base.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9902" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9902">Nathaniel Lowe</a> signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox on Monday following his release from the Washington Nationals last week. </p><p>Lowe is an intriguing low-risk acquisition for a Red Sox team that's been piecing things together at first base since Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in early May. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old, who remains arbitration eligible next season, is slashing .216/.292/.373 with 16 home runs, 17 doubles and 130 strikeouts in 119 games this season. After hitting 13 home runs across his first 82 games, he's gone deep just three times over the last 34, and posted a .480 OPS in 11 games in August prior to his release.</p><p>Lowe's done the majority of his damage against right-handed pitching this year, hitting 14 home runs to go with a .732 OPS. He'll likely platoon at first base with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13606">Romy González</a>. </p><p>The Red Sox enter play Monday five games back in the American League East and in a tie with the Seattle Mariners for the top wild-card spot. Boston's scored the fourth-most runs in MLB this season despite ranking 20th in home runs, 22nd in OPS, and 23rd in fWAR at first base. </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 02: Nathaniel Lowe #33 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning of game one of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on July 2, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Brandon Wile

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Michael Bradburn

Supervising editor

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