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 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>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32426426/related

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>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32333797/related

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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Blue Jays' Guerrero day-to-day with hamstring inflammation 

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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MLB commissioner Manfred hints at future expansion, realignment 

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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Red Sox sign Nathaniel Lowe to 1-year contract

Victor Robles appears to have had enough of minor-league pitching during his rehab assignment.   ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5395" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5395">Victor Robles</a> appears to have had enough of minor-league pitching during his rehab assignment. </p><p>The Seattle Mariners outfielder took exception to being hit by a pitch during the third inning of Sunday's game with Triple-A Tacoma. Seconds after being drilled, Robles picked up his bat and threw it in the direction of Las Vegas Aviators pitcher Joey Estes. </p><p>It's the fourth time in five games against Las Vegas that Robles has been hit by a pitch.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Victor Robles threw his bat at the pitcher <a href="https://t.co/5E4mCnOffF">pic.twitter.com/5E4mCnOffF</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1957269188881301877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Robles was ejected from the game and proceeded to throw things on field from the dugout. </p><p>The 28-year-old is with Tacoma as he makes his way back from a dislocated left shoulder suffered in early April while making an incredible catch in San Francisco. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Victor Robles exits the game after making an incredible catch. <a href="https://t.co/uJb3XG7AFD">pic.twitter.com/uJb3XG7AFD</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1909015694173217045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Robles slashed .273/.283/.341 with three doubles and three stolen bases for the Mariners prior to the injury.</p>

SEATTLE, WA -MARCH 29: Victor Robles #10 of the Seattle Mariners is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of a game against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on March 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners' Robles throws bat at pitcher following HBP in rehab game

TORONTO - If Davis Schneider wasn't so nice, you'd swear he had a secret vendetta against Canadia...

<p>TORONTO - If Davis Schneider wasn't so nice, you'd swear he had a secret vendetta against Canadian baseball.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder has been responsible for some iconic moments in his three seasons in the majors, two of which came at the expense of Canadian players.</p><p>His most recent one spoiled what could have been a storybook moment for Burlington, Ontario's Owen Caissie. The Chicago Cubs promoted their top prospect Thursday, allowing him to debut against his hometown team at Rogers Centre.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Facing future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, Caissie ripped the first pitch he saw - a 94-mph fastball - into left field. It looked like it was going to split the outfielders for a hit.</p><p>But Schneider came soaring out of nowhere to make an incredible catch, arguably the best of his career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Davis takes FLIGHT! <a href="https://t.co/Ixs4SXFiWe">pic.twitter.com/Ixs4SXFiWe</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1956073806696493098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Schneider is as humble as they come, but he admitted to watching the highlight of his catch a few times.</p><p>"Oh, for sure, of course," he said with a laugh.</p><p>Schneider was well aware that Caissie was making his MLB debut that afternoon and credited the fans for giving him a standing ovation before his first at-bat.</p><p>"The Cubs did a good job calling him up for that series," he said. "He deserved it.</p><p>"For him, debuting here as a Canadian kid, it's probably the best feeling in the world. He grew up a Blue Jays fan. I grew up a Phillies fan, so if I debuted at Citizens Bank Park, that would have been a different story. Obviously Fenway was amazing, just with the history, but I wouldn't even know what to do if I debuted in Philly."</p><p>In that debut at Fenway Park, almost exactly three years earlier on Aug. 4, 2023, Schneider didn't give the opposing Boston Red Sox the chance to make an outrageous catch. He took Ladner, British Columbia's James Paxton deep over the Green Monster.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First career game. <br>First career at-bat. <br>First career hit.<br>First career homer.<br><br>You could not script a better start to a career 🤯 @dschneid7 <a href="https://t.co/ODVlBBR1L5">pic.twitter.com/ODVlBBR1L5</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1687606758691237888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2023</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It was a dream moment; Schneider is one of only 136 players in MLB history, dating back to 1887, to have homered in their first career at-bat. Only four players have done it since.</p><p>"That seems like a lifetime ago, but I can still relive that moment," he said.</p><p>Schneider was asked in jest if he felt even a little bit guilty of robbing Caissie; of course, he didn't. But he did admit, "It would have been cool for him to get it off Max."</p><p>He played against Caissie in Triple-A earlier in the season as a member of the Buffalo Bisons, and he had no doubt the two would cross paths again in the majors.</p><p>"He was nasty," Schneider recalled. "I knew he was gonna be a big leaguer sooner rather than later." </p><p>When his moment came, Caissie finished his MLB debut having gone 0-for-4 with one strikeout, and each of the three balls he put in play ended up in Schneider's glove. He called the highlight-reel catch his "welcome to the league" moment.</p><p>"He's a really good player," Schneider said. "He's gonna get (that hit) eventually."</p><h3>'He's going to be a really good outfielder'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/cropped_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797804/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226465827.jpg?ts=1755397772 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Duane Burleson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Daulton Varsho, the AL's reigning Gold-Glove winner in center field, can be considered a defensive expert.</p><p>Varsho credits Schneider for the work he's put in as he continues to transition from the infield. He believes the 26-year-old possesses the right mindset needed to continue to grow into a strong defender, which Schneider displayed in the immediate aftermath of making Thursday's catch.</p><p>"He actually came in (from the field) and goes, 'Wow, my route was really bad,'" Varsho said.</p><p>"I'm glad he's learning and has an understanding of, 'Okay, I can get better at that position by being able to do some better routes.' It's just really cool for me to hear that from him." </p><p>Schneider was drafted in the 28th round in 2017 and spent the first five seasons of his minor-league career bouncing around the infield before getting his first taste of the outfield in 2022. After debuting in the majors primarily as a second baseman in 2023, he's seen his deployment extend to the corner outfield the last two seasons, and has found himself in left field in 40 of the 54 games he's played in 2025.</p><p>Schneider will be the first to admit there have been some mistakes along the way. But he credits Varsho and former teammate Kevin Kiermaier for his improvements. </p><p>"Having KK and Varsh here has been very influential," he said. "They're so good and taught me a lot on how to do it."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT'S HOW YOU END AN INNING 🤩<br><br>What a catch by Davis Schneider 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/zDozvBDaQs">pic.twitter.com/zDozvBDaQs</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1949233941925257588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>In mastering the outfield, Varsho emphasizes the initial read of the bat, something he believes he's picked up because of his previous catching experience. And he's working with Schneider on another practice he feels separates good outfielders from great ones.</p><p>"Your first step is the biggest thing," Varsho said. "When you're an elite outfielder, your first step has gotta be great."</p><p>Schneider has been working on his and says going to his right is easier, while "going back to my left is my weak spot." It's a little Derek Zoolander, but as is his custom, he's tinkering with it.</p><p>"We've been working on that ever since I kind of started playing outfield," he said.</p><p>Given how things have played out, Schneider's continued improvements on both sides of the ball likely spell trouble for any Canadian baseball players he faces moving forward. But Blue Jays fans don't seem to mind - he's quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto. And his teammates certainly appreciate his efforts. </p><p>"He's going to be a really good outfielder," Varsho said. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32094180/related

Schneider's incredible catch proves his work is paying off

MLB's regular season is heading for a thrilling finish, with division titles and playoff spots de...

<p>MLB's regular season is heading for a thrilling finish, with division titles and playoff spots decided over the final seven weeks. Here, we look at the tightest races and how we think they'll end up.</p><h3>Who wins the NL West?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/cropped_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797511/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221192974.jpg?ts=1755179564 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Padres:</strong> The reigning World Series champions are in some trouble, and the Padres are taking advantage. San Diego has lost only three contests since July 26 and holds a one-game lead over L.A. atop the division. The timing couldn't be better, given the SoCal rivals are about to play each other six times over the next 10 days. The Padres also have a unique swagger. Not only are they not afraid of the star-studded Dodgers, but they believe they're the better team. San Diego clearly sees a complacent squad that thought it could sleepwalk to October and has seized the opportunity. The road to the NL West is running through San Diego in 2025. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Dodgers:</strong> There's no denying that Los Angeles is in a funk. The team is 10-14 in the second half and has watched its nine-game lead in the division evaporate. But still, these are the reigning World Series champion Dodgers, winners of 11 of the last 12 NL West titles. The pitching staff is finally starting to get healthy, Max Muncy is back to inject some more life into the offense, and Mookie Betts is showing signs of coming out of his season-long malaise. The bullpen is a legitimate concern, but this is a veteran, battle-tested team that knows how to flip the switch when things matter most. Maybe this upcoming series with the Padres is exactly what the Dodgers need to get their groove back. <em>- Wile</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Who wins the AL West?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/cropped_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797513/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226199239.jpg?ts=1755179753 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mariners: </strong>For years, everyone has looked at the Mariners and said, "If only they could find some offense." Well, they've finally found it, and look where they are. Josh Naylor has been an absolute revelation for Seattle, serving as an anchor and spark plug for the entire unit. Thanks to Naylor and pitching, the Mariners have climbed to within 1.5 games of Houston at the top of the division despite Eugenio Suárez's post-trade struggles and Cal Raleigh's second-half slump. Once those two get going again, a lineup of Raleigh, Suárez, Naylor, Randy Arozarena, and Julio Rodríguez will be hard to beat. The AL West is wide open, and the Mariners have all the ingredients to knock off Houston. This is finally their year. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Astros:</strong> It feels like we've been trying to predict the fall of Houston for years, and the team keeps finding new ways to win. The Astros have held the division lead since June 3 despite an overwhelming amount of injuries, and now they're starting to get healthy at the right time (with the exception of Josh Hader). Cristian Javier made his season debut earlier this week. Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr., and Yordan Alvarez are also expected to rejoin the club at some point in the near future. Don't sleep on the impact of Carlos Correa's reunion with the organization, either. Not only will he help the offense, but his addition at third base gives the squad another excellent defender who brings exceptional leadership. Considering the Astros have the easiest schedule of any AL team down the stretch, it's hard not to consider them the favorites to win a fifth-straight division title. <em>- Wile </em></p><h3>Who wins the AL East?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/cropped_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797515/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222770718.jpg?ts=1755180232 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Paul Rutherford / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Blue Jays: </strong>How can you doubt them at this point? John Schneider's Blue Jays seem to be passing every test thrown their way en route to opening up a sizeable division lead and grabbing the AL's best record. Their remaining schedule isn't soft, but it's spread out favorably. After Sept. 11, Toronto plays only three games against teams that currently own a winning record. The Blue Jays will also soon get George Springer and a fresh Shane Bieber back to help down the stretch. And, like last year's Tigers, this club is playing with house money because nobody was expecting this kind of run - and those are the most dangerous kinds of teams. Toronto hangs on to take the division. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Red Sox: </strong>It's probably going to be the Blue Jays, especially with them holding a five-game lead plus the critical tiebreaker over Boston and New York. Still, I'm not ready to count out one last push by the Red Sox down the stretch to at least make things interesting. Alex Cora's club has a favorable schedule, with only 13 of its final 40 games against teams currently in a playoff spot, including three against Toronto. Boston has gone 24-12 over the last two months, led by an offense that ranks ninth in MLB in runs scored since the All-Star break and a pitching staff that owns the AL's third-lowest ERA over that time. Kristian Campbell's resurgence in Triple-A could also open the door to a promotion soon, giving the offense another potentially dynamic bat for the final push.<em> - Wile </em></p><h3>Do the Yankees make the playoffs?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/cropped_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797516/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230040963.jpg?ts=1755180416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>No: </strong>The Yankees play incredibly sloppy baseball. Sloppy teams rarely make it to October. The time for them to correct these mistakes was in May or June, not mid-to-late August, when you're starting to peek at the scoreboard. New York has allowed Toronto and Boston to fly past it in the AL East and is suddenly clinging to a half-game lead over Cleveland for the final AL wild-card spot.<strong> </strong>Making matters worse, the Yankees have already lost head-to-head tiebreakers with the Astros, Blue Jays, and Tigers, and they're close to losing it against the Red Sox, too. At this point, the hole is so deep it might be too difficult for New York to get out of. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>Yes: </strong>It feels like the Yankees do this same song and dance every year: they build what feels like an insurmountable lead in the division, play so poorly that we question Aaron Boone's and Brian Cashman's futures, and then somehow figure it out in time to make a run through the playoffs. This edition of the Bronx Bombers is incredibly flawed, but it's also incredibly talented. The new bullpen additions will acclimate themselves to New York, Giancarlo Stanton hasn't been a disaster in the outfield while crushing the ball, and Aaron Judge appears to have avoided the worst with his injury. Another thing working in the Yankees' favor is they own the AL's second-easiest schedule to end the season, and the teams chasing them - the Guardians, Rangers, and Royals - have their own flaws.<em> - Wile </em></p><h3>Do the Mets make the playoffs?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/cropped_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797517/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230031510.jpg?ts=1755180565 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Yes: </strong>In contrast to their civic rival, the Mets are going to be fine. Yes, they aren't playing particularly well of late, but holding onto an NL wild-card spot should be easier since there are fewer contenders to fend off compared to the AL. Seven games against the Phillies also offer a potential opening to gain ground. Meanwhile, the team closest to New York in the wild-card standings, Cincinnati, has one of the toughest remaining schedules. This isn't to say that the Mets will go far in October - they have glaring issues - but they'll get there. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><p><strong>No:</strong> New York owns the worst record (2-10) in the majors in August and has lost its last five series. Despite Pete Alonso and Juan Soto combining for 10 home runs this month, the pitching staff has gotten crushed, posting a 5.30 ERA. All five of New York's starters have an ERA over 4.50 in August, leaving the offense struggling to keep up. Things don't get any easier for the Mets either, as 25 of their final 41 games are against teams with winning records. While it's true the Reds have a difficult schedule, they have a deep pitching staff that just got Hunter Greene back and a roster capable of going on a run. <em>- Wile</em></p>

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Breaking down MLB's best races down the stretch 

Bo Bichette is playing himself into a significant payday this offseason.  The Toronto Blue Jays s...

<p>Bo Bichette is playing himself into a significant payday this offseason.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays shortstop is enjoying a resurgent season in which he leads the majors in hits, solidifying himself as the second-best position player on the market this winter behind Kyle Tucker.</p><p>Bichette's been adamant about his desire to remain in Toronto long-term, repeatedly saying that his goal is to spend his entire career with the same organization. While that scenario remains on the table, the Blue Jays opted to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ahead of his final season under team control, but have so far let the campaign play out with Bichette.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the Blue Jays looking to keep their competitive window open well beyond this year, re-signing Bichette appears to be a realistic option. Until then, though, he gets closer to free agency with each passing day.</p><p>So what type of contract will Bichette likely sign for?</p><h3>FA shortstops historically cash in </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/cropped_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/w220xh124_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/w320xh180_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/w640xh360_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/w768xh432_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796920/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1395049150.jpg?ts=1754616970 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali/Sportschrome / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bichette will hit the open market entering his age-28 season, the same age as Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson. Francisco Lindor's 10-year, $341-million contract is the record for any shortstop, but he agreed to the deal before hitting free agency. Corey Seager's 10-year, $325-million contract is the record for a free agent at the position.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Richest SS contracts" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mWCiG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mWCiG/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="649" 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>Bichette has faced criticism for his defensive play throughout his career. The advanced metrics don't rank him well - fifth percentile in outs above average, 29th in arm strength, and has been worth minus-8 defensive runs saved this season - a huge factor when comparing him to some of the other shortstops who signed big-ticket deals. Still, he possesses an adequate glove and enough athleticism that should keep him at shortstop for at least the early years of his next contract.</p><p>But what teams are really buying with Bichette is his bat.</p><p>He's twice led the majors in hits, and is slashing .300/.340/.475 with 16 home runs, 35 doubles, and four stolen bases on the year. He's striking out at a career-low rate (14.9%), while posting the second-best hard-hit rate of his career (48.9%).</p><p>Bichette is second in the majors among shortstops in doubles this season, while also sitting third in slugging, fifth in OPS and wRC+, and ninth in homers and fWAR.</p><p>He's having a great platform campaign to head into free agency with.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Final season before free agency" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qHUnq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qHUnq/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="424" 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>Bichette's fWAR does lack compared to most of the other shortstops on this list. Turner's fWAR was boosted not only because of his strong offensive ability, but also his solid defense, elite baserunning and speed. Swanson, Seager, Correa, Báez, and Story all rated highly defensively at the time of signing.</p><p>Bichette's best comparison on both sides of the ball is Bogaerts, who was two years older when he hit free agency. The two are more well-rounded hitters as opposed to sluggers, and both come with some defensive issues, though each still collects plenty of extra-base hits while limiting strikeouts.</p><p>Bogaerts, who ranked in the first percentile in outs above average in 2021, did rank in the 88th percentile in his walk year. Advanced defensive metrics can be tricky to gauge, but Bichette has graded in the 19th percentile or worse in OAA in four of the last five campaigns while also having what's considered a below-average arm.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/cropped_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/w220xh124_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/w320xh180_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/w640xh360_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/w768xh432_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796919/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1328431665.jpg?ts=1754616776 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>When looking at Bichette's total body of work the last few years, the numbers can seem slightly underwhelming - an injury-plagued 2024 season, in which he was limited to a .598 OPS over 81 games, drags things down. But outside of that campaign, he's never finished a year with an OPS under .800. He's been incredibly consistent when healthy.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="3 seasons before FA" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cvM1K" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cvM1K/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="398" 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>Based on the precedent, Bichette's floor is easily $140 million. But when you factor in his age, a weak free-agent class, and what's expected to be an aggressive market of buyers, it should be no shock to see the price surpass $200 million. And as we saw when Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres, it only takes one aggressive owner and front office to blow any projection out of the water.</p><h3>Where will Bichette's options be?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/cropped_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2225674138.jpg?ts=1753234568 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Even with the threat of a work stoppage after the 2026 season, Bichette is hitting the market at the perfect time. The upcoming free-agent class is loaded with starting pitchers, but Tucker and Bichette are the headliners, followed by Kyle Schwarber, who's a full-time DH. The position player group could be further bolstered should Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and Pete Alonso opt out. The best shortstop after Bichette is Ha-seong Kim, who very well could exercise his $16-million player option and remain with the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><p>Either way, Bichette should have plenty of suitors.</p><p>Do the New York Yankees pivot away from an inconsistent Anthony Volpe? Do the Detroit Tigers supplement their young roster with a veteran like Bichette? Do the Los Angeles Dodgers take another big swing and move Mookie Betts back to second base or right field? Do the Astros sell high on Jeremy Peña and bring in Bichette as his replacement? Is there a surprise entrant like the Los Angeles Angels or Colorado Rockies with an owner who feels obligated to make a major signing? Maybe another team, like the Chicago Cubs or Washington Nationals, move him to a different position.</p><p>Based on everything Bichette's said publicly, his priority seems to be re-signing in Toronto - especially considering the success of this season, both personally and from a team perspective.</p><p>Acquiring Andrés Giménez last winter likely represented somewhat of an insurance policy for the Jays should Bichette leave. Giménez, who has played 84 career games at shortstop, is still owed $84 million after this year. That's a significant amount of money, but Giménez's first season in Toronto has been underwhelming, making the need to keep Bichette more urgent.</p><p>Toronto should have no problem making Bichette a strong offer - even after spending $500 million to extend Guerrero. The organization is still within its competitive window, and with several expiring deals coming off the books this winter and next - Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, George Springer, Kevin Gausman, and Daulton Varsho - payroll restraints shouldn't be an issue.</p><p>Wherever Bichette plays in the second half of his career, he'll certainly get paid well to be there.</p>

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What will Bichette's next contract look like?

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Brandon Wile

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Michael Bradburn

Supervising editor

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Tom Ruminski

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