theScore provides insights and analysis from the Blue Jays' 11-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 o...

<p><em>theScore provides </em><em>insights and analysis from the Blue Jays' 11-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series. Relive all the action below.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XBpLd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XBpLd/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>9th inning: </strong>What an opening salvo from the Blue Jays. Toronto flexed all of its muscles during an 11-4 Game 1 beatdown of the Dodgers. The Blue Jays' 14 hits were the most in the first game of a World Series since 2010, per <a href="https://x.com/MLBStats/status/1981938864437473408">MLB Stats</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Blue Jays close out their first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> win since 1993! <a href="https://t.co/z0U7hN85uo">pic.twitter.com/z0U7hN85uo</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1981925815496446432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Jays shook off a slow start and some early mistakes to tie the game and firmly seize control by the fifth. They forced Dave Roberts to go to his beleaguered bullpen earlier than he wanted, and kept Roki Sasaki - perhaps the Dodgers' only reliable reliever - out of the game entirely.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Game 1 can often be a bellweather for how the series will go. Of the 21 teams who came back from multiple runs down to win the first game of a World Series, 15 ended up winning the series, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1981921420411040019">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. That's certainly good news for the Blue Jays, but they can't rest yet - Game 2 is less than 24 hours away, and these Dodgers are not about to give up their crown without a fight.</p><p><strong>8th inning: </strong>It wasn't the easiest top of the eighth for Chris Bassitt, but he got the job done. The veteran right-hander worked around a walk to Teoscar Hernández to pitch a scoreless frame. After being left off the ALDS roster, Bassitt's suddenly emerged as a key relief weapon for the Jays, recording five strikeouts without allowing a run over 3 2/3 innings during the ALCS and World Series.</p><p><strong>7th inning: </strong>Here's a little bit of history for Shohei Ohtani, who crushed his first-ever World Series home run off Braydon Fisher to make it a seven-run game. The two-way superstar is just the second Japanese player to homer in the World Series, joining former Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui. It's probably bittersweet for Ohtani, though, as it comes on the heels of Toronto's nine-run outburst.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Shohei Ohtani hits his first career <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> home run! <a href="https://t.co/hN5AYC2vlc">pic.twitter.com/hN5AYC2vlc</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1981915316419506263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>The Blue Jays just served notice to the Dodgers: This ain't Milwaukee. Toronto unleashed its offensive fury on L.A. with an incredible nine-run sixth inning, highlighted by Addison Barger hitting the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history. It was the most runs scored in one inning of a World Series game since the Detroit Tigers' 10-run third inning in Game 6 of the 1968 Fall Classic, per <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1981914594000925049">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>. In one half-inning, the Blue Jays might've just turned this entire series on its head.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GRAND SLAM ADDISON BARGER!<br><br>IT'S 9-2 <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLUEJAYS</a>! <a href="https://t.co/CjyVpf3Ufl">pic.twitter.com/CjyVpf3Ufl</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1981912476599120223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>It's Game 1 of the World Series and Ernie Clement is hitting .444 with a 1.080 OPS for the postseason. The red-hot utility man drives in the go-ahead run for his 20th hit, tying him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the playoff lead. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ernie Clement drives a go-ahead single! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/C72nJKL2c4">pic.twitter.com/C72nJKL2c4</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1981908829672452211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>Bo Bichette is out of the game after drawing a walk as Isiah Kiner-Falefa pinch runs for him. It seems like a bit of an early hook after Bichette looked really good in his first action in more than a month. He had an immediate impact tonight, going 1-for-2 with a walk while making a really nice defensive play at second base.</p><p>Alejandro Kirk has been a huge pain for Blake Snell tonight. Not only is the catcher 2-for-2 with a walk against the left-hander, but he's seen 18 pitches while fouling off nine and not swinging and missing. Snell's out of the game after loading the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the sixth, forcing Dave Roberts to ask his often-shaky bullpen for 12 outs.</p><p><strong>6th inning: </strong>It's been a pretty weird outing for Blake Snell. He's allowed more hits tonight (7) than in his previous three postseason outings (21 innings), but he's only given up the two runs. The Blue Jays have hit into two double plays and gifted Snell an out at third base. But they've also reached base in multiple innings and run up Snell's pitch count, making the left-hander throw 84 pitches through five innings. The key to Toronto winning this series will be getting into L.A.'s bullpen early, and it's knocking on the door in Game 1.</p><p><strong>4th inning: </strong>Rogers Centre is alive again. Daulton Varsho crushed a two-run homer to dead center to tie Game 1. The Blue Jays did what they do best: bided their time and gradually wore Snell down before pouncing on him here to make it a brand new ballgame. It's just the first home run Snell's allowed to a left-handed hitter this season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per ESPN Research: Before Daulton Varsho just now, the last left-handed hitter to homer off Blake Snell was Juan Soto -- on June 2, 2024.</p>— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1981898745445769444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Varsho hit just two home runs off southpaws in 50 at-bats during the regular season, but has hit two this postseason (Max Fried and Snell). </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DAULTON VARSHO!!! WE'RE TIED IN TORONTO!!! 🗣️🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Postseason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Postseason</a> <a href="https://t.co/EJquanVZwv">pic.twitter.com/EJquanVZwv</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1981897530444013854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>3rd inning: </strong>John Schneider allowed Trey Yesavage to work out of several jams during his last start in the ALCS, but he can't risk this game getting away from him. Yesavage has needed 67 pitches to get seven outs and is really struggling to throw strikes. He's already given up four hits and three walks, while striking out two.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trey Yesavage just went 32 pitches without throwing a splitter, has only thrown 7 total, and is barely even using it vs lefties</p>— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1981891429862379748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>2nd inning: </strong>You can't give a team like the Dodgers extra outs. The Blue Jays built a reputation on doing all the little things right all season, so Ernie Clement's unnecessary baserunning mistake bails Blake Snell out of another jam.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ernie Clement gets burned going for the extra base! <a href="https://t.co/kqZxRP2L7P">pic.twitter.com/kqZxRP2L7P</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1981888861274820616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>2nd inning: </strong>Trey Yesavage is going to need his secondary stuff to be better. The right-hander's slider was ineffective in the second inning. Max Muncy, Enrique Hernández, and Tommy Edman all singled off the pitch, leading to a run. It's curious as to why Yesavage abandoned the splitter, throwing his go-to pitch just five times in the frame.</p><p>Switch-hitter Tommy Edman batted right-handed against Yesavage to combat the splitter and singled on a dribbler to third base.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can see Trey is a bit overly anxious and coming off of his delivery. Hopefully getting out of this jam settles him down a bit.</p>— Ricky Romero (@Ricky_Ro24) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ricky_Ro24/status/1981886485415800833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>1st inning:</strong> Blake Snell, who's pitching for the first time in 11 days, does not look sharp. The left-hander managed to get out of a bases-loaded jam, but it's clear he may have his hands full with the Blue Jays' contact-oriented approach. Snell threw just 15 of his 29 pitches for strikes, and managed just one whiff - on his 28th pitch. Alejandro Kirk worked him for a walk after fouling off five balls in a nine-pitch plate appearance.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blake Snell's 29 pitches in the first inning were his most thrown in an opening frame all season and second-most over 67 starts since 2023</p>— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1981883034157920362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Snell entered the start with 28 strikeouts over 21 innings this postseason, and generated 22 whiffs during his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NLCS.</p><p><strong>1st inning: </strong>How's that for a moment? Trey Yesavage strikes out Shohei Ohtani on a splitter to open the World Series. It's the 18th strikeout for Ohtani in 42 at-bats this postseason.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WELCOME TO THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDSERIES?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDSERIES</a>, TREY YESAVAGE!! <a href="https://t.co/ZqZFeknmW6">pic.twitter.com/ZqZFeknmW6</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1981877843249262789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bo Bichette passes his first test at second base, handling a routine grounder off the bat of Freddie Freeman to record the third out. The ball will always find you. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Might be one of the reasons Bichette is playing second for the first time in his MLB career <br><br>Only 7 of Yesavage’s 70 batted balls have been fielded by second baseman <br><br>Need your best defender at short behind Yesavage <a href="https://t.co/sinUL8dIum">pic.twitter.com/sinUL8dIum</a></p>— Peter Appel (@peterappel23) <a href="https://twitter.com/peterappel23/status/1981810808167268565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Pregame:</strong> Trey Yesavage receives a loud ovation as he heads to the bullpen to warm up, while the Dodgers are booed heavily as they line up for player introductions. Shohei Ohtani gets the worst of it. Blue Jays fans clearly aren't over him picking the Dodgers over them. Ohtani silenced the boos last year when he played at Rogers Centre, homering in his first at-bat. We'll see what he has in store in the 1st inning.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The crowd "welcomes" Ohtani to Toronto during starting lineups. <a href="https://t.co/GojZKNsSLf">pic.twitter.com/GojZKNsSLf</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1981871473716494612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Pregame:</strong> We're 30 minutes away from Toronto's first Fall Classic since 1993. There's a significant advantage to winning the opener, as the team that takes Game 1 has gone on to win 64.2% of World Series, including 18 of the last 22. The Blue Jays are 4-2 at Rogers Centre this postseason, while the Dodgers are 4-0 on the road. </p><p><strong>Pregame: </strong>The Blue Jays announce that Kevin Gausman will start Game 2 against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Gausman's been excellent this October, posting a 2.00 ERA over 18 innings. His last appearance came in relief during Game 7 of the ALCS.</p><p><strong>Pregame: </strong>Bo Bichette is back and, surprise, it's at second base. Blue Jays manager John Schneider hinted at the position switch during his media availability Thursday, though it's still a major surprise to see him move positions on the biggest stage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Well he’s never played 2nd base so it’s a good time to try it, in the World Series.” ‼<br><br>Our short stops <a href="https://twitter.com/derekjeter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DerekJeter</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AROD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AROD</a> offer their thoughts on Bo Bichette playing his first MLB game at 2nd base tonight in Game 1. <a href="https://t.co/F6FAGSuZHv">pic.twitter.com/F6FAGSuZHv</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1981863180293878102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bichette, who has played exclusively at shortstop for his entire seven-year career, said Friday that he approached the club about changing positions in hopes that it would allow him to return from a knee injury quicker. We'll see how much mobility Bichette has coming off a layoff of over one month. George Springer will continue to serve as the DH, though Ross Atkins acknowledged that things could change as the series progresses.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 YOUR GAME 1 LINEUP 🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WANTITALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WANTITALL</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hiL6oatHQ">pic.twitter.com/7hiL6oatHQ</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1981801919493681321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's no real surprises with how the Dodgers are rolling things out against Trey Yesavage. The Blue Jays rookie right-hander, who is the second-youngest pitcher to ever start Game 1 of a World Series, will have his hands full with three future Hall of Famers to start the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game 1.<br><br>Tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> Dodgers lineup at Blue Jays: <a href="https://t.co/Bid3U5kOq2">pic.twitter.com/Bid3U5kOq2</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1981813533139439726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

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Chasing October: Relive Blue Jays' big Game 1 win over Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia was left off the team's World Series roster due to a pers...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11916">Alex Vesia</a> was left off the team's World Series roster due to a personal matter.</p><p>"It's with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife, Kayla, navigate a deeply personal family matter," the Dodgers said in a statement Thursday. "The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family, and we will provide an update at a later date."</p><p>Prior to Friday's Game 1, manager Dave Roberts said that Vesia "most likely" won't pitch in the series, according to <a href="https://x.com/billplunkettocr/status/1981838713635426754">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>. The Dodgers also didn't place the 29-year-old on the bereavement or family medical emergency list.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andrew Friedman said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> chose to leave Alex Vesia off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> roster to not have any pressure on Vesia to return and signal support for a situation “bigger than baseball.”</p>— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1981842799755739211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Vesia posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over seven postseason appearances. He hasn't allowed a run since Game 1 of the wild-card series while emerging as a key late-inning weapon as part of a bridge to closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a>.</p><p>The Dodgers included four left-handed relievers - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16215" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16215">Jack Dreyer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5308" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5308">Anthony Banda</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18585" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18585">Justin Wrobleski</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> - on their World Series roster. Dreyer, who enjoyed a solid rookie season out of the bullpen but has made just two postseason appearances, could see an increased role in the late innings against the Toronto Blue Jays' left-handed bats.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s your 26-man roster for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a>: <a href="https://t.co/xpHvB2ilUx">pic.twitter.com/xpHvB2ilUx</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1981734190149255614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Former All-Star left-hander Tanner Scott was left off the World Series roster for medical reasons, Roberts said, per <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/1981839558359892119">The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya</a>. Scott was removed from the Dodgers' NLDS roster mid-series after undergoing emergency surgery.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Alex Vesia #51 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks back to the dugout during Game Three of the National League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers' Vesia away for personal reasons, 'most likely' out for WS

Bo Bichette is back in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup batting cleanup for Game 1 of the World Seri...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> is back in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup batting cleanup for Game 1 of the World Series, but the star infielder will be in unfamiliar territory when he takes the field Friday.</p><p>For the first time ever as a major leaguer, Bichette will play second base, keeping Andrés Giménez at shortstop on defense.</p><p>Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers will mark Bichette's first action since Sept. 6, when he suffered a sprained knee at Yankee Stadium. The injury forced him to miss most of the stretch run as well as the first two rounds of the playoffs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OFFICIAL: Presenting our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldSeries</a> roster! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WANTITALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WANTITALL</a> <a href="https://t.co/NVgo0tObjm">pic.twitter.com/NVgo0tObjm</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1981730340004671792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"To be honest, I brought it up," Bichette said Friday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bo-bichette-in-blue-jays-lineup-at-second-base-for-2025-world-series-game-1">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "It was something I felt I could get ready for quicker than another position. I just want to be ready to help the team in any way that is afforded to me. So, that felt like an opportunity for me, and obviously they were on board with it."</p><p>The possibility of a position change came up in recent days. Bichette, who's never played anywhere but shortstop in the majors, took grounders at short and second base Wednesday. He has just 30 minor-league games of experience at the keystone and last played the position in 2019.</p><p>"For him to say that and take a step back while he's watching us play, just say 'Hey, I'm willing to do whatever it takes,' even though he's been the shortstop here for six years - that says a lot about him," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1981836873052954636">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>. </p><p>Bichette playing second moves <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4693" href="/mlb/players/4693">Isiah Kiner-Falefa</a> to a backup role after he filled in during the opening two rounds of action. That keeps <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> in his DH role and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5788" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5788">Nathan Lukes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> platooning in left field.</p><p>Should Bichette move to DH at any time this series, it would force Springer to play the outfield, something the former World Series MVP hasn't done since late September. The Jays' skipper said that Springer is "very" capable of playing defense despite coming off his own knee issue sustained from a hit-by-pitch during the ALCS. Lukes, Schneider, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14202">Addison Barger</a> could lose at-bats in that scenario.</p><p>Bichette, 27, hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 homers and 94 RBIs over 139 games during the regular season. At the time of his injury, the two-time All-Star led the majors in hits (181) and doubles (44).</p><p>Infielder Ty France was also added to the roster, with Joey Loperfido and Yariel Rodríguez coming off.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 20: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays plays the field during their MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Rogers Centre on July 20, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Blue Jays' Bichette to play 2B in return to lineup

It may not have been the World Series matchup that many predicted, but the upcoming battle betwee...

<p>It may not have been the World Series matchup that many predicted, but the upcoming battle between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers promises to be memorable. There are plenty of connections between the two teams, making this a far more juicy showdown than you may realize.</p><p>Let's look at a few of the biggest storylines to watch in this year's Fall Classic.</p><h3>Shohei and Roki: The ones who got away</h3><p>By now, the Blue Jays' all-in pursuit of Shohei Ohtani during the 2023-24 offseason is well documented. The secret visit to the team's complex in Florida. The coy press conferences during the winter meetings. The private jet tracked online by millions who thought the plane was carrying the world's most outstanding player north of the border ... only for it to end up being the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0nILOROcX7/?hl=en">Shark Tank guy</a>. Barely 24 hours later, Ohtani signed his $700-million deal with the Dodgers and promptly led them to a World Series title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/cropped_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/w220xh124_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/w320xh180_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/w640xh360_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/w768xh432_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806622/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2228393646.jpg?ts=1761090227 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>But Ohtani's not the only Dodgers star who spurned the Blue Jays. Toronto was a finalist to sign Roki Sasaki this past winter, and the club even went as far as to take on Myles Straw's contract to give extra international bonus money to Sasaki. The same day that the Blue Jays acquired Straw, Sasaki announced he was signing with the Dodgers.</p><p>It's funny how all of this worked out for everyone. Ohtani, of course, is making history in L.A., while Sasaki shook off an injury-plagued regular season to become the Dodgers' most important bullpen weapon and a breakout playoff star. Left initially reeling, the Blue Jays sank to last place in 2024 before this year's remarkable turnaround. And they couldn't have done it without Straw, a valuable contributor to the AL champions as a fourth outfielder. He even produced more fWAR (1.8) than Sasaki in the regular season.</p><p>The Blue Jays likely have a ton of respect for Ohtani and Sasaki despite getting left at the altar. Still, you can bet that they're relishing the chance to get the last laugh by beating them when it matters most. Wouldn't it be something if this World Series came down to Sasaki versus Straw, or Ohtani versus Vladimir Guerrero Jr., with two out in the ninth inning of Game 7? It feels like the baseball gods want to have fun here.</p><h3>Bichette's impact</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/cropped_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806655/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241784016.jpg?ts=1761100439 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Chisholm / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bo Bichette hasn't played since spraining his knee in early September, but the Blue Jays' All-Star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3374304" href="https://thescore.com/news/3374304">said</a> Monday that he'll "be ready" for Game 1. How Toronto will use him is still up in the air, as even manager John Schneider isn't quite sure yet.</p><p>"We'll see whether it's on the field, DHing, whatever it may be," Schneider told <a href="https://x.com/FAN590/status/1980742136229245357">Sportsnet 590's Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker</a> on Tuesday. "He's made some significant progress in terms of how he feels about his swing, and how he feels running."</p><p>Obviously, getting Bichette's bat back would be a massive development for the Blue Jays. However, he's a defensive downgrade on the best of days, which would hurt a Toronto team that prides itself on playing fundamentally sound defense. If Bichette can only DH, it might force George Springer to play the outfield, even though the Blue Jays have exclusively used him as a designated hitter through these playoffs. Springer also posted inferior offensive splits as an outfielder this year. Additionally, Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider could lose at-bats in this scenario, which could weaken the overall depth of Toronto's lineup.</p><p>A third plan is for Bichette only to hit and do nothing else, allowing the Jays to roster him for a Kirk Gibson-esque moment as a pinch hitter. While it might ease Schneider's mind regarding roster machinations, it would limit Bichette's overall impact to potentially just seven at-bats. Any way you slice it, if he's active, you can bet he will have played a role in this series' outcome.</p><h3>Teoscar's revenge</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/cropped_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806626/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239271655.jpg?ts=1761090467 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hunter Martin / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Teoscar Hernández became a fan favorite in Toronto over six seasons with the Blue Jays, but the club dealt him following its 2022 wild-card series collapse. After one lost campaign with the Seattle Mariners, Hernández revitalized his career with L.A. in 2024, and he's now an important bat in the Dodgers' deep lineup.</p><p>Blue Jays fans have received Hernández warmly during his past homecomings. He remains a close friend of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and has repeatedly expressed love for Toronto. But three years after getting cast aside, Hernández is about to return to Rogers Centre with the championship ring that his former teammates still don't have.</p><p>Just as the Blue Jays want to stick it to Sasaki and Ohtani, you can bet that Hernández is ready to get revenge. Don't be surprised if he uses this as fuel to have a massive series and perhaps turn himself into an enemy of Canada.</p><h3>Dodgers fans vs. Springer</h3><p>George Springer began crafting his October legend eight years ago against the Dodgers. A member of the Houston Astros back then, Springer was named 2017 World Series MVP after hitting .379/.471/1.000 during their seven-game series win. He became the third player to hit five homers in a single World Series and set a Fall Classic record with 29 total bases.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Springer is familiar with facing the Dodgers in the World Series. In 2017, he hit five home runs on his way to winning the World Series MVP <a href="https://t.co/s6JVwkDBzJ">pic.twitter.com/s6JVwkDBzJ</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1980732879098507542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Of course, the view of this performance changed two years later when the Astros' sign-stealing scandal came to light. And while most of the 2017 Dodgers are gone - Clayton Kershaw and Enrique Hernández are the only players who are still with L.A. from that team - the fans certainly haven't forgotten. It's a foregone conclusion that Springer will receive the rudest of welcomes once the series shifts west.</p><p>Will the jeers affect Springer during the games at Dodger Stadium? He's in the midst of another <a href="https://www.x.com/MLB/status/1980461867098337447">epic playoff run</a>, albeit with dramatic home-road splits that'll no doubt draw scrutiny from skeptics (1.053 at Rogers Centre, .802 on the road). However, Springer could become the most reviled of all the 2017 Astros in Southern California if he manages to silence Chavez Ravine in the World Series again.</p><h3>Vlad Jr.'s moment</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/cropped_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806506/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242290533.jpg?ts=1761016166 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Guerrero wasn't lying when he said he was "born ready." The Blue Jays' $500-million man has taken over the playoffs, first almost single-handedly eliminating the New York Yankees and then crushing the Mariners en route to ALCS MVP honors.</p><p>At just 26 years old, Guerrero has a chance to one-up his Hall of Fame dad and win a World Series. Vladimir Guerrero Sr. never hoisted the Commissioner's Trophy with his two primary franchises, the Expos and Angels. But he reached the Fall Classic late in his career with the Rangers, batting 1-for-14 in their series loss during his second-last season.</p><p>Regardless of what happens from here, this October run has cemented Guerrero as a Canadian baseball icon. Adding a ring would put him squarely into the inner circle of modern baseball superstars and maybe even start to push him past his father. At this point, you'd be crazy to bet against Junior.</p><h3>Power vs. grit</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/cropped_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806627/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241108754.jpg?ts=1761090671 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Los Angeles' pitching staff is easily the most dominant in baseball when it's firing on all cylinders. Specializing in blowing away opponents, the Dodgers posted an MLB-best 9.4 K/9 rate during the regular season. But now they face a plucky Blue Jays lineup that had the majors' lowest strikeout percentage (17.8%), led by Guerrero, who's been K'd just three times this postseason.</p><p>Blue Jays hitters excel at working the count, putting the ball in play, and extending at-bats. Dodgers pitchers enjoy dispatching their rivals as quickly as possible. Opponents hit .150 and struck out 1,505 times against L.A. this year when faced with a two-strike count. Conversely, Toronto's batters had the second-best OPS (.562) and second-fewest Ks (1,099) while hitting with two strikes. The Blue Jays also recorded the majors' highest average (.292) with runners in scoring position and the second-best OPS with RISP - behind only the Dodgers.</p><p>Toronto's lineup may lack in overall star power compared to Los Angeles', but it makes up for that with balance, depth, and grit. The Blue Jays already wore down the Yankees' and Mariners' talented pitching staffs this postseason. It'll be fascinating to see these contrasting approaches face off in a seven-game series and watch both sides adjust to try to counter their opponents' strengths.</p>

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6 biggest Jays-Dodgers storylines ahead of World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers set their starting rotation for the first two games of the World Series. ...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers set their starting rotation for the first two games of the World Series.</p><p>Los Angeles will start left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> in Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday at Rogers Centre, manager Dave Roberts announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1980771699286241342">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>. All-Star righty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> will follow Snell in Game 2.</p><p>The Dodgers also trusted Snell and Yamamoto for Games 1 and 2 of the NLCS on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers. Snell dominated with eight innings of one-hit ball in the NLCS opener before Yamamoto recorded a complete-game three-hitter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Snell, 32, is no stranger to the Blue Jays, having spent the first five years of his career with the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays. The two-time Cy Young Award winner had a dominant playoff start against Toronto in the 2020 wild-card series.</p><p>A shoulder issue limited Snell to 11 regular-season starts in 2025 after joining the Dodgers on a five-year, $182-million deal last winter. But he's been exactly what they paid for in October, posting a 0.86 ERA and 0.52 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and just five walks over his three postseason starts. Snell enters the World Series sporting a lifetime 2.58 ERA with 89 strikeouts across 69 2/3 playoff innings.</p><p>Yamamoto's been just as dominant this postseason, sporting a 1.83 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 18 strikeouts, four walks, and only two homers allowed. The 27-year-old has given up two or fewer earned runs in five of his seven career playoff starts.</p><p>Game 2 will be Yamamoto's first career start against the Blue Jays.</p><p>The Dodgers haven't firmed up the remainder of their World Series rotation, although Roberts suggested the team will "probably" use the same starters in Games 3 and 4 as it did in the NLCS, per <a href="https://x.com/billplunkettocr/status/1980771838142943692">Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register</a>. That would line up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a> to start Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> following in Game 4.</p><p>The Blue Jays have yet to name their starters for the opening two contests of the World Series. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, respectively, started Games 1 and 2 in both the ALDS and ALCS. However, Gausman threw 19 pitches in relief during Toronto's Game 7 win over Seattle on Monday.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: Blake Snell #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during Game One of the National League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Monday, October 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Dodgers to start Snell in Game 1 vs. Jays, Yamamoto gets Game 2

Three nights after Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider's bullpen management was questioned, ...

<p>Three nights after Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider's bullpen management was questioned, it was Seattle Mariners skipper Dan Wilson's turn to face the music.</p><p>After Bryan Woo put two on to start the bottom of the seventh with Seattle holding a 3-1 lead in Game 7, Wilson called on right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12543">Eduard Bazardo</a> to face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a>. The right-hander promptly gave up what turned out to be the series-clinching three-run homer for Toronto.</p><p>Wilson's choice of Bazardo over All-Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10823" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10823">Andrés Muñoz</a> in such a critical situation raised plenty of eyebrows. But he defended the choice by noting that Bazardo's been a go-to reliever in those spots all season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Bazardo has been the guy that's gotten us through those situation(s), those tight ones, especially in the pivot role, and that's where we were going at that point," Wilson said, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=213837">ASAP Sports</a>.</p><p>"(He's) been doing it all season long and has been so consistent at it and he's done such a good job all year. We felt really comfortable with him out there, the way he's been throwing the ball, especially in this series, and it was a good spot for him."</p><p>Bazardo emerged as a workhorse for the Mariners this postseason, and was used in several big situations during the team's playoff run. However, he allowed two homers over 5 2/3 innings in the ALCS.</p><p>Muñoz, by contrast, didn't allow a run in seven postseason appearances. He ended up pitching in Game 7 and tossed a scoreless eighth inning to keep it a one-run game.</p><p>Ultimately, Wilson stood firmly behind his choice, despite the fact that it sent Seattle home without a pennant for a 49th straight season.</p><p>"Yeah, I mean, you make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it," Wilson said. "I think, again, the way Bazardo has thrown the ball all season long, we were comfortable with where we were and it just, again, didn't go our way."</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 19: Manager Dan Wilson #6 of the Seattle Mariners is interviewed before game six of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Wilson defends not using Muñoz in 7th: Bazardo's 'been the guy' for us

The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to the World Series, and it appears they'll have Bo Bichette in...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to the World Series, and it appears they'll have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> in uniform for Game 1.</p><p>"I'll be ready (to play Friday)," Bichette said after the Blue Jays beat the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1980488498089193707">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "I don't know how they'll use me. I'll be ready."</p><p>Bichette hasn't played since spraining his knee in a home-plate collision at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 6. Although there was some hope that clinching a bye through the wild-card round would allow him to return earlier, Bichette had to watch the Blue Jays win the pennant from the dugout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Before Game 7, manager John Schneider told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-bichette-making-significant-progress-berrios-done-for-season/">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a> that Bichette's been making "significant progress" in his recovery. The 27-year-old has been taking batting practice and starting to do some running in an attempt to ramp up for the upcoming Fall Classic.</p><p>"I think the baserunning and the defense is something hopefully we can advance and we can check those boxes in the next few days," Schneider said pregame, per <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=213836">ASAP Sports</a>. He's done some light stuff, but hasn't been like full go at short. And he's not back on the bases yet, but the running has picked up in the outfield, just in terms of the intensity and the build-up or the length of it, to be perfectly honest. So, yeah, we'll see how he goes over the next couple days."</p><p>Bichette enjoyed a stellar regular season, hitting .311/.357/.483 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs, and 44 doubles over 139 games. At the time of his injury, he was leading the majors in both hits (181) and doubles.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a>, Toronto's primary second baseman, moved over to cover shortstop for Bichette in September and has started all 11 playoff games at the position. Waiver pickup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4693" href="/mlb/players/4693">Isiah Kiner-Falefa</a> added some much-needed infield depth down the stretch, and started four games at second during the ALCS.</p><p>If Bichette is able to play the field, Giménez could shift back to the keystone. But the Blue Jays could face a conundrum if he can't defend, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> has been their DH for the entire postseason and is currently playing through a knee ailment. Springer has played some outfield in 2025, but has hit far better as a designated hitter this year.</p><p>The Blue Jays will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday at Rogers Centre.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays takes batting practice prior to Game Six of the American League Championship Series presented by Booking.com between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada.

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Blue Jays' Bichette: 'I'll be ready' for World Series

Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was named ALCS MVP following the Toronto Blue Jays' series victor...

<p>Superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> was named ALCS MVP following the Toronto Blue Jays' series victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is your ALCS MVP 👏 <a href="https://t.co/UNa0691GUA">pic.twitter.com/UNa0691GUA</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1980474127128698991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Guerrero hit a scorching .385/.484/.846 with three homers, six extra-base hits, six runs scored, and four walks during the seven-game series while striking out just twice in 31 plate appearances. He also played tremendous defense at first base, starting multiple game-changing plays with his glove.</p><p>The 26-year-old is the third Blue Jays player to win the award, following Roberto Alomar in 1992 and Dave Stewart in 1993. He's also just the second primary first baseman to claim ALCS MVP honors, joining Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox in 2005.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto signed Guerrero to a 14-year, $500-million contract earlier this season.</p><p>The Blue Jays will face the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, which starts Friday at Rogers Centre.</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 20: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays lifts the William Harridge Trophy after winning game seven of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners at the Rogers Centre on October 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Blue Jays' Guerrero named ALCS MVP

The Toronto Blue Jays forced the 2025 American League Championship Series to a winner-take-all Ga...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays forced the 2025 American League Championship Series to a winner-take-all Game 7 with a 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners in Game 6 at Rogers Centre on Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR GAME 7! <a href="https://t.co/y9UFF0Sccb">pic.twitter.com/y9UFF0Sccb</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1980106121026384360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14202">Addison Barger</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> led the way offensively for Toronto. Barger went 2-for-3 with a homer, a walk, and three RBIs, while Guerrero continued his torrid postseason by homering and scoring two runs. Guerrero's homer was the sixth of his postseason career, tying him with Joe Carter and José Bautista for the most in Blue Jays history.</p><p>Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> struck out seven on six hits while allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15396" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15396">Louis Varland</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> blanked the Mariners out of the bullpen to seal the victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Seattle played sloppy baseball for most of the evening. With a chance to win the franchise's first-ever AL pennant, the Mariners committed three errors, including two in the second inning that led to a pair of Blue Jays runs. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>'s throwing error in the seventh allowed Toronto's sixth run to score.</p><p>The Mariners had their share of chances early in the game, but came up empty offensively. Seattle loaded the bases in both the third and fourth innings but hit into inning-ending double plays both times - the first time that's ever happened in playoff history, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1980084807829799085">Sportsnet Stats</a>. Yesavage then induced a third ground-ball double play to end the fifth.</p><p>"I saw the ball was smoked over to Vladdy, so I knew I had to get my butt over there. I had no idea where the bag was," Yesavage said about covering first base on the <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1980076923243090336">third-inning double play</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1980113318921846966">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "I just thank the lord that he put me right on top of it."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Mariners are the first team with 3+ errors and 3+ GIDP in a playoff game since the Yankees in Game 2 of the 2009 ALCS (though they miraculously beat the Angels in that game in 13 innings).<br><br>h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/bmags94?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bmags94</a></p>— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DKramer_/status/1980098783334580414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Mariners starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> was hit hard, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits over four-plus innings. He now owns a 7.71 ERA across seven-plus frames in this series.</p><p>First pitch of Game 7 goes Monday at 8:08 p.m. ET in Toronto. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> is expected to start for the Blue Jays against Mariners right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12378">George Kirby</a>. The winner will advance to face the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.</p><p>Mariners manager Dan Wilson said it would be "all hands on deck" in the bullpen behind Kirby, according to <a href="https://x.com/WolstatSun/status/1980108502505783739">Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15727">Bryce Miller</a>, who started Game 5 for Seattle, confirmed that he will be available in relief, according to <a href="https://x.com/RyanDivish/status/1980114162257957232">Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times</a>.</p><p>Blue Jays skipper John Schneider also said every pitcher "on our active roster" will be ready to pitch, per <a href="https://x.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1980118331010195771">Sportsnet's Blake Murphy</a>. This includes Hoffman, who threw 35 pitches Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevin Gausman says you might see him pitch tomorrow, “might see Max Scherzer.” That’s the beauty of a Game 7. He can’t wait.</p>— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) <a href="https://twitter.com/WolstatSun/status/1980120067393122681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This will be the first Game 7 in Mariners history, while the Blue Jays' only Game 7 came in the 1985 ALCS, a game they lost to Kansas City at Exhibition Stadium.</p><p>Regardless of result, Monday's game will see the end of a long drought for one of two starved franchises. The Mariners have never won a pennant, and are the only active team that's yet to play in a World Series. Toronto, meanwhile, is searching for its first AL title since 1993.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Alejandro Kirk #30 and Jeff Hoffman #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after winning Game Six of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday, October 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Jays beat Mariners, send ALCS to Game 7

The Detroit Tigers and Tarik Skubal seem to be far apart in extension talks - and it appears that...

<p>The Detroit Tigers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> seem to be far apart in extension talks - and it appears that's been the case for quite a while.</p><p>Last offseason, Skubal - who's entering his final year of arbitration before free agency - rejected a four-year extension offer from the Tigers that was worth less than $100 million, sources told <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/10/17/detroit-tigers-tarik-skubal-2024-contract-extension-offer/86736451007/">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a> this week.</p><p>While the exact dollar value of that rejected offer isn't known, the total would have surpassed the $80-million extension Detroit gave to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> in 2010, Petzold reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The reigning AL Cy Young winner is represented by Scott Boras. It's not clear whether he's had any substantial contract talks with the Tigers since last winter. Earlier this week, <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/10/16/sports/tigers-staring-down-250-million-gap-in-tarik-skubal-contract-talks/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reported that the gap between Skubal's camp and the Tigers is around $250 million; Petzold reports that it could be closer to $300 million.</p><p>Should Skubal reach free agency, the 28-year-old would become the prize of the 2026-27 offseason and could command a record contract from any potential suitor. To that end, the Tigers are expected to at least listen to offers for their ace this offseason, sources told <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/18/sports/sunday-baseball-mookie-betts-shortstop/">Alex Speier of the Boston Globe</a>.</p><p>Skubal is likely to win his second consecutive AL Cy Young Award in November after posting an AL-best 2.21 ERA, 2.45 FIP, and 0.89 WHIP along with 241 strikeouts and one shutout in 2025. He followed up that remarkable regular season with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3365591" href="https://thescore.com/news/3365591">record-setting</a> playoff run, tallying 36 strikeouts and a 1.74 ERA over three postseason starts.</p><p>The Tigers have made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons following a nine-year rebuild. Although the team was a big spender in the early 2010s, Detroit's 2025 Opening Day payroll ranked 18th out of 30 teams, per <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/american-league/detroit-tigers/">Cot's Contracts</a>.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 23: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry (6) (not pictured) was hit in the face by the baseball on a bunt attempt during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians on September 23, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

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Report: Skubal rejected Tigers' offer of less than $100M last year

The Portland Trail Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension...

<p>The Portland Trail Blazers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102802" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102802">Shaedon Sharpe</a> agreed to a four-year, $90-million rookie extension ahead of Monday evening's deadline, the guard's agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980046263363186740">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Sunday.</p><p>The news broke shortly after the team agreed to a four-year, $82-million extension with forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110264" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110264">Toumani Camara</a>, according to<a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980033841239556493"> Charania</a>.</p><p>The 22-year-old Sharpe averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over 72 contests last season. He was selected seventh overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Camara earned his extension after a breakout 2024-25 season in which he was named to the All-Defensive second team in his second NBA campaign. He also garnered some downballot support for Defensive Player of the Year.</p><p>The 25-year-old Belgian averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks over 78 games with Portland last season. Camara was one of only seven players who recorded 100-plus steals and 50-plus blocks last season, while his 116 steals ranked ninth in the NBA.</p><p>Camara was originally selected 52nd overall by Phoenix in 2023 and then traded to Portland several months later in the three-team deal that sent Blazers icon Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard returned to Portland as a free agent in July.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Toumani Camara #33 and Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers high five during the second half at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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Blazers agree to 4-year extensions with Sharpe, Camara

Toronto Blue Jays star slugger George Springer is in the lineup for Game 6.  Springer, who left G...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays star slugger George Springer is in the lineup for Game 6.</p><p>Springer, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3371205" href="https://thescore.com/news/3371205">left Game 5</a> of the ALCS in the seventh inning after a pitch hit him squarely in the kneecap, was included in the lineup as the designated hitter for Sunday's must-win contest at Rogers Centre against the Seattle Mariners.</p><p>The 36-year-old will hit out of his familiar leadoff spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Springer fell to the ground in intense pain after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16278" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16278">Bryan Woo</a>'s 96-mph sinker struck him during his third at-bat of Friday's game. He spent several minutes on the ground and initially tried to remain in the contest but was ultimately lifted for a pinch runner.</p><p>Initial fears of a serious knee injury were quelled somewhat when X-rays returned negative, and Springer was diagnosed with a contusion. Manager John Schneider was optimistic Saturday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3372052" href="https://thescore.com/news/3372052">saying</a> the four-time All-Star was "feeling a lot better." Still, Springer's status for Sunday's game remained unclear until the lineup was announced.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Schneider said George Springer "was in really good spirits yesterday and he's like, ‘Yeah, I'm playing.’ … I talked to him last night, texted him this morning and he was like, ‘Stop asking. I'm good.’"<br><br>Blue Jays expect "he’ll be a pretty normal version of himself.”</p>— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi/status/1980009181466804608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Springer has been an offensive spark plug for the Blue Jays this postseason, and he's been crushing Mariners pitching during the ALCS. He's hitting .318/.375/.727 with two homers and four RBIs in this series and had an RBI double in Game 5 two innings before his exit. Overall, the former World Series MVP owns a .934 OPS with eight extra-base hits during the 2025 playoffs.</p><p>Seattle leads 3-2 in the ALCS, and the Blue Jays must win Sunday night to force a Game 7 on Monday in Toronto.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 13: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates on second base after hitting a double in the first inning during Game Two of the American League Championship Series presented by Booking.com between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Monday, October 13, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada.

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Springer in Game 6 lineup after HBP injury scare

This time, Shohei Ohtani outdid even himself.  Ohtani was named NLCS MVP after turning in perhaps...

<p>This time, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> outdid even himself.</p><p>Ohtani was named NLCS MVP after turning in perhaps the greatest single-game performance in postseason history Friday. The two-way superstar hit three home runs at the plate while striking out 10 over six-plus shutout innings on the mound to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the series-clinching Game 4.</p><p>Ohtani's third homer to tie the single-game postseason record was a 427-foot blast off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9872" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9872">Trevor Megill</a> in the seventh inning. He's the first player in baseball history - both regular season and playoffs - to hit three home runs and record 10-plus strikeouts as a pitcher in the same game, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1979378868961058856">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"That was probably the greatest postseason performance of all-time," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HE DOES IT AGAIN 🦄<br><br>SHOHEI OHTANI HAS A THREE-HOMER GAME! <a href="https://t.co/EWGgYuuV6o">pic.twitter.com/EWGgYuuV6o</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1979378384015622592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohtani opened the game by hitting a leadoff home run, mere moments after striking out three Brewers in the top of the first. It was the first leadoff homer hit by a pitcher in baseball history, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1979349924048441542">Langs</a>.</p><p>In the fourth, he crushed his second homer, a 469-foot moonshot completely out of Dodger Stadium. Ohtani is just the third left-handed hitter to ever clear the stadium's right-field pavilion, joining Willie Stargell and Kyle Schwarber, per <a href="https://x.com/jaysonst/status/1979367829276365163">Jayson Stark of The Athletic</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SHOHEI OHTANI HAS TAKEN OVER<br><br>HE LEAVES THE YARD AGAIN 💥 <a href="https://t.co/ul2EcfZtxk">pic.twitter.com/ul2EcfZtxk</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1979366343716802614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ohtani's three-homer game is the 13th in postseason history, and he's both the 12th individual player and third Dodger to do it. He's also the sixth to hit three in a potential series-clinching game, per <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/onr1d">Stathead</a> - joining a list that includes his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Kiké Hernández</a>, who hit three in the Dodgers' 2017 NLCS-clinching win. Ohtani and Hall of Famer George Brett are the only players to have a three-homer playoff game batting leadoff, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1979381035734569011">OptaStats</a>.</p><p>"We were part of tonight an iconic, maybe the best individual performance ever in a postseason game," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said of Ohtani. "I don't think anybody can argue with that. A guy punches out 10 and hits three homers."</p><p>Ohtani is also the first Dodgers pitcher to homer in a playoff game, and the first pitcher to do it since Milwaukee's Brandon Woodruff did it against L.A. in 2018, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1979354159179796724">Langs</a>.</p><p>The three-time NL MVP is just the second player to record a three-homer game in the modern era during a game that he pitched, whether in the regular season or playoffs, according to <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/ogrwt">Stathead</a>. The only other starting pitcher with a three-homer game was Jim Tobin of the Boston Braves on May 13, 1942.</p><p>"I've said it multiple times: We're like the Bulls, and he's Michael Jordan," superstar shortstop Mookie Betts told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1979393405856694506">MLB Network's Abby Labar</a> postgame. "Whenever he goes, we're all gonna go, and you see it today. I'm just happy he's on our team."</p><p>Overall, Ohtani hit .357/.500/1.143 with three homers, a triple, four RBIs, four runs scored, four walks, and a steal during the Dodgers' four-game NLCS sweep. His only pitching appearance of the series came in Game 4, where he struck out 10 and walked three but gave up just two hits while throwing 100 pitches - meaning he finished the series with a 0.00 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over six-plus frames.</p><p>Ohtani is the 10th Dodgers player to win NLCS MVP, and the first pitcher to claim the honor since the Cubs' Jon Lester in 2016.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives the MVP trophy after Game Four of the National League Championship Series presented by Booking.com between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Ohtani hits 3 HRs, throws 6 shutout IP, wins NLCS MVP

Toronto Blue Jays star George Springer was removed from Game 5 of the ALCS after being hit in the...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a> was removed from Game 5 of the ALCS after being hit in the kneecap by a pitch in the top of the seventh inning.</p><p>Springer was on the ground for several minutes before being helped up by manager John Schneider and a trainer. He attempted to walk it off and stay in the game before eventually limping off the field.</p><p>X-rays on Springer's knee returned negative. The 36-year-old will undergo more testing when the team returns to Toronto.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"He's got a right knee contusion," Schneider said. "He had X-rays, which were negative, which is a good thing. He'll probably do some more testing tonight when we get home. George is about as tough as they come. I think he'll have to really, really be hurting to not be in the lineup on Sunday."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Springer exits the game after taking a pitch off the knee. <a href="https://t.co/6l3PPC6e1L">pic.twitter.com/6l3PPC6e1L</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1979344530852974999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Schneider also took a moment to chastise Seattle fans for booing while Springer was being checked out.</p><p>"I know this is an awesome atmosphere to play in, and it's really, really cool to play here, and I think the fans that were booing him should take a look in the mirror and understand what kind of player he is and -- I'll stop there, because when a guy gets hit in the knee and is in obvious pain and have you 40,000 people cheering, not the right thing to do," Schneider said. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14273" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14273">Joey Loperfido</a> pinch-ran for Springer and remained in the game at DH.</p><p>Springer's remarkable comeback season has continued into the playoffs, where he's hit .256/.318/.615 with three home runs, eight extra-base hits, and six RBIs over 44 plate appearances.</p><p>Springer tied Game 5 with an RBI double in the fifth inning, his last plate appearance before the HBP.</p><p>A long-term injury to Springer would be a massive blow to Toronto's championship hopes. The former World Series MVP has been a lynchpin of the team's offense all year, putting up a .959 OPS with 32 homers and 84 RBIs during the regular season. If Springer were to be removed from the roster, he'd be ineligible to participate in the World Series should Toronto advance.</p><p>The Blue Jays have been without star shortstop Bo Bichette all postseason as he continues to recover from a knee sprain sustained in early September. They also removed outfielder Anthony Santander from the postseason roster ahead of Game 4 because of a back injury. Loperfido replaced Santander on the active roster.</p><p>The Blue Jays led the Seattle Mariners 2-1 at the time of Springer's injury but eventually <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3371243" href="https://thescore.com/news/3371243">lost</a> by a score of 6-2. The Mariners now lead the series 3-2.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 17: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays (C) exits the game after being hit on the knee by a pitch during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners in game five of the American League Championship Series at T-Mobile Park on October 17, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Blue Jays' Springer exits Game 5 after taking HBP off knee

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider tried to explain his controversial decision to use left-...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider tried to explain his controversial decision to use left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12758" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12758">Brendon Little</a> while holding a late lead in Friday's Game 5 of the ALCS.</p><p>Little entered what was then a one-run game in favor of Toronto to face the heart of the Seattle Mariners' order - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3558" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3558">Jorge Polanco</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> - in the bottom of the eighth. After taking the first two pitches for balls, Raleigh launched Little's sinker over the left-field wall for a game-tying homer. Little then walked Polanco and Naylor before being pulled for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9732" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9732">Seranthony Domínguez</a>, who gave up a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3371243" href="https://thescore.com/news/3371243">game-winning grand slam</a> to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a>.</p><p>Schneider hinted at perhaps wanting to turn switch-hitters Raleigh and Polanco around to hit from the right side as part of his decision. Naylor, the third batter Little met, hits from the left side.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I wanted to see that part of the lineup see different (relievers)," Schneider said. "We talked about it all series. Little's been one of our best pitchers in big spots. Tough guy to elevate. Cal's a really good hitter.</p><p>"I get it, man. After that, you got to settle down and throw strikes too. So that's been part of Little's game. So has strikeouts. Again, I trust every single guy on this roster. It's hard. No one feels worse than Little, no one feels worse than Ser right now, or me. But I trust every single guy on this roster. Today it didn't work out, but we've won two games in a row a whole lot this year."</p><p>Schneider turned to Little instead of giving Domínguez a clean inning, or calling on closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> to pitch the eighth. Hoffman pitched the eighth in Toronto's Game 4 victory Thursday, recording a clean inning against Seattle's best hitters while his team led 8-2.</p><p>"I thought about it, for sure," Schneider said of using Hoffman early. "Decisions are hard. I think being convicted in a process is important. You make a decision and you leave it behind you. It's part of baseball. Second-guessing is part of it."</p><p>Little enjoyed a solid regular season, posting a 3.03 ERA and 1.36 WHIP along with a 12.0 K/9 rate and just two homers allowed over an AL-leading 79 appearances. However, most of that production came early in the 2025 season.</p><p>Including the playoffs, Little has a 6.08 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over his last 21 appearances, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1979352837722378324">Sportsnet Stats</a>. The 29-year-old also took the loss in Game 1 of the ALCS.</p><p>"Obviously, it feels terrible," Little told reporters. "The whole game, they put us in a position to win. I came in and really couldn't have pitched worse."</p>

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 17: Manager John Schneider #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays talks to media prior to Game Five of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Friday, October 17, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Schneider explains using Little in 8th: He's 'been one of our best'

The Philadelphia Phillies are opting for stability in the dugout after another early playoff exit...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies are opting for stability in the dugout after another early playoff exit.</p><p>Philadelphia will retain manager Rob Thomson in 2026, report <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1977778617745584291">Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. The team will make his return official later this week.</p><p>Thomson has compiled a 346-251 record since taking over the Phillies in June 2022. He's led the Phillies to three straight 90-win seasons and two consecutive NL East crowns, as well as a surprising NL pennant in 2022. The 62-year-old Canadian's .580 winning percentage is the highest in Phillies history among skippers with at least two seasons and 200 games managed.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This year was the Phillies' most successful regular season under Thomson. Their 96 wins marked the franchise's best record since 2011, and they secured a bye as the NL's No. 2 seed for a second straight year.</p><p>However, that success again failed to translate to the playoffs, continuing a string of October failures for a high-priced and star-laden squad. After making it to the World Series as a Cinderella wild-card team in 2022, the Phillies lost the 2023 NLCS to the underdog D-Backs, then fell to the rival Mets - also a No. 6 seed - in the NLDS the following year.</p><p>Last week, the Phillies were again eliminated in the NLDS, losing in four games to the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Although they weren't sent home by a Cinderella squad, this year's playoff ouster was particularly heartbreaking, as their season ended on a walk-off throwing error by reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17198" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17198">Orion Kerkering</a>.</p><p>The Phillies have won only two World Series titles over their 142-year history, in 1980 and 2008.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 04: Rob Thomson, Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, walks to the mound for a pitching change in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game one of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Phillies keeping Thomson after 3rd straight early exit

The San Diego Padres have a sudden vacancy in the dugout, as Mike Shildt announced his retirement...

<p>The San Diego Padres have a sudden vacancy in the dugout, as Mike Shildt announced his retirement from managing Monday, the 57-year-old told <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/10/13/mike-shildt-retires-padres-manager/">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>.</p><p>The Padres didn't force Shildt out, and retirement was his decision, both he and multiple sources told Acee.</p><p>"It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days," Shildt wrote in an email to Acee. "I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve (late Padres owner) Peter Seidler's vision of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego. We fell short of the ultimate goal, but I am proud of what the players, staff, and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. While it has always been about serving others, it's time I take care of myself and exit on my terms."</p><p>Shildt guided the Padres to the playoffs in each of his two seasons with the club, leading them to 93 wins in 2024 and 90 victories this past year. However, his teams won just a single playoff round before losing a five-game division series to the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024.</p><p>"(Mike's) dedication and passion for the game of baseball will leave an impact on our organization, and we wish him the best in his next chapter," Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said in a statement. "The search for a new manager of the Padres will begin immediately with the goal of winning a World Series championship in 2026."</p><p>The North Carolina native compiled a 435-340 record over six seasons in the dugout between the Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. Shildt won NL Manager of the Year in 2019 with St. Louis and steered his squads to the playoffs in each of his five full campaigns managing.</p><p>San Diego will now embark on a search for its fourth manager of this decade and the fifth hired by Preller. None of those full-time skippers has spent more than two seasons with the club.</p><p>The Padres have built an expensive and star-studded roster that's made the playoffs four times in the last six campaigns. Despite their regular-season success, they've yet to break through in October, winning just four playoff series and advancing to the NLCS just once (in 2022). San Diego last won an NL pennant in 1998.</p><p>With Shildt's retirement, there are eight vacant MLB managerial positions.</p>

Chicago, Illinois - October 1, 2025: Manager Mike Shildt #8 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout against the Chicago Cubs during Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on October 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Mike Shildt retires after 2 seasons managing Padres

The playoff field has once again halved as four more teams fell in the LDS and now turn their att...

<p><em>The playoff field has once again halved as four more teams fell in the LDS and now turn their attention to the offseason. Here are the biggest questions facing the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies this winter.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="New York Yankees" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-b4gUA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/b4gUA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="370" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>In the Bronx, the attitude has always been championship or bust. Well, it's now been 16 years - the second-longest championship drought in the franchise's storied history - since the Yankees paraded down Broadway. This isn't to say they're about to rebuild, but their latest loss leaves them at a major crossroads heading into 2026.</p><p>The major players will all be back next season. Aaron Judge remains New York's centerpiece and isn't the problem here. Offensively, he'll continue to form a fearsome tandem with Giancarlo Stanton (health permitting), and Ben Rice should take over first base full time going forward. Starting pitching will also continue to be a strength for the club, led by Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, a more experienced Cam Schlittler, and a returning Gerrit Cole.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Everything else is a question mark. Considering the manner in which the Yankees crashed out of the playoffs, it's time for the organization to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask some serious questions. The basic miscues in the field, the lack of awareness, the inability or unwillingness to work counts and be patient at the plate - none of that can happen again. In order to return to the mountaintop, the Yankees need to reimagine themselves.</p><p>Since this is the Yankees we're talking about, they'll be linked to almost every major free agent. Poaching Bo Bichette from the team that just eliminated them would be a great start to their offseason. Yes, Bichette has some defensive issues at shortstop, but his hitting style is exactly what the lineup needs. New York has enough power hitters who strike out a ton; it needs a Bichette to consistently put the ball in play at the top of the order, no matter where he's playing defensively.</p><p>Re-signing Cody Bellinger needs to be a priority for general manager Brian Cashman as well. The former NL MVP may never return to those heights, but he's a perfect fit for this team and should age well at Yankee Stadium. New York also has to finally decide whether former top prospect Spencer Jones, whom it's hung onto through the last several trade deadlines, is finally ready for the show. If not, it's time to trade him. Ditto for Jasson Domínguez, who was the Yankees' primary left fielder in 2025 but got just one plate appearance during the postseason.</p><p>Then there's the bullpen, where David Bednar in the ninth inning is now the only sure thing. Luke Weaver, a 2024 playoff hero, has probably pitched his last game in pinstripes after falling back to earth this postseason. Devin Williams' rocky year leaves his return in question, although he could probably be had at a reasonable price. Most importantly, New York's 'pen needs stability and consistency alongside Bednar. Expect the team to chase the likes of Taylor Rogers, Raisel Iglesias, or even Edwin Díaz if he opts out.</p><p>The Yankees will be good again in 2026. Judge will likely lead them back to the playoffs, and they could win the division. But is that all they want? What they do this winter will tell us everything we need to know.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Philadelphia Phillies" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-acChA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/acChA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="378" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Orion Kerkering's unfortunate season-ending error may have closed the door on the Phillies' championship window. It's clear that executives Dave Dombrowski and Preston Mattingly have their work cut out for them. Still, all is not necessarily lost here.</p><p>With an aging and expensive core, Philadelphia has no choice but to continue going all-in on winning. The first step is obviously to re-sign Kyle Schwarber. From there, everything else can fall into place. Retaining J.T. Realmuto at a reasonable cost would be helpful given the hole he'd leave behind the plate, and Harrison Bader could be brought back to solidify left field.</p><p>The pitching side is where things get a bit dicey. Owner John Middleton has never been shy about spending money, but will he do it to retain Ranger Suárez? You can never have enough starters, and Suárez is excellent at his job. Keeping him would also provide insurance if Zack Wheeler's recovery doesn't go as planned. But Suárez is 30 and spent time on the injured list with back issues each of the last two seasons. Signing him to a long-term deal presents another high-risk, high-reward proposition for a team with plenty of those deals already on the books.</p><p>The Phillies need to decide how big of a role their younger players will have in 2026. Top prospect Andrew Painter racked up strikeouts in Triple-A this season, albeit with an ERA above five. Is he ready for a rotation spot? Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford are on the verge of reaching the majors as well, and both could become major contributors either next year or in '27. Miller's path is more complicated, though, as he's blocked at shortstop by Trea Turner.</p><p>The bullpen will also look different. Jhoan Duran and Matt Strahm will be back. Expect Dombrowski to chase veteran arms to help deepen the team's relief corps. It's worth asking whether it's better for Kerkering, a reliable reliever for much of the last three years, to get a fresh start elsewhere after his memorable error.</p><p>Overall, there will be necessary change coming to Citizens Bank Park, but the Phillies can still contend. They just have to be more careful about balancing the present with the future.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Chicago Cubs" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-u6GMD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u6GMD/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="422" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The high-priced, big-market Cubs were bested for NL Central supremacy and then booted from the playoffs by their bitter rivals from a much smaller market. Now, they face a winter of uncertainty, and much of it is their own doing.</p><p>The most important question revolves around Kyle Tucker, the team's marquee addition last December. Tucker will command a large contract as one of the two biggest free-agent position players available this offseason despite having a rocky first (and perhaps only) season on the North Side of Chicago. Most of Tucker's All-Star production came in the first half; after the break, he slumped to .231/.360/.378 with just five homers and missed the majority of September with a calf injury. He returned for the playoffs and hit well during the club's NLDS loss, albeit as a strict DH.</p><p>The Cubs have the money to pay Tucker what he wants, so ownership can make a long-term union happen if that's what it desires. It could also wait Tucker out and hope he'll settle for a short-term bounce-back deal with player options if the down year suppresses his market. That avenue would allow the Cubs to either keep Seiya Suzuki as a full-time DH or trade the Japanese star for pitching, thereby opening a full-time spot for top prospect Owen Caissie.</p><p>And that brings us to the pitching staff, which is clearly their most pressing offseason need. Including those with club options, there are 10 pending free-agent pitchers on the Cubs' roster, meaning plenty of turnover is coming.</p><p>Left-hander Shota Imanaga represents the biggest pitching conundrum. The 32-year-old holds a $15-million player option for 2026. If he exercises it, which is likely, the Cubs then have to decide whether to pick up a two-year, $42-million club option to keep him through 2028. Imanaga was an All-Star in his first MLB season but struggled in the second half and was hit so hard by Milwaukee in the NLDS that Chicago passed him over for a bullpen day in the decisive Game 5. Still, he's been an important veteran starter on a team that's desperate for pitching.</p><p>Even if Imanaga sticks around, pitching remains a top priority. Strikeouts were a major issue for the Cubs, whose staff posted the fourth-lowest K/9 in the majors as a unit. Those issues continued into the playoffs, where their K/9 sits last among all postseason teams. They had only three healthy starters in October and relied heavily on their bullpen to push the NLDS to Game 5. The absence of potential NL Rookie of the Year Cade Horton, not to mention Justin Steele, was really felt during the division series, and it's part of why Chicago lost.</p><p>While the team should be in on any and all relievers, acquiring top-tier starting pitching - particularly starters who can rack up strikeouts - by any means necessary should be the No. 1 offseason priority. Horton looks like a future ace. Steele should return in the first half of next season. And the trio of Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon is fine at the back end of the rotation (assuming none are traded). But the Cubs need help. Dylan Cease's strikeout power would be perfect for this rotation, and they should be all over him in free agency. Zac Gallen is another solid free-agent option. A need-for-need trade sending Suzuki to a pitching-rich team in exchange for a top-tier starter would also help, if he's willing to waive his no-trade clause.</p><p>All of this, of course, assumes the Cubs act like the big-market flagship franchise they are. Wrigley Field is a cash cow, and the Ricketts family has shown a willingness to spend in the past. Ideally, the loss to Milwaukee will be a wake-up call, and Chicago will flex its financial muscle to regain control of the NL Central. There should be no more excuses.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Detroit Tigers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mZFPR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mZFPR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="335" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>A Tigers season that started with such promise ended in the division series for a second straight year. Their latest exit was much more painful, though, and work needs to be done after the team blew a 15.5-game lead to lose a very winnable division.</p><p>Let's start on the mound, where the top of Detroit's rotation will look just as it did in 2025. Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize are still in town (we'll get back to them in a minute), while Jack Flaherty is a lock to opt in for 2026 after leading the AL in losses during his up-and-down campaign. Reese Olson, who missed most of the second half with a shoulder injury, should be healthy next spring. It would be shocking if Alex Cobb, who didn't throw a pitch after signing a $15-million deal last offseason, or Chris Paddack returned.</p><p>With Jackson Jobe unlikely to be back until late 2026 at the earliest, Detroit is left with one open rotation spot. The question is whether the team fills the void internally - Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long could compete for the job in spring - or spends money on a veteran starter. The Tigers' system isn't loaded with top-tier pitching prospects, so it wouldn't be a bad time for owner Chris Ilitch to show he's serious about fielding a winner and open his wallet for a Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, or Framber Valdez. Any of those frontline starters would form a fearsome duo with Skubal and improve Detroit's chances of advancing in October.</p><p>Speaking of Skubal and money ... it's almost time for the Tigers to pay up. The reigning AL Cy Young winner is entering his final year of arbitration, and his contract status will hang over the franchise well into next season if a deal isn't done. Securing their ace long term should be the absolute top priority for Ilitch and president of baseball operations Scott Harris. Skubal won't come cheap as a Scott Boras client, but he's worth every penny. Locking him up soon would send a message to other free agents that the Tigers are serious about spending and winning. They simply can't afford to let Skubal reach free agency.</p><p>Offensively, they have to decide what to do about Gleyber Torres. The All-Star had a solid first season in Detroit and should command a nice sum as the likely top available second baseman this winter. For as good as he was, though, letting Torres walk is something they can justify, and his money could be better spent elsewhere. The Tigers have a glut of infield prospects - led by No. 2 overall prospect Kevin McGonigle - who are knocking on the door, making it easier to part ways with Torres. On the other hand, they could choose to either retain Torres or chase a Bo Bichette and then use McGonigle as trade bait.</p><p>Under the late Mike Ilitch, the Tigers consistently spent big to build sustainable winners filled with superstars. It's time for his son Chris to do the same, both to help this iteration of the team reach the next level and to convince Skubal to stay long term. The front office and ownership should approach this offseason with a sense of urgency because, in many ways, time is running short. If they aren't prepared to do that, then it's time to shop Skubal and Mize, who's also a pending free agent, and sink back into a rebuild. It would be an absolute shame if that happened.</p>

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Biggest questions facing MLB's eliminated division series teams

Major League Baseball announced the start times for the upcoming League Championship Series.  Tor...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the start times for the upcoming League Championship Series.</p><p>Toronto will host the Seattle Mariners in Games 1 and 2 of the ALCS at Rogers Centre on Oct. 12 and 13 before the series moves to T-Mobile Park. </p><p>Game 2 will now start at 5:03 p.m. ET. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALCS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zk0ap" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zk0ap/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="409" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The NLCS begins Oct. 13 in Milwaukee at American Family Field after the Brewers finished with MLB's best record during the regular season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NLCS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-juQEW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/juQEW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="629" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: A general view of the 2025 Postseason logo on the field prior to Game 1 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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MLB announces start times for both LCS series

Unlike in the LCS and World Series, Major League Baseball doesn't hand out MVP awards following t...

<p>Unlike in the LCS and World Series, Major League Baseball doesn't hand out MVP awards following the best-of-five division series. But that doesn't mean we can't highlight the top performers from the last round. Let's take a look back and pick the MVPs from each of the four LDS.</p><h3>Blue Jays vs. Yankees: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/cropped_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805098/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238856207.jpg?ts=1760131060 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This could have easily gone to Trey Yesavage or Daulton Varsho, or even Aaron Judge, whose otherworldly performance came in a losing cause. But we're splitting it between the Blue Jays' unlikely duo of Vladdy and Ernie, who each recorded a team-high nine hits during Toronto's ALDS win. Guerrero continued his lifelong tormenting of the Yankees by slashing .529/.550/1.059 with three homers, including the Jays' first-ever playoff grand slam. He also struck out only once in 19 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Clement hit .643 - the second-highest average ever in a single division series - and drove in five runs while coming up with several clutch hits and playing excellent defense.</p><h3>Mariners vs. Tigers: Logan Gilbert</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/cropped_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805204/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239848967.jpg?ts=1760218184 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jane Gershovich / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's no way the Mariners advance to the ALCS without Gilbert's pitching. First, he earned the win in Game 3 by shutting down the Tigers with a brilliant six-inning start at Comerica Park to give Seattle the series lead. Then in the epic Game 5, Gilbert made his first professional relief appearance in the 10th inning on two days' rest and held Detroit scoreless over two-plus frames, helping set up the Mariners' memorable walk-off win in the 15th. Overall, Gilbert finished the ALDS with a team-best 1.13 ERA along with a 1.64 FIP, 1.00 WHIP, and nine strikeouts to just one walk across eight innings of work.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Brewers vs. Cubs: Andrew Vaughn</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/cropped_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805255/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239236922.jpg?ts=1760238053 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Brewers hardly expected this when they acquired Vaughn from the White Sox for Aaron Civale in mid-June. Vaughn's remarkable renaissance continued in the division series, hitting .286/.412/.714 with four RBIs, three walks, and 10 total bases. Two of his four hits in the series were home runs, none bigger than his series-winning solo shot in the fourth inning of Game 5. Vaughn, who had a 14.6 strikeout rate during the regular season, didn't strike out once in 17 NLDS plate appearances.</p><h3>Dodgers vs. Phillies: Roki Sasaki</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/cropped_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805099/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239613306.jpg?ts=1760131171 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Katelyn Mulcahy / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This was Sasaki's coming-out party. After missing nearly four months with a shoulder injury, the Japanese phenom returned to the Dodgers as a lights-out reliever who not only stabilized a shaky bullpen but might have singlehandedly turned this LDS in the Dodgers' favor. Sasaki saved two of L.A.'s three wins, allowed only one hit, and struck out three in 4 1/3 innings during the series. He kept the deciding Game 4 tied late with three perfect innings of relief, tying a fearsome Phillies lineup in knots with his devastating splitter. The Dodgers don't advance to the NLCS without Sasaki.</p>

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