Major League Baseball owners have officially approved a group led by Patrick Zalupski as the new owners of the Tampa Bay Rays, reports Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Topkin notes that the official transfer is still pending the formal closing of the sale, which is expected later this week. Previous reporting has indicated that the team is being sold for somewhere around $1.7B.
“It’s good to go,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says.
It was originally reported back in June that Sternberg was in “advanced” talks about a sale to the Zalupski-led group which will soon take over the majority stake of the team now. Those negotiations came on the heels of Sternberg receiving pressure to sell from both the commissioner’s office and other owners throughout the league. Sternberg will retain a minority stake in the Rays but will take a backseat after owning the club since purchasing it for $200M back in 2004.
Zalupski is the CEO of Dream Finders Homes, a publicly traded, Jacksonville-based developer that has built more than 31,000 homes across ten states. Back in June, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.4B, while his company’s valuation rested at $3.4B. It’s not entirely clear how many other investors are a part of the group. Sportico reported over the summer that Ken Babby, who owns multiple minor league teams and is the son of a prominent NBA agent, and Bill Cosgrove, CEO of the Union Home Mortgage Group, are among the others involved in the incoming ownership group.
The new ownership group is expected to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area, though Zalupski’s vision is for an eventual stadium in Tampa proper, rather than the Rays’ longtime home in St. Petersburg. That’d mean a move from Pinellas County to adjacent Hillsborough County and would also mean negotiating with a different collection of local government officials than the Pinellas County officials who regularly clashed with Sternberg throughout his quest for a new stadium.
For the time being, of course, the Rays are playing in Tampa. They’ve temporarily relocated to George M. Steinbrenner Field — the spring facility and Class-A home for the Yankees — in the wake of massive damage to Tropicana Field at the hands of Hurricane Milton last offseason. The Rays are hoping that they’ll be able to return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. They still have another three seasons remaining on their prior lease there, and now that new ownership is all but in place, that period could serve as a bridge to the construction of a new stadium — though there will obviously be numerous hurdles to clear as the new management commences talks with the requisite governmental bodies in Tampa and looks to secure funding.
Broader questions about what the change in ownership means for the Rays will persist for the foreseeable future. Longtime fans will dream of larger payrolls helping to fuel a club that’s managed to be near-perennially competitive despite spending less than the vast majority of the league. However, new ownership is not always a path to exponentially larger payrolls. That may be the case for Steve Cohen’s Mets, but one need only look at the Marlins, Royals and Orioles to find recently sold teams that have yet to significantly invest in bolstering player payroll. An eventual new stadium could be a major step in that direction, but that’s years down the road.
Presumably, there will be some other turnover within the organization. Rays presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld are departing once the sale is finalized, but it’s not at all clear what, if anything, a sale might mean for the baseball operations or dugout staff. (Silverman was once Tampa Bay’s head of baseball operations but has been on the business side of operations since 2017.)
President of baseball operations Erik Neander is signed through at least the 2028 season, while manager Kevin Cash’s most recent extension carries him all the way through 2030. That pair is among the most respected in the industry at their positions, and one would presume that their presence is a selling point for incoming ownership. Other changes could still ensue, but until the deal is official and Zalupski first meets with the media, there will be at least some level of uncertainty regarding matters of this nature.

For a third time this month, Florida baseball has had another former pitcher called up. Left-hander Hunter Barco was promoted by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, Sept. 22.
Between Double-A and Triple-A Indianapolis, Barco held a 4-1 win-loss record with a 2.81 ERA, 116 strikeouts and 49 walks in 99.1 innings.
Barco, who was the No. 4 prospect in the system, was drafted No. 44 overall in the second round back in 2022.
In Triple-A, Barco recorded 82 strikeouts, 42 walks and a 3.79 ERA in 17 starts and 23 appearances.
At UF, the Jacksonville native and Bolles School alum, helped the Gators make back-to-back appearances in NCAA regionals. In his final year, Barco posted 69 strikeouts, 11 walks and a 2.50 ERA.
Last week, Philip Abner was called up by the Arizona Diamondbacks, while Brandon Sproat made his debut with New York Mets on Sept. 7.

LOS ANGELES — Hyeseong Kim did not sign with the Dodgers to play in the minor leagues.
“It’s not like I had the desire to go down to the minors. But if it all came down to it, I didn’t mind going down to the minors. It happened,” Kim said through his interpreter.
“I mean, just looking at our roster it’s full of great players. If worse comes to worse, I was definitely prepared to start in the minors. But my goal was to survive in Major League Baseball with the Dodgers. But if it all came down to it, I was okay with it.”
Asked to make some significant swing changes, Kim opened the season in Triple-A. He spent a month there before making his MLB debut with the Dodgers in May. He was back in Oklahoma City in August on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, returning from a shoulder injury that he tried to play through with poor results.
The result is a debut season in the United States after making the jump from an All-Star career in South Korea that has featured more plate appearances in the minors (169) than the majors (161). Since returning to the Dodgers when rosters expanded at the start of September, Kim has watched a lot of Major League Baseball – but he hasn’t played much of it. He has started just four games this month and gone 1 for 14 in limited action. With the Dodgers facing five left-handed starting pitchers last week, Kim has not seen the field since the last inning of a 10-2 win in San Francisco eight days ago.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is honest about where Kim stands as his rookie season winds down and the postseason looms.
“I don’t feel comfortable with him versus left-handed pitching. Balls that are going away from him,” Roberts said recently. “I think with Hyeseong, I love the defense. … This is his first year in the major leagues and I think he’s done a great job.
“I think right now for Hyeseong, there’s too much chase out of the hitting zone and there’s not enough contact. So for me, when you chase a lot and you don’t make a lot of contact, that is not a good spot for the postseason. I think he’s going to be a very good player. He’s helped us out a lot this year. I just think that there’s a lot more growth as a major-league hitter that needs to happen. There’s not enough walk in there, again, because there’s a lot of chase. He’s growing. He’s going to get better. But I think right now (when it comes to playing time) I’ve got to think about guys that I feel that can handle postseason pitching. But I think that this experience for Hyeseong to be on the club, to be in a pennant race, I think this is going to help him going forward.”
Roberts acknowledged that Kim’s “defense, his versatility and his speed is a big benefit for a potential (postseason) roster.” This does not come as a surprise to Kim.
“Just like any player would say, getting a chance to play every day would obviously be ideal,” Kim said. “But understanding my role – each player has a different role on the roster. So understanding that, I just prepare if I get a chance to play.
“If I do make it to the postseason roster, I’ll focus on what I’m good at – pinch-running, substituting on defense. Those are two roles that I have in my mind.”
Whether he thinks he can hit left-handed pitching or should play more is not important, Kim said.
“As a player, I’m willing to do whatever the team wants me to do,” he said. “My opinion is not important. I’m just ready to do whatever the team asks me to do.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes praises Kim for being a “terrific athlete, 80 human being, 80 work ethic,” using the 20-80 scouting scale that is a second language in baseball.
Despite the limited contributions, Kim’s rookie season has not been a disappointment, Gomes said.
“Not at all,” Gomes said. “I think for Hyeseong he made some meaningful strides with his swing. We feel even better about the defense, the baserunning – which we thought highly of. He’s an excellent defender, can really run the bases. We think there’s going to be versatility there with the potential to play the outfield in the future at a high level. And I think some of the hitting growing pains – we’ve seen some high highs and some low lows. I think overall with his makeup and his work ethic we’ll bet on him being able to continue to make the needed adjustments to be a successful offensive player.”
Whether he develops into an everyday player or has to be platooned against left-handed pitching “probably depends on the adjustments” Kim still has to make, the GM said. Kim has been given just 19 at-bats against left-handed pitching at the major-league level and held his own with seven hits, including one of his two home runs.
“I think we’ll see based on the continued growth in the box,” Gomes said. “Now, we do feel there is some bat-to-ball in there. He is really fast and could really wreak havoc by bunting and shooting balls the other way.
“There’s still a lot to build upon offensively. We just didn’t have that much time to work with him. Spring training is not a great environment to make adjustments and then just get thrown into games.”
Largely thanks to a .383 batting average through the end of June, Kim has hit .283 against pitching vastly superior to what he saw during his eight professional seasons in Korea.
“Definitely the pitchers,” Kim said of the biggest challenge he faced in making the jump from the KBO to MLB. “Obviously the average velocity is higher. That’s probably the biggest difference. Just seeing higher velocity every day.
“Obviously I went through a hitting change, my stance and all that, and facing different pitchers every day. As a player, I’m learning something new every day. I’ve learned a lot this year.”
After they signed Kim for three years and $12.5 million (plus two club option years), the Dodgers traded the incumbent starter at second base, Gavin Lux, to the Cincinnati Reds for a draft pick (used on Arkansas outfielder Charles Davalan) and minor-league outfielder Mike Sirota (who has hit .333 with a 1.068 OPS at two Class-A levels this year).
Lux has hit .267 with a .723 OPS, playing an everyday role in left field, second base or third base for a Reds team that enters the final week of the regular season in contention for a wild-card spot – and potentially a first-round matchup with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers would make that deal again, Gomes said.
“Yeah,” he said. “Obviously Luxie was a big part of what we did last year and he’s had another good year this year.
“It’s hard to digest now because it’s not impacting the major-league team. But we basically got an additional draft pick and got a guy we really liked in addition to Mike Sirota, who is excellent. It’s the push and pull of – there’s not many times in our position where we are able to push value forward. When we have the opportunity to do it without taking a step back on the major-league roster, it’s a prudent thing to do.”

The Chicago Cubs are off Monday, but they can still take a step toward securing home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The one team that can overcome the Cubs in the wild card standings are the San Diego Padres, who enter action with a three-game deficit as they open a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park.
The Cubs are currently locked into one of the top two wild card spots in the National League, but are within striking distance of playing the best-of-three series at Wrigley Field beginning next Tuesday.
Here’s a breakdown of where things stand.
National League Wild Card Standings:
Chicago Cubs – 88-68
San Diego Padres – 85-71 (3 GB)
Cincinnati Reds – 80-76 (5 GB of Padres)
New York Mets – 80-76
Arizona Diamondbacks – 79-77 (1 GB of Padres and Mets)
The Current MLB Playoff Bracket
If the season ended today, here’s how the series would shape up in the first round in each league.
American League Byes – Toronto Blue Jays (AL East), Seattle Mariners (AL West)
Wild Card Round Series – Cleveland Guardians at Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
National League Byes – Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central), Philadelphia Phillies (NL East)
Wild Card Round Series – Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs
Notes on Tiebreakers –
According to MLB.com, the Reds hold a tiebreaker over the Mets for the wild card series. The Reds also have a tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks if those two teams finish the regular season tied in the standings.
The Diamondbacks also currently hold a tiebreaker over the Mets with a superior divisional record.
The Mets only hold a tiebreaker over the Dodgers, but lose a tiebreaker to the Padres.
The Cubs and Padres split their season series, so the team with the better divisional record would earn home-field advantage if they finished the regular season tied in the standings.
Cubs’ Magic Number for Home-Field Advantage
The Cubs are now guaranteed to finish no worse than the second National League wild card spot, and they’re still closing in on clinching home-field advantage in that series despite their four-game losing streak.
For the Cubs to host that first round series, their magic number currently stands at four, which means they will need a combination of wins and Padres losses to secure the opening series being played at Wrigley Field.
Who Would the Cubs Play if They Win the Wild Card Round?
If the Cubs can advance in the wild card series, it’s looking more likely that they would face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series, with that series opening up at American Family Field.
The Brewers hold a three-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the top spot in the National League, and they also own the tiebreaker over the Phillies if the two teams end the season with identical records.
What Does the Remaining Schedule Look Like?
The Cubs have two home series left to end the season. The first is against the Mets, who are desperate to get back into a playoff spot after being jumped by the Reds this week. The Cubs then finish the regular season with three games against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
The Padres open a three-game series against the Brewers in San Diego on Monday night. They then end the season with a three-game set against the Diamondbacks, who are one game out of the last wild card spot with six games remaining in the regular season.
If the Padres hope to leap-frog the Dodgers, they’re going to be rooting for the Diamondbacks, who open a three-game series in Phoenix on Tuesday night. The Dodgers then end the season against the surging Seattle Mariners, who suddenly appear ticketed to winning the American League West crown and clinching a first-round playoff bye.
After their series with the Cubs, the Mets head down to Miami to wrap up the season against the Marlins.
The Reds have a three-game home series against the Pirates beginning Tuesday before heading to Milwaukee for the final series of the regular season against the Brewers.

The Yankees could have champagne on ice Tuesday night in The Bronx.
How many bottles they would pop, if they take the series opener against the White Sox, remains to be seen.
The Yankees need just one win to secure a postseason berth, according to MLB, though they still have much more at stake over what could be a chaotic final week of the season around the American League, including an outside shot to chase down the Blue Jays for the division, or a likelier chance to claim the top AL wild-card spot for home-field advantage in the opening playoff series.
“It’s going to be a wild week, for sure,” manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday of the playoff race at-large.
“Hard to predict what’s going to happen and who’s going to be playing who. Certainly paying attention to it all, but in the end, it’s about handling our own business day in and day out. But it should be fun to watch it all unfold.”
Around this time of year, Boone often likes to say some version of “be careful what you wish for.” But the Yankees might be about to become fans of the Red Sox — to an extent and only as long as they are taking care of their own business in The Bronx.
The reality is that the Yankees enter the final week of the season trailing the Blue Jays by two games for first place in the AL East. The Blue Jays own the tiebreaker, courtesy of going 8-5 against the Yankees this season, so Boone’s club will have to make up three games with six games left if they are going to defend their division title.
And the Blue Jays are set to host the Red Sox on Tuesday night in Toronto for three games before finishing the season against the Rays, who have nothing to play for.
So while the Red Sox are the closest team to the Yankees in the wild-card standings — trailing them by three games, with the Guardians and Astros both four games back — the Yankees need them to win at least one game against the Blue Jays to keep their division hopes alive.
That will only be useful if the Yankees take care of business against the lowly White Sox beginning Tuesday before ending the regular season with the Orioles, whom they just took three of four against in Baltimore.
“Obviously, we can only control what we can control, but I’m confident in this team,” Cam Schlittler said. “We got a chance to put ourselves in a really good spot, whether that’s a bye or not. I know the team’s going to be locked in the next six games.”
CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS
The Yankees, whose 28-14 record since Aug. 6 is the best in MLB during that span, have the easiest schedule on paper among all the contending AL teams. The Red Sox play the Blue Jays and Tigers. The Guardians play the Tigers and Rangers. The Tigers play the Guardians and Red Sox. The Astros play the Athletics and Angels. The Mariners play the Rockies and Dodgers.
The matchups between the Guardians, Tigers and Red Sox mean that only two of those teams can finish with 89 wins, and one of them will be the AL Central winner, which is why the Yankees winning their 89th game on Tuesday would clinch their playoff spot.
As for seeding in the wild-card standings, the Yankees do not have the tiebreaker against the Red Sox, Guardians or Tigers, have it against the Mariners and are up in the air against the Astros — they went 3-3 against each other during the regular season, so the next tiebreaker is in-division record (the Yankees are currently 24-25 while the Astros are 22-24).
If the Yankees cannot catch up to the Blue Jays, the next priority would be securing the top wild-card spot, which would allow them to play the first-round series at home. The magic number to do that is four.
Aside from scoreboard watching and winning their own games, the Yankees still have questions to answer this week.
Will their third starter in a playoff series be Schlittler or Luis Gil? Is Anthony Volpe’s solid play on both sides of the ball since he got the cortisone injection for real, and is it enough for him to fend off José Caballero in the postseason? Is the recent momentum from the bullpen legitimate or just taking advantage of bad teams (which may not actually get answered this week considering the opponents)?
“Every day, it feels like there’s so much on the line,” Boone said. “But once it’s over with, you got to move on too. It’s great this way heading into an off day. It’s always good racking up a couple wins into an off day and guys can unplug a little bit, recharge a little bit and understand we got a real important one the next day.”

Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels are once again to miss out on the MLB postseason, but Trout will get to head into his 2026 campaign with a major milestone completed.
Trout hit his 400th-career home run in the eighth inning of an Angels 3-0 win over the Colorado Rockies this weekend, making him the 59th MLB player to eclipse 400 homers.
After the accomplishment, Trout met with the fan who caught his ball on the field for a quick game of catch (and some signed memorabilia) in exchange for the piece of history.
Which brings us to today’s quiz. While age and a history of injuries will likely keep Trout from ever returning to his MVP form again, he’s one of the most accomplished all-around players in MLB history. With that being said, how many of the 15 players in Major League Baseball history to rack up at least 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases in their career can you name in five minutes?
Good luck!
Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!

As the 2025 Major League Baseball season entered its final stretch, the Dodgers were heading towards their 12th National League West title in 13 years, holding an 88–68 record and a three-game cushion over the Padres. And the team has already secured a playoff spot for a franchise-record 13th straight year. But all this is on the surface, and beneath it, whispers are growing like rivals are pointing to a rare roster rule, one that only benefits the Dodgers. They believe LA has found an unfair edge in Shohei Ohtani‘s postseason role.
So, what is all the fuss about? It comes down to a special roster advantage. MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote, “Teams are upset that the Dodgers will have one more pitcher than everyone else on their roster since there’s a special exemption for Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player,” in his September 21 column.
Here’s how it works in simple terms. Every team can have 26 players on its postseason roster. Of those 26 players, a maximum of 13 can be pitchers. Because Ohtani qualifies as a two-way player, he doesn’t count against that pitcher limit. So, the Dodgers can carry 13 regular pitchers plus Ohtani, giving them 14 available arms. No other team gets that luxury. So Nightengale explained, “If Ohtani is a starting pitcher, he can remain in the game as a DH once he’s replaced on the mound.”
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But there’s a catch. What if they use him from the bullpen, where the team struggles mostly in the season, and he has a legendary record during the 2023 World Baseball Classic? Nightengale notes, “But if he starts the game as a DH and pitches out of the bullpen, the Dodgers would lose the DH once his relief appearance is over.” So, to avoid losing his bat, they can move Ohtani to the outfield, where he’s already shown his willingness to play. But there’s a problem. He hasn’t played a single inning in the outfield since 2021, when he made only seven —six games in right field and one in left.
So, the Dodgers have not shown their willingness to use Ohtani in relief, as Dave Roberts already said after Ohtani’s willingness to play in the outfield, “I don’t know if it’s a pipe dream, but it’s very commendable from Shohei. There are a lot of variables. But to know that he can potentially run out there, it’s great. Maybe just in theory. But again, I love him for even throwing that out there.” And as per Jack Harris, the Dodgers beat writer for the LA Times, “Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani’s next start will be Tuesday in Arizona. That would keep him on track to make a potential start in the wild card round.”
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Ohtani’s dual role boosts Dodgers, but bullpen woes remain
After signing a massive 10-year, $700 million contract, Ohtani powered Los Angeles to a World Series title last year without even throwing a pitch. And this season, he returned to the mound and looks good in both roles. At the plate, he is hitting an incredible .338 with a .769 slugging percentage, seven homers, and 13 RBIs this month alone, and is on a pace for the league lead in home runs. And on the mound, he has posted a 3.29 ERA in his 13 starts.
And of course, the defending champions are far from a one-man show. Beyond Ohtani, they have two other superstars, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, in an anchor role. Teoscar Hernández and young outfielder Andy Pages are also adding depth. And most importantly, the rotation looks untouchable for the first time in so many years, with aces like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell.
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NEW YORK — Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously Monday to approve the sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to group headed by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski, allowing the transfer from Stu Sternberg’s group to close.
The Rays said on Sept. 17 they expected the sale to close within two weeks.
Sternberg took control of the team from founding owner Vince Naimoli in November 2005 and rebranded it the Rays from the Devil Rays after the 2007 season. The Rays won AL East titles in 2008, 2010, 2020, and 2021, and twice reached the World Series — losing to Philadelphia in 2008, and to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
The Rays in March withdrew from a $1.3 billion project to construct a new ballpark adjacent to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, citing a hurricane and delays that likely drove up the proposal’s cost. The team said in June it had started talks about a potential sale.
Because of damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton last October, the Rays played home games this season across the bay at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. The Rays went 41-40 for their ninth straight winning record at home.
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Playing home games in an open-air ballpark for the first time, the Rays experienced 17 rains delays over 16 games for a total of 17 hours, 47 minutes.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that he expects, under Zalupski, the Rays will start a new search for a new ballpark site in the Tampa-St. Pete area. Under Sternberg, the Rays announced plans for and then failed to move ahead with proposed ballparks at the Al Lang Stadium site in St. Petersburg (2007), Ybor City in Tampa (2018), and the site adjacent to the Trop in downtown St. Petersburg (2023).
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Tampa Bay started this season with an $81.9 million payroll, ahead of only the Athletics and Miami.
Playing at a 10,046-capacity ballpark, Tampa Bay had 61 sellouts and drew 786,750, down from 1,337,739 in 2024, when they were 28th among the 30 teams and ahead of only Miami and Oakland.
Tampa Bay is currently 29th in home attendance this year, ahead of only the Athletics, who are playing home games at a minor league ballpark in West Sacramento, Calif., while a new stadium expected to open in 2028 is built in Las Vegas. The Rays have completed their home schedule while the A’s have drawn 711,609 with six home games left.

Earlier this month in Houston, during New York’s 8-4 win over the Astros on September 4, Ashley Rodon delivered a sharp critique of the umpiring crew. “The zone is absolutely horrendous the entire series. GESH,” she wrote on X, before following up with, “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS CREW.” Her frustration mounted further, as she added, “How are you supposed to know what the zone is as a hitter….. zero consistency at all.” Seems like Carlos Rodon’s wife never hesitates to say what Yankees fans are already thinking…
Her words came right after Carlos fought through six innings with Adrian Johnson behind the plate, surrendering just two runs on three hits while working around a strike zone that shifted from pitch to pitch. Adding to that, the same night also included a disputed call at third base. It was when Ryan McMahon appeared to secure Jose Altuve’s liner before losing the ball on the transfer. Third base umpire Brian Walsh ruled no catch, keeping the inning alive and eventually helping Houston trim the lead to 4-2.
Now, the spotlight has shifted when Carlos was asked directly about his wife’s habit of weighing in online. During a joint appearance, the host of Jomboy Media broached the subject with a light tone as she asked, “I would love to know how you got started on Twitter and kind of your thoughts about uh about what some of the stuff that she has to say.” Carlos kept his answer measured but supportive.
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“She’s my biggest fan… She’s also the biggest fan of the Yankees.” But his response came way later than Ashley’s frank answers.
“Well I think oh for him, he makes fun of me all the time. He acts like he doesn’t love it, but he loves it. I know. I’m wildly opinionated. Yeah. And I feel like he gets held accountable, and I think that’s very important, right? You’re held accountable for how you play. I always got frustrated when he was younger, and I was like ‘Man, no one’s holding this umpire accountable.’,” Mrs. Rodon replied to the host first.
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She explained further that her passion comes from the perspective of a fan. And that fan spirit goes unaffected even though she is married to one of the Yankees’ starting pitchers.
“I may know him, but I love the game, and it’s so fun, and I love getting to know people. I always tell Carlos. I will sit in the Bleachers. I don’t even care. Now I get to like really make fun of him. Yeah. Because we’re in a different position than we were before.” Then the response of Carlos Rodon came in.
When the host asked what more he could want, Rodon added simply, “Not much else. Not much else.”
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Ashley, then, closed the exchange with a brief reflection, “I think it’s incredible.” But this wasn’t the first and only instance that Ashley’s bold take created a buzz.
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How Ashley Rodon did not choose silence on bad calls
Back in May this summer, the New York Yankees faced a jarring setback in Sacramento as the Athletics capitalized on the unusual setting of Sutter Health Park. After a commanding 10-2 opening victory over the A’s, the Bombers suffered a surprising defeat in the second game despite Aaron Judge hitting two home runs. The stark contrast in outcomes drew pointed attention from Ashley Rodon.
Without concealing her frustration with the venue, she unapologetically wrote on X, “Criminal to play major league games in minor league parks.” Ashley tried to highlight how the environment might affect the players’ performance and the atmosphere of the game.
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Carlos Rodon, however, performed with precision and authority. He delivered 98 pitches, struck out ten, and maintained control of the game. And then he handed the ball off with a two-run lead.
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Yet, the Sutter Health Park, which accommodates approximately 14,000 fans compared with Yankee Stadium’s 46,000-plus, suggested a subtle psychological disadvantage for the visiting team. Ashley tried to note this gap. And while the Yankees remain a formidable squad, the unexpected loss in Sacramento posed questions about their hold on the ground in unconventional venues.

For the first time since its inception in 2019, there were two divisions — 30 high school freshmen and sophomores and 44 juniors and seniors. In years prior, the event featured just juniors and seniors but this year’s event included the freshman and sophomore junior division.
The student-athletes participated in the two-day event that featured a pro-style workout on Saturday and two games on Sunday, both of which took place at Truist Park. There was a Junior Division game (consisting of freshmen and sophomores) followed by a Senior Division game (juniors and seniors).
Braves senior director of alumni relations and growing the game Greg McMichael — who was a relief pitcher for Atlanta from 1993 to 1996 and helped the Braves to their 1995 World Series championship — has been a vital contributor to these special events in recent years.
“It’s been really exciting to see some of these kids,” McMichael said. “This year we’ve done it a little bit differently. We brought in the Junior [Division]. They consist mainly of our best RBI [Nike’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Program] kids. They’re the younger kids, freshmen and sophomores. Our scouting group recommended a few players from around the [Southeast]. So we have probably the best talent we’ve had since we started this thing. From what I’m hearing there are about six potential Draft picks that [are here].”
Though he is not a Draft pick as of now, Parkview standout outfielder Malachi Washington is an LSU commit who has played in the 44 Classic the past two years.
“It’s a lot bigger,” Washington said about playing at Truist Park. “It’s huge. [There’s] a lot more grass to cover. It feels like [being a] pro almost. It feels like being in the big leagues. When you stand in right field you feel like Ronald Acuña. In center field you feel like Michael Harris. It’s really cool seeing the backdrop knowing you’re on an MLB field. It’s amazing.”
There were multiple MLB alumni coaches involved in the 44 Classic. Gerald Perry, Terry Harper and Jerome Walton were on-site coaching in partnership with the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association. Washington and his teammates were given the opportunity to learn from former MLB players.
“Getting experience from veteran guys who have played in the league and who know so much about the game, you can always learn more,” Washington said. “It’s great to get out here and just learn, every day, something new about baseball.”
“[There are] a lot of guys from my high school,” Washington said. “Joseph Mendez, CJ Woolcock. Ellis Appling, Emani Ford, all those guys go to my high school. Santos Wade [who is home schooled], just a bunch of great guys and a bunch of good names. It just makes us closer. It’s sick, all of us getting invited to such a prestigious and awesome event. It means a lot.”
“It means the world, having Matt Olson being talked about every day at our high school [and] Jeff Francoeur, names like that,” Washington said. “It’s really surreal getting to play on the same field they get to play on and hit home runs on. I was fortunate enough to be here for the whole [2025] All-Star Weekend. I got invited to the [MLB High School] Home Run Derby. I have played here a couple of times.”
“It started with Hank,” McMichael said. “We’re trying to continue his dream of seeing a lot of opportunity and access for kids who are in Atlanta and the Southeast who are able to play this game at a high level. It’s not just about playing the game, it’s about being in the game. There’s plenty of opportunities to be in the game of baseball. There are multiple who have come through The RBI program who are now working for us. We’re really excited about that.”

The New York Mets entered their final home game on September 21 with an 80–75 record, clinging to the final National League Wild Card spot. The pressure was so intense after losing 11 of their last 15 games that a loss would drop them into a tie with the Cincinnati Reds, who held the tiebreaker. And across the field, the Washington Nationals had nothing to lose with a dismal 63-92 record. Their only job was to play spoiler.
The stage was set for a classic matchup, and for the Mets, one swing—or non-swing—became the flashpoint.
It happened in the bottom of the sixth inning after Francisco Lindor blasted a solo homer, cutting Washington’s lead to 3-2. So, when Mark Vientos stepped up to the plate with two runners on and two outs, the Mets had a chance to seize control. Then, on a 2-2 count, Vientos tried to check his swing at an 80.8 mph curveball from Nationals reliever Mitchell Parker. And home plate umpire John Tumpane pointed to first base for confirmation. First base umpire Chris Conroy, the crew chief, raised his fist. Strike three.
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And the rally was dead. Vientos reacted instantly, slamming his bat onto home plate. But before the bat even settled, Tumpane ejected the 25-year-old slugger. That moment proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
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Parker slammed the door, sealing a devastating 3-2 victory and a series win. For the rest of the game, Parker allowed only two hits. Though manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t comment on that particular incident, he mentioned, “We have to keep going, there’s six more games to go.” But the fact is: the team is 17 games under .500 since June 13. Even Vientos, whose batting average sat at a lowly .235 even after hitting 17 homers, also kept his silence.
Though the players and umpires moved on, the incident lit a firestorm of debate among fans.
The fans in New York weren’t happy
Many fans felt the quick ejection was a massive overreach of power. They wrote, “This umpire should be removed from the job. He might of went, but again not ejection worthy. There’s a problem in this game with these b—- umpires. @MLB you are trash. Nobody is there to see them.” That frustration doesn’t come out of nowhere. With 40 career ejections, Tumpane has a reputation, and fans remember his infamous 2022 game, where he called three balks on Miami Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier.
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But the anger didn’t stop at accountability—it boiled over into violent hyperbole. As one fan commented, “Should’ve went to 1st and beat him(umpire) to death with it.” In baseball’s early days, umpires were often physically attacked by players and mobs. While fans today aren’t serious about violence, when recourse feels nonexistent, their words echo baseball’s brutal past as another fan who just repeated the same emotion.
“Can we go back to assaulting umpires.”
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Other fans see a pattern of incompetence that is protected by the league. “F— god awful umps are the cancer to baseball.” By late September, MLB umps had issued 162 ejections on the season, and Tumpane himself has had games where he has missed more than 10 calls in a single game. And the crew chief, Chris Conroy, was once flagged for missing 24 calls in a game.
And then again, the final comment came as a call for technology. “Can we please get automated umps so we don’t have to deal with these retards on their periods when they make bad calls and players react in a Pennant race?” In spring training, MLB tested an Automated Ball-Strike System, and so many of the challenges flipped the wrong calls. And hence came another day of echoed feeling that if the human element is the problem, then remove it.
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Now, considering the Mets’ loss dropped them into a dangerous position in their pennant race, MLB should utilize technology in this high-stakes situation that offers an objective solution when human error becomes too costly.

Just a few months ago, MLB was rocked by the betting scandal that involved the suspension of a few players. And while the league is still trying to get over that hangover, a new scandal is brewing. If the latest reports are to be considered, this time, fans are directly targeted. Even though MLB acknowledged the problem, they’re still at the primary stage of understanding how it’s happening and who the culprit is.
“Bad actors are stealing, reselling fan tickets swiped from MLB’s Ballpark app, MLB acknowledges.” The Athletic cited MLB about how fans are getting scammed with their valid tickets to enter the ballparks.
We heard the first signs of trouble popped up in the Red Sox camp.
Reportedly, a few fans showed up to Fenway recently only to find that the tickets they bought through the MLB Ballpark app had vanished. Not just that, they have been resold without their consent! Nancy Morrisroe, a season ticket holder of the Red Sox, shared that her ticket on the Ballpark App vanished once she went to Fenway Park. “There is no recall button; it shows I forwarded them to you,” Morrisroe referred to another.
As it went to the authorities, MLB admitted they’d gotten multiple reports of this happening. They’re aware that fans are arriving at games to learn their seats are already gone. While there have been big data breach reports tied to other major platforms, MLB says there’s no sign its own systems were compromised. Still, the league issued an apology to fans for the mess.
MLB even shared a few directives asking fans to change their existing passwords and to step up their authentication step in the Ballpark App. However, fans are eager to know how MLB is investigating the case and who the main culprits are.
But this is not the first time that MLB has faced a scam.
MLB has a history of ticketing scams
This recent scam just added to MLB’s long list of similar incidents. Let’s rewind to Game 2 of the 2018 World Series between the Dodgers and Red Sox.
One fan, who had dropped $650 on his ticket, showed up at Fenway only to be shocked when it wouldn’t scan. The reason? He’d posted a picture of his ticket on Instagram to show off that he was headed to the game. That was enough for the hackers to spot it, grab the info, and use it to create a duplicate ticket that got them through the gates.
While the fan eventually got in, it was only after shelling out another $450 for a replacement seat.
Undoubtedly, it’s a tough lesson for fans. A reminder that while MLB can work on improving security, fans also have to be careful with their tickets. Unless one doesn’t mind spending an extra $500!
But this time, the scam is more organized and on a large scale. And it doesn’t target a single fan. So, we could expect a stricter, full-proof, and effective action from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred that might include an overhaul of the existing ticketing process. What do you think?

The Seattle Mariners made short work of the Houston Astros this weekend with the series sweep propelling the team forward in the MLB playoff picture. Following the recent Mariners-Astros series ending on September 21, 2025, Seattle sits as the No. 2 seed in the AL standings.
As a reminder, the top three seeds in each league go to the division winners. For example, the New York Yankees have a better record than the Mariners, but Seattle would get a higher seed as the Toronto Blue Jays are the division leaders.
Here is a look at the the AL playoff standings, seeding and potential postseason matchups following the Mariners’ win against the Astros on September 21 .
MLB Playoff Picture: AL Postseason Picture
The teams listed in bold would make the MLB playoffs if the postseason started today. Toronto has already clinched a playoff berth.
Team W L GB 1. Blue Jays* 90 66 – 2. Mariners 87 69 3.5 3. Tigers 85 71 5 4. Yankees 88 68 2 5. Red Sox 85 70 4.5 6. Guardians 84 72 5.5 7. Astros 84 72 6 8. Rangers 79 77 11 9. Royals 78 78 12
Mariners Playoff Opponent: Seattle Projected to Have Bye Then Face Winner of Astros-Tigers Series
If the MLB playoffs started today, the Mariners would have a bye as the No. 2 seed. The top two teams in each league avoid the wild card round.
Seattle and Toronto would advance to the ALDS to await the wild card winners. The current playoff picture has the Mariners playing the winner of No. 6 Astros versus No. 3 Tigers series.
Projected AL Playoff Matchups as of September 21
Here’s a look at what the AL playoff matchups would be if the postseason started on September 21.
AL Wild Card matchups:
No. 6 Houston Astros vs. No. 3 Detroit Tigers
No. 5 Boston Red Sox vs. No. 4 New York Yankees
The Mariners would face the winner of the Astros-Tigers series, while the Blue Jays battle the winner of the rivalry clash between the Red Sox and Yankees.
Cal Raleigh Hit 58th Home Run Against Astros
Seattle found themselves in a bit of a slump before their recent slump. Fast forward to a few weeks later and the Mariners still have a chance to chase down the Blue Jays to be the top team in the American League standings.
Cal Raleigh hit his 58th home run of the season against the Astros on September 21. During the Mariners’ previous slump, Raleigh spoke about what needed to change.
“Nobody is going to give it to us,” Raleigh said on September 3, per MLB.com. “We’ve got to go take it. We can’t sit around and just expect teams to hand it to us and that it’s going to be easy, because it’s not.
“… If you’re expecting it to be easy, expecting it to be handed to you, it’s going to be a harsh reality.”

In one of the biggest games of one of the biggest series of the season, the Seattle Mariners picked up one of their most important wins in years. The Mariners used a seven-run second inning Sunday night to complete the three-game sweep of the Houston Astros at Daikin Park (SEA 7, HOU 3), and take control of the AL West. Seattle is three games up with six to play.
Here are the AL West standings:
Mariners: 87-69
Astros: 84-72 (3 GB)
Rangers: 79-77 (already eliminated)
Athletics: 73-83 (already eliminated)
Angels: 70-86 (already eliminated)
The Mariners won the season series 8-5 and thus have the tiebreaker. That three-game lead is really a four-game lead. Seattle’s magic number to clinch the AL West is three. Any combination of Mariners wins and Astros losses totaling three the rest of the way gives the Mariners their first division title since their historic 116-win season in 2001.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford provided the big blow Sunday with a second-inning grand slam against righty Jason Alexander. Catcher and MVP candidate Cal Raleigh followed with a two-run home run later in the inning. It was his 58th of the season, extending his single-season record for a catcher, a switch-hitter, and a Mariner.
The Mariners will now head home to finish the regular season against the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition to the AL West title, they’ll also look to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The ongoing collapse of the Detroit Tigers has given Seattle a two-game lead for a bye, plus the Mariners have the tiebreaker. It’s really a three-game lead.
As for the Astros, there’s no sugarcoating it. Getting swept at home was a disaster. The AL West race is not over, but it might as well be, and the Astros are no longer in postseason position. Here are the wild card standings:
Yankees: 88-68 (+3 ½ GB)
Red Sox: 85-70 (1 GB)
Guardians: 84-72
—————————————-
Astros: 84-72
The Guardians won the season series 4-2 over the Astros, so they have the tiebreaker, and are in the third wild card spot with the Astros on the outside looking in. The Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets are in the same situation in the National League. Identical records, but the Reds won the season series, so they currently sit in the third wild card spot.
The Astros will go on the road to visit the A’s and Angels the final week. Because Cleveland holds the tiebreaker, the Astros do not control their own destiny. They need help to reach the postseason, especially with Yordan Alvarez (ankle) and Josh Hader (shoulder) on the injured list and not expected back during the regular season.
Houston had a four-game lead in the AL West as recently as Sept. 3. Factor in the tiebreaker, and it’s an eight-game swing in the standings in 18 days. The Astros were in first place from June 3 to Sept. 10.

While the Phillies and Brewers have clinched their respective divisions, things have not been settled in both the West divisions, the AL East and the AL Central. The final Wild Card spots, too, are still up for grab in each league. In fact, entering Monday, the Blue Jays are the only AL team that has clinched a playoff spot. Meanwhile, there are several intriguing individual storylines, including a slugger vying for a 60-homer season.
The Guardians could very well pull off one of the biggest late-season comebacks in MLB history. A whopping 15 1/2 games back of the Tigers in the AL Central as late as July 8, the Guardians are, stunningly, one game behind them entering the final week. Cleveland has won 15 of its last 17 games and nearly erased the 10 1/2-game deficit in the AL Central it had entering September.
As luck will have it, the Guardians and Tigers will face off in a three-game series in Cleveland starting on Tuesday. If the Guardians win just one of those games, they will hold the vital tiebreaker advantage over the Tigers, meaning Cleveland would win the division if the two clubs ended the season with the same record.
The battles for the western divisions have been consistently close for months, but we’ve gained more clarity after this past week. The Astros and Mariners have been neck-and-neck for weeks but after Seattle’s sweep of Houston over the weekend, the Mariners have a commanding three-game lead in the AL West and secured the tiebreaker advantage by winning the season series.
The Dodgers, too, are in good shape entering the week. With a three-game lead over San Diego and the tiebreaker advantage, the Dodgers are destined to win the NL West yet again. Barring a miracle, though, the Dodgers will not have a first-round bye in the Wild Card round, as the Brewers already clinched one of the top two NL spots, and Los Angeles is four games behind Philadelphia for the second seed.
Through the end of July, the Mets were seriously vying for the NL East division and were battling for the No. 1 seed in the National League. It’s been downhill since then, with the Mets going 18-29 since the beginning of August, tied for the fourth-worst record in the Majors. After the Mets lost on Sunday and the Reds won, Cincinnati has possession of the third NL Wild Card spot. Both clubs have an 80-76 record, but the Reds took the season series and therefore hold the tiebreaker advantage.
The D-backs, too, are in the mix for that final NL Wild Card spot. After winning on Sunday, Arizona is one game behind the Reds and Mets. The D-backs, however, lost the season series against the Reds and split the season series against the Mets, meaning a tie between Arizona and New York would come down to intradivision record.
It’s been a historic season for Cal Raleigh, who has crushed 58 home runs, the most by a switch-hitter in MLB history, the most in Mariners franchise history and the most by a primary catcher. Next on the list is getting to 60 home runs, a milestone reached only nine times by six different hitters. Raleigh is already firmly in the AL MVP race with Aaron Judge, but reaching 60 homers could be a deciding factor. Raleigh will need to hit two home runs in the final six games, hardly an insurmountable goal for him considering what he’s done this season.
The Brewers won the NL Central and have secured one of the top two spots in the National League, giving them a first-round bye in the Wild Card Series. The Phillies won the NL East and will likely join the Brewers shortly with a first-round bye. The Dodgers will likely take the NL West and the third NL spot, while the Cubs are poised to secure the top NL Wild Card spot.
Beyond those clubs, there’s still plenty to be determined. Entering Monday, the Blue Jays are the only AL team that has secured a postseason spot, so we could see plenty of shuffling between teams this week. That includes the extremely close races for divisions and Wild Card spots.
Raleigh (58 home runs), Kyle Schwarber (53) and Shohei Ohtani (53) have all cleared 50 home runs in 2025. Aaron Judge (49 home runs) is on the cusp of joining those three, while Eugenio Suárez (47) is three homers away. The most players to hit 50-plus home runs in a season is four, which was done in 1998 (Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Vaughn) and 2001 (Barry Bonds, Sosa, Alex Rodriguez and Luis Gonzalez).
If Judge hits one more home run, the 2025 season will be in a three-way tie for the most 50-homer players in one season. And if Suárez can also hit three more, the ‘25 season would stand alone with five 50-homer players, the most in a single season in MLB history.
Soto became a first-time member of the 30-30 club, with his 42 home runs and 35 stolen bases. Lindor is nearly there, too, with 28 home runs and 31 stolen bases. If Lindor gets to 30 homers, he and Soto would become the third pair of teammates to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in a season, joining Ellis Burks and Dante Bichette (1996 Rockies) and Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry (1987 Mets).
What a year it’s been for Devers. The longtime Red Sox third baseman and franchise cornerstone was traded to the Giants in a blockbuster move in mid-June and has had another ho-hum Devers season, posting an .841 OPS with 31 home runs between the two teams. After playing in 73 games with the Red Sox, Devers has played in 84 games with the Giants, giving him 157 total games. If he plays in San Francisco’s final six games, Devers will become the first player to play in more than 162 games in a season since Justin Mourneau for the Twins in 2008.
With 141 runs scored entering the final week, Ohtani is vying for a level of run-scoring that few players have ever reached. If Ohtani manages to score nine runs in the Dodgers’ final six games, he’d be the first player with 150 runs scored since Jeff Bagwell had 152 for the 2000 Astros. Before Bagwell, you have to go all the way back to Ted Williams in 1949. A 140-run season is impressive in its own right, but 150 runs is incredibly rare.

With baseball’s regular season down to six games, four of the six divisions still haven’t been decided and there are seven playoff spots up for grabs, five in the American League.
Sunday was eventful with the AL East-leading Blue Jays clinching at least a wild card and the Brewers wrapping up a threepeat in the NL Central.
Also, the AL Central-leading Tigers’ shocking collapse continued, the surging Reds passed the slumping Mets for the last NL wild-card spot and the first-place Mariners swept the second-place Astros on the road to go three games up in the AL West.
Here is what occurred on Sunday:
In Baltimore, Ben Rice hit a tie-breaking grand slam in a six-run 10th inning in a 7-1 Yankees win over the Orioles. By taking three of four in their final road series, the Yankees hiked their lead over the Red Sox to three games for the first AL wild card and stayed two games behind the Blue Jays in the AL East.
In New York, the Mets dropped out of playoff with a 3-2 loss to the Nationals in their home finale. The Mets have loss 11 of 15 and are 35-52 since winning on June 12 to build a 5 ½-game NL East lead over the Phillies, who won the division going away last week.
In Detroit, the Tigers stayed a game up on the Guardians in the AL Central despite losing 6-2 to the Braves. On its final homestand, Detroit was 0-6 and outscored 36-14. Next up are six road games to finish the season, the first three in Cleveland.
In Kansas City, the Blue Jays beat the Blue Jays 8-5 to become the first AL club to clinch a playoff spot. They’re next goal is holding off the Yankees to win the AL East crown. Toronto has a two-game lead and owns the tiebreaker.
In Minneapolis, the Guardians’ 10-game losing streak ended with a 6-2 loss to the Twins, but they maintained their last AL wild-card spot over the Astros (on a tiebreaker) and stayed a game behind the Tigers heading in this showdown series, which begins Tuesday night in Cleveland.
In Houston, J.P. Crawford hit a grand slam in a seven-run second inning and the AL West-leading Mariners held on for a 7-3 win over the second-place Astros, who started the weekend tied for first but now are three games back and also out of a wild-card spot on a tiebreaker with the Reds.
In Tampa, the Rays scored three first-inning runs in a 7-3 win over the Red Sox, who stayed a game ahead of the Guardians and Astros for the second AL wild card.
In Chicago, Fernando Tatis Jr. homered and the Padres inched closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the White Sox. San Diego holds the second NL wild-card spot and is five games ahead of the Reds and Mets, who are tied for the third.
In St. Louis, the Brewers lost to the Cardinals 5-1, but still clinched their third consecutive NL Central title with the second-place Cubs losing to the Reds. The Brewers also maintained their three-game edge over the Phillies for top seed in the NL playoffs.
In Cincinnati, the Reds extended their winning streak to five with a 1-0 win over the Cubs that has them ahead of the Mets by a game for the last NL wild-card spot. Gavin Lux drove in the only run of the game with a two-out double in the third inning.
In Los Angeles, the Giants wiped out a 1-0 deficit in a three-run seventh and beat the Dodgers 3-1 to avoid a four-game sweep and get to three games out of the last NL wild-card spot. The Dodgers, who already have clinched a playoff spot, had their NL West lead over the Padres cut to three games.
In Phoenix, Corbin Carroll capped a five-run second with a three-run homer and Eduardo Rodriguez pitched six scoreless innings for the Diamondbacks, who slayed the Phillies 9-2 to get to with a game of the last NL wild-card spot. Arizona trails both the Reds and Mets.
Here’s a look at magic numbers plus the remaining schedules and tiebreakers for the contenders through Sunday, Sept. 21 along with playoff matchups if the postseason began on Monday, Sept. 22:
AL EAST
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (90-66)
Standings: First in AL East. Lead second-place Yankees by 2 games.
Tiebreakers: Blue Jays won season series with Yankees 8-5; Blue Jays won season series with Mariners 4-2; Blue Jays trail season series with Astros 3-1. Blue Jays won season series with Tigers 4-3; Blue Jays split season series with Guardians 3-3.
Magic number to clinch AL East: 4
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched Sept. 21.
Games remaining: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Blue Jays schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Red Sox, 7:07 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Red Sox, 7:07 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Red Sox, 7:07 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Rays, 7:07 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Rays, 3:07 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Rays, 3:07 p.m., EST
NEW YORK YANKEES (88-68)
Standings: Second in AL East. Trail first-place Blue Jays by 2 games. First in AL wild-card standings. Lead Guardians and Astros by 4 games for third wild card.
Tiebreakers: Yankees lost season series with Blue Jays 8-5; Yankees lost season series with Red Sox 9-4; Yankees tied season series with Astros 3-3; Yankees won season series with Mariners 5-1; Yankees lost season series with Tigers 4-2; Yankees tied season series with Guardians 3-3, but lose tiebreaker on division record.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 4
Games remaining: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Yankees schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: White Sox, 7:05 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: White Sox, 7:05 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: White Sox, 7:05 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Orioles, 7:05 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Orioles, 1:05 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Orioles, 3:05 p.m., EST
BOSTON RED SOX (85-71)
Standings: Third in AL East. Trail first-place Blue Jays by 5 games. Second in AL wild-card standings. Lead Guardians and Astros by 1 game for 3rd AL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Red Sox won season series with Yankees 9-4; Red Sox tied season series with Mariners 3-3; Red Sox won season series with Astros 4-2; Red Sox won season series with Guardians 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 6
Games remaining: 6 (3 home, 3 road).
Red Sox schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Tigers, 7:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Tigers, 4:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Tigers, 3:05 p.m., EST
AL CENTRAL
DETROIT TIGERS (85-71)
Standings: First in AL Central. Lead second-place Guardians by 1 game.
Tiebreakers: Tigers trail season series with Guardians 6-4; Tigers lost season series with Mariners 4-2; Tigers lost season series with Blue Jays 4-3; Tigers won season series with Yankees 4-2; Tigers won season series with Astros 4-2.
Magic number to clinch AL Central: 6
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 6
Remaining games: 6 (0 home, 6 road).
Tigers schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Guardians, 6:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Guardians, 6:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: at Guardians, 6:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Red Sox, 7:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Red Sox, 4:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Red Sox, 3:05 p.m., EST
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (84-72)
Standings: Second in AL Central. Trail first-place Tigers by 1 game. Tied with Astros for third AL wild card. Guardians hold tiebreaker.
Tiebreakers: Guardians lead season series with Tigers 6-4; Guardians lost season series with Mariners 4-2; Guardians won season series with Astros 4-2; Guardians lost season series with Red Sox 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 6
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Guardians schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Tigers, 6:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Tigers, 6:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Tigers, 6:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Rangers, 7:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Rangers, 6:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Rangers, 3:10 p.m., EST
AL WEST
SEATTLE MARINERS (87-69)
Standings: First in AL West. Lead Astros by 3 games.
Tiebreakers: Mariners won season series with Astros 8-5; Mariners won season series with Tigers 4-2; Mariners won season series with Guardians 4-2.
Magic number to clinch AL West: 3
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 3
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Mariners schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Rockies, 9:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Rockies, 9:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Rockies, 9:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Dodgers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Dodgers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Dodgers, 3:10 p.m., EST
HOUSTON ASTROS (84-72)
Standings: Second in AL West. Trail first-place Mariners by 3 games. Tied with Guardians for third AL wild card. Guardians have tiebreaker.
Tiebreakers: Astros lost season series with Mariners 8-5; Astros lost season series with Red Sox 4-2; Astros lost season series with Guardians 4-2; Astros lost season series with Tigers 4-2.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 6
Remaining games: 6 (0 home, 6 road).
Astros schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Athletics, 10:05 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Athletics, 10:05 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: at Athletics, 3:35 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Angels, 9:38 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Angels, 9:38 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Angels, 3:07 p.m., EST
NL EAST
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (92-64)
Standings: First in NL East. Lead second-place Mets by 12 games.
Tiebreakers: Phillies won season series with Dodgers 4-2; Phillies lost season series with Brewers 4-2.
Magic number to clinch NL East: Clinched Sept. 15.
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Phillies schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Marlins, 6:45 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Marlins, 6:45 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Marlins, 6:05 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Twins, 7:45 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Twins, 7:05 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Twins, 3:05 p.m., EST
NEW YORK METS (80-76)
Standings: Second in NL East. Trail first-place Phillies by 12 games. Tied with Reds for third NL wild-card standings. Reds have tiebreaker.
Tiebreakers: Mets won season series with Giants 4-2; Mets lost season series with Reds 4-2; Mets tied season series with Diamondbacks 3-3.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 6
Remaining games: 6 (0 home, 6 road).
Mets schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Cubs, 7:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Cubs, 8:05 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: at Cubs, 7:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Marlins, 7:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Marlins, 4:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Marlins, 3:10 p.m., EST
NL CENTRAL
MILWAUKEE BREWERS (95-61)
Standings: First in NL Central. Lead second-place Cubs by 7 games.
Tiebreakers: Brewers won season series with Phillies 4-2.
Magic number to clinch NL Central: Clinched Sept. 21.
Remaining games: 6 (3 home, 3 road).
Brewers schedule:
Monday, Sept. 22: at Padres, 9:40 p.m., EST
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Padres, 9:10 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Padres, 4:10 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Reds, 8:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Reds, 7:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Reds, 3:10 p.m., EST
CHICAGO CUBS (88-68)
Standings: Second in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 7 games. First in NL wild-card standings. Lead Reds and Mets by 8 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Cubs tied season series with Padres 3-3.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched Sept. 16.
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Cubs schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Mets, 7:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Mets, 8:05 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Mets, 7:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Cardinals, 2:20 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Cardinals, 2:20 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Cardinals, 3:20 p.m., EST
CINCINNATI REDS (80-76)
Standings: Third in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 15 games. Tied with Mets for third in NL wild-card standings.
Tiebreakers: Reds won season series with Mets 4-2; Reds tied season series with Giants 3-3; Reds won season series with Diamondbacks 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 6
Remaining games: 6 (3 home, 3 road).
Reds schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Pirates, 6:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Pirates, 6:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Pirates, 12:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Brewers, 8:10 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Brewers, 7:10 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Brewers, 3:10 p.m., EST
NL WEST
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (88-68)
Standings: First in NL West. Lead second-place Padres by 3 games.
Tiebreakers: Dodgers won season series with Padres 9-4; Dodgers lost season series with Phillies 4-2; Dodgers lost season series with Brewers 6-0.
Magic number to clinch NL West: 3
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched Sept. 19.
Remaining games: 6 (0 home, 6 road).
Dodgers schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: at Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: at Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: at Diamondbacks, 3:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Mariners, 9:40 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Mariners, 9:40 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Mariners, 3:10 p.m., EST
SAN DIEGO PADRES (85-71)
Standings: Second in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 3 games. Second in NL wild-card standings. Lead Reds and Mets by 5 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Padres lost season series with Dodgers 9-4; Padres won season series with Mets 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 2
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Padres schedule:
Monday, Sept. 22: Brewers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Brewers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Brewers, 4:10 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Diamondbacks, 8:40 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m., EST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (79-77)
Standings: Third in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 9 games. Fifth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Reds and Mets by 1 game for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Diamondbacks tied season series with Mets 3-3; Diamondbacks won season series with Giants 7-6; Diamondbacks lost season series with Reds 4-2.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 6
Remaining games: 6 (3 home, 3 road).
Diamondbacks schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 23: Dodgers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Dodgers, 9:40 p.m., EST
Thursday, Sept. 25: Dodgers, 3:40 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: at Padres, 9:40 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Padres, 8:40 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: at Padres, 3:10 p.m., EST
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (77-79)
Standings: Fourth in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 11 games. Sixth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Reds and Mets by 3.5 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Giants lost season series with Diamondbacks 7-6; Giants tied season series with Reds 3-3; Giants lost season series with Mets 4-
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 4
Remaining games: 6 (6 home, 0 road).
Giants schedule:
Monday, Sept. 23: Cardinals, 9:45 p.m., EST
Tuesday, Sept. 24: Cardinals, 9:45 p.m., EST
Wednesday, Sept. 25: Cardinals, 9:45 p.m., EST
Friday, Sept. 26: Rockies, 10:15 p.m., EST
Saturday, Sept. 27: Rockies, 4:05 p.m., EST
Sunday, Sept. 28: Rockies, 3:05 p.m., EST
POSTSEASON MATCHUPS
AL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3)
Blue Jays (1), Mariners (2), byes
Guardians (6) at Tigers (3)
Red Sox (5) at Yankees (4)
NL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3)
Brewers (1), Phillies (2), byes
Reds (6) at Dodgers (3)
Padres (5) at Cubs (4)

HOUSTON — Seattle’s Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 58th home run on Sunday night, a two-run shot in the second inning against the Houston Astros.
The Mariners were up 5-0 after a grand slam by J.P. Crawford in the second when Raleigh, who was batting left-handed, connected off Jason Alexander for his home run to right field to extend the lead.
The shot comes a night after he passed Ken Griffey Jr. for the franchise’s single-season home run record with his 57th homer. Griffey hit 56 in both 1997 and 1998.
Raleigh has also surpassed Mickey Mantle’s MLB record of 54 home runs by a switch-hitter that had stood since 1961. He has also set the MLB record for homers by a catcher this season, eclipsing the 48 hit by Salvador Perez in 2021.
Raleigh is five home runs ahead of Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who are tied for second place with 53 each.

The Milwaukee Brewers may have lost Sunday’s game to the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 in St. Louis, but they won an even bigger prize: the National League Central.
Milwaukee clinched its third straight division title after the second-place Chicago Cubs lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds. The Brewers’ divisional triumph came despite them being unable to do much against the Cardinals. Joey Ortiz had two hits, including a triple, while Jackson Chourio drove in Milwaukee’s only run of the game with a sacrifice fly.
Robert Gasser (0-1) served as the Brewers’ opener, allowing two runs on two walks and a hit over three innings. Erick Fedde struggled versus his former team, giving up three runs off three walks and a hit during his four frames.
Jose Fermin led the charge for the Cardinals with three RBIs, while Ivan Herrera hit a two-run homer to help St. Louis take two of three games from Milwaukee. Matthew Liberatore (8-12) excelled over five innings of work, giving up just one run on five hits.
Blue Jays 8, Royals 5
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez each had two RBIs, four relievers held Kansas City to one run and Toronto clinched its fourth postseason berth in six seasons with a road victory.
Guerrero and Gimenez joined George Springer and Ernie Clement with two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out to snap a four-game skid in which they totaled three runs. Brendon Little, Seranthony Dominguez (4-4), Eric Lauer and Jeff Hoffman (32nd save) helped keep the Royals from sweeping this three-game set.
Salvador Perez recorded career RBI No. 1,012 to match Hal McRae for second on the all-time list for Kansas City, which finished 43-38 at home. Michael Wacha (9-13) allowed a trio of runs in both the second and fifth innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits over five innings.
Reds 1, Cubs 0
Gavin Lux hit an RBI double in the third inning and four Cincinnati pitchers combined on a six-hitter as the host Reds swept Chicago and moved into a tie for the final NL wild-card spot.
Cincinnati won its fifth straight and is tied with the New York Mets, five games behind San Diego for the No. 2 wild card. for the NL’s third and final wild-card spot. Andrew Abbott threw 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits while striking out two and walking one. Nick Martinez (11-13) threw 2 1/3 perfect frames in relief.
Jameson Taillon (10-7) pitched seven quality innings for the Cubs, allowing a run on five hits while striking out four and walking none. Chicago has dropped four straight since clinching a postseason berth on Wednesday.
Twins 6, Guardians 2
Brooks Lee blasted a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning and Royce Lewis added a pinch-hit three-run homer in the seventh to help Minnesota end Cleveland’s 10-game winning streak with a win in Minneapolis.
Kody Clemens contributed two hits, an RBI and run scored for the Twins, who ended a five-game skid. Minnesota starter Simeon Woods Richardson allowed two runs and three hits over five innings, striking out three and walking two.
Steven Kwan swatted a leadoff homer for the Guardians, but they collected just three singles the rest of the way, missing an opportunity to move into a tie for first in the American League Central after trailing the Detroit Tigers by 15 1/2 games in early July.
Yankees 7, Orioles 1 (10)
Ben Rice hit a grand slam before an out was recorded in the 10th inning as New York pulled out a victory against host Baltimore.
The Yankees had five hits and scored six runs in the 10th, most notably Rice’s 24th homer of the season. He went 4-for-5 with five RBIs, accounting for nearly half of the team’s 10 hits. New York won three of four games in the series as it stayed in the AL East race, two games behind the first-place Toronto Blue Jays.
Samuel Basallo homered for the Orioles, whose offense let down starter Kyle Bradish. He worked six innings, allowing one run on two hits. Kade Strowd (0-1), who began the 10th on the mound, took the loss. David Bednar (6-5) was the winning pitcher after throwing a scoreless ninth, improving to 4-0 since joining the Yankees this summer.
Pirates 11, Athletics 0
Joey Bart hit a three-run home run and Jared Triolo added a two-run shot as each finished with four hits in host Pittsburgh’s blowout win in its home finale.
Carmen Mlodzinski (5-8) pitched three innings for the win after Mike Burrows opened the game by giving up five hits with three strikeouts over four innings. The Pirates recorded their MLB-best 19th shutout of the season and their second straight following a five-game losing streak.
Brent Rooker had two hits for the Athletics, who were held scoreless in the final 22 innings of the series. Starter Mitch Spence (3-6) seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over 3 1/3 innings to take the loss.
Padres 3, White Sox 2
Michael King pitched five-plus scoreless innings and San Diego held on to win in Chicago as the Padres reduced their magic number to two to clinch a playoff berth.
San Diego took two of three from the White Sox, who have lost eight of their last nine and played their final home game of the season.
Padres reliever Mason Miller inherited bases loaded with one in the seventh and walked in a pair of runs. But he got Lenyn Sosa to ground out to end the inning. King (5-3) allowed four hits, walked four and struck out four.
Braves 6, Tigers 2
Ha-Seong Kim homered and drove in two runs and streaking Atlanta handed host Detroit its sixth straight loss.
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Drake Baldwin each had two hits, a run scored and an RBI for the Braves in their eighth consecutive win. Spencer Strider (7-13) tossed five scoreless innings.
The Tigers didn’t get on the scoreboard until the ninth inning, squandering numerous prime scoring chances in the opening frames. Detroit stranded 13 runners on base, handing Casey Mize (14-6) the loss after he gave up three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Nationals 3, Mets 2
Jacob Young made two incredible catches in center field and Nasim Nunez hit a two-run homer to cap a three-run second inning as visiting Washington complicated New York’s playoff chase.
Young took away extra bases from Brett Baty in the fifth inning and stole a game-tying homer from Francisco Alvarez in the ninth. Jake Irvin (9-13) earned his first win since July 27 after allowing just two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.
The Mets now sit in a tie with the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild-card spot after suffering their 15th loss in 23 games. Sean Manaea (2-4) took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits in three-plus innings. Francisco Lindor hit a solo homer for New York in the sixth.
Rockies 3, Angels 1
Blaine Crim homered, Kyle Freeland pitched six strong innings, and Colorado beat Los Angeles in Denver to wrap up its home schedule.
The Rockies (43-113) passed the 1962 New York Mets, whose 42 wins are the fewest in the National League in the modern era. Colorado finished the season 25-56 at Coors Field, its worst home record in franchise history. Freeland (5-16) allowed one run on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.
Mike Trout doubled, one of seven hits for Los Angeles. Rookie right-hander Cade Dana (0-3) allowed two runs on three hits, struck out five and walked three in a season-high six innings.
Giants 3, Dodgers 1
Patrick Bailey started a three-run rally in the eighth inning with an RBI double, rookie Trevor McDonald gave up one run over six-plus innings of his first career start and San Francisco avoided a four-game sweep with a victory over host Los Angeles.
Willy Adames had a bases-loaded walk in the eighth and Matt Chapman added an RBI groundout. McDonald gave up one run on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Spencer Bivens (4-3) did not give up a run over one inning for the Giants and right-hander Ryan Walker recorded the last two outs for his 16th save.
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan tied a career high with 10 strikeouts for the Dodgers, while Michael Conforto had an RBI single. Sheehan gave up just one hit with no walks over seven innings in the team’s regular-season home finale. Right-hander Blake Treinen (1-7) allowed three runs on three hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
Diamondbacks 9, Phillies 2
Corbin Carroll became the first Arizona player to achieve a 30-home run, 30-stolen base season and Eduardo Rodriguez pitched six scoreless innings as the D-backs moved closer to a playoff berth with a victory over Philadelphia in Phoenix.
Carroll stole his 30th base of the campaign in the sixth inning and hit a three-run shot, his 31st of the year, in the second frame. Jorge Barrosa notched his first career home run, Ketel Marte recorded two RBIs and Eduardo Rodriguez (9-8) pitched six scoreless innings to pull Arizona within one game of both the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds for the last NL wild-card spot.
Nick Castellanos singled in a run to open the scoring for the Phillies in the eighth inning, while Weston Wilson drove in another with a two-out, bases-loaded walk. Ranger Suarez (12-7) made his shortest appearance since his season debut May 4, pitching just four innings and giving up six runs on eight hits.
Marlins 4, Rangers 2
Otto Lopez had three hits and an RBI as Miami used a balanced offensive attack and shutdown relief to beat reeling Texas in the finale of a three-game interleague series in Arlington, Texas.
The victory was the sixth straight and the 10th in 11 games for the Marlins and finalized their second consecutive series sweep. Miami outhit the Rangers 11-5, with Graham Pauley adding a triple and a single and eight players producing hits. The Marlins did not draw a walk.
Lake Bachar (8-2) earned the win with two innings in relief of starter Eury Perez, who threw four shutout innings. Texas starter Merrill Kelly (12-9) took the loss as the Rangers fell for the seventh straight game.
Mariners 7, Astros 3
J.P. Crawford hit a grand slam and Cal Raleigh smashed his major league-leading 58th homer to help Seattle inch closer to a postseason berth with a win in Houston.
Logan Gilbert (6-6) supported the Mariners’ offense from the mound with six innings of one-run ball. Seattle is now three games up on the Astros for the AL West crown after sweeping the three-contest series and winning 14 of its last 15 games.
Houston starter Jason Alexander (4-2) failed to make it out of the second inning after surrendering seven runs on seven hits and a walk. Zach Cole hit his third home run of the season in place of Jeremy Pena, who was a late scratch due to oblique soreness. Jose Altuve also chipped in for the Astros with a double and an RBI single.
Rays 7, Red Sox 3
Christopher Morel drove in four runs, Brandon Lowe clubbed his 30th homer of the campaign and Tampa Bay drubbed Boston in the Rays’ home finale.
Morel went 2-for-4 and knocked in the first two runs with a double and two more with an eighth-inning single as Tampa Bay broke an eight-game losing streak against the Red Sox. Rays leadoff batter Chandler Simpson went 2-for-4 with a run and recorded his 43rd stolen base, while Junior Caminero had two hits, two runs and a walk. Garrett Cleavinger (2-6) tossed a perfect sixth.
Boston’s Alex Bregman and Romy Gonzalez each had two hits, an RBI and two walks. Masataka Yoshida added two hits. Starting pitcher Connelly Early (1-1), who made his major league debut on Sept. 9, suffered his first career loss by yielding three runs (two earned) on three hits in four innings. The lefty fanned four and walked two.

Friday night celebration in Phoenix turned into something more. After a major win over the Diamondbacks, a Phillies star who had just hit his 250th career home run fielded questions in the clubhouse that hinted at tension, not triumph. What started as a normal postgame interview quickly became awkward when Nick Castellanos was asked if he was “unhappy” in Philadelphia.
The incident unfolded after the Phillies’ 8-2 win over the D-Backs. Castellanos, who signed a five-year, $100 million deal, faced reporters who shifted focus. Instead of his historic home run, there were questions about his future and satisfaction with the team. When one reporter boldly stated, “So, it sounds like you’re unhappy,” the situation reached a breaking point that would spark widespread criticism. That interview received widespread criticism across social media.
When GenZ reporter Kait tweeted, “Just listened to the interview with Casty yesterday ‘it sounds like you’re unhappy’ why are you putting words in his mouth? Nick handled it like a pro, I don’t think I would’ve been as nice,” she struck a nerve. Jess Castellanos, the wife of Nick, responded directly.
“Fact. And FYI for everyone the reporters all apologized to him because it was wrong.” This revelation confirmed what many suspected – the questioning had crossed a line serious enough to warrant apologies from the media members involved.
Yet, undeniably, Nick Castellanos handled everything “like a pro.” To the “unhappy” question, he responded to the Phillies Nation, “That would be creating a narrative.” Still, the interviewers pressed it further and asked, “OK, are you unhappy?” The slugger’s response?
“That’s … I’m here, we won a baseball game. I hit my 250th [home run]. I have a good relationship with the guys in this clubhouse.” He handled the aggressive questioning with remarkable restraint, deflecting attempts to create controversy while staying focused on team goals. However, initially, on Friday, Jess Castellanos fired back with a fierce defence that went viral.
“I know everyone wants to find a problem with Nick or bate him into a problem, but it’s time to get over it. Focus on the postseason and winning baseball games and stop crying about the pieces you have to get the job done and root for them to do well instead.” Her message amplified the conversation around whether media coverage has unfairly targeted the veteran slugger.
Support came from unexpected corners, including MLB analyst Ben Verlander, who didn’t mince words about the interview’s tone.
“I can’t stop thinking about how disrespectful this is. Just a brutal line of questioning,” Verlander posted. He praised Castellanos’ character, noting, “He’s thoughtful. He cares. He’s passionate. He hit his 250th career HR last night and the questions he was getting were about his playing time. No other way to view these interviews than disrespectful.”
What’s more is that the conversation wasn’t limited to the “unhappy” question.
In the same interview on Friday, another exchange created a bigger fuss around the front office. While much of the attention focused on Castellanos’ satisfaction with his role, his comments about communication with management also drew notice. That later led to a Saturday meeting between the player and the Phillies manager.
Castellanos’ manager acts fast after communication comments
Nick Castellanos is getting less playing time in 2025 since his offensive numbers went down (.254 AVG, .706 OPS) and his defensive numbers got worse—he is among the bottom of the outfielders with -11 Defensive Runs Saved and –12 Outs Above Average. And since the trade deadline, players like Max Kepler and Harrison Bader have played better defense and offense.
So, when reporters started asking about Castellanos’ shorter playing time, a new part of the narrative came out.
Castellanos was direct when asked about his role in the clubhouse. “Uh, I don’t really talk to Rob [Thomson] all that often, so that’s just … I play whenever he tells me to play. And then I sit whenever he tells me to sit.” It continued, and his response grew more pointed. “Uh, communication over the years has been questionable, at least in my experience. But also, I grew up communicating with somebody like my father, which is very blunt, direct and consistent.”
Thomson scheduled a meeting with his veteran outfielder on Saturday morning after those comments made headlines.
“I thought it was really productive. I’m not going to get into specifics of what we talked about, but I thought it was good,” the skipper told reporters afterwards. He even acknowledged the difficulty of Castellanos’ situation. “As I’ve said all along, it’s a tough thing for a guy that’s played every day throughout the minor leagues, every day in his big league career, to take this type of role.”
The Phillies manager addressed the communication concerns head-on. “As far as the communication part of it, if – not only Nick, but if anybody else in that clubhouse doesn’t think that I’m communicating enough with them, I’m probably not. I’ve got to do a better job. It’s just being accountable.” He noted that “there’s two ways of communicating, and that door is always open,” while confirming Castellanos would be in Sunday’s lineup against left-handed pitching.

The Diamondbacks voided Burgos’ Sept. 2 option to Triple-A Reno and placed him on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm contusion, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.
Burgos suffered the injury during his appearance against the Rangers on Sept. 1. He’ll be eligible to return from the injured list whenever he’s fully healthy, but there’s currently no telling when that may be. Once activated, he may take on a low-leverage role in Arizona’s bullpen after posting a 6.08 ERA and 1.88 WHIP in 13.1 innings with the D-backs.

DENVER — Rockies No. 1/MLB Pipeline No. 17 prospect Ethan Holliday watched part of the flight of the last and most memorable blast of an impressive batting practice at Coors Field on Friday.
By the time the ball landed three rows from the top of the third, and highest, deck, Holliday was strolling out of the cage, smiling. The fourth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Stillwater (Okla.) High School, Holliday already has made his professional debut — 18 games at Single-A Fresno (.239/.357/.380), and took a break from instructional ball in Scottsdale, Ariz., to take swings at what he hopes is his future home.
“I was just trying to have a good day at BP,” Holliday said. “I was out here on the big league field with all the big leaguers, trying to do what I do every day in Arizona. The ball flies a little different here.
The Rockies completed a celebratory night with a 7-6 victory over the Angels to begin the final home series of the season. The highlight was a bullpen that tended to perform well when presented with a lead. Jaden Hill, Juan Mejia, Jimmy Herget and Victor Vodnik (ninth save) each pitched a scoreless inning while protecting a one-run lead.
In the FWIW category, the victory was the Rockies’ 42nd of a rough season. It means they have surpassed last year’s White Sox, whose win total of 41 was the lowest in the Modern Era.
Many teams have their top Draft picks sign at the Major League park and have a press conference and display day. The Rockies this year did all the signings in Scottsdale — with Holliday inking for $9 million, a record for a player out of high school — and began workouts.
When his father, Matt Holliday, returned to the Rockies in 2018 for the final days of his career, Ethan and his older brother, now-Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, sometimes would take batting practice or field grounders and fly balls before games.
After a get-me-acquainted first round, Holliday began blasting with regularity to center and to either bullpen. In fact, one went into the second deck in center, clearing the display pennant commemorating the 2007 National League championship. His dad was a key figure, while Ethan — born in Tucson, Ariz. that Feb. 23 — was merely a babe in arms.
The club arranged a locker with a “Holliday 25” white jersey with purple pinstripes, and treated him like the teammate the Rockies hope he becomes. Holliday appreciated the welcome, but treated the on-field stuff like any other day.
“I was talking with some of the hitting coaches, and they were like, ‘What are you working on right now?’” Holliday said. “I was telling them I would just go let it rip and have fun, don’t worry about that stuff right now.”
Holliday and many of the prospects played games against similar groupings in Arizona, then Holliday joined a Fresno team in a push that led to an appearance in the California League playoffs. So he had plenty of moments that showed him he’s not in high school anymore. Good thing he has his father, who played mostly for the Rockies and Cardinals in a 15-year career, and Jackson, in his second season.
“I called him after one game and was like, ‘Man, this is tough, I’m striking out a lot,’” Ethan said. “And he was like, ‘I struck out three times the other night. It happens. You gotta get ready for tomorrow. Like, come on, dude, get out of that.’
“I hit a few out, but nothing like that — so I was impressed,” the elder Holliday said. “I know he’s got power. I pitched to him a lot.
“I know it’s in there. He’s such a controlled kid. The first round was nice and easy. I remember my first round, I was trying to hit it off the scoreboard.”
Ethan Holliday’s learning will continue in instructionals, which run through Oct. 4. The Rockies are allowing Holliday to stay at shortstop until his ability or team needs make a position change necessary. Fundamentals that don’t come up in high school ball — such as devising plans against opposing pitchers, truly learning the strike zone offensively and proper angles and paths to the ball defensively — are areas to address.
“The directional plays — being able to throw from multiple arm angles, his fluidity, his agility, being able to turn a double play — he’s got the makings,” Rockies senior director-scouting operations Marc Gustafson said.

DETROIT — While creating the argument that he will be MLB’s best first baseman over the remainder of this decade, Matt Olson has capably replaced a beloved likely Hall of Famer and calmly handled the added responsibilities that come with playing for your hometown team.
“How he handles everything is unbelievable,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “It blows me away how those boring pros play every day and have long, great careers because they don’t ride those crests and have those highs and lows.”
Snitker throws the term “boring pro” around a lot, but it truly does seem to apply to the soft-spoken Olson. The Braves’ first baseman looks like a cinch to win his third career Gold Glove Award, and he’s two homers shy of what would be his fifth 30-homer season. And he also claimed the National League lead when he tallied his 40th double in a 10-1 win over the Tigers on Friday night at Comerica Park.
“It’s never about himself,” Braves hitting coach Tim Hyers said. “He brings a lot of guys with him, and he makes players around him better.”
Four years later, the Braves’ reasoning for choosing to make a long-term investment in Olson — rather than Freddie Freeman — is looking even more sound. Freeman will one day join former Braves teammate Chipper Jones in Cooperstown, N.Y., and his No. 5 may hang in Truist Park at some point.
But even if you believe Freeman might have eventually accepted a five-year offer from Atlanta, the Braves were weighing how effective he’d remain into his mid-to-late 30s. Olson was the more attractive long-term option because he is five years younger than his predecessor.
Freeman constructed a magical World Series last year and he remains elite. But as he nears the end of his age-35 season, it’s hard to say he’s still the game’s best first baseman. It’s easier to give that title to Olson, who has four more years left on his contract, which includes a club option for 2030.
So, while it might have hurt to say goodbye to Freeman immediately after he helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series, there’s reason to be excited about what the future holds for Olson, who entered Friday leading all MLB first basemen with 6.1 bWAR (Baseball Reference’s Wins Above Replacement model) this year.
And to further signal there might be a changing of the guard, Olson (20.8) now ranks just ahead of Freeman (20.7) in bWAR since the start of the 2022 season.
If you’re into FanGraphs’ WAR model, Olson leads all MLB first basemen with 4.8 fWAR this year. But his 17.3 fWAR since the start of 2022 ranks second only to Freeman’s (21.8).
“I don’t think WAR is perfect either,” Olson said. “There’s always flaws and numbers, but, you know, the main focus is going and grinding and trying to win and enjoying being out there with the guys.”
Regardless of what you think about WAR, it’s remarkable how closely linked these two first basemen have remained. Olson’s RBI double in Friday’s lopsided win pushed him ahead of Freeman for sole possession of the NL lead.
Olson entered Sept. 13 needing seven homers over the team’s final 15 games to reach the 30-homer mark for the third time in four seasons with Atlanta. He homered five times over the next six games and now needs just two homers over the team’s final eight games to reach that total.
If Olson hits two more home runs, he’ll have matched the number of 30-homer seasons (3) Freeman had during his decade-plus tenure in Atlanta. Now, speaking of clean numbers, Olson finished with just 29 home runs last year. Does the absence of one homer significantly diminish the production?
Hank Aaron (15), Eddie Mathews (10), Andruw Jones (7), Chipper Jones (6) and Dale Murphy (6) are the only Braves with more than three 30-homer seasons. Olson could join this group as early as next year.
Or you could say he’s just one home run away from joining these same players as the only ones to have four 29-homer seasons for the Braves.
Or you could just say it’s good to see Olson finishing this season with a power surge similar to the ones he produced while tallying a franchise-record 54 homers in 2023.

The 2025 Colorado Rockies have avoided the grimmest kind of history. Their 7-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday marked their 42nd win of the season, and that means they will avoid breaking the 2024 White Sox’s Major League Baseball record of 121 losses in a season.
The Rockies are now at 112 losses with eight games left to play. That puts them on pace for 118 losses on the season, which would still be one of the highest loss tallies in MLB history. Here’s the current list of note:
TeamLossesWinning percentage
1. 2024 Chicago White Sox
121
.248
2. 1962 New York Mets
120
.250
3. 2003 Detroit Tigers
119
.265
4. 1916 Philadelphia Athletics
117
.235
T-5. 2018 Baltimore Orioles
115
.290
T-5. 1935 Boston Braves
115
.248
For a time, the Rockies seemed bent on breaking the White Sox’s record less than a year since it was set. Colorado was 5-25 at the end of April and 9-49 at the close of May. At that point, the Rockies were on pace for 137 losses, which gave them plenty of breathing room insofar as the White Sox’s record was concerned. Since that low point, however, the Rockies have been more conventionally terrible than unprecedentedly awful. Longtime manager Bud Black was let go 40 games into the season and replaced with Warren Schaeffer in the second week of May. The Rockies under Schaeffer continued to struggle badly, but once the calendar flipped to June they found a higher, if still very bad, level.
Since June 1, the Rockies are 33-63, which is good for a winning percentage of .344. That’s a 109-loss pace across an entire season. Again, that’s bad but nowhere close to the depths of the Rockies’ earlier clip. The Rockies have far and away allowed the most runs in MLB since June 1, and they’ve ranked 26th in runs scored over that span. Bake in the effects of Coors Field at a mile above sea level, and it’s safe to say they’ve still been quite hapless at all major phases of the game. That, though, hasn’t been enough to keep them on target for history, and that’s to the White Sox’s chagrin. The record no team wants stands for another year.
At a fundamental level, though, the Rockies are already the worst team in modern MLB history with room to spare. That’s because of their run differential, or their runs allowed subtracted from their runs scored. At present, the 2025 Rockies have a run differential of minus-403. That’s the worst run differential in modern MLB history — i.e., since 1900. Previously, the 1932 Red Sox with a run differential of minus-349 held that record. The worst run differential for 162-game era, 1962 onward, had been minus-339 by the 2023 Athletics. The Rockies this season, however, have blown past both those figures, and they still have games left on the schedule.
To get any kind of

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw pitched the final regular-season home game of his 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, welcomed and sent off with standing ovations a day after announcing his decision to retire at season’s end.
Kershaw’s longtime warmup song, “We Are Young” by Fun, blared as fans held up camera phones to capture the moment as the game began. The cheers quickly turned to boos when San Francisco Giants leadoff hitter Heliot Ramos turned on an 86-mph slider for a 431-foot home run.
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But the cheers returned after Rafael Devers took a called third strike leading off the fifth. Manager Dave Roberts came to the mound and hugged Kershaw as his teammates on the field, in the dugout and in the bullpen joined the crowd in applauding the 37-year-old left-hander as he departed.
Kershaw left with the Dodgers trailing 2-1. He gave up two runs and four hits, struck out six and walked four in 4 1/3 innings on 91 pitches, 56 for strikes.
He waved and then wrapped his arms around himself in a hug gesture to the crowd. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani stepped forward to hug Kershaw, one of many he received from everyone in the dugout. With fans clamoring, Kershaw came out for a curtain call, slowly turning around and taking in the scene.
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Fans donned No. 22 jerseys in a salute to Kershaw, although Ohtani’s No. 17 was prominent as usual.
Kershaw was surrounded by teammates, his wife Ellen, who was in tears, their four children, and fans who’ve watched him work his way through the Dodgers’ farm system to reach the majors at age 20 and go on to win three Cy Young Awards as well as two World Series championships.
Also on hand were former teammate Russell Martin, who caught Kershaw’s major league debut in 2008, and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was Kershaw’s high school football teammate in Texas.
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“This is one of those moments that people are going to look back and go, ‘I was there for the last time he started a home game at Dodger Stadium,’” Roberts said before the game.
Kershaw, a Dallas native who lives there in the offseason, has spent his entire 18-year career in Los Angeles.
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“In a world that people take the easy way out, chase short money, the grass is greener kind of adage, the loyalty part of it is just not what it used to be,” Roberts said. “Clayton lives by those values and it means something for him to wear the same uniform. That’s where I gained a lot of respect for him.”
Among Kershaw’s milestone moments in the city was reaching 3,000 career strikeouts in July.
The Dodgers added a Kershaw bobblehead to their promotional schedule in July after he reached the milestone and the item will be given out Saturday. He will address the fans before Sunday’s game.
“Everybody who is just a fan is going to wrap their arms around Clayton Kershaw,” teammate Freddie Freeman said. “He deserves everything he’s going to get from the fans.”
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While his velocity has dipped in recent years, Kershaw’s famed competitive fire still burns brightly.
“Winning is always my favorite thing,” he said.
Kershaw has battled injuries in recent years that made getting to this point all the harder. He missed the entire postseason last year, when the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.
“Not a lot of people get this opportunity,” he said, “so I’m just super grateful for it.”
Roberts said it was too early to say whether Kershaw would make another start next week, when the Dodgers visit Arizona and Seattle to conclude the regular season.
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This story has been updated to correct that this will be Kershaw’s last home start in the regular season, not his last regular-season start overall.
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Following an emotional start for Clayton Kershaw, back-to-back jacks from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts propelled the Dodgers to a 6-3 win over the Giants on Friday night. It was a 1-2 punch that punched Los Angeles’ ticket to the postseason.
As it turned out, the Dodgers didn’t need a victory to make their return to playoff baseball official. They needed either a win or a D-backs loss to the Phillies to clinch a berth, and Arizona fell before final out at Dodger Stadium.
While no trip to the postseason can be taken for granted, getting there is an expectation for the Dodgers. Their sights are set on winning the NL West for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons, and they inched toward that goal by extending their lead over the Padres to four games.
Kershaw, making his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium with retirement on the horizon, exited with one out in the fifth to an extended ovation with his team trailing 2-1. In the next half-inning, the Dodgers stormed ahead.
With two outs and two on, Ohtani drove a fastball from Giants starter Robbie Ray into the left-field corner. The go-ahead three-run shot was his 52nd homer of the season, hit on the one-year anniversary of his monster game that created the 50-50 club.
The big blast from Ohtani brought the energy up, but Dodger Stadium was really rocking after Betts went back to back, mashing his 20th homer of the year to left-center.

After winning the 2024 World Series, Los Angeles is headed back to the playoffs yet again in 2025. In fact, this marks the 13th straight season that the Dodgers have reached the postseason, tied for the second-longest streak in MLB history. It’s a remarkable achievement for an organization could continue this streak for the foreseeable future.
Of course, until 1969, the postseason consisted only of the NL and AL regular season champions facing off in the World Series. And in the decades since then, the playoff field has continued to grow, making it easier to put together such a streak nowadays. But even with that caveat, the aforementioned teams have joined some legendary MLB dynasties with their feats of consistent regular-season dominance.
Not only do the Braves have the all-time record with 14 straight playoff appearances, all of which came under manager Bobby Cox, but they also won the NL East in all 14 of those seasons (though in 1994, they were trailing the Expos at the time the season was canceled). No other team in MLB history has even had a streak of 10 consecutive division titles. Atlanta did not find much postseason success over this run, though, going 1-4 in the Fall Classic over that span. The Braves did reach eight straight NLCS from 1991-99, setting the all-time AL/NL record.
Even as big names like Zack Greinke, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Kenley Jansen, Max Scherzer and Trea Turner have departed the Dodgers roster, winning has remained a constant in Los Angeles. From 2013-24, the Dodgers logged five 100-win seasons — including a franchise-record 111 wins in ’22 — won 11 division titles and won the World Series in 2020 and ’24. With Shohei Ohtani leading the way, an impressive group of veteran stars still producing and an intriguing collection of young talent, the Dodgers are showing no signs of slowing down.
The heyday of this streak was certainly the five-season span from 1996-2000, when the Yankees won four World Series as their young core of Jeter, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera grew together. But the Yankees also ended up winning nine consecutive AL East titles from 1998-2006, which represents the second-longest division title streak in MLB history behind the aforementioned Braves run. Notably, the Yankees have still not had a losing season since going 76-86 in 1992.
Though the beginning of the streak was mired in the sign-stealing controversy, Astros have continued to be among MLB’s best teams in the years since. Houston made the ALCS in seven straight seasons from 2017-23, the second-longest streak all time behind the Braves’ run of eight straight in the 1990s. With four World Series appearances and two Fall Classic wins over that span, the Astros have established themselves as the team anyone has to get through on the way to a championship.
After missing the playoffs in four straight seasons, the Braves re-emerged as a contender in 2018, coinciding with the arrival of Acuña. Supplementing a homegrown core with shrewd trades for stars such as Matt Olson, who took over as Atlanta’s starting first baseman after Freddie Freeman departed as a free agent following the club’s 2021 World Series title, the Braves have become one of MLB’s preeminent franchises. The 2023 season marked Atlanta’s sixth straight NL East crown.
The Yankees predictably are the only franchise to have multiple playoff streaks of more than five seasons (and, as you’ll see below, they also have two more streaks of exactly five). But out of New York’s four individual streaks of at least five straight seasons in the playoffs, the most recent one is the only one that did not include a World Series win. The Yankees did not even reach the World Series over this span, having fallen to the Astros in the ALCS in 2017, ‘19 and ‘22.
Besides their several ALCS showdowns, an interesting link between the 2017-23 Astros and 2017-22 Yankees is Gerrit Cole, who played for the Astros from 2018-19 and has played for the Yankees since then.

Closing on a fifth NL West title in a row, the reigning World Series champion Dodgers officially will be back in the playoffs for the 13th year in a row.
The Dodgers clinched at least a wild card on a memorable Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
A day after franchise legend Clayton Kershaw announced he’ll retire after the season, the three-time NL Cy Young winner made his last home start in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over the Giants.
Kershaw wasn’t close to vintage and didn’t last long enough to qualify for a win, but the left-hander departed after 4 1/3 innings and 91 pitches with a 5-2 lead.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 52nd homer for the Dodgers, whose NL West lead over the second-place Padres grew to three games with eight games remaining for both teams. LA also holds the tiebreaker and can clinch the division as early as Sunday.
Elsewhere …
In Houston, the Mariners broke out of a first-place tie with the Astros with a 4-0 win, but All-Star right-hander Bryan Woo left the game after five shutout innings with pectoral tightness. The Astros are tied for the second and third AL wild cards, but currently hold the last seed because the Red Sox have the tiebreaker.
In Detroit, the AL Central-leading Tigers’ collapse continued with a 10-1 loss to the Braves. Detroit, which has lost four in a row and seven of eight, is only 2 ½ games ahead of the surging Guardians after being up 10 games on Sept. 3.
In Minneapolis, Bo Naylor’s two-run single broke an eighth-inning tie in a 6-2 Guardians win over the Twins. Cleveland, which has won 13 of 14, is only 1 ½ games out an AL wild-card spot in addition to closing on the Tigers.
In Baltimore, Jazz Chisholm homered to become the third Yankees player to have a 30/30 season, but the Orioles won 4-2 with left-hander Trevor Rogers allowing one hit over six shutout innings. The Yankees’ hold on the first wild card is down to two games and they remained three games behind the AL East-leading Blue Jays, who hold the tiebreaker.
In Kansas City, Max Scherzer allowed seven first-inning runs and was pulled after two-thirds of an inning for the Blue Jays, who were creamed 20-1 by the Royals. Toronto has lost three in a row.
In Tampa, Jarren Duran hit a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the Red Sox forged a 11-7 win over the Rays, who officially were eliminated from playoff contention. The Red Sox hold the second wild-card spot on a tiebreaker.
In New York, Juan Soto reached a new career-best with 42 homers in a 12-6 Mets win over the Nationals that maintained their two-game hold on the last NL wild card.
In Cincinnati, Spencer Steer hit two homers and the Reds beat the Cubs 7-4 to stay two games behind the Mets.
In Chicago, Miguel Vargas hit a two-run homer for the White Sox, who edged the Padres 4-3. San Diego is three games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and has three-game lead on the Mets for the second NL wild card.
In Phoenix, the wild card-hopeful Diamondbacks dropped three games behind the Mets with an 8-2 loss to the NL East champion Phillies, who got a two-hit, three-RBI night from Alex Bohm in his first game back from the injured list.
In Arlington, Texas, the fading Rangers’ losing streak swelled to five games with a 6-4, 12-inning setback to the Marlins. Texas is five games out of a wild-card spot with eight games remaining.
In St. Louis, Nolan Arenado contributed a three-run double in a five-run fifth inning and the Cardinals whipped the playoff-bound Brewers 7-1. Milwaukee’s NL Central lead over the Cubs was shaved to five games. The Cardinals remained five games out of a playoff spot.
Here’s a look at magic numbers plus the remaining schedules and tiebreakers for the contenders through Friday, Sept. 18 along with playoff matchups if the postseason began on Saturday, Sept. 19:
AL EAST
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (89-65)
Standings: First in AL East. Lead second-place Yankees by 3 games.
Tiebreakers: Blue Jays won season series with Yankees 8-5; Blue Jays won season series with Mariners 4-2; Blue Jays trail season series with Astros 3-1. Blue Jays won season series with Tigers 4-3.
Magic number to clinch AL East: 5
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 3
Games remaining: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Blue Jays schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Royals (2)
Sept. 23-25: Red Sox (3)
Sept. 26-28: Rays (3)
NEW YORK YANKEES (86-68)
Standings: Second in AL East. Trail first-place Blue Jays by 3 games. First in AL wild-card standings. Lead Guardians by 3.5 games for third wild card.
Tiebreakers: Yankees lost season series with Blue Jays 8-5; Yankees lost season series with Red Sox 9-4; Yankees tied season series with Astros 3-3; Yankees won season series with Mariners 5-1; Yankees lost season series with Tigers 4-2; Yankees tied season series with Guardians 3-3, but lose tiebreaker on division record.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 6
Games remaining: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Yankees schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Orioles (2)
Sept. 23-25: White Sox (3)
Sept. 26-28: Orioles (3)
BOSTON RED SOX (84-70)
Standings: Third in AL East. Trail first-place Blue Jays by 5 games. Tied with Astros for second and third in AL wild-card standings. Red Sox have tiebreaker. Lead Guardians by 1.5 games for third AL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Red Sox won season series with Yankees 9-4; Red Sox tied season series with Mariners 3-3; Red Sox lost season series with Rangers 4-3; Red Sox won season series with Astros 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 8
Games remaining: 8 (3 home, 5 road).
Red Sox schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Rays (2)
Sept. 23-25: at Blue Jays (3)
Sept. 26-28: Tigers (3)
AL CENTRAL
DETROIT TIGERS (85-69)
Standings: First in AL Central. Lead second-place Guardians by 2.5 games.
Tiebreakers: Tigers trail season series with Guardians 6-4; Tigers lost season series with Mariners 4-2; Tigers lost season series with Blue Jays 4-3; Tigers won season series with Yankees 4-2; Tigers won season series with Astros 4-2.
Magic number to clinch AL Central: 7
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 7
Remaining games: 8 (2 home, 6 road).
Tigers schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Braves (2)
Sept. 22-24: at Guardians (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Red Sox (3)
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (82-71)
Standings: Second in AL Central. Trail first-place Tigers by 2.5 games. Fourth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Red Sox by 1.5 games for third AL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Guardians lead season series with Tigers 6-4; Guardians lost season series with Mariners 4-2; Guardians trail season series with Rangers 3-0; Guardians won season series with Astros 4-2.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 8
Remaining games: 9 (6 home, 3 road).
Guardians schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Twins (3)
Sept. 23-25: Tigers (3)
Sept. 26-28: Rangers (3)
AL WEST
SEATTLE MARINERS (85-69)
Standings: First in AL West. Lead Astros by 1 game.
Tiebreakers: Mariners lead season series with Astros 6-5; Mariners won season series with Tigers 4-2; Mariners won season series with Rangers 10-3; Mariners won season series with Guardians 4-2.
Magic number to clinch AL West: 8
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 7
Remaining games: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Mariners schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Astros (2)
Sept. 23-25: Rockies (3)
Sept. 26-28: Dodgers (3)
HOUSTON ASTROS (84-70)
Standings: Second in AL West. Tied with Red Sox for second and third in AL wild card standings. Red Sox have tiebreaker. Lead Guardians by 1.5 games for third AL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Astros trail season series with Mariners 6-5; Astros won season series with Rangers 7-6; Astros lost season series with Red Sox 4-2; Astros lost season series with Guardians 4-2; Astros lost season series with Tigers 4-2.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 8
Remaining games: 8 (2 home, 6 road).
Astros schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Mariners (2)
Sept. 23-25: at Athletics (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Angels (3)
TEXAS RANGERS (79-75)
Standings: Third in AL West. Trail first-place Mariners and Astros by 6 games. Fifth in AL wild-card standings. Trail Astros and Red Sox by 5 games for second and third AL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Rangers lost season series with Astros 7-6; Rangers lost season series with Mariners 10-3.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 4
Remaining games: 8 (5 home, 3 road).
Rangers schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Marlins (2)
Sept. 23-25: Twins (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Guardians (3)
NL EAST
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (92-62)
Standings: First in NL East. Lead second-place Mets by 12 games.
Tiebreakers: Phillies won season series with Dodgers 4-2; Phillies lost season series with Brewers 4-2.
Magic number to clinch NL East: Clinched Sept. 15.
Remaining games: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Phillies schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Diamondbacks (2)
Sept. 23-25: Marlins (3)
Sept. 26-28: Twins (3)
NEW YORK METS (80-74)
Standings: Second in NL East. Trail first-place Phillies by 12 games. Third in NL wild-card standings. Lead Reds by 2 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Mets won season series with Giants 4-2; Mets lost season series with Reds 4-2; Mets tied season series with Diamondbacks 3-3.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 7
Remaining games: 8 (2 home, 6 road).
Mets schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Nationals (2)
Sept. 23-25: at Cubs (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Marlins (3)
NL CENTRAL
MILWAUKEE BREWERS (94-60)
Standings: First in NL Central. Lead second-place Cubs by 6 games.
Tiebreakers: Brewers lost season series with Cubs 7-6; Brewers won season series with Phillies 4-2.
Magic number to clinch NL Central: 3
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched on Sept. 13.
Remaining games: 8 (3 home, 5 road).
Brewers schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Cardinals (2)
Sept. 22-24: at Padres (3)
Sept. 26-28: Reds (3)
CHICAGO CUBS (88-66)
Standings: Second in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 6 games. First in NL wild-card standings. Lead Reds by 10 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Cubs won season series with Brewers 7-6; Cubs tied season series with Padres 3-3.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched Sept. 16.
Remaining games: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Cubs schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Reds (2)
Sept. 23-25: Mets (3)
Sept. 26-28: Cardinals (3)
CINCINNATI REDS (78-76)
Standings: Third in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 16 games. Fourth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 2 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Reds won season series with Mets 4-2; Reds tied season series with Giants 3-3; Reds won season series with Diamondbacks 4-2.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 7
Remaining games: 9 (6 home, 3 road).
Reds schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Cubs (2)
Sept. 23-25: Pirates (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Brewers (3)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (75-79)
Standings: Fourth in NL Central. Trail first-place Brewers by 19 games. Seventh in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 5 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Cardinals lost season series with Mets 5-2; Cardinals lead season series with Giants 2-1.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 4
Remaining games: 8 (2 home, 6 road).
Cardinals schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Brewers (2)
Sept. 22-24: at Giants (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Cubs (3)
NL WEST
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (87-67)
Standings: First in NL West. Lead second-place Padres by 4 games.
Tiebreakers: Dodgers won season series with Padres 9-4; Dodgers lost season series with Phillies 4-2; Dodgers lost season series with Brewers 6-0.
Magic number to clinch NL West: 4
Magic number to clinch playoffs: Clinched Sept. 19.
Remaining games: 8 (2 home, 6 road).
Dodgers schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Giants (2)
Sept. 23-25: at Diamondbacks (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Mariners (3)
SAN DIEGO PADRES (83-71)
Standings: Second in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 4 games. Second in NL wild-card standings. Lead Reds by 5 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Padres lost season series with Dodgers 9-4; Padres won season series with Mets 4-2; Padres tied season series with Phillies 3-3.
Magic number to clinch playoffs: 4
Remaining games: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Padres schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at White Sox (2)
Sept. 22-24: Brewers (3)
Sept. 26-28: Diamondbacks (3)
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (77-77)
Standings: Third in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 10 games. Fifth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 3 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Diamondbacks tied season series with Mets 3-3; Diamondbacks won season series with Giants 7-6; Diamondbacks lost season series with Reds 4-2.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 6
Remaining games: 8 (5 home, 3 road).
Diamondbacks schedule:
Sept. 20-21: Phillies (2)
Sept. 23-25: Dodgers (3)
Sept. 26-28: at Padres (3)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (76-78)
Standings: Fourth in NL West. Trail first-place Dodgers by 11 games. Sixth in NL wild-card standings. Trail Mets by 4 games for third NL wild card.
Tiebreakers: Giants lost season series with Diamondbacks 7-6; Giants tied season series with Reds 3-3. Giants trail season series with Cardinals 2-1.
Magic number for playoffs elimination: 5
Remaining games: 8 (6 home, 2 road).
Giants schedule:
Sept. 20-21: at Dodgers (2)
Sept. 22-24: Cardinals (3)
Sept. 26-28: Rockies (3)
POSTSEASON MATCHUPS
AL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3)
Blue Jays (1), Mariners (2), byes
Astros (6) at Tigers (3)
Red Sox (5) at Yankees (4)
NL WILD CARD SERIES (best-of-3)
Brewers (1), Phillies (2), byes
Mets (6) at Dodgers (3)
Padres (5) at Cubs (4)

All Rise: Aaron Judge’s home run on Friday was the 362nd of his career, breaking a tie with Joe DiMaggio for fourth most in Yankees history. It came in the first inning, Judge’s 19th first-inning homer of the season. Judge’s 19 first-inning home runs this season are the most in a single inning in a season in MLB history.
Patty Barrels: Patrick Bailey ended the game in dramatic fashion on Friday, crushing a walk-off grand slam. He had a walk-off inside-the-park homer earlier this season. He became the first player in MLB history with a walk-off inside-the-park home run and a walk-off grand slam on separate plays in a season. It is worth noting that Roberto Clemente had both on one play on July 25, 1956.
Soto homer: Juan Soto hit his 40th home run of the season on Saturday. Soto became the first player with a 40-homer season for both the Yankees and Mets. He’s also the third player with at least 40 home runs, 30 stolen bases and 115 walks in at least one season in MLB history. It was also done by 1999 and ‘97 Jeff Bagwell and 1996-97 Barry Bonds.
Stay fair!: Nick Kurtz hit a 493-foot home run on Saturday. That was the longest home run in the Majors since Shohei Ohtani on June 30, 2023 (also 493 feet). It was the A’s longest home run under Statcast (2015) as well as the longest grand slam by anyone in that span. The only rookie with a longer home run than Kurtz under Statcast was Aaron Judge, twice in 2017.
Crochet-ing: After his start on Sunday Night Baseball, Garrett Crochet has 240 strikeouts and has allowed 59 runs. He is the fourth pitcher with at least 230 strikeouts and fewer than 60 runs allowed in his first 30 outings with a team, joining Chris Sale (2024-25 Braves), Justin Verlander (2017-18 Astros) and Roger Clemens (1997 Blue Jays).
Schwarbs: Kyle Schwarber hit his 53rd home run of the season on Monday, and it came off a lefty. It was his 22nd home run off a left-handed pitcher this season, tying 2021 Matt Olson and 1949 Stan Musial for the most homers by a lefty batter against lefty pitchers in a season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Corbin Barrels: Corbin Carroll reached 30 doubles on Monday, giving him at least 30 doubles, 15 triples and 30 home runs this season. He is the 10th player to reach those marks in a season in MLB history, joining Jimmy Rollins (2007), Stan Musial (1948), Joe DiMaggio (1937), Hank Greenberg (1935), Chuck Klein (1932), Lou Gehrig (1927, 1930, 1931), Al Simmons (1930), Jim Bottomley (1928) and Babe Ruth (1921).
Double Dumper: Cal Raleigh hit his 55th and 56th home runs of the season on Tuesday, passing 1961 Mickey Mantle (54) for the most by a switch-hitter in a season. Raleigh has 10 multi-homer games this season, one shy of tying the MLB single-season record of 11, held by Aaron Judge (2022), Sammy Sosa (1998) and Hank Greenberg (1938).
50-50: Shohei Ohtani established another 50-50 club on Tuesday, this one for 50 home runs hit and 50 strikeouts as a pitcher. The only other 50-homer hitter with any strikeouts as a pitcher that season is 1921 Babe Ruth, with three strikeouts. Ohtani is the first player with 50 home runs in consecutive seasons since Alex Rodriguez in 2001-02. The only other players to do that are Sammy Sosa (1998-2001), Ken Griffey Jr. (1997-98), Mark McGwire (1996-99) and Ruth (1920-21, 1927-28). Judge is on the verge of joining that list as well.
Current Iron Man: Matt Olson has played 773 consecutive games entering Friday, dating to May 2, 2021. There have been only five other streaks of at least 700 to begin in the divisional era (1969), per Elias. They belong to 1982-98 Cal Ripken Jr (2,632 consecutive games), 1975-83 Steve Garvey (1,207), 2000-07 Miguel Tejada (1,152), 1978-83 Pete Rose (745) and 1981-86 Dale Murphy (740).