Category: MLB

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers made a number of pitching moves ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants. Tarik Skubal, who started on Saturday, was placed on bereavement leave, which facilitated the return of Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A Oklahoma City. In addition, reliever Kyle Hurt was recalled and Seth Halvorsen optioned in a swap of right-handers in the bullpen.

Sheehan was just optioned on Monday and normally would have needed to stay in the minors for 15 days, but because he’s replacing a player on the bereavement list (or injured list or paternity list) that allows the right-hander to return early.

After getting sent down to Triple-A on August 3, Sheehan turned his season around, including winning Pacific Coast League pitcher of the month, and he allowed one run in 11 2/3 innings last week for the Dodgers before getting optioned to Oklahoma City so the Dodgers could use a fresh arm. In his last five outings — three in Triple-A, two with Dodgers — Sheehan has allowed only two runs in 29 innings with 39 strikeouts (36.4-percent strikeout rate) against only eight walks.

All 26 outings by Sheehan this season have been starts, but on Sunday he’ll follow an opener in left-hander Jack Dreyer. Sunday provides at least a practice run of Sheehan’s most likely role in the postseason, pitching in bulk relief.

“Emmet’s a part of the conversation,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday, “but if there is a role in the postseason it would be out of the ’pen.”

Bereavement leave lasts for a minimum of three days and up to seven, so Skubal wouldn’t be activated until Wednesday at the earliest. But considering the left-hander just started on Saturday, don’t expect him to be activated until his start day, likely next weekend in San Francisco.

Halvorsen has allowed nine runs in 10 innings with the Dodgers, including three home runs, with six strikeouts and two walks. He pitched a scoreless inning on Saturday, which was his third appearance in four days.

Hurt pitched a scoreless inning for Oklahoma City on Friday, his only appearance in the last week. Since getting optioned on September 5, Hurt pitched in three games for Oklahoma City, all scoreless innings. This season with the Dodgers, Hurt has a 4.33 ERA and 3.84 xERA in 43 games, with 56 strikeouts and 23 walks in 43 2/3 innings.

Saturday was his 15th day on optional assignment in Triple-A, making Sunday his first day eligible to return from the minors.

It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! This weekend has been yet another veritable whirlwind in the Bronx, as the team celebrated a postseason appearance, bid farewell to a fan favorite, closed an era of minor league baseball, and watched as their Captain hit the shelf once more. With so much in store, let’s get started!

Another Celebration in Minnesota

It was deja vu all over again! For what feels like the fifty millionth time, the Yankees celebrated in Minnesota, as they clinched a postseason berth earlier this week with a victory over their favorite AL Central punching bag.

The Roberto Clemente Award

This week, the New York Yankees named Carlos Rodón their nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The team honored the Rodón Foundation, which sets out to help families suffering with fertility issues.

In Service

Yankees reliever Brent Headrick welcomed Henry Ledlowe from his hometown in Illinois to the Bronx, courtesy of the National Down Syndrome Society. Unfortunately, the Instagram post cannot be embedded, but can be found here.

The Jazz Chisholm Jr. Foundation, meanwhile, marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Where’s Oswaldo? Unfortunately, Cincy.

This week, the Yankees designated fan favorite Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Clarke Schmidt. Unfortunately, he was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, and while we’re all excited to see him (hopefully) get some regular playing time — as he was very much blocked in the Bronx — it will be sad to see the human golden retriever, well-loved by the fans and players alike, in a different uniform.

A testament to his popularity is the fact that the Yankees, RailRiders, Patriots, and YES Network all posted farewells to him on their social media accounts. David Cone also came back to Twitter briefly in order to wish him well.

Farewell to the RailRiders

Starting next year, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate will undergo its second rebrand since joining the Yankees family, abandoning the RailRider moniker in exchange for a new nickname which has yet to be revealed. To honor the end of the era, Clint Frazier — who self-identifies as a Scranton RailRider more than anyone else in baseball — threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to their final game.

Road Trip Nonsense

Meredith Marakovitz, Suzyn Waldman, and Dave Simms always have fun on the road trips, and this one is no different!

The Knicks are Back

This week, the Yankees will be hosting Josh Hart bobblehead night, celebrating the 2026 NBA Champion (and 2016 NCAA Champion!) who is related to Yankees legend Elston Howard. Fun fact — this has been scheduled since last year, so it actually predates the Knicks’ championship; what fantastic luck for the marketing team!

Celebrating Howie

Last Sunday, Mets broadcaster Howie Rose called his last game at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees set out to make the day special, and many of his friends and coworkers in the Yankees broadcast teams celebrated his career with him.

Official Videos

First, the latest episode of Behind the NY gives us a behind-the scenes look at the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Then, we got a behind-the-scenes look of David Bednar entering the game on Sunday.

Last, but not least, we have Cody Bellinger talking about his story.

Social Media Nonsense

We’ve got a special edition of this week’s Question of the Day, as we not only have the Yankees answering questions, we’ve got the Somerset Patriots reading Thank You Cards as they wrap up their season.

Texas Rangers pitcher Cal Quantrill has been placed on the 15 day injured list with a strained right lat, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled pitcher Winston Santos from AAA Round Rock.

Quantrill had been dealing with this issue in his previous start, which he left after only 70 pitches, before being pulled after four batters yesterday. Going on the 15 day i.l. means Quantrill is out for the regular season and, if the Rangers make the playoffs and play in the Wild Card Round, Quantrill would not be eligible for that series. He would potentially be available after that, but, unlikely as it is that the Rangers would advance beyond a Wild Card Series, its even more unlikely than Quantrill, coming back from a lat strain, would be ready to return for one of those future rounds.

My guess is that the Rangers will have Nathan Eovaldi return to the rotation and start on Tuesday in the opener of the series against the Mets, which would also put him on track to pitch the final game of the season in Minnesota. Jacob deGrom, pitching today, would presumably go on Friday in the opener in Minnesota on five days rest, though they could push him back to Saturday if they wanted to give him an extra day. MacKenzie Gore, who was dealing with shoulder and back spasms in his last start on Wednesday, could go this coming Wednesday at home against the Mets on six days rest, with Kumar Rocker and Cody Bradford being used in the other two starts.

Of course, this assumes that Nathan Eovaldi is ready to go and able to start on Tuesday. If he isn’t, well, you’re looking at Gore or Bradford on Tuesday.

Santos is up to give the Rangers a long man out of the bullpen if needed. He was supposed to start last night’s game for Round Rock but was scratched after Quantrill was pulled.

After dropping the first game to the Seattle Mariners (72-83) but winning the second, the Colorado Rockies (57-98) will look to take the rubber match today.

Incidentally, the Rockies logged their 36th come-from-behind win last night and their 29th by two or fewer runs. Their 46 losses in games decided by two or fewer runs are the most in the National League. Colorado is looking to win their 14th series of the season today, their first since Aug. 31-Sept. 2 vs. Baltimore. They are 6-14 in rubber games this year, but 3-1 in their last four.

Colorado’s 98 losses are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history with the 2012 Rockies. They will need to go 6-1 in the remaining seven games to avoid their fourth consecutive 100-loss season. The Rockies are also looking to avoid becoming the fifth club in Major League history to lose 100 or more games in four consecutive seasons alongside the 1962-65 New York Mets, 1961-64 Washington Senators, 1938-42 Philadelphia Phillies (5) and 1909-12 Boston Doves/Braves.

The news isn’t all bad, however.

 The 726 team runs scored by the 2026 Rockies are the most since the 2021 team plated 739 runs. If Colorado reaches 740, it will be the most runs scored by the franchise in a season since 2019 (835). The Rockies 59 games with at least 10 hits are the second-most in the Majors behind the Brewers’ 64. The club’s 1,346 hits are their most in a season since 2023 (1,368).

Per Fangraphs, the Rockies went from a -3.1 offensive WAR in 2025 to an 8.6 WAR so far in 2026. They also improved from a 0.4 pitching WAR in 2025 to 3.3 in 2026.

With that in mind, let’s turn to today’s game.

Starting for the Mariners is Kade Anderson. This will be his sixth start in 2026.

The lefty has a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 IP. He’s struck out 21, walked eight and given up four home runs. Anderson has a 1.42 WHIP. 

According to Baseball Savant, he offers a four-pitch mix: four-seamer (41.5%), slider (21.6%), changeup (17.8%), and curveball (15.1%).

Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之).

Currently, he has an ERA of 5.49 in 142.2 IP. He’s struck out 86 while giving up 34 walks and 34 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP. Sugano suffered his 10th loss of the season his last time out on Sept. 14 against San Diego at Coors Field, allowing six runs on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his third start at Coors Field this season when he allowed two or more home runs.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 1:10 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation site: Lookout Landing

Lineups:

For the visiting Mariners:

And the home Rockies:

Please note the updated lineup:

And since this is my final game coverage for the 2026 season, for those interested, let’s take another run at some afternoon bingo.

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

After dropping the first game to the Seattle Mariners (72-83) but winning the second, the Colorado Rockies (57-98) will look to take the rubber match today.

Incidentally, the Rockies logged their 36th come-from-behind win last night and their 29th by two or fewer runs. Their 46 losses in games decided by two or fewer runs are the most in the National League. Colorado is looking to win their 14th series of the season today, their first since Aug. 31-Sept. 2 vs. Baltimore. They are 6-14 in rubber games this year, but 3-1 in their last four.

Colorado’s 98 losses are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history with the 2012 Rockies. They will need to go 6-1 in the remaining seven games to avoid their fourth consecutive 100-loss season. The Rockies are also looking to avoid becoming the fifth club in Major League history to lose 100 or more games in four consecutive seasons alongside the 1962-65 New York Mets, 1961-64 Washington Senators, 1938-42 Philadelphia Phillies (5) and 1909-12 Boston Doves/Braves.

The news isn’t all bad, however.

 The 726 team runs scored by the 2026 Rockies are the most since the 2021 team plated 739 runs. If Colorado reaches 740, it will be the most runs scored by the franchise in a season since 2019 (835). The Rockies 59 games with at least 10 hits are the second-most in the Majors behind the Brewers’ 64. The club’s 1,346 hits are their most in a season since 2023 (1,368).

Per Fangraphs, the Rockies went from a -3.1 offensive WAR in 2025 to an 8.6 WAR so far in 2026. They also improved from a 0.4 pitching WAR in 2025 to 3.3 in 2026.

With that in mind, let’s turn to today’s game.

Starting for the Mariners is Kade Anderson. This will be his sixth start in 2026.

The lefty has a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 IP. He’s struck out 21, walked eight and given up four home runs. Anderson has a 1.42 WHIP. 

According to Baseball Savant, he offers a four-pitch mix: four-seamer (41.5%), slider (21.6%), changeup (17.8%), and curveball (15.1%).

Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之).

Currently, he has an ERA of 5.49 in 142.2 IP. He’s struck out 86 while giving up 34 walks and 34 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP. Sugano suffered his 10th loss of the season his last time out on Sept. 14 against San Diego at Coors Field, allowing six runs on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his third start at Coors Field this season when he allowed two or more home runs.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 1:10 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation site: Lookout Landing

Lineups:

For the visiting Mariners:

And the home Rockies:

And since this is my final game coverage for the 2026 season, for those interested, let’s take another run at some afternoon bingo.

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

We have an early game today, 2:30 Eastern. And, of course, I’m busy until then, so getting the game thread together early.

I had a bad night last night. During the day I had a couple of notifications that someone was trying to get into my hotmail mail account. I stupidly ignored them, as I had gotten this sort of thing before, but the email address sending it turned out to be nothing to do with hotmail. The emails were scams. Well, this time the email wasn’t a scam. Just before I planned to go to be, the language on my hotmail accounts changed to something I couldn’t read. Some had accessed my hotmail account from somewhere else.

I only use that account for when a business asks for an email, so I can keep the stuff they mail to me out of my main accounts. I don’t send emails out of it. But it had me checking my online banking to make sure no one was accessing that. It took me a few minutes to changed the language back to English. Then a couple of minutes to change the passwords on it. And to download a handy app that Microsoft has to track attempted sign ins to my account. And then to change passwords to my online banking and all.

So, I was a little late to bed and also had a tough time falling asleep, because I keep checking. things.

I’m going to be a bit groggy today.

Anyway, all seems good now.

Today is a bullpen day, led by Spencer Miles. We are likely to see anyone and everyone.

Go Jays Go.

Detroit Tigers (73-82) vs. Chicago White Sox (79-76)

Time/Place: 2:10 p.m., Rate Field
SB Nation Site:South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Troy Melton (8-4, 2.52 ERA) vs. RHP Davis Martin (9-7, 3.96 ERA)

The St. Louis Cardinals wrap up their final homestand of the season Sunday as Quinn Mathews gets the start for the Cardinals while the Washington Nationals will assign starting duties to RHP Jake Irvin. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Cardinals.tv.

After a dramatic win last night, the Nats are in position to sweep the Cardinals this afternoon. The Nats have been playing good baseball since their 7 game losing streak. They will look to continue that today in St. Louis. With heavy bullpen usage this series, both teams will want length from their starters as well.

With a lefty on the mound, James Wood, CJ Abrams and Daylen Lile are the only left handers in the lineup. Wood will actually be the DH in this one in order to make room for Jacob Young in center field. Brady House will also be back in the lineup. Harry Ford is behind the plate. Jake Irvin is on the bump this afternoon.

The Cardinals will be adding some left handed bats to the lineup. Both JJ Wetherholt and Alec Burleson got days off yesterday, but they are back. We will also see Bryan Torres for the first time in this series. Masyn Winn is out of the lineup, which moves Thomas Saggese to shortstop. Rookie Quinn Mathews is on the mound for the Cards.

Game Info:

Stadium: Busch Stadium

Time: 2:15 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats swept the Angels recently and now they are in position to do it again. This team has suddenly gone on a run down the stretch. Hopefully they can continue this strong finish and build momentum into the offseason. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

Toronto Blue Jays @ Texas Rangers

Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:35 PM CDT (KRLD 1080 / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Spencer Miles vs. RHP Jacob deGrom

Go Rangers!

TODAY’S GAME: With just seven games remaining on their schedule, the Houston Astros (77-78) will play their final home game of the season today as they try to salvage a win in their three-game series vs. the Atlanta Braves (91-64).

Today’s pitching matchup is a good one between Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (6-3, 3.43 ERA) and Braves veteran LHP Martín Pérez (9-9, 3.07 ERA).

BROTHER BROWN: Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown has posted a 5-2 record and a 3.00 ERA (19ER/57IP) in his last nine starts (since July 25), pitching through the 5th inning in all nine outings. Brown, who finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting last season, has been limited this season, missing over two months due to a lengthy stint on the IL (April 1-June 15) with a right shoulder strain.

THE POSTSEASON CHASE: The Astros and Rangers are locked in a tight race down the stretch for the AL West with the two teams separated by just one game with seven left to play. The Astros own the tiebreaker over the Rangers with a season series victory (9-4 record).

CHALLENGING STRETCH: The Astros are within a stretch of playing 16 of 19 games against opponents with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB, ATL), going 6-9 so far in those contests. On the season, the Astros are 38-29 against teams with .500 or better records, the fourth-best mark in the Majors, immediately behind the Braves (42-30).

LOS ASTROS: Space City Home Network will televise today’s game in English and Spanish with the Spanish broadcast being televised on SCHN2. Danny Gonzales and Gene Flores will be on the call on the Spanish telecast today.

ROAD WARRIORS: After today’s game, the Astros will hit the road for their final road trip of the season which will take them to Seattle for two games and West Sacramento for four. The Astros have been better on the road (38-37) than at home (39-41) on the season and are 37-28 on the road after their 1-9 start in road games.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Staked to a 2-0 lead after the 5th, the Astros were unable to hold on in a 6-3 loss to the Braves last night. The offense collected 10 hits on the night, including a combined five by 3B Isaac Paredes (2×3, HR, 2RBI) and 2B Jose Altuve (3×4). RHP Hayden Wesneski (1ER/5.1IP) started for Houston in a no decision.

YESTERDAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros made a pair of moves yesterday, first reinstating IF/OF Brice Matthews from the 60-day IL and designating OF Jorge Barrosa for assignment. Later, just before game time, the Astros recalled RHP Logan VanWey from Triple A Sugar Land and placed RHP Enyel De Los Santos on the 15-day IL with right knee tendonitis.

TWO-OUT MAGIC: The Astros lead the American League in two-out runs with 307 on the season, trailing only the Cubs (324) in the Majors. 3B Isaac Paredes has led this effort, as he leads the Majors with 44 two-out RBI, immediately ahead of second-place 1B Alec Burleson (43).

STRONG SEPTEMBERS: 3B Isaac Paredes has a .986 OPS this month to go along with a team-leading 17 RBI, which ranks second in the AL. C Yainer Diaz is also having a strong September, as he’s hitting .346 (18×52) with two homers, six RBI and a .901 OPS in 16 games (13 starts) this month.

TRIPLE THREAT: DH Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently ranks first or second in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories. He enters today leading the AL in batting avg. (.312), while ranking second in HR (40) and RBI (99). Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.026), SLG (.597) and OBP (.429). Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).

FOR THREE!: 2B Jose Altuve went 3×4 last night for his 226th career three-hit game, which is the Astros franchise record. He surpassed Hall of Famer 2B Craig Biggio (225 three-hit games) with last night’s performance.

THE FIREMAN: LHP Josh Hader has converted 26 consecutive save chances to open his season, which is the Astros record. Should Hader finish the season without a blown save, he would become the seventh pitcher in MLB history to post 26-plus saves without a blown save. The last Major Leaguer to do so was RHP Ken Giles in 2018 (26 SV).

RACKING UP K’S: RHP Bryan Abreu has posted 527 career strikeouts, which ranks fourth among relievers in Astros history. He’s closing in on third-place RHP Dave Smith (529), needing only two strikeouts to match the Astros reliever from the 1980s. LHP Billy Wagner (694) and RHP Brad Lidge (557) sit atop that all-time list.

ASTROS MILB PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: The five Astros prospects that won organizational awards this season will be recognized in a pregame ceremony at today’s game. Those are the Astros Minor League Player of the Year C Jason Schiavone, the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year RHP Bryce Mayer, the Astros Minor League Baserunner of the Year OF Anthony Huezo, the Astros Minor League Defender of the Year IF Max Holy, and the Astros Standard Award recipient IF Yamal Encarnacion.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2007 – Rookie C J.R. Towles, who was playing in just his sixth MLB game, sets a franchise record by tallying eight RBI in an 18-1 Astros win in St. Louis. Towles finished his night 4×4 with two doubles and a home run. This record stood alone for 12 years before being matched by 1B Yuli Gurriel on Aug. 7, 2019 vs. COL.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 20, 1:10 p.m. CT

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: SCHN, SCHN2 (Spanish)

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Go Rays!

Legendary Mets radio voice Howie Rose, sporting a striped blue-and-orange tie, spoke to the press ahead of New York's final home game of the 2026 season against the Philadelphia Phillies.

In the team's win on Saturday, Rose - who announced his upcoming retirement in March - signed off for what may be the final time, given Sunday's inclement weather.

"First of all, I just want to thank the Mets organization for honoring me," he began. "They were adamant about wanting to reschedule this ceremony for the opening weekend of next year, and I'm so flattered by that."

"There are so many emotions involved, running around inside me right now," Rose admitted. "There's a certain melancholy about reaching the end of a career, but God-willing, we'll all reconvene here next year, and it'll be a party!"

Rose took the time to acknowledge the seminal figures who made his incredible career journey possible.

"There are three people I want to recognize as the reason that I'm here: My wife Barbara, my daughter Alyssa, and my daughter Chelsea," before pausing so the trio could receive applause from the packed press room. "I would not be here today without their indulgence, their support, and their love."

He also recognized the role his two siblings - his sister, Debbie, and his brother, Bruce - played in his life.

"My eternal gratitude is for everyone connected with the New York Mets," he continued, calling out interim manager Andy Green from the crowd in attendance to thank him for his hard work during these last few months.

Rose also thanked former Mets and Yankees manager Joe Torre, who encouraged a younger Rose to embrace the emotions of the game and channel them into his commentary.

Howie Rose is featured on the Home Run Apple at Citi Field today 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/f7kk0LyAIL

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 20, 2026

As with any baseball radio commentator worth their salt, Rose loves to tell stories to engage with the audience, and he shared a special one which was quite fitting for the occasion.

"There's some ironic symmetry to how this has worked out today, because the New York Mets were scheduled to play their very first game in the National League on April 10th, 1962, in St. Louis," Rose explained. "Y'know what happened? It was raining, and a whole bunch of [Mets players] got stuck in the hotel elevator on the way downstairs to the lobby."

"It took a long time for the players to get to the ballpark, and once they got there, the game was postponed, so all I would offer as a suggestion for everybody today is to take the steps," he smiled as the room erupted into laughter.

Rose is a New Yorker through and through, having been born and raised in Brooklyn before attending high school and college in Queens. That certainly impacted his sports fandom - and by extension, his career aspirations - from a young age.

"I always wanted to work for a team in New York, a team that I love, and I had the opportunity to work for two of them - the Mets and Rangers, two teams which controlled my mood growing up," said Rose.

"In retrospect, I really did feel that if I was working in New York, I didn't care about working anywhere else," he declared. "If someone had told me about my career when I was age 15, sitting in the upper deck of Shea Stadium, I wouldn't have believed it. The wildest fiction writer couldn't have come up with it. I am very, very, very blessed."

While Rose is excited with the free time retirement will bring, he admits that stepping away from the microphone isn't easy.

"I'm going to miss everything about it, because this is really all I know how to do." he chuckled, before switching gears to commend the foundational role that radio occupies in the sports media landscape. "Radio is the most intimate medium. You have to call, to craft, to describe. To me, that's the greatest challenge in sports broadcasting, painting that picture."

Rose was asked how he wanted Mets fans to remember him, a question that clearly meant a lot to him.

"As one of them," he responded after he gave it some thought. "We have the same sensibilities and same understanding of what the ballclub has meant to us. I was just the lucky one that got out of the upper deck and into the broadcast booth."

All in all, it was clear that Rose hoped to have the opportunity to be on the call one final time on Sunday afternoon.

His parting words from the podium?

"Let's hope we get a game in!"

Happy Sunday, folks. Given the results around the league last night, it appears that the Red Sox’s magic number to clinch the postseason is down to one. The Rangers can get to 85 wins, while the Astros can get to 84. If the Rangers were to get to 85 wins, they’d clinch the American League West. If they sit at 84, the Red Sox own that tiebreaker. The Astros hold the tiebreaker over the Red Sox, so if Boston were to lose its final seven and Houston were to win its final 7, the Red Sox would trail them in the standings. That’s not accounting for the third and final spot, but I won’t try to litigate that.

Long story short, win one game, and you’ve got yourself a Wild Card spot. It’s that simple. Except it’s not, because Patrick Sandoval is scheduled to pitch today, and he’s not very good. The Rays are throwing Griffin Jax, who has a 3.40 ERA since moving to the rotation, but has struggled against the Red Sox in two starts this season. Most recently, he allowed 7 earned runs in five innings.

With the Patriots on today and a questionable pitching matchup, I’m not expecting a lot of eyes on the Red Sox this afternoon. Winning your way into the postseason is always fun, however, so let’s hope we can get that celebration in Tampa tonight. If not, the Red Sox will return home to Fenway for their final homestand of the regular season on Tuesday.

First pitch at 1:40 pm on NESN and WEEI.

Lineups

Today is the final road game of the season for the Royals, it is also the penultimate Sunday game of the season. The Royals have dropped the first two games of the series in Pittsburgh, due to the bullpen giving up leads.

Michael Wacha starts today for the Royals. Here is the lineup that will be behind him.

The Pirates are 78-77 on the season; they are winners of three straight contests. Lake Bachar is the opener today. He pitched one inning in last night’s contests, a 1-2-3 inning, with a pair of strikeouts.

Here is the Pirates lineup for today.

First pitch is set for 12:35 p.m. CT. The Royals are off tomorrow, before starting a 3-game series with the White Sox at home. Next weekend, they conclude the 2026 season playing the Cleveland Guardians.