The Milwaukee Brewers get another chance to close out the San Diego Padres with Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five set.
Milwaukee won the first two games of the series at home but San Diego bounced back in Game 3 on Tuesday at Petco Park to extend their season and force at least one more game. If the Padres emerge victorious tonight, the NLDS will head back to Mllwaukee for a winner-take-all Game 5.
The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road postseason games, tying an MLB record in the process. Milwaukee and San Diego are two of baseball's five franchises that have not won a World Series title.
The winner of this NLDS will face the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, which begins Sunday, Oct. 11.
Where to watch Brewers vs Padres: TV channel, NLDS streaming
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres needed something like this to turn the tide. The Friars dropped the first two games in their five-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. It could have just as easily been 2-0. The Padres were on the wrong end of some misfortunate plays in Games 1 and 2. They made sure that wasn’t the case in Game 3 at home.
San Diego got out to an early lead before the Brewers tied the game at two apiece Jake Cronenworth immediately hit a go-ahead solo shot to left field. The Padres added an insurance run on a Milwaukee error that ended up being the difference maker. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback, and got another run, but couldn’t follow through. The Friars will attempt to turn the series back to Milwaukee and force Game 5 tonight.
Taking the mound
Robert Gasser (MIL) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Gasser’s lack of playoff experience is made up by some incredible recent success. The lefty pitched to a 2.87 ERA down the stretch (36.0 IP). But the Brewers’ pitcher has only played in two postseason games. Both of those contests came in 2025, where Gasser struggled. He surrendered two runs across 2 2/3 innings.
The one major question is how he’ll fare against San Diego. Throughout his short career, Gasser has never faced the Padres. That could give him an advantage over the club, but that remains to be seen. Manager Pat Murphy has also suggested that swingman Chad Patrick could be used in bulk relief during Game 4, but that’s up in the air as well.
Buehler gets a well-deserved nod for the Padres. He likely would have pitched Game 1 over Robbie Ray, but was on the paternity list to start the series. That gives Buehler a chance to redeem San Diego by forcing Game 5 in Milwaukee. He’s got the postseason tenure to do so, with a 3.04 career ERA in the playoffs (94.2 IP).
The veteran right-hander made just one start against the Brewers this season, but pitched quite well against them. Buehler twirled six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just three hits and two walks. If he can replicate that performance (and the offense can back him up), San Diego could force this series back to Milwaukee for Game 5.
Batter up!
The Padres’ lineup hasn’t fared that well this series. The Brewers actually outhit San Diego 11 to six last night. The Friars just made more of their opportunities. If they can eke out another win (or better yet, blow Milwaukee out), they’ll get a shot at taking the series in Milwaukee on Friday.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, 1B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Luis Campusano, C
Dustin Harris, LF
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Tatis has been mired in an absolute slump this series. He’s gone an abysmal 1-for-14 (.071) with four strikeouts. The star right fielder did record a crucial RBI on a ground out in Game 3, but San Diego needs more from Tatis if they’re to keep their season alive. He’s been a monster in the playoffs before (.952 career postseason OPS), he just needs to unlock it at the right time.
Relief corps
It’s all hands on deck yet again as San Diego tries to avert disaster. Starter Nick Pivetta went a solid 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball before Jason Adam struggled to finish the fifth inning. Yuki Matsui ended the trouble before Bradgley Rodriguez covered the seventh. Then, in a surprise twist, ace Michael King pitched the final two innings. Despite some fireworks in the end, King closed out the win for San Diego.
It was odd to not see southpaw Adrian Morejon in the ninth inning with two lefties up to bat. However, it’s been revealed that Morejon is dealing with some stickiness in his throwing shoulder. With elite closer Mason Miller on the paternity list, the Friars could be without their two highest-leverage options. The Padres’ primary options out of the ‘pen are David Morgan and Wandy Peralta, neither of whom pitched in last night’s contest.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: A general overall view of Yankee Stadium during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 24, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The ALDS continues with the White Sox looking to finish off a sweep of the Guardians in Chicago.
Tonight, the Rays can finish off a sweep in Yankee Stadium, to air on TBS and HBO Max. Max Fried will start with a defense that will look to avoid the errors and miscues that cost them in Game 2.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 06: Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game three of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers will try to finish off the Braves to move onto the NLCS Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Dodgers will start RHP Tyler Glasnow while the Braves will hope that RHP Tyler Mahle can save their season. First pitch is scheduled for 5pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Fox/FS1.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees looks on from the on-deck circle during game one of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a demoralizing first two games of the AL Division Series in Tampa Bay, it all comes down to Wednesday night as the Yankees fight to keep their postseason run alive in Game 3.
Aaron Boone finally made some changes to the lineup and will give some of the Yankees’ bench their chance in the spotlight, most notably including Anthony Volpe, who is replacing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, and José Caballero, who is taking Ryan McMahon’s spot at third. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise given their egregious errors that put the Yankees in an early deficit in Game 2.
The order has been shifted to adjust to these changes, with Trent Grisham taking the leadoff spot, followed by Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. in the hole. Cody Bellinger will take the cleanup spot, followed by George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells will notably start in the middle of the order for the first time this postseason. Rounding out the bottom of the order, Volpe will make his second postseason start this season, followed by Spencer Jones and Caballero.
At first glance, this lineup has some grit and can bring some life to the Yankees’ offense, which has struggled in this series, scoring three runs combined in the first two games. It’s an interesting choice to have Grisham batting leadoff, especially since he’s struggled in the postseason, going 0-for-6 in the Division Series, and missed the final weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring injury.
However, the new additions in Wednesday night’s lineup may give fans some pause. Volpe, who went 1-for-3 during Game 1 of the Wild Card Series with a sacrifice bunt, has the potential to contribute offensively. However, with only having 11 games at second base on his resume in the regular season, will he make an impact on the other side of the ball?
Max Fried will take the bump for the Pinstripes in his second postseason appearance this season. He will go up against righty Nick Martinez, who is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine appearances in the Bronx. Martinez is entering a hostile situation, not only because he’s a starting pitcher for the Rays, but also because he’s returning to a familiar environment, as he attended some Yankees games during his time as a student at Fordham University. He was reportedly even kicked out once after indulging in one too many adult beverages.
Adjusting the mindset from the last two games will be essential as the Yankees prepare to play in one of the most brutal, intense playoff atmospheres in the league. The key to staying alive tonight is driving some runs in early and allowing the bullpen to enter the stage in a low-risk scenario.
Here’s a look at the Rays’ lineup, unchanged from the previous two games in this series, which has Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero.
Los Angeles, CA - October 3, 2026: Dodgers Tyler Glasnow in dugout in the second inning during game one of NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Tyler Glasnow on the mound, a trip to the National League Championship could be secured this evening in Georgia. Joe Davis and Miguel Rojas both on the shelf for this one.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Mahle #54 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This Tyler-squared matchup would be more fun if it weren’t elimination-flavored, no?
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Wild Card Series between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs was the most stress-free and lopsided playoff series the team has ever been a part of. The offense was relentless, and the pitching was dominant. It is unrealistic to expect that against the Milwaukee Brewers.
What we experienced instead was the most stressful and exhausting baseball of any playoff series in recent memory.
With the Friars kicked in the gut the first two games in Milwaukee, losing after being ahead in both games, the team had their backs against the wall in their return home to Petco Park for a must-win Game 3.
Outstanding and a grind
The Friar Faithful likely witnessed the best game of the season in the 4-3 win over the Brewers on Tuesday night. All phases of their game had to be on point. After getting out to a two-run lead, the Padres had to keep responding to a Brewers team that just never quits. Tenacity applies to both teams in this series, and it’s a battle to the end of nine innings to determine who is still standing at the conclusion.
The 47,708 Padres fans in attendance joined the TV audience to fight through 3 hours and 22 minutes of grueling baseball. The competition was spectacular and exhausting.
Key pieces absent
What we didn’t know going into the must-win contest was that closer Mason Miller would be absent to attend the birth of his first child. And Adrian Morejon had a sore shoulder, which would keep them both away from competition.
Down their two most high-leverage relievers, the coaching staff had to put together a plan that would cover whatever innings starter Nick Pivetta left for the bullpen.
Their secret weapon was Michael King
At the conclusion of his start versus Milwaukee in the second game of the series, King told manager Craig Stammen that he would be available for the bullpen in games 3 and 4. After throwing 72 pitches on Sunday in their 4-3 loss, King was all in on providing more depth for the pitching staff. He was a reliever before becoming a starter, a perfect setup to provide reliable depth in the bullpen.
Instead of throwing his regular between-starts bullpen on Tuesday, King reported to the bullpen at the start of the game.
Bogaerts was as surprised as the Friar Faithful
Xander Bogaerts saw King starting to warm up before the eighth inning and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. In the postgame scrum at his locker, Bogaerts’ awe was obvious.
“It’s unbelievable him being available for that,” Bogaerts said.
Being available wasn’t the end of what King was intending. When it became clear that Miller would be away for the game, King became the de facto closer for the Padres. Called into action after Stammen used Jason Adam, Bradgley Rodriguez, and Yuki Matsui from the fifth through seventh innings, King was it for the last six outs. No one outside the organization knew that Morejon was unavailable. The Padres kept that piece of information very private before the game.
When the ninth inning began without anyone warming in the bullpen, it was obvious the burden was King’s to bear.
His six-out save was his first as a major league pitcher and kept the Friars afloat to fight another day.
A must-win Game 4
Manager Craig Stammen wasn’t willing to divulge the Game 4 starter at his postgame news conference on Tuesday night, but Walker Buehler would be the logical choice. That became official a couple of hours after the game, and pitching coach Ruben Niebla also said as much in his post-game scrum with the media.
Buehler last pitched on Sept. 26 against Arizona in the last series of the regular season. He allowed five hits and three runs over 3.2 innings with three strikeouts. He was unavailable to pitch in the first two games versus Milwaukee while attending the birth of his second child in San Diego.
Activated back to the roster on Oct. 5, Buehler should be fresh and tuned up for his start.
The big question now is who will be in the bullpen to back Buehler up. All hands on deck is the battle cry for any team in the postseason. Regular season constraints and workload considerations won’t apply. The staff can’t worry about saving anyone for the next game. There won’t be a next game without winning this one.
Niebla was optimistic that both Miller and Morejon would be a part of their plan for Game 4. He said as much during his postgame comments. The decision on Morejon won’t come until they evaluate him today. Niebla reported that he threw a bullpen session before the game on Tuesday, but he wasn’t healthy enough to pitch that day.
Gavin Sheets should return
The other player originally intended to be available on Tuesday was Gavin Sheets, who was penciled in to DH. He was scratched with a stiff neck that wasn’t responsive to treatment before the game. His availability for Game 4 will be assessed during pregame work. It was reported after the game on Tuesday that he had improved and was available in the eighth inning.
Luck and determination are needed
Hopefully, Morejon, Miller, and Sheets can all be ready for tonight, and the Padres will need more from their offense against the Brewers if they want to push the series to Game 5.
Fernando Tatis Jr. remains in a slump; he is 1-for-14 in the series. After chasing 10 of the 21 pitches he saw outside of the strike zone in the first two games, Tatis was more selective in Tuesday’s contest. He was able to make contact and drive in a run with a groundout in the third inning.
Jake Cronenworth hit a go-ahead home run to the Crone Zone in Game 3, his first meaningful contribution in the series after going 0-for-7 in the first two games. He also laid down a sacrifice bunt in the third inning that contributed to the team’s first run.
With contributions from the full lineup, the Padres will need their complete bullpen to step up. For these two home games, the entire pitching staff is available. Adam, Rodriguez, and Matsui carried the load on Tuesday. Joe Musgrove, Robbie Ray, and David Morgan will need to contribute for this series to continue.
King contends he is able to come in for Game 4 after throwing 41 pitches in his closer role in Game 3. It is likely his availability will be as an emergency-only option.
Luck and determination served the Padres well on Tuesday. They will need more of the same as well as increased contributions from their player depth. An offensive explosion would also be welcomed.
There is enough to pull this out if the team continues to play as a cohesive group and the contributions come from all through the roster. Beating this Brewers team is a challenge but the Friars have been playing with resilience and togetherness.
The Los Angeles Dodgers utilityman hit his 17th career postseason home run Tuesday, Oct. 17, leaving him tied for 18th overall with sluggers Aaron Judge and David Ortiz.
Yet the feat by the 35-year-old Dodger is likely underappreciated.
It wasn’t just a home run Hernandez hit. It was a two-run blast that helped the Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves, 3-1, in Game 3 of the best-of-five NLDS as Los Angeles took a 2-1 lead.
On the all-time playoff homer list, Hernandez needs just one more to catch Reggie Jackson, the legendary New York Yankees slugger who earned the nickname “Mr. October.’’ Would Hernandez earn the right to borrow the moniker and any home run magic that comes with it?
He’s swinging for the fences on a star-studded list led by Manny Ramirez with 26 postseason home runs and populated by Derek Jeter (20), Albert Pujols (19) and Mickey Mantle (18).
Hernandez looks like he crashed the party, with Hernandez the only utilityman on the list of select sluggers.
But perhaps most impressive of all for Hernandez is this: During the regular season, he has averaged a home run every 28.4 at-bats. During the postseason, by contrast, he has averaged a home run every 17.5 at-bats.
This is his 10th season with the Dodgers. Of his 17 postseason homers, he hit 12 for the Dodgers. Perhaps his most memorable was a three-homer game in Game 5 of the 2017 NLCS that helped power the Dodgers past the Cubs, 11-1, and advance into the World Series.
Hernandez hit his other five playoff homers for the Boston Red Sox 2021. He has three World Series championships, all with the Dodgers (2020, 2024, 2025).
Kiké Hernandez further distinguished as fan favorite
Clutch hitting isn’t the only reason Hernandez is a fan favorite with the Dodgers.
In June 2025, after ICE raids hit Los Angeles, Hernandez was the only Dodgers player to address the matter publicly. It was a significant act given the large percentage of Dodgers fans who are Latino.
“I may not be Born & Raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own,” Hernández, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, wrote on social media. “I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love. This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights. #CityOfImmigrants.”
When the Dodgers visited the White House July 23, Hernandez was on a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment for a strained left oblique. But he also told reporters, "If I was active, I probably wouldn't have gone anyways."
Other Dodger playoff sluggers
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy are tied for 10th on the postseason home run list with 18 playoff homers apiece.
Chisholm is out of the lineup for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, two days after his wild throw opened the door in a 5-2 loss. Anthony Volpe starts at second base and bats seventh, his first start of the series.
The Yankees trail 2-0 in the best-of-five series and are on the brink of elimination.
Aaron Boone has benched Chisholm before this postseason. He started Volpe at second in Game 1 of the wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox, but that was a platoon split. Boston started left-hander Payton Tolle, and Volpe hits right-handed. Boone called it a tough decision that time.
Wednesday night, after Chisholm's error it wasn't as hard a decision. Tampa Bay is is starting right-hander Nick Martinez, a pitcher Chisholm normally plays against. He also started Jose Caballero at third over Ryan McMahon.
Boone admitted he was hoping for a spark offensively and defensively from Volpe and Caballero, but he also said it was a gut feeling after Game 2.
"Look, postgame and sitting on the plane, I just felt like that's the way I wanted to go with (Volpe) and Cabby," Boone said.
In the bottom of the first inning of Game 2, Chisholm took the throw at second for the force out and then spun and fired off balance to first to try and get a double play. The ball sailed wide and Yandy Diaz scored. It was the first of three errors in the first four batters. All three of the Rays first-inning runs were unearned.
Chisholm is 0-for-6 with a walk and two strikeouts in the series. He is in a contract year and the Yankees do not seem likely to resign him. They can move Volpe, who lost his starting shortstop job to George Lombard Jr, to second next season.
As if Chisholm's bad decision in Game 2 wasn't bad enough, he wouldn't own up to it after the game.
"I'd probably still throw it honestly," Chisholm said.
ERIE, PA - APRIL 14: Seaver King #3 of the Harrisburg Senators looks on during the game between the Harrisburg Senators and the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Erie, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hayden Gazda/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
After a disappointing first full season as a pro, Seaver King was at a crossroads entering 2026. If he continued to struggle, the former top 10 pick would lose most of his prospect shine. However, he also had the chance to put himself back on the map. That is exactly what King did this season.
This season, Seaver King showed exactly why the Nats took him 10th overall in the 2024 draft. With some adjustments which we will dive into, King was able to tap into his explosive athleticism and power. After dominating AA and AAA this year, King is a consensus top 100 prospect and knocking on the door of the big leagues. It was truly a dream season for the 23 year old.
I’m certainly not the first to say it, but what an absolute 100th percentile season Seaver King has had. From looking just overmatched in the lower levels in 2025, to raking against the best minor league comp in 2026. Hats off to everywhere that was firm in their belief in him pic.twitter.com/oJQ26BvXQS
Even as early as Spring Training, Seaver King looked impressive. I remember seeing him take at bats in big league Spring Training games and I came away very impressed. However, I still had plenty of doubt because of his 2025 season and the fact we have all seen Spring Training mirages before.
In that 2025 season, King really struggled. In High-A and Double-A, King hit just .244 with a .631 OPS. That is not what you want to see from a top 10 pick, even with the fact that King was seen as more developmental than most first round college bats. King’s plate discipline was poor and he hit too many ground balls to tap into his power.
Those were the two things that King needed to fix, and he knew it. I wrote a story about King and talked to him in Rochester. In that piece, he emphasized how much he has been working on his approach and elevating the baseball.
As Matt Lecroy put it Seaver King “is just a spark plug man”. Here is what I saw from the Nats explosive shortstop prospect https://t.co/7srR36FNJI
Early in the season, we saw King come to AA with a borderline passive approach. That led to a lot of walks and much more production. As the season went on, he was swinging more, but his chase rate never got out of control in AA. When he got to Rochester, those chase issues appeared again, but they gradually got better as he adjusted to the level.
Seaver King is always going to have some chase in his game. That is just naturally who he is as a hitter. If you neuter that aggression too much, it could have negative effects. The key will be balancing his natural aggression with good enough swing decisions.
Along with fine tuning his swing decisions, King needed to hit the ball in the air more. He has always had impressive bat speed and exit velocities, which got even better in 2026. However, he hit the ball on the ground over 52% of the time last year.
This year that number was around 45%, which is right around average. With more balls in the air, King saw his slugging percentage go from .337 in 2025 to .516 in 2026. After hitting 6 homers last year, King launched 21 this season.
With an approach that is naturally geared towards right center field, King is not one of those hitters that pulls the ball in the air a lot. He told me that he just wants to elevate the ball, and he does not really care if it is pulled or not. That resulted in a lot of opposite field power like you can see with this home run.
This season, Seaver King was just a completely different hitter. In 2026, King hit .303 with 21 homers and an .898 OPS. After really struggling offensively last year, King now looks like a bat that can hit for power and average. In my opinion, King has the ability to be a .280 hitter that hits 20 homers and steals at least 20 bases. That is not something that seemed realistic after last season.
We should see Seaver King in the big leagues next season. The only question is what position he will play. King mostly played shortstop this year, but he spent time at second and third as well. While King is an elite athlete, his defense is still inconsistent. Even during my two days in Rochester, I saw this inconsistency. He made a couple unbelievable plays, but also airmailed a throw.
Once King gets to the show, I think he has the chance to be a fan favorite. I was struck by the energy he plays with and the passion he has. This is a player who lives and dies by every game.
When Paul Toboni took over, a big part of his plan was to revitalize this farm system. He is doing that not only with his trades, but also through development. The story of Seaver King is the best example of that. King was a distressed asset, but with hard work and player development, he looks to be a huge part of the Nats future.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 06: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves tosses the ball while walking back to the dugout in the first inning during Game Three of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss has maintained all season that his ballclub is at its best whenever their backs are against the wall. They will well and truly be up against it tonight (and again on Friday if they win Game 4) as the specter of elimination looms with the next Braves loss.
Atlanta’s going to have yet another tough task with Tyler Glasnow getting the ball as the Dodgers continue to send out what feels like a never-ending parade of imposing starting pitchers. With that being said, the Braves are here for a reason and they have no choice but to step up and continue to find ways to meet the moment in order to keep their season going.
The pressure’s definitely going to be on Tyler Mahle to continue delivering strong production on the mound. He’s done it before as he did pitch seven shutout innings against the Dodgers back in April when he was playing with the Giants but the Postseason is a different animal. With that being said, Weiss appears confident that his Game 4 starter can hold LA at bay during this critical contest.
“I think [Mahle]’s just a good pitcher. Slow heartbeat. That’s what I’ve seen since he’s been with us,” said Weiss when he was asked during the pregame press conference about what makes Mahle made for these moments. “He’s got a really good split finger and commands the ball. He can execute pitches. And that’s what he’s done with us. He’s been really, really good for us. His fastball goes typically north and south, and the split works off of that. He’s got a good cutter that I think is very complementary to the other pitches. Occasional slider. And he commands the ball. He executes pitches.”
On top of simply executing and delivering in the moment, the mentality of the ballclub is also important. One of the other things that Weiss has maintained with his team all season is that the best type of clubhouse is one that’s loose and focused. Wild Card Series hero Austin Riley echoed those sentiments when I asked him about the importance of maintaining that type of mentality going into such a crucial portion of the Postseason.
“For sure, I think you’ve got to stay that way,” responded Riley. “No matter the situation, you’ve got to stay loose, you’ve got to stay focused, you’ve got to trust your plan and trust your work that you’ve put in in the cage and through the whole season, and really just, like I said, trust on that.”
“If you put pressure on yourself in big moments and try to do too much, I think that’s when things spiral. We’ve got to stay loose and this team’s good when our backs are against the wall. I really like tonight and trust that we’ll get the job done.”
Tonight could be the first in a fantastic Postseason chapter for the Atlanta Braves against a club that is aiming to become one of baseball’s great dynasties or it could be the end of the line as far as 2026 goes. Either way, the Braves appear to stay committed to what brought them to the dance so far in the Postseason.
The stars need to shine, the pitching staff needs to come up huge and everybody needs to play the role that was set for them. It’s time to see another example of this team being at they’re best when they’re cornered.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 03: The postseason logo is seen on the dugout railing before game one of the American League Division Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field on October 03, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The final four-pack of games today. All four Division Series are in action for the final time, and all four could finish today. Or none of them could. Or any number in between. The two American League Division Series are both 2-0, with the Rays and White Sox sitting on the edge of going into the Championship Series. Meanwhile, in the American League, the Dodgers and Brewers will both seek to clinch, having a 2-1 advantage. Los Angeles have the momentum back, having one Game #3 in Atlanta, while Milwaukee fell just short in San Diego, but have two more chances. All three games there have been decided by one run, and I’d expect another close contest tonight.
Here are the games on order today. There’ll definitely be some overlap here, so be prepared to channel surf. Or, I guess these days, switch browser tabs.
Cleveland Guardians @ Chicago White Sox (0-2): 1:00 pm, TBS/truTV
Los Angeles Dodgers @ Atlanta Braves (2-1): 3:00 pm, FS1
Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees (2-0): 5:00 pm, TBS/truTV
Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres (2-1): 7:00 pm, FS1
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 06: A general view of postseason signage at Rate Field ahead of Game 3 of the American League Division Series on October 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The two National League division series matchups play Game 4 today, while the two AL series play Game 3. Potentially, every one of these series could be over by the end of the day, if the team that has already won two games picks up its third win. The Dodgers and Brewers will be trying to win on the road. The Rays will be trying to finish a sweep on the road. Only the Chicago White Sox have a chance to finish off their series at home today.
Whatever happens today, this is the last day of the year where four MLB games will be played. If either NL series goes to a fifth game, they will have a travel day tomorrow, and they won’t play on the same day as the remaining AL games – if there are any after today. Enjoy it while you can. Winter is coming, and with the ownership lockout looming, this winter may drag on even longer than usual.
Today’s game times are staggered two hours apart, at 4, 6, 8, and 10pm Eastern. Here’s the schedule:
Guardians at White Sox, 4pm
Chicago leads 2-0, series ends with White Sox victory
Cleveland starting pitcher Daniel Espino had a 4.11 ERA across 15.1 innings in the regular season. Seems like an opener gambit or maybe a bullpen game. I wouldn’t feel great about either if my favorite team was trying to avoid a sweep in a postseason series.
White Sox lefty Sean Newcomb posted a 3.09 ERA in 90.1 innings this season, mostly in multi-inning relief with 60 games pitched. Are we looking at a double opener here? This is aesthetically displeasing.
This game, like the other AL series, will air on TBS.
Dodgers at Braves, 6pm
Los Angeles leads 2-1, series ends with Dodgers victory
Two real starting pitchers in this game, unlike that last one. LA’s Tyler Glasnow put up a 3.53 ERA in 13 regular season starts. Atlanta will try to hold on behind Tyler Mahle, who made 27 regular season starts and finished with a 3.99 ERA.
I am personally rooting for the Braves to pull off the comeback in the series, because wiping the possibility of a Dodgers three-peat off the board will make the rest of the postseason much more enjoyable.
This game as well as the other NL game will air on FS1.
Rays at Yankees, 8pm
Tampa Bay leads 2-0, series ends with Rays victory
The Yankees have spent the first two games of this series doing their best 2026 Orioles impersonation. This is a deeply satisfying outcome for me, though the Rays are going to need to finish the job to get that full satisfaction. Oh, man, the idea of the Yankees getting swept with the third game at home, it’s too good, I can’t even bring myself to imagine it might happen.
Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez rolled to a 3.10 ERA in 180 innings over 31 starts this season. Pretty good! I wouldn’t rule out Mike Elias trying to sign him as the designated rotation old guy next season – he’ll be heading into his age 36 season.
Yankees lefty Max Fried finished with a 2.80 ERA in 20 regular season starts, including a sub-1 WHIP. If the Yankees offense continues as it has done in these first two games, he will not have much margin for error.
Brewers at Padres, 10pm
Milwaukee leads 2-1, series ends with Brewers victory
As of this writing, there is no listed Brewers starting pitcher. San Diego sends Walker Buehler, about whom the only good thing that can be said is that he started 32 games this year. That helps a team get through 162 games. The 4.63 ERA doesn’t inspire much confidence for having him start a win-or-go-home postseason game. But, as we all know, plenty of weird stuff can happen in any given baseball game, something that’s only amplified with postseason stakes.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s a massive slate of playoff baseball on the docket for today, the 7th of October. All four Division Series could well end up decided by the wee hours of the morning!
The Cleveland Guardians have their backs against the wall as the Chicago White Sox look to send them back home with a sweep. Chicago holds a commanding 2-0 lead already, and lefty Sean Newcomb will be on the mound for the Pale Hose at home as they look to lock up a surprise return to the ALCS after dropping 100+ games for three consecutive seasons before their 2026 breakout. That game is set for a 4:00 PM ET start on TBS.
Following that AL Central confrontation will be the Los Angeles Dodgers attempting to shelve the Atlanta Braves for the next four months. Tyler Glasnow gets the start with LA holding a 2-1 series advantage in their half of the NLDS, while fellow Tyler Tyler Mahle will start for Atlanta in what could be their final home game of the 2026 season. First pitch there is set for 6:00 PM ET on FS1.
The Bronx will be loud and obnoxious (and potentially booing by the end of the evening) as the New York Yankees play host to the Tampa Bay Rays at 8:00 PM ET. The Rays hold the 2-0 series lead and will send old friend Nick Martinez to the mound to attempt to close out the Yankees, who will counter with ace lefty Max Fried. This game will be carried on TBS and truTV.
The nightcap may well feature the most epic baseball of the day, at least based on the previous electric games within the series. The San Diego Padres will play host to the Milwaukee Brewers after besting them last night to keep their NLDS hopes alive, Milwaukee’s 2-1 series lead getting handed to lefty Robert Gasser for the start. Lexington, KY’s own Walker Buehler will hope to turn back the clock to his previous postseason glory days as starter for the Friars, and he’ll chuck out the game’s first pitch at 10:00 PM ET on FS1.
Quite the full day of playoff baseball with a chance for four franchises to set their tee times as early as tomorrow!
