LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today could be the last day this year with multiple MLB games. Enjoy it if you can!
The reason this could be the end is that there is no guarantee of tomorrow for the 2026 Dodgers. They are on the brink of being swept by the Brewers, and if that happens, then there will be no Game 5, 6, or 7 for the NLCS. The AL will play on until one of those teams gets to four wins and the Brewers will wait for them. People will start to wonder if it will be like the “Rocktober” Colorado Rockies of 2007, who swept the NLCS and while the AL series went seven games, then were swept in turn in the World Series.
Before we find out about what happens with the NL series, the AL will be playing. It’s an early 1pm game for the LCS, because the forecast for rain in Cleveland has resulted in the game being moved up from its originally planned start time. That first pitch is now set for 1pm. The Guardians will play the next three at home against the Rays. I am interested to see who emerges in this series. The Game 3 winner will feel like they’ve got the edge.
Dodgers-Brewers Game 4 is set for an 8pm start time. Much less chance of weather disruption in Los Angeles.
Tampa Bay Game 3 starting lineup
Yandy Díaz – DH
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Junior Caminero – 3B
Victor Mesa Jr. – RF
Chandler Simpson – LF
Liam Hicks – C
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Richie Palacios – 2B
Taylor Walls – SS
Tampa’s starter, Griffin Jax, had a 3.53 ERA in 112.1 regular season innings. Not too shabby for him.
Cleveland Game 3 starting lineup
Steven Kwan – LF
José Ramírez – 3B
Chase DeLauter – RF
Jo Adell – DH
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Patrick Bailey – C
Petey Halpin – CF
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Cleveland’s Gavin Williams is on a “Mike Mussina in the 1997 postseason” run for the Guardians so far these playoffs. If he keeps that up today, his team is going to have a strong chance of taking the 2-1 lead in the series. In some sense, it’s not surprising, in that Williams is striking out a ton of dudes in the postseason and that’s what he did in the regular season too. He had a 3.76 ERA in the regular season even with all of those strikeouts. Through three postseason games, he’s looking at a 1.54. Pretty good.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 26: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his two run home run with Julio Rodríguez #44 against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park on September 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We all know the Seattle Mariners did not make the playoffs in 2026, but what this post presupposes is……maybe they did?
If you didn’t get the reference, now you do. Gotta be a top 3 Owen Wilson line delivery and character moment.
While I do not miss the stress of playoff baseball and its surprisingly negative impact on my life (and family!) last fall, I can’t help but miss the euphoric moments as I’ve been watching the first couple rounds of playoffs this season. It got me thinking about how this season’s devastatingly injured and under-performing team would have fared if somehow both the Rangers and Astros had just like….I don’t know, lost 85% of their games in September or something absurd. Would this Mariners squad have finally gotten their shit together if they fell ass-backwards into the playoffs by winning the AL West with a losing record?
There are some points in their favor. Cal Raleigh was FINALLY hitting like a real version of his past self. Randy Arozarena would have likely continued hitting at a career pace. The pitching…..uhhh, the pitchers would be there, too. Yep. They would throw some pitches, all right.
Okay, so it’s hard to imagine a playoff run going particularly well for the 2026 Mariners, but baseball is weird and playoff baseball is even weirder and more cruel and unusual. Who knows what kind of chaos they could’ve caused? And that is your prompt for the comments, folks.
If the 2026 Seattle Mariners made the playoffs, what would have happened?
Wild Card round exit
Won Wild Card, ALDS exit
Won ALDS, ALCS exit
Won ALCS(!!!), World Series exit
Won World Series?!?!?
Other???
You can choose to be as realistic or as non-realistic and creative as you want. Gimme some scorching hot takes if you feel up to it!
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: The Post Season logo on the infield grass before the the Philadelphia Phillies game versus the Atlanta Braves in game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on September 29, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This is probably going up earlier than you expected. But due to the weather forecast for Cleveland, the start time of their game against Tampa has been moved up to 10 a.m. Arizona time today. While it’s not looking good for tomorrow either apparently, let’s worry about that on Friday. If only there were some device which could be placed over a baseball field, to prevent this kind of thing from happening… [Hey, it’s a good joke, and I intend to keep using it!] That series is evenly balanced, and is now effectively a best-of-five, with the Guardians having taken home-field advantage. Meanwhile, let’s enjoy what could well be the last day of the year with two baseball games, unless the Dodgers can find some way to stop the Brewers in Los Angeles tonight. Or not. Not works too.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Cleveland Guardians (1-1), 10 am, TBS
Milwaukee Brewers @ Los Angeles Dodgers (3-0): 5:00 pm, FS1
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Sandro Mamukelashvili has showed off the full complement of his vast offensive arsenal thus far in the preseason. Playing 20 minutes per game, he’s averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists (1.8 turnovers). Aside from the box-score production, he’s been incredibly efficient, shooting 10-of-18 (55.6%) on 2-pointers and 10-of-17 (58.8%) beyond the arc.
Throughout the preseason, the Lakers have entrusted Mamukelashvili as an open-floor ball-handler and half-court playmaker, where his intersection of dribbling, passing and shooting strain opposing defenses and enable him to operate off the ball as well.
Following the Lakers’ loss Tuesday night to the Golden State Warriors, Austin Reaves spoke about the 6-foot-9 Mamukelashvili’s capabilities as a point forward and how much trust he has in Mamukelashvili to fill that role. Shortly after, Mamukelashvili illuminated what praise like that from a player of Reaves’s ilk means to him.
“I think it’s amazing to hear those words from Austin. I look up to him. Even though we’re the same age, he’s a very, very established All-Star-caliber player,” Mamukelashvili said postgame Tuesday. “So that coming from him means a lot to me. It just makes my life easier.”
Clearly, Reaves is not the only one who believes in Mamukelashvili to lather up the offense and create quality looks for everyone. Earlier this week, head coach JJ Redick talked with reporters about Mamukelashvili’s game and what his blend of shooting and passing opens up for the Lakers offensively.
“He’s a good passer… Part of it for him is the threat of his shot, so he has the initial action with the ball and then what comes after that when he doesn’t have the ball,” Redick said. “He’s able to sort of get that space and create an advantage because of the threat of his shot. I’m going to have some fun running plays and ATO’s for him. We’ll have a little Mamu package.”
The Lakers project to be among the league’s elite offenses this season and Mamukelashvili’s malleability is a prominent reason why. He can space the floor and attack closeouts when Reaves or Luka Dončić commandeer possessions or he can let them work off the ball while he functions as a playmaker and screener. It should be fun to watch exactly how he’s deployed to elevate this unit offensively.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: A general view of signage prior to game three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have two games today, maybe for the last time this year. I’d be fine with the Dodgers losing in four games.
The early game is the Rays/Guardians game, which was moved to 1:00 Eastern because of bad weather expected to hit today. It is supposed to be 21C this afternoon, so very nice weather for an mid-October game. They are expecting rain this evening.
Lineups:
Today’s Lineups
RAYS
GUARDIANS
Yandy Diaz – DH
Steven Kwan – LF
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Jose Ramirez – 3B
Junior Caminero – 3B
Chase DeLauter – RF
Victor Mesa – RF
Jo Adell – DH
Chandler Simpson – LF
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Liam Hicks – C
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Patrick Bailey – C
Richie Palacios – 2B
Petey Halpin – CF
Taylor Walls – SS
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Griffin Jax – RHP
Gavin Williams – RHP
Tonight’s Brewers/Dodgers game is an 8:00 Eastern start time.
The Brewers don’t have a listed starter yet, but it is likely lefty Shane Drohan (7-5, 4.19) though they might go with an opener. Tyler Glasnow (5-2, 3.53) starts for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers say that Skubal and Yamamoto aren’t available for relief tonight.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 13: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after striking out Petey Halpin #0 of the Cleveland Guardians to end the top of the sixth inning during Game Two of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s a pivotal game 3 in Cleveland as the Guardians and Rays wills square off to see which team will grab the ALCS lead Thursday afternoon. RHP Griffin Jax will get the start for the Rays while the Guardians will give the ball to RHP Gavin Williams. First pitch has been moved up to noon central time due to incoming inclement weather in the Cleveland area expected later Thursday. Game broadcast available via Fox/FS1.
Oct 13, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) speaks to the media after game two of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians in the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Detroit Red Wings made a major move on Wednesday, officially inking forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year, $91 million extension, taking care of one of the most important matters of business they were facing.
However, there still remain multiple other issues that remain unsolved, the most pressing of which is the status of unsigned RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
Edvinsson, who completed his three-year entry-level deal, is in the midst of a stalemate with the Red Wings despite reporting to Training Camp without a contract; Edvinsson returned to his native Sweden, reportedly frustrated with the lack of progress on an extension.
However, the Swedish blue liner has since returned to North America, but as of now, there haven't been any reports of the two sides bridging their gap.
Interim Red Wings GM Shawn Horcoff, who held a media availability session in the wake of DeBrincat's extension on Wednesday, made it clear that he has "no intention" of trading Edvinsson despite the defenseman's alleged preference to be moved.
As far as what kind of deal that Horcoff prefers to ink Edvinsson to, he indicated that they have to be open-minded to all possibilities.
“I think we’re open to anything,” Horcoff said. “I think the details of it we’ll still keep to ourselves, but again, when you’re trying to sign a player, you have to be open-minded to kind of all options. And we certainly are.”
Horcoff also reiterated in no uncertain terms that the preference of the club, who selected Edvinsson with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is to get him signed.
"I think Simon is someone that’s very hard to come by," Horcoff said. "We’ve spent a lot of time developing him, we drafted him. And again, he’s a player that we value here, that I value especially, and I know everyone in that locker room does as well."
So far in his NHL career, Edvinsson has skated in 175 games, and has tallied 19 goals with 41 assists, while racking up 158 penalty minutes.
His size and reach make him a valuable commodity for the Red Wings - and naturally, there are plenty of other NHL teams that would line up to acquire him if given the chance.
The Red Wings have until December 1 to extend Edvinsson, as they still own his rights as an RFA; otherwise, he'll be ineligible to play in 2026-27.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Beyond Skubal, there are other intriguing, high-upside starting pitchers such as Michael King.
If the Mets want a starter who profiles more as a No. 2 or No. 3, they could reunite with Clay Holmes, who was a strong clubhouse presence during his two seasons in Queens.
The relief market isn't flush with upper echelon arms, but Adrian Morejon stands out as a potential game-changer.
Looking beyond the major league free agents, Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato is expected to be posted and sign with a big league team this winter. Like Skubal, Sato would be a logical target given New York's glaring need at first base.
But not every player the Mets sign will be a big name.
To that end, here are five under-the-radar free agents David Stearnsand the front office should target this offseason...
RHP Michael Soroka
The Mets should be targeting a franchise-altering ace or at the very least someone (like King) who profiles at the top of the rotation. But after leaving their starting staff short each of the last two seasons -- and that shortage helping to derail each campaign -- New York also needs to bring in a second legitimate rotation option who can pitch in the middle or back end of the rotation.
Soroka, coming off a strong season for the Diamondbacks, could fit the bill.
Once an emerging ace, Soroka's career was derailed after his breakout 2019 season with the Braves due to a torn Achilles suffered during the 2020 shortened season. He didn't return to big league action until 2023, and struggled with inconsistency (4.91 ERA) and injuries (forearm, shoulder, biceps) as he spent time with the Braves, White Sox, Nationals, and Cubs between 2023 and 2025.
This season for the Diamondbacks, Soroka bounced back, posting a 3.41 ERA (3.19 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP in 116.0 innings (21 starts, one relief appearance) while walking 2.3 batters per nine and striking out 8.8 per nine.
In 2026, Soroka's fastball and breaking stuff graded out as elite, via Baseball Savant. His two most utilized pitches were the four-seam fastball and slurve, which he threw 32 percent of the time each. The slurve (which recently became a weapon for Soroka) was especially effective, with hitters slugging just .226 against it (.267 xSLG). Soroka's advanced metrics were a bit of a mixed bag, but he was above average to elite when it came to average exit velocity allowed, chase percentage, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, and hard-hit percentage.
Soroka's injury history and lack of recent innings are concerns, but his upside and age (he'll be entering his age-29 season) are pluses. And if he's a backend option in a rotation with a new ace at the top, the risk is mitigated.
LHP Alex Vesia
The Mets traded their two left-handed relief cogs (Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter) at the deadline because they were both pending free agents, which created an opportunity for Nate Lavender.
Lavender, whose elite extension results in the ball jumping on hitters, ran with his chance while putting up a 1.66 ERA (1.85 FIP) and 0.73 WHIP in 21.2 innings while striking out 10.8 per nine. Hard-throwing Cionel Perez, who is arbitration-eligible, is another left-handed relief option if the Mets tender him a contract.
Either way, it would make sense for New York to pursue another left-handed reliever, with Vesia a potentially strong fit.
Vesia has been a weapon for the Dodgers since 2021, with a 2.66 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 328.0 innings. He misses bats at a prodigious rate (12.0 strikeouts per nine in his six seasons in Los Angeles), but can also be prone to bases on balls (his career walk rate is 4.3 per nine and it was 5.0 per nine in 2026).
Ahead of his age-31 season and coming off another stellar year, Vesia should be in demand.
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga
The Mets had interest in Loaisiga during the 2024-25 offseason before he ultimately returned to the Yankees. So it would make sense for them to have interest again.
After becoming one of the key cogs in the Yankees' bullpen, Loaisiga's seasons in 2023 and 2024 were seriously impacted because of Tommy John surgery. He returned for the Yanks in 2025, but didn't round back into form until this past season.
Apr 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In 67.0 innings for the Diamondbacks in 2026, Loaisiga had a 2.42 ERA (2.88 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP while allowing just three homers all year and walking a minuscule 1.7 batters per nine.
In 2026, Loaisiga was in the 93rd percentile or better in average exit velocity allowed, chase percentage, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, and ground ball percentage.
RHP Tyler Mahle
Mahle, who would fit near the back end of the rotation, is coming off a season where he compiled a 3.99 ERA and matching 3.99 FIP for the Giants and Braves over 149.0 regular season innings. He was also terrific in the playoffs for Atlanta, with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings over two starts (one each in the Wild Card Series and NLDS).
He's not someone whose stuff will wow you, but his four-seam fastball has graded out well each of the last two seasons despite not being overpowering. Mahle's other main pitch is a splitter that opposing batters slugged just .354 against in 2026.
Mahle's career ERA in 10 big league seasons with the Reds, Rangers, Twins, Giants, and Braves is 4.01.
Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 wiped out the better part of two seasons for Mahle, but he's exceeded 120 innings in four of his six full big league seasons, and 112 innings in five of six.
1B Ty France
The Mets should be seeking a first baseman, and France will be one of the most intriguing names on the market.
What will be interesting to watch is whether the price to sign him stays relatively low because of the offensive player he was during the first seven seasons of his career (108 OPS+), or if it spikes after how France performed for the Padres in 2026.
In 133 games for San Diego, France slashed .295/.363/.502 (.865 OPS, 139 OPS+) with 21 homers and 24 doubles. Was it an aberration or a late breakout from a player in his age-31 season?
What's not in question is how good France's first base defense has been the last two seasons. He won the NL Gold Glove in 2025 after being in the 96th percentile in OAA, and followed that up by being in the 93rd percentile in OAA in 2026.
LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
West has denied the rumor over the years. But his response when asked about the situation last night is reinvigorating these rumors once again.
“A gentleman never tells,” West said on Wednesday when asked straight-up whether he slept with LeBron’s mom.
This came when West was part of a pre-fight press conference for Adin Ross’ “BRANDRISK 016” event, which is taking place in Miami, Florida on Friday.
Delonte West answering a question about LeBron James’ mom during a BRANDRISK pre-fight press conference. (X/@Fullcourtpass).
Nobody asked any follow up questions because West didn’t appear keen to elaborate. But him not denying the allegations outright has been enough for his four-word response to go viral on social media.
These rumors started back in 2010, when James and West were still teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers. They didn’t come from a reliable source but still gained a lot of traction among the social media community.
And they’ve continued to persist nearly 15 years later.
Delonte West when asked if he slept with LeBron James’ mother
LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. The Brooklyn Nets won 114-108. Getty Images
Perhaps West losing his influencer boxing fight against Michael Beasley on Friday will make him, and this rumor, irrelevant once again.
If that’s the case, it’s easy to imagine who LeBron will be rooting for.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on October 08, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The annual NBA GM poll was released on Thursday, and we got a rare result.
A Knick leads one of the 48 questions that were asked to the executives.
It wasn’t too long ago that you’d need a magnifying glass to find a mention of the Knicks in a positive light, but now they’re all over the place, particularly with the captain himself, Jalen Brunson.
When asked who the NBA’s “best leader” is, the executives moved away from the perennial choice, Steph Curry, and crowned Brunson at the top with 53%. The longtime Warrior clocked in at 20%, followed by SGA and a bunch of players who received one vote, including Wemby (somehow).
But that isn’t the only mention in this long survey.
One year after receiving a single vote to win the NBA Finals, the Knicks got… one. All but two executives voted for either the Spurs or the Thunder, boo.
The big difference is that, while just 30% of executives picked the Knicks to finish atop the East (a firm second behind Cleveland), that’s shot up to 60% this year. All but one executive picked them to finish in the top two.
In the positional rankings, one-fifth of them drank the Kool-Aid after the NBA Finals. Brunson was picked as the NBA’s top point guard in 20% of responses, trailing only SGA.
OAKAAK (sigh) Mitchell Robinson finished second in “Most Underrated Player Acquisition”, getting 17% in his new green and white gigs (ew).
After not getting a single vote in the category last year, OG Anunoby got one vote when asked about the league’s best perimeter defender. I’m not sure what Alex Caruso is doing to get 17% here, but hey.
When it comes to defensive versatility, nobody should be shocked that Wemby is No. 1, but OG finished tied for fourth with 10% with Bam Adebayo. He also received a vote for in general versatility.
It’s not just the players getting love. Mike Brown got three votes for “Best Coach”, only trailing savants Mark Daigneault and Erik Spoelstra. I guess when you get a ring, you join an exclusive club.
He also got 10% when asked about the best leader of men, or “Best Motivator of People”. In this one, he finished fourth, behind Spo, Joe Mazzulla, and Steve Kerr.
Coach Brown also received votes in the in-game adjustments and offensive categories, but far too few. Did they not watch that playoff run? Yet, 17% of executives believe the Knicks’ offense will be the most efficient this year, trailing only OKC and Denver. Make that make sense.
Knicks assistants Darren Erman and Chris Jent got shoutouts in the “Best Assistant Coach” category, one that was won by Jeff Van Gundy and Billy Donovan, two ex-head honchos who are much more known quantities.
When asked who would make the best coach one day, the retirement of Chris Paul opened the door for Mike Conley to win this category in a landslide. Brunson came in third, trailing playoff foe T.J. McConnell. Hm.
The Knicks are not a fun watch sometimes, so I can’t be mad that only one executive voted for the reigning champions on that, but that depends on your definition of fun. They’re fun in the sense that no game is ever over until it’s actually over, but that more cause heart palpitations and not blockbuster excitement.
What I am mad at is that only 20 percent voted for MSG as the best home-court advantage. Seriously? Tied for first were OKC (which is fair) and Denver, which I feel is more geography-based than anything.
Finally, when it comes to what player you want taking the shot with the game on the line, it should be obvious, no?
Well, according to executives, it’s still Curry. Brunson did go from receiving just one vote to finishing in second at 17%, but it seems a lot of people are still stuck in 2016.
Oct 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game three of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Weather in Cleveland means daytime baseball (LCS Edition).
The Cleveland Guardians will host the Tampa Bay Rays for Game 3 of the ALCS. The Guards took Game 1 before the Rays evened things up by taking Game 2.
To accommodate some rain, they will play at 1 pm ET. As a result, NLCS Game 4 between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers will move up an hour to be played at 8 pm ET.
The Brewers have a chance to eliminate the Dodgers today after a Dave Roberts masterclass last night / an epic at-bat by Jake Bauers. C’mon, Brew Crew – job’s not finished.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 11: Griffin Jax #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates after clinching a playoff spot after the game against the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field on Friday, September 11, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Hello, and welcome back to Thursday playoff baseball. Today, there are two games, one that starts at noon and the other that starts around 7 p.m. Theoretically, you can watch both! I mean, if you’re not working.
First Game: Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians
Series tied, 1-1
12 PM CST
The first game up is Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, which is tied 1-1 between the Cleveland Guardians (who won Game 1) and the Tampa Bay Rays (who won Game 2). The series now shifts to Cleveland. Originally, it was scheduled for yesterday but postponed until today because of the weather.
For the home team, Gavin Williams takes the mound. Williams, who has the size to play tight end for the Browns, has appeared in three games so far this postseason, including two starts. In those two starts, both against the White Sox, he struck out 11 in 5 innings and then 12 in 5-and-2/3 innings. Overall, he’s pitched 11-and-2/3 innings while allowing two earned runs on six hits and walks while striking out 24. Those numbers are good for a 1.54 ERA, 0.53 FIP, and 0.943 WHIP.
Opposing him is 31-year-old right-hander Griffin Jax. Today will be Jax’s first career playoff start. During this year’s playoffs, he tossed two innings against the Yankees in which one run on one walk and one hit while striking out 4 in a 4-3 Rays victory in New York. He picked up a hold. During the season, Jax pitched in 34 games with 23 starts while pitching just over 112 innings. Somewhat oddly, he never faced Cleveland.
Lest we forget: Cleveland traded Junior Caminero to Tampa Bay for a pitcher who never appeared in a game for them. Whoops.
Game Deux: Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee leads, 3-0
7 PM CST
Could tonight be the death knell for the Los Angeles Dodgers? Say it isn’t, Joe!
Actually, fine. As I imagine most people outside of Los Angeles are, I’m rooting against the Dodgers in this series. And if they somehow pull an ‘04 Red Sox, I’ll be rooting against them in the World Series. I like Dave Roberts enough, but I’m tired of the Dodgers constantly winning.
Neither the Brewers nor Rays have ever won a World Series, and Cleveland hasn’t won it since 1948.
Plus, the Dodgers are the only remaining big market team, and with a lockout—NOT A STRIKE—I’d rather see a little guy win it all. It hasn’t happened since the Royals captured the crown.
Alright, enough of that. As of this writing, there isn’t a whole lot available about the lineups. I’m not even sure who’s starting for the Brewers.
L.A., meanwhile, will send out righty Tyler Glasnow. This will be Glasnow’s second start of the postseason after he pitched 4-and-2/3 against the Braves just over a week ago, a game the Dodgers won, 4-1. He only allowed one hit but walked five while striking out the same number.
If the Dodgers want a shot at forcing a Game 5, he’ll need to be sharper. Much sharper.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The ALCS comes back to life today as the Tampa Bay Rays travel to Cleveland to take on the Guardians for the third game of the series. With the series tied 1-1, the Guardians look for a little bit of home-field advantage because historically, the winner of Game 3 when a seven-game set is tied has gone on to win 71 of 102 times.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the brink after the Milwaukee Brewers secured a 6-2 victory Tuesday night to now lead the NLCS 3-0. If they can win tonight, it would be a bit of revenge for the Brewers after they were swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS last year. Milwaukee is also on the brink of reaching their first World Series in 44 years.
Tampa Bay Rays (1-1) at Cleveland Guardians (1-1) — 11 AM MDT
Pitching Matchup: RHP Griffin Jax (8-10, 3.53 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.76 ERA)
