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Munetaka Murakami is in the starting lineup at first base for the Chicago White Sox as they host the Cleveland Guardians for Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday. The White Sox hold a 2-0 series lead heading into the matchup at Rate Field. Murakami bats alongside infielders Sam Antonacci, Miguel Vargas, and Chase Meidroth as Chicago looks to push their division series opponents to the brink of elimination.
Chase DeLauter is slated in the starting lineup as the right fielder for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The Guardians enter the matchup facing a 2-0 series deficit on the road at Rate Field, looking to ignite their offense with DeLauter holding down the outfield alongside center fielder Steven Kwan and left fielder Angel Martinez as they attempt to stave off elimination.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin drops down several spots to hit fifth in the batting order for Game 4 of the NLDS. Manager Walt Weiss hopes the new batting order will provide the necessary offensive spark for a slumbering Braves offense to survive against the Los Angeles Dodgers and reach Game 5.
Sean Murphy is slated to catch for starting pitcher Tyler Mahle and hit ninth in the batting order as the Atlanta Braves face elimination in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves' offense looks for a spark to equalize the series and force a decisive Game 5.
Max Muncy makes his first start of the NLDS series for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 against the Atlanta Braves. After batting 8th in Game 1 against left-hander Dylan Dodd, Muncy bats sixth in the lineup as the Dodgers seek a series-clinching win. Runs have been hard to come by with the team plating just 10 combined runs over their first three postseason games, all via home runs, while struggling with runners in scoring position.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale recorded seven strikeouts against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS, but surrendered two home runs in the fourth inning, including a two-run blast by Kiké Hernández and a solo shot to Freddie Freeman. Sale's struggles put the Braves in a 3-0 hole, leading to a 3-1 defeat that pushes Atlanta to the brink of postseason elimination. Lefties historically struggle against Sale's unique arm slot and nasty stuff.
Just two days after starting Game 2, Padres ace Michael King tossed 40 pitches across two scoreless relief innings in Game 3 to secure a 4-3 win over the Brewers and stave off playoff elimination. With Mason Miller on paternity leave and Adrian Morejon battling shoulder fatigue, King demanded the ball and shut down Milwaukee in the eighth and ninth. His fastball averaged over a tick higher as he notched his first save since 2023, keeping San Diego's postseason alive.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman hit his 18th career postseason home run off Chris Sale in a 3-1 NLDS Game 3 win over the Atlanta Braves. Playing through right knee patellar tendonitis, Freeman brushed off heavy boos from his former home crowd at Truist Park, stating he expected the reception while wearing a road uniform. He added crucial defense with a game-ending pick at first base, moving Los Angeles within one victory of advancing to the NLCS.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out 10 over seven brilliant innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 NLDS Game 3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Yamamoto became the first pitcher in MLB history to earn five straight postseason wins allowing one or fewer runs and walks in each. He escaped a fifth-inning bases-loaded jam with consecutive groundouts after receiving a pep talk containing a 'dirty word' from teammate Kiké Hernández, putting L.A. up 2-1.
The New York Yankees look to rebound in Game Three of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays after struggling offensively over the first two games of the series. Having previously been favored with top pitchers like Gerrit Cole on the mound, the Yankees return home to New York facing a daunting task against Tampa Bay pitcher Nick Martinez. The offense aims to overcome a historically tough start against the Rays pitching staff as the series shifts venues for tonight's matchup.
Cam Booser completed a remarkable baseball journey, emerging as a vital left-handed relief option for the Tampa Bay Rays after battling major injuries, a retirement spent in carpentry, and independent league stints. After being assigned to Triple-A Durham to start the year, Booser was promoted on May 31 and finished the regular season with a 1.98 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 29.6 K% over relief appearances, establishing himself as a premier late-inning weapon in the major leagues.
San Diego Padres setup man Adrian Morejon was unavailable for NLDS Game 3 due to lingering left shoulder fatigue and stickiness. Manager Craig Stammen termed the issue minor, leaving open the possibility he could return for Game 4. Morejon posted a 2.83 ERA over 86 regular-season innings and 76 appearances. His absence forced Michael King to step up and close out a 4-3 victory, and Morejon's potential return would bolster the bullpen behind Game 4 starter Walker Buehler.
Justin Verlander officially retired after 21 MLB seasons, finishing a legendary career with two World Series titles, three Cy Young Awards, and an AL MVP. Making his debut on the 'MLB on FOX Pregame' crew, the 43-year-old revealed that leg pain during his first start prompted his retirement, noting his arm held up but his leg gave out. Verlander expressed pride in his 3,802.7 total innings pitched, highlighted by an emotional final mound departure shared with his daughter.
Cade Cavalli agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2030 with a club option for 2031. After overcoming Tommy John surgery and early setbacks, the Nationals ace finished the year with a 3.02 ERA and 200 strikeouts across 169.2 innings. Cavalli added a lethal 87 mph sweeper and increased cutter usage to anchor Washington's rotation and earn a spot as a top-tier MLB starter.
Albert Pujols has emerged as a potential candidate for the Philadelphia managerial vacancy. Following Alex Cora's decision to turn down the position, the team is evaluating multiple high-profile names to lead their club moving forward, placing the legendary former player into the mix for the dugout job.
Atlanta Braves prospect Tate Southisene has been assigned to the Arizona Fall League by the organization for developmental play. Southisene surfaced in discussions regarding real-life prospects who previously appeared as computer-generated names in Out of the Park baseball simulations. The assignment gives the young infielder valuable reps against high-level minor league competition in the competitive Arizona circuit.
Kansas City Royals pitching prospect Frank Mozzicato has been assigned to the Arizona Fall League by his parent club. Mozzicato drew attention in prospect circles and among writers reviewing AFL rosters after being featured as a real-life player following stints in Out of the Park baseball video game franchises. The young left-hander continues development through his latest competitive assignment in the developmental league.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Owen Carey went 1-for-4 with an infield single in the ninth inning during Arizona Fall League action. Beyond his bat, Carey highlighted his performance with strong defensive work, notably throwing out a runner trying to go first-to-third to help escape a jam. While he made plenty of contact, evaluators noted he continued chasing pitches outside the strike zone, leading to results lacking quality contact against opposing pitching staffs.
Postseason veteran Xander Bogaerts delivered stellar defense and heads-up baserunning to help the San Diego Padres secure a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in NLDS Game 3. Bogaerts executed a key defensive double play, made a brilliant diving stop in the fifth, and scored the eventual winning run in the seventh after forcing a throwing error. His clutch contributions enabled the Padres to stave off elimination and force a Game 4.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen addressed the media following Tuesday's NLDS Game 3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, explaining that reliever Adrian Morejon was unavailable due to stickiness in his shoulder. Stammen provided reassurance that the left-hander's injury is minor and that he could potentially be ready to return to the mound for Game 4 if needed to help the Padres in their elimination battle.
