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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, September 28

Jazz Chisholm Faces Potential Bench Spot for Game 1 Against Tolle

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Manager Aaron Boone is considering platooning Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe at second base for Game 1 against Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle. Chisholm, who recently returned from a right thumb sprain, expects to play and admits he would be angry to sit. Chisholm is 1-for-5 with a home run against Tolle in his career. Boone weighed Chisholm's limited recent playing time due to injury and the favorable matchup for the right-handed hitting Volpe when evaluating his postseason lineup options.

Payton Tolle Named Boston Red Sox Game 1 Wild Card Starter

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Red Sox manager Chad Tracy announced rookie lefty Payton Tolle will start Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against Yankees ace Cam Schlittler. Tolle logged a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts over 148.2 innings in 26 regular-season starts. He posted a 0.69 ERA against the Yankees this year, including retiring his first 16 batters on June 26. Tolle enters the postseason with momentum, compiling a 1.53 ERA over his last three starts with 24 strikeouts in 17.2 frames.

Dylan Cease Delivers Stellar First Season with Toronto Blue Jays

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Dylan Cease delivered an exceptional debut season for the Toronto Blue Jays after signing a seven-year, $210 million contract. Posting a 5.7 bWAR over 169 innings, he recorded a 2.56 FIP, 34.9% strikeout rate, and established himself as a dominant rotation anchor. Despite a tired arm late in the year, Cease exceeded expectations with brilliant monthly stretches, holding opponents to a .200 average with runners in scoring position and solidifying his role as next year's opening-day starter.

Chris Sale Leads Braves Pitching Staff into NL Wild-Card Game 1

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Chris Sale is recognized among the top playoff performers for the 2026 postseason, highlighting his vital importance to the Atlanta Braves. As the team prepares for the NL Wild-Card Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies in Atlanta, Sale is slated to start and provides the Braves with a major pitching edge. His strong regular-season form, health, and dominance anchor Atlanta's postseason aspirations as they open their series against their division rivals.

Spencer Jones Emerges As Key Yankee Outfielder For Wild-Card Series

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Spencer Jones has forced his way into the Yankees' outfield mix for the wild-card series against Boston, slashing .389/.441/.667 in 59 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. Despite past struggles with strikeouts in the minors, the rookie slugger is in strong contention for the center field job and middle-of-the-lineup reps. Manager Aaron Boone faces a roster decision between Jones' offensive upside and veteran Trent Grisham's defensive experience.

Cam Schlittler Uses Rivalry Noise as Fuel for Game 1 Start

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New York Yankees ace Cam Schlittler is using media criticism and Red Sox fan noise as fuel ahead of his Game 1 start in the Wild Card Series. Coming off an AL-best 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts over 33 starts in his first full major league season, the 25-year-old right-hander is tabbed by Aaron Boone to pitch Tuesday night's opener against Payton Tolle. Schlittler previously tossed eight shutout innings with 12 strikeouts in a decisive 2025 postseason win over his hometown Boston franchise.

Kyle Carr Participates in Yankees' Pre-Wild Card Live BP

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Prospect Kyle Carr took part in a high-stakes live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium ahead of the Yankees' Wild Card series opener against the Boston Red Sox. Carr pitched during the late afternoon workout session, facing returning slugger Giancarlo Stanton as team brass evaluated health and readiness for the postseason roster.

Elmer Rodríguez Faces Batters in Yankees' Live BP Workout

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Elmer Rodríguez participated in a crucial live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on the eve of the Yankees' Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox. Pitching during the workout, Rodríguez faced slugger Giancarlo Stanton as the team evaluated players and finalized roster decisions for the opening round of the postseason.

Ryan Weathers Expected to Return for Yankees' Postseason Run

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Ryan Weathers, who missed the final month of the regular season due to a left forearm flexor strain, participated in training activities and faced hitters like Giancarlo Stanton in live batting practice at Yankee Stadium. Manager Aaron Boone indicated he could warm up his throwing arm, suggesting the left-hander is nearing a return and could be available for the Yankees' upcoming Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox.

Giancarlo Stanton Tests Health in Live BP Ahead of Wild Card Series

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Giancarlo Stanton participated in a crucial live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium to prove his health and readiness for the Wild Card series against the Red Sox. Sidelined for over five months by three separate calf strains this season, the 36-year-old slugger took five plate appearances, ran the bases, and demonstrated he could play without discomfort, pushing for a potential roster spot as a right-handed pinch-hitter against Boston's lefty-heavy staff.

Michael King Named Padres' Game 1 Starter Against Cubs

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San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King is set to take the mound as the starter for Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. King will duel opposite Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd in the series opener. The matchup sets the stage for San Diego as they begin their postseason run, relying on King to set the tone in the best-of-three series following the conclusion of the regular season.

Matthew Boyd Named Cubs' Game 1 Starter for NL Wild Card Series

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Matthew Boyd will start Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series for the Chicago Cubs against Padres righty Michael King. The southpaw earned the nod after a strong stretch over his final six regular-season outings, posting a 3.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts across 35.2 innings. Boyd last pitched on Thursday against Miami, keeping him fully lined up and rested to open the postseason for Chicago.

Corey Seager May Undergo Offseason Surgery for Elbow Bone Spur

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Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager may undergo minor offseason surgery to address a bone spur in his elbow that he battled throughout the second half of the season. President of baseball operations Chris Young noted Seager should make a full recovery in time for Spring Training if he opts for the procedure. Injuries restricted the 32-year-old to 102 games in 2026, during which he hit .227/.312/.424 with 20 home runs.

Alex Bregman's Defensive Availability Uncertain for Wild Card Series

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Alex Bregman's availability to play defense in the Wild Card Series remains up in the air despite his recent offensive surge. Bregman earned the Rizzo Award after hitting two home runs and driving in four runs in Game 162, capping a stretch where he batted .500/.556/1.375 with two homers over two games while playing through facial fractures. His status at third base will be monitored as postseason play begins.

Bo Bichette Ponders Opt-Out Decision Following 2026 Mets Season

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New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette is currently evaluating his contract opt-out decision after completing his 2026 campaign. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns confirmed the two have not yet held formal discussions, giving Bichette time to consult with his family and agent. Bichette appeared in 160 games this season, slashing .260/.312/.390 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI while anchoring the infield.

Kodai Senga's 2027 Pitching Role with Mets to Be Determined in Spring

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New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stated that Kodai Senga's role for the 2027 season will be determined during Spring Training. Senga made 31 appearances in 2026, starting just eight games before transitioning to the bullpen. While Senga's expressed preference is to return to the starting rotation, the Mets will evaluate team needs and performance before finalizing his assignment.

Brett Baty Builds September Momentum Ahead of 2027 Mets Season

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New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty finished his 2026 campaign strong, slashing .333/.417/.608 with three home runs and 16 RBI during September. President of baseball operations David Stearns praised Baty's evolving mindset and self-belief heading into the offseason. Baty concluded his fourth MLB season batting .236/.309/.371 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI over 143 games, positioning himself for a key role in 2027.

Aaron Judge Pushes to Return for Yankees in AL Wild Card Series

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Aaron Judge is aggressively pushing to be included on the New York Yankees' AL Wild Card roster against Boston despite recovering from a right calf strain suffered Sept. 16. The 34-year-old outfielder took live batting practice Monday—logging four at-bats with two walks, a comebacker, and a strikeout—though he has yet to run bases on the field. Judge hopes to return in right field rather than as a DH, acknowledging the injury risks but emphasizing his desire not to miss postseason opportunities.

Hagen Smith Set to Start AL Wild Card Game 1 for White Sox Against Astros

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Hagen Smith will take the mound for the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Astros on Tuesday. Smith, who opened a game Sept. 10 with two scoreless frames and three strikeouts against the Pirates, finished the regular season boasting a 1.29 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 41:16 K:BB ratio across 28.0 innings. The length of his start will depend on how he fares against Houston.

Tyler Wade Announces Retirement From MLB After Nine Seasons

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Former utilityman Tyler Wade has officially retired from MLB at age 31. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2013, Wade debuted in 2017 and played nine seasons across the Yankees, Angels, Athletics, Padres, and most recently attempted to make the Texas Rangers' roster. Wade appeared in 506 career big league games. He shared an emotional farewell on social media thanking his teams, coaches, fans, and teammates, while concluding a journey that also included notable off-field attention.