As the playoffs continue, here are three things we’ll be paying attention to all day today in the baseball world:
1. Phillies avoid elimination:
The Phillies managed to keep their playoff hopes alive last night as they defeated the Dodgers 8-2 on two home runs from Kyle Schwarber. Today’s game kicks off at 3:08 PM local time in Los Angeles, with the Dodgers sending in a right-hander Tyler Glasnow (3.19 ERA) to the mound opposite left Christopher Sanchez (2.50 ERA). Both already pitched in Game 1 of this series, although they had different roles in the game. Sanchez got the start for Philadelphia, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings of work while striking out eight against two walks. Glasnow, on the other hand, was used as a reliever and recorded 1 2/3 scoreless innings in which he struck out two batters with two walks.
2. Cubs Survive to See Game 4:
Philadelphia wasn’t the only team left standing after an elimination game last night, as the Cubs defeated the Brewers 4-3 after building a first-inning lead they wouldn’t relinquish. At 8:08 PM local time tonight, Chicago and Milwaukee will take the field on the North Side. Neither team has announced its starter for the game. Southpaw Matthew Boyd would be on regular rest after starting Game 1 for the Cubs, but after failing to make it through the first inning in his last start against the Brew Crew, there’s at least a possibility Chicago will consider other options. In the meantime, Freddy Peralta would be on regular rest for Milwaukee, though it’s at least plausible they could go with another arm for Game 4 and save Peralta for a decisive Game 5 or keep him fresh for the start of the NLCS if they win tonight.
3. Yankees go home after ALDS loss:
After winning the AL pennant last year for the first time since 2009, the Yankees won’t be able to recapture it this year. They dropped last night’s game against Toronto in a 5-2 loss and are now entering the offseason earlier than they certainly hoped. This offseason likely won’t bring as much turmoil as last winter, when New York retooled its roster after a loss Juan Soto to the Mets, but there are still some key pieces available for free, including Paul Goudschmidt, Trent Grishamand (most likely) Cody Bellinger. The Yankees are certain to hold a press conference in the coming days that will shed some light on their offseason plans as they look ahead to the 2026 campaign, when Gerrit Kool will return from Tommy John surgery to help lead the rotation on the side Max Fried.
#opener #Phillies #Cubs #Yankees