search
MLB Wild Card Series
Trends
- 1
The Philadelphia Phillies are once again chasing a playoff berth, with Aaron Nola set to pitch on two days' rest as the team makes its fourth attempt to clinch an NL wild card spot. Coverage across MLB.com, CBS Sports and local Philadelphia outlets is focused on the Wild Card Series, including game storylines and rankings of the top players of the 2026 MLB playoffs.
- 2MLB.com experts predict the 2026 Wild Card Series●Who wins each Wild Card Series? MLB.com experts weigh in https://www. mlb.com/news/2026-mlb-wild-car d-series-prediction
The MLB postseason has arrived, with all four Wild Card Series opening Tuesday as eight of the 12 playoff teams begin their bid for a World Series title. MLB.com's experts have published their picks for who will win each matchup, giving fans a snapshot of the expectations surrounding every first-round series in the 2026 playoffs.
- 3Arraez out of NL Wild Card Series with ankle injury▼Hampered by ankle injury, Arraez won't be on NL Wild Card Series roster
Luis Arraez will not be included on his team's roster for the National League Wild Card Series after an ankle injury hampered the slugger. The news, reported by MLB.com, comes just as the postseason begins, meaning his club must set its playoff lineup without one of its better hitters while Arraez recovers.
- 4
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox open the MLB playoffs against each other in the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium, reviving baseball's most famous rivalry on the postseason stage. Cam Schlittler and Payton Tolle headline a potential pitching duel, while the Red Sox await word on Anthony's hand injury, which has flared up and leaves his Game 2 status uncertain.
- 5
The San Diego Padres took the opening game of the MLB wild card series against the Chicago Cubs, with Fernando Tatis Jr. hitting a first-pitch leadoff home run and Manny Machado also starring. Japanese fans followed Yu Darvish's teammates closely: reliever Kazuki Matsui pitched a scoreless eighth inning, while Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki managed only one hit, leaving Chicago on the brink of elimination.
- 6
The Chicago White Sox open the MLB Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros. Manager Will Venable expressed confidence, saying his team's condition is excellent as they aim to pull off a historic underdog run. Munetaka Murakami starts Game 1 batting cleanup at first base, calling it the start of a long battle. The White Sox plan a bullpen game with constant pitching changes to contain Yordan Alvarez.
- 7Padres seal No. 4 seed, to host Cubs in Wild Card Series▼Padres lock up No. 4 seed, will host Cubs in Wild Card Series
The San Diego Padres have clinched the No. 4 seed in the National League playoffs and will host the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series. Securing home-field advantage for the opening round is a significant milestone for San Diego, while the Cubs head to Petco Park as the visiting side for the best-of-three postseason matchup.
- 8
The San Diego Padres took Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs with an 8-0 blowout. Michael King carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning before allowing a single infield hit to the league's best offense. Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. homered to power the Padres' offense in the playoff opener.
- 9
The New York Yankees open their MLB wild-card series without star slugger Aaron Judge, who remains sidelined with a calf strain. Reports say Judge and Luis Arráez were left off wild-card rosters, while Garrett Crochet rejoins the Boston Red Sox for the series. A surgeon has warned that rushing Judge back could risk hamstring or Achilles injuries, adding concern over his recovery timeline.
- 10Yankees name Cam Schlittler Game 1 starter against Red Sox●MLB: NY Yankees give Cam Schlittler Game 1 start against Red Sox … https://www. espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/500440 91/yankee
The New York Yankees have given rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler the starting job for Game 1 of their Wild Card playoff series against the Boston Red Sox. The decision hands the high-stakes postseason opener to a young arm rather than a veteran, and baseball fans are debating whether manager Aaron Boone is making a bold or risky call in a heated rivalry matchup.
- 11
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox opened the MLB postseason Wild Card series, with Yankees batter Ben Rice delivering two home runs, four hits and six RBIs in a standout performance. Japanese fans noted comparisons to Hideki Matsui's MVP exploits in pinstripes. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge was left off the Wild Card roster, with manager Aaron Boone saying his strained right calf needs more preparation before a Division Series return.
- 12
Major League Baseball's wild card round is airing on Peacock, putting part of the postseason on the streaming service rather than traditional broadcast or cable channels. Fans are reacting to the exclusive streaming arrangement, with some discussing how to access the games and others weighing in on MLB's continued shift toward placing playoff content behind an additional subscription.
- 13Willson Contreras returns as Guerrero lands on injured list●Willson returns to lineup, should play in WC Series; Gasper, Guerrero placed on IL
Catcher Willson Contreras is back in the lineup and expected to be available for the upcoming Wild Card Series, a timely boost for his club ahead of the postseason. In corresponding roster moves, Gasper and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were placed on the injured list, leaving their availability for October in doubt as teams finalize playoff rosters.
- 14
The Boston Red Sox have activated pitcher Garrett Crochet and finalized their roster for the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees. The news, reported by The Athletic and the New York Times, comes as MLB's postseason begins, with the historic Boston–New York rivalry adding extra attention to the matchup.
- 15MLB Postseason Bracket and Wild Card Schedule Released●MLB Postseason Bracket, Schedule For Wild Card Round And World Series
The MLB postseason is set, with the full playoff bracket now confirmed through the Wild Card round to the World Series. FOX Sports has published the complete schedule, laying out when each series begins and how the postseason will progress toward the championship. Baseball fans are checking the dates and matchups as the playoff race reaches its decisive stage.
- 16Padres secure No. 4 seed, to host Cubs in Wild Card Series●Padres lock up No. 4 seed, will host Cubs in Wild Card Series https://www. mlb.com/news/padres-secure-hom e-field-in-nl-
The San Diego Padres have clinched the No. 4 seed in the National League, earning home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. It marks a second consecutive postseason meeting between the two teams, with the series once again set at Petco Park in San Diego. Fans and analysts are weighing whether home field will tip the rematch in the Padres' favor.
- 17
Attention is on Major League Baseball's postseason, with experts releasing predictions for every Wild Card Series matchup. Among the highlighted series are Yankees vs. Red Sox and Cubs vs. Padres, renewing storied rivalries on the playoff stage. Analysts are weighing pitching matchups, recent form, and rosters as fans debate which teams will survive the first round and advance deeper into October.
- 18Injuries loom over MLB Wild Card Series openers●How will injury impact these stars in AL, NL Wild Card Series? https://www. mlb.com/news/mlb-wild-card-ser ies-injuries-
The MLB postseason begins Tuesday with the American and National League Wild Card Series, but several star players are dealing with injuries that could shape the outcomes. MLB.com takes a look at which key names are hurting, how serious the issues are, and what their availability or diminished production could mean for their teams' chances of advancing.
- 19Wild Card Series predictions: Yankees or Red Sox?●Wild Card Series predictions: Yankees or Red Sox? Can the Phillies find a spark?
MLB's Wild Card Series is drawing predictions from fans and analysts, with a high-profile matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at the center of the debate. Attention is also on the Philadelphia Phillies, with many questioning whether the struggling team can rediscover its form and make a run in the postseason.
- 20MLB Wild Card Series: Yankees-Red Sox and Phillies predictions●Wild Card Series predictions: Yankees or Red Sox? Can the Phillies find a spark? - The Athletic
Baseball writers are making their picks for the MLB Wild Card Series, weighing whether the New York Yankees can get past longtime rival the Boston Red Sox, and whether the Philadelphia Phillies can find an offensive spark as the postseason begins. Analysts are split on the outcomes, with the Yankees-Red Sox matchup drawing particular attention given the rivalry and high stakes of the single-round playoff format.
- 21
The MLB postseason is underway as the Wild Card Series began Tuesday. The Padres beat the Cubs in Game 1 behind a Fernando Tatis Jr. leadoff home run and a strong start from Michael King, while Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler struck out 10 as New York took the opener over the Red Sox. The White Sox and Braves also won their openers. Elsewhere, the Dodgers' title push is being overshadowed by health concerns around Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
- 22
Garrett Crochet has been included on the Boston Red Sox's roster for the American League Wild Card series. The left-handed ace, acquired by Boston to anchor its rotation, is expected to play a central role in the postseason. Fans and analysts are weighing how the Red Sox will deploy him in the best-of-three matchup.
- 23MLB wild-card round preview: predictions for four playoff series▼MLB wild-card preview: Series predictions, X-factors and more for Red Sox-Yankees, Cubs-Padres, Phillies-Braves and White Sox-Astros
The MLB postseason wild-card round is here, with previews and predictions circulating for four matchups: Red Sox-Yankees, Cubs-Padres, Phillies-Braves and White Sox-Astros. Coverage focuses on series picks, X-factors and key players who could decide each matchup, including renewed attention on the historic Boston-New York rivalry, as fans and analysts debate which teams will advance.
- 24Padres clinch No. 4 seed and home field for NL Wild Card●Padres clinch No. 4 seed, home-field advantage in NL Wild Card Series against Cubs https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7634
The San Diego Padres have locked up the No. 4 seed in the National League playoffs, securing home-field advantage for their Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. The clinching comes as the MLB regular season winds down, with postseason seeding now largely settled. Fans in San Diego are anticipating playoff baseball at Petco Park, while the Cubs will open the series on the road.
- 25MLB Playoffs 2026: Bracket Forecast and Team Scenarios▼MLB Playoffs 2026: Bracket forecast and team-by-team scenarios - The Athletic
The Athletic has published a bracket forecast for the 2026 MLB playoffs, laying out projected matchups and team-by-team scenarios for the postseason. The rundown details which clubs are positioned for division titles, wild-card spots, and potential World Series runs as the 2026 season takes shape, giving fans a full picture of how October could unfold.
- 26Red Sox and Yankees open Wild Card series with Game 1●RED SOX vs. YANKEES: Wild Card Full Game 1 Highlights (September 29) | 2026 MLB Season
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have begun their 2026 MLB Wild Card series, with Game 1 played on September 29. Full-game highlights of the matchup are drawing massive attention, with more than 1.2 million people engaging with the footage. The historic rivalry meeting in the postseason is the main story across baseball coverage today.
- 27Luis Arraez left off Phillies' wild card roster with ankle injury●MLB: Luis Arraez (ankle) won't be on Phillies' wild card roster … https://www. espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/500550 18/luis-ar
Luis Arraez will not be on the Philadelphia Phillies' roster for the MLB wild card round because of an ankle injury, according to an ESPN report being shared among baseball fans. His absence removes a contact hitter from the lineup as Philadelphia begins its postseason run, and fans are weighing how the Phillies will compensate in a short series.
- 28
The New York Yankees opened their Wild Card Series with a 9-0 win over the Boston Red Sox, with Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice leading the way. Aaron Judge was left off the roster for the series due to a calf injury, casting a shadow over the victory. The series is part of MLB playoffs, which began Tuesday with all four wild card matchups drawing attention across North America.
- 29MLB releases Wild Card Series playoff schedule●MLB postseason: Wild Card Series playoff schedule released, including Chicago Cubs at Padres, White Sox at Astros or Rangers
Major League Baseball has released the schedule for the Wild Card Series round of the postseason. The matchups include the Chicago Cubs travelling to face the San Diego Padres, while the Chicago White Sox will play either the Houston Astros or the Texas Rangers. Fans in Chicago and across the league are now locking in their viewing plans as the playoff picture takes shape.
- 30
MLB has announced the game times for the upcoming Wild Card Series, giving fans the exact schedule for the opening round of the postseason. The announcement sets first pitch times and broadcast windows for each matchup as playoff teams and their followers finalize plans to watch.
- 31MLB names umpire crew chiefs for Wild Card Series▼MLB announces umpire crew chiefs for Wild Card Series
Major League Baseball has announced the umpire crew chiefs assigned to the postseason Wild Card Series. The assignments set the officiating crews for the opening round of the playoffs, when every game carries elimination stakes and umpiring decisions draw heightened scrutiny. Full crew rosters for later playoff rounds are typically named as the postseason progresses.
- 32Padres Beat Diamondbacks to Claim NL Wild Card Home Field▼MLB NL: San Diego 10 Arizona 7 (F) SD 90-71; ARZ 86-75 … https://www. mlb.com/news/padres-secure-hom e-field-in-nl-wild-
The San Diego Padres defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-7, securing home-field advantage in the National League Wild Card Series. San Diego improved to 90-71 while Arizona fell to 86-75. Fans are discussing the Padres' offense and what home field means for their playoff chances as the postseason begins.
- 33Yankees name Cam Schlittler Game 1 starter for Wild Card Series●Yankees announce Wild Card Series rotation, with Cam Schlittler on the mound for Game 1 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic
The New York Yankees have announced their pitching rotation for the upcoming Wild Card Series, with rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler set to take the mound in Game 1. The decision signals the club's confidence in the young arm heading into the postseason, and fans are weighing in on whether the rookie is the right choice for a win-or-go-home opener.
- 34
Major League Baseball's postseason schedule is out, with wild card series games starting the playoff bracket. Some Wild Card Series games will be available exclusively on Peacock and NBC Sports Network, meaning fans will need a streaming subscription to watch certain matchups. The split broadcast arrangement is drawing attention as viewers figure out where to find each game.
- 35Kevin Gausman tests shoulder in bullpen before Wild Card Series●Kevin Gausman tests shoulder with bullpen session ahead of Wild Card Series https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7626373/202
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman threw a bullpen session as he tests his injured shoulder ahead of the Wild Card Series, according to The Athletic. His availability for the playoff rotation is one of the biggest questions facing his team entering the postseason, and fans are watching closely for word on whether he will be cleared to start.
- 36MLB Sets Game Times for Red Sox-Yankees Wild Card Series▼Postseason Schedule: # MLB announces 8:00 ET/5:00 PT game time, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (if necessary) for Amer
Major League Baseball has announced the schedule for the American League Wild Card series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Games are set for 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday if necessary. Coverage will air on NBC and Peacock. Baseball fans are discussing the marquee matchup between the longtime rivals.
- 37MLB 2026 Wild-Card Series: Schedule and How to Watch▼2026 MLB wild-card series: How to watch, full baseball playoffs schedule and more
The 2026 MLB wild-card series is under the spotlight as the baseball postseason gets set to begin, with fans looking for the full playoff schedule and broadcast details. Guides are circulating on how to watch every wild-card matchup, covering game times, TV listings and streaming options for the opening round of the playoffs.
- 38White Sox Face Astros in AL Wild Card Game 1▼White Sox-Astros AL Wild Card Series Game 1 FAQ (5 ET, Peacock/NBCSN)
The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros open their American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage on Peacock and NBCSN. Fans are checking game times, pitching matchups and broadcast details ahead of the first postseason meeting between the two clubs, as MLB's expanded playoff format begins.
- 39Red Sox-Yankees Wild Card Games Slated for Prime Time on NBC▼Red Sox-Yankees Wild Card games set for prime time on NBC
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will meet in the MLB Wild Card round, with the games scheduled for prime time broadcasts on NBC. It is a marquee matchup between baseball's fiercest rivals, drawing significant attention from fans and marking a notable scheduling choice for the network covering the postseason.
- 40
Major League Baseball has published its official 2026 postseason schedule, laying out the dates for the playoffs that will follow next regular season. The release gives fans and teams a clear calendar for the wild-card rounds, division series, league championship series and World Series in October 2026. Interest is expected to build as the new season approaches.