NL Wild Card Series

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.

Luis Arraez will not be on the National League Wild Card Series roster after being hampered by an ankle injury, according to MLB.com. The injury keeps one of baseball's most consistent contact hitters out as his team begins the postseason, forcing lineup and roster adjustments at a critical moment.

The Philadelphia Phillies have set their rotation for the National League Wild Card Series, with Jesús Luzardo getting the start in Game 1 and Cristopher Sánchez pitching Game 2. The announcement was made in Atlanta ahead of the postseason opener, as the club finalises its pitching plans for the playoffs.

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.

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.

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.

The Chicago Cubs are bound for San Diego for a National League Wild Card series rematch, renewing last year's playoff matchup against the Padres. A headline focus is the duel between Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, known as PCA, and Padres outfielder Jackson Miller-era star Jackson Merrill, two of the game's brightest young players.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves begin their National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, with Game 1 airing nationally on NBC and streaming on Peacock. MLB.com has published a viewing FAQ covering broadcast details, pitching plans and keys to the best-of-three matchup as the postseason gets underway.

With the MLB postseason's Wild Card Series underway, attention has turned to how injuries will affect several star players in both the American and National League brackets. MLB.com examines the key names whose health status could shape their teams' chances, leaving clubs and fans weighing lineups and rotations around uncertain contributors.

The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres begin their National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, with Game 1 airing on NBCSN and streaming on Peacock. MLB.com has published a FAQ guide covering how to watch, probable pitching and key storylines as both clubs open the postseason looking to advance in the playoff bracket.

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies will meet in the 2026 National League Wild Card playoff series. Full details for the matchup, including game times, TV channels, live streaming options and scores, are being published as the postseason begins, with two NL East rivals facing off in a best-of-three series.