The Yankees are considering whether to re-sign Cody Bellinger, whose future is uncertain due to his opt-out and potential market value, especially amid a looming work stoppage that could impact free agency. The team faced criticism for managerial decisions in the ALDS and is evaluating its offseason moves to improve for next year.
Aaron Judge and the Yankees' 16-year World Series drought continues after a playoff loss to Toronto, despite Judge's strong postseason performance. The team faces challenges with injuries, defense, and roster decisions, and Judge remains eager to return and win a championship.
Aaron Judge delivered an MVP-like performance, including a game-tying homer and four RBIs, leading the Yankees to a 9-6 comeback victory over the Blue Jays in the AL Division Series, keeping their postseason alive and showcasing his clutch hitting and all-around play.
The Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers are playing a winner-take-all game in the AL Wild Card Series, with the winner advancing to face the Seattle Mariners in the AL Division Series. The Guardians evened the series with a 6-1 victory, highlighted by key home runs and strong bullpen performance, in a game that featured historic playoff circumstances with three winner-take-all games in one day.
The Houston Astros suffered a 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins in Game 2 of the AL Division Series, evening the series at one game apiece. Astros' pitcher Framber Valdez struggled in his first playoff start since last year's World Series, while Twins' pitcher Pablo López threw seven scoreless innings. The Astros will now head to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4, needing a win to secure another game at home. The team will rely on Cristian Javier in Game 3 and potentially rookies J.P. France or Hunter Brown or veteran José Urquidy in Game 4. The Astros' starting pitching depth is not as strong as last year, but they remain confident in their ability to perform on the road.
The Texas Rangers defeated the Baltimore Orioles 11-8 in Game 2 of the AL Division Series, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. With a patient approach at the plate and strong bullpen performance, the Rangers are now one win away from advancing to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2011. The possibility of a Rangers-Astros ALCS matchup looms large. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy's strategic moves have paid off, and the team's willingness to accept walks has been a key factor in their success. Rookie Evan Carter recorded his first-ever postseason single in the game.
Justin Verlander pitches six shutout innings, Yordan Alvarez hits two home runs, and the Houston Astros defeat the Minnesota Twins 6-4 in Game 1 of the AL Division Series. Verlander, who returned to the Astros after a brief stint with the New York Mets, earns his 10th playoff win with the team, setting a franchise record. The Twins struggle with runners in scoring position, while the Astros build a 5-0 lead before the Twins mount a comeback with three home runs. However, Alvarez's late homer secures the win for Houston. The series continues with Game 2 on Sunday night.
The retractable roof at Minute Maid Park in Houston will be open for Game 2 of the AL Division series between the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins, marking only the second time this season that the roof will be opened for a game. The decision was made by the league, with no input from players or staff. In other sports news, Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah received an injection for shoulder discomfort, but no structural damage was found, and John Schneider will return as manager. Additionally, Tasting Table offers creative ways to use boxed cake mix, while also providing etiquette tips for eating pasta in Italy.