Four best-of-five series open Saturday, and each one carries a storyline that could swing a pennant race. Here is what to know before first pitch.
Sox-Guardians Rivalry Moves to October
Cleveland and Chicago spent the season trading one-run games, and now they take that rivalry into the postseason for the first time. The Guardians, the second seed, won the AL Central, but the White Sox took the season series 7-6 and arrive fresh off a sweep of Houston. The contrast in styles is the story. Chicago hits for power, while Cleveland leans on pitching depth and a bullpen anchored by All-Star closer Cade Smith. The Guardians’ hopes may rest on José Ramírez, whose bat went quiet after midseason surgery on his hand.
Judge’s Calf Hangs Over the Bronx Bombers
The top-seeded Rays host a Yankees club that swept Boston in the Wild Card round, and it’s a matchup that has gone back and forth all year. New York’s lineup looks very different depending on whether Aaron Judge, who is nursing a calf injury, returns. If he sits, Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. will have to carry the offense, while Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero could be the best hitter on the field. Gerrit Cole is set to start Game 1 for New York, with Tampa Bay expected to counter with Drew Rasmussen.
A Pitchers’ Duel in Milwaukee
Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, a leading National League Cy Young candidate, will pitch for the top seed against a Padres team that swept the Cubs and has a lights-out closer in Mason Miller. San Diego also holds a 4-2 edge in the regular-season series. Fernando Tatis Jr. has been one of baseball’s hottest hitters over the past month, and this series could come down to which team scores first and then hands the ball to its bullpen.
Dodgers Face a Familiar Nemesis
The marquee matchup pits the two-time defending champion Dodgers against an Atlanta team that won five of six against them this season. The Braves beat Philadelphia in three games to get here and are led by ace Chris Sale and one of the league’s best bullpens. Los Angeles counters with a rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, but its relievers have been inconsistent. Shohei Ohtani’s health is worth watching, and Kyle Tucker is looking to carry his strong September into October.
Saturday Schedule
The action starts at 1 p.m. ET with White Sox at Guardians on TBS. Braves at Dodgers follows at 4 p.m. on FOX, then Yankees at Rays at 6:30 p.m. on TBS, and Padres at Brewers at 8:30 p.m. on FS1.
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