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		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:23:50 -0400</pubDate>
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					<![CDATA[2026 World Series Odds: Dodgers, Brewers Remain Favored]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-world-series-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-world-series-odds</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Check out the latest World Series odds, as the Dodgers remain favored with the regular season hurling toward its end.]]>
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				<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:22:23 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[It appears that the top two teams in the National League — and in all of baseball — are on a playoff collision course Here are the latest 2026 World Series odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 11. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Dodgers: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)Yankees: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)Brewers: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)Rays: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)Phillies: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)Braves: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)Red Sox: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)Cubs: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Astros: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)White Sox: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Guardians: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)Padres: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)Blue Jays: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Diamondbacks: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)Rangers: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)Mariners: +17500 (bet $10 to win $1,760 total)Orioles: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)Twins: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total) Here's what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorites: The defending champion Dodgers are getting hot at the right time, while the Brewers have just been hot all along. As of Sept. 11, L.A. has won seven in a row and eight of its last 10. However, its last six wins have come over the Reds and the Nationals — not exactly juggernauts. The Dodgers will close the season with series against the Marlins, Reds, Padres and Giants (twice). As for the Brewers, they were the first team to reach 90 wins, and have series against the Reds, Pirates, Orioles and Cardinals remaining. But it is a three-game series at Philadelphia from Sept. 22-24 that could have some playoff implications.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Which MLB Players Can Realistically Join The 3,000-Hit Club?]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/3000-hits-freddie-freeman-jose-altuve-juan-soto</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/3000-hits-freddie-freeman-jose-altuve-juan-soto</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The 3,000-hit club is an exclusive one. Do any of MLB's active hit leaders have a chance at joining?]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:36:56 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The 3,000 hit club is an exclusive one. Consider: in the long, long history of Major League Baseball and the proto leagues that preceded it, over 20,000 players have suited up for at least one game. Of those, just 1,421 players reached 1,000 career hits. And merely 676 of those made it to 1,500 — there are more players than that on active rosters in MLB right now. All of 299 of those 676 players would then reach 2,000 career hits, 103 of those made it to 2,500, and all of 33 players that have ever played have crossed the 3,000-hit threshold. Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is No. 103 in the 2,500 hits club, as of Sept. 9. That's a seriously exclusive club to be in, but its exclusivity is nothing compared to that of the 3,000-hit one: as close as Altuve seems to 3,000 now, for instance, he's maybe not that close. His chances are far from nonexistent, however: it's a distinct possibility that Altuve, despite his age and diminishing bat, still makes it to 3,000 before hanging up his cleats. But of all the incredible players to play in MLB, of the many, many Hall of Famers and stars, again, just 33 of them ever managed to pick up at least 3,000 hits. What about the rest of the active hit leaders, though? Let's take a look at those with realistic chances of reaching this exclusive milestone – a list that includes Altuve as one of the closest to 3K. (Hit totals through Sept. 9.) The Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman is the active hit leader, and doesn't appear to be that far off from 3,000 hits. Freeman turns 37 before the 2026 postseason, though, and is still 413 hits away. He has 156 hits this year, and a three-year average of 157.7, so he would need three more years of production around this level to be able to pull it off. Which is not to say that Freeman can't manage it. The major concerns are his health and how it's tied to his age: Freeman continued to thrive despite some significant injuries that very easily could have derailed him, but as he gets older the small things feel like bigger things, and he's already seen a dip in his power this year. Even if he becomes more of a singles hitter in his age-37, -38 and -39 campaigns, those knocks all count the same in the quest for 3,000. Freeman is the most likely to pull it off, not just because he's the closest, but because he's still really, really good despite entering his late-30s. Altuve is a fascinating case, as his career took off back when he was a high-average guy racking up hits. Altuve led the American League in hits in four consecutive years, from 2014 through 2017, and also won batting titles in three of those seasons. He hasn't come very close to those levels since: Altuve collected 1,189 hits in his first six full seasons in the bigs, and then 1,250 in his next nine, including his nearly complete 2026. Second basemen tend to age poorly, since they were at that position in the first place given they were missing something in their tool and skill sets that allowed them to play shortstop instead, but to this point, Altuve has held on strong. Mostly. Altuve, who turned 36 in May, started the first few weeks of the season looking like the return to second base from the outfield had rejuvenated his bat, but has basically hovered around league-average since: Altuve is batting .244/.306/.397, 21 points of batting average lower than 2025's already significantly lower than usual output. Altuve is 500 hits from 3,000, but from his age-33 season through his current age-36 campaign, he's averaged 141 hits per year. At that pace, it would take four more seasons for Altuve to cross the 3,000-hit threshold: it's possible, but he can't afford to slip more than he already has since this hypothetical already requires that he plays into his 40s and gets another contract, too. Altuve's current deal with the Astros runs out after 2029, when he turns 39. Apologies to Andrew McCutchen and Paul Goldschmidt, who both rank ahead of Machado among the active hits leaders, but those two are 39 and 38, respectively – 3,000 is out of reach. For Machado, though, it's still a possibility – but less of one that it was this time last year. Machado is playing in his age-33 season, but he's already been 34 for a couple of months, and is going to finish this season at least 800 hits shy of 3K. The problem was a terrible first half, in which Machado still had power, but little else: in his 100th game of the season, his batting average finally got over .200 to stay, and he's hit .277/.360/.429 since that point, swapping some power for better overall contact and more times on base. Combine that with the fact that the Padres' third baseman plays his home games at Petco Park, which depresses offense. That issue isn't as extreme as it once was, but it still leans pitcher-friendly, and little things like that can be the difference between finishing a career with 3,000 hits or falling just short. Still, Machado has averaged 153 hits per season since 2021 even with his dreadful first half in '26. If he could keep that pace, it would take him five more full seasons and part of another to reach 3,000. He probably won't keep that pace, though, given how aging works and all, so he might have more of an outside shot at the club than Freeman or Altuve. He's under contract with the Padres through 2033, his age-40 season, however, so he'll at least get plenty of chances to make it work by then. This is where things get real dicey. Harper ranks seventh among active hit leaders: directly in front of him is Nolan Arenado, who has too few hits for his age for real consideration, and behind Harper is Carlos Santana, who is already 40 and over 1,100 away. There is also Xander Bogaerts, who is the same age as his teammate, Machado, and around 200 hits behind his not-a-lock pace. Harper is an outside shot, too, but it feels like he shouldn't be discounted – basically solely because he's Bryce Harper. Health is his most pressing concern — on top of the pandemic-shortened 2020 that everyone else in his cohort suffered through statistically, he also missed 63 games in 2022 and 36 in 2023, and has cleared 150 games just three times in a career that began in 2012. He looks like he'll make it a fourth time in 2026, though, and while he's never going to bat .330 again like in his all-world 2015, if he can continue to average 140 knocks per season like he has over the last four, 3,000 is a possibility, but he'll be playing into his 40s for that to happen. If Harper can stay on the field, though, and if he can continue to be Bryce Harper in all the ways that matter, then maybe something magical could happen here, and he'll surprise us all. He doesn't have much wiggle room for decline, however, owing to all the missed time he's already accrued that has him behind. Betts won't turn 34 until October, but a tough season with just 105 hits through Sept. 9 and a .249 batting average have him well off the pace now. Before 2026, Betts was already unlikely to reach 3,000 hits by the time he turned 40 years old, as it would have required an average level of production he saw in his late-20s. Now, he's 1,128 hits shy and nearly wrapped his age-33 season: he would need 161 hits per season to get to 3,000 by the time he turns 40, and tha feels about as unrealistic as him sticking it out another eight years to drop the average to 141. All of this just highlights how difficult 3,000 hits is. Betts has been one of the most dynamic, exciting and unbelievably talented players to ever suit up for an MLB game. But just 33 players have ever reached 3,000 hits, and there are far, far more than 33 hitters enshrined in Cooperstown. What could have been. Mike Trout would be a Hall of Famer if he retired right now, but like with Betts, that doesn't mean 3,000 hits will happen. What's frustrating about Trout's case is that he had his first 1,380 hits by the end of the 2020 season, and managed to add just another 487 over the next six years due to incessant injuries. Trout has been relatively healthy the past two years, playing a combined 257 games, but it's resulted in 219 hits. He's a high-strikeout, low-contact player at this point, but one who can still drive the ball: of those 219 hits, 46 of them were homers and another 39 went for doubles. The volume just isn't there for Trout, who turned 35 earlier this summer, but again: he's already had an entire Hall of Fame career featuring one of the all-time great peaks. That's a pretty good consolation prize. Another example of just how difficult it is to get to 3,000 hits is Mets' superstar Juan Soto. On the active hits leaders list, there is arguably no one with a better shot than him at 3,000, beyond those players already mentioned. Soto began his career when he was 19, and won't turn 28 until the middle of this year's World Series. He's the highest-paid player in MLB, and it's because he's a tremendous, historic offensive force. And yet! He needs another 1,822 hits to get to 3,000 at this point, to some degree because his career included the pandemic-shortened 2020 as well as an injury-shortened ‘26. But it’s also because Soto is an elite drawer of walks. Soto has been on base 2,190 times in his career, and is the active leader in on-base percentage at .415. Just 20 players in the history of the game have reached base at least 2,000 times before turning 28; Soto ranks No. 7, behind Hall of Famers Mel Ott, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx and Ty Cobb, with Alex Rodriguez and Mike Trout ahead of him, as well. That's some company, and it's not difficult to envision Soto someday becoming just the 50th player to ever get on base 4,000 times in his career (Freeman is in line to become No. 49 in the next year). As for hits, though? Soto needs to average 140 hits per year for the next 13 years – the remainder of his contract with the Mets – to get to 3,000. That's certainly possible at his age, but so are a whole lot of other things like injuries or natural decline. The 3,000-hit club is an elite one for a reason.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani Is Finally Going On The IL, But Were The Dodgers Too Late?]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-cant-decide-what-do-shohei-ohtani-might-cost-them</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-cant-decide-what-do-shohei-ohtani-might-cost-them</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[After months of playing through pain, Shohei Ohtani is finally going on the IL. With just 16 games left in the regular season, that delayed decision could be costly for the Dodgers.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 02:37:37 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[LOS ANGELES — Another day, another ominous turn in the Shohei Ohtani health saga. Knee and bicep issues have already downgraded the two-way sensation to a one-way slugger for the remainder of the year. For the next couple of weeks, though, he is neither. Ohtani’s insistence on trying to play through aches and pains for the last three months — and the Dodgers’ unwillingness to shut him down and place him on the injured list before it got to this point — had relegated the four-time MVP mostly to spectator status with the postseason just weeks away. On Wednesday, Ohtani was held out of the lineup for the sixth time in the Dodgers’ last seven games. And with only 16 games remaining in the regular season, he will now require the IL stint that the Dodgers have spent months trying to avoid. "It's the right thing to do," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "I think that we tried to kick the can as much as we could." In Ohtani's place, the Dodgers plan to call up top prospect Josue De Paula directly from Double-A to make his MLB debut on Friday. De Paula, the No. 6 overall prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline, will primarily serve as the team's DH for the next couple of weeks but could also find some time as a corner outfielder. The 21-year-old starred at Double-A Tulsa, where he slashed .303/.401/.547 with 27 home runs and 31 steals. But the excitement of adding De Paula is tempered by the reason for his addition. A week ago, Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in a game against the Cardinals and looked to be in obvious discomfort at the plate, shaking out his arm between half-hearted swings. He was mired in a 6-for-46 stretch without a home run over his last 12 games at that point. Clearly, Ohtani’s injuries were causing him issues at the plate, despite what he was telling his team and what Dodgers officials were publicly acknowledging. The next day, general manager Brandon Gomes attempted to dismiss what seemed clear to anyone who had watched Ohtani over the last few weeks. "I just think there's also just ebbs and flows of the season, and what to attribute things to and what not to is just too hard to say," Gomes said. "We haven't had any indication that he's not feeling good enough physically to go out and play." Ohtani then sat out each of the next four games. The hope was the time off would help Ohtani’s body get to a place where he could bounce back as a hitter. He returned to the lineup on Monday and went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. The Dodgers then planned to give him Tuesday off and continue to sprinkle in off days the rest of the regular season to try to get him as right as possible before October. But Ohtani was expected to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Reds, so it was a surprise when he wasn't in the lineup again. "There was a swing Monday that he didn't feel great on," Roberts explained Wednesday afternoon. "He hasn't totally recovered from Monday. So, the thought is to give him today and then huddle up with him, the medical staff, and figure out what's the next steps." Clearly, communication between Ohtani and the Dodgers remains a work in progress. Roberts did not know about Ohtani’s setback the day after that painful swing. Ohtani swung in the cages on Tuesday and was expected to be available off the bench "in a big spot" that night before he reported his discomfort from the previous day’s game. The main issue this time was Ohtani’s arm, according to Roberts. "It's not really localized, and that's why when you see him a week ago shaking his arm, it's just the arm," Roberts said. "So, it's not specific to elbow or shoulder. It's just his bicep, arm, but it's not one specific thing." This is not where the Dodgers hoped to be as they ramp up for the playoffs, months after Ohtani first reported his knee and bicep pain. Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3, and every attempt to ramp back up since then invited setbacks that have clearly impacted his performance at the plate. He is slashing .198/.294/.396 since Aug. 8, when he first started back up his throwing program. He is hitting .186 since Aug. 14, when he threw his first bullpen session in more than three weeks. Those sessions are now done. On Monday, after months of delaying the decision, Ohtani finally acknowledged that he would shift his focus strictly to hitting — the only logical choice at this point as he tries to get right at the plate. Two days later, though, he's now too hurt to even do that. This will be Ohtani's first stint on the IL since he joined the Dodgers before the 2024 season. The Dodgers didn’t place him on the IL on June, when he first reported his knee pain. They didn’t do it in July, when he first reported the bicep issue while he was still dealing with knee pain, which required an injection over the All-Star break. They didn't do it a week ago, when he was clearly compromised at the plate, or throughout a second half in which he has a pedestrian .246 batting average and .332 on-base percentage. "It really hasn’t even been something that we’ve discussed," Gomes claimed last Thursday. One week later, though, those discussions picked up. "I think that we tried to play both sides and try to play him, not play him," Roberts said. "And then, ultimately, after not playing him for four days and then playing him and not being able to play a day after an off day, it was more just really huddling up and saying, 'Hey, how are you going to feel on Friday? How are you going to feel on Saturday? Talking to the doctors and training staff, there was not much certainty that he’d be in a much better place. With that, just taking it off the table seemed like the best course of action." The timing is not ideal. Because Ohtani is a two-way player, he needs at least 15 days on the IL. And because he played Monday after the four days off, he will not be eligible to return until Sept. 23. That would give him just five games maximum before the end of the regular season to try to find his rhythm. In retrospect, Roberts wishes the team handled that differently. "I think if we look right now, here today, I would love to go back and put him on the IL," Roberts acknowledged. "But I did feel at that moment in time, we all felt that giving him four days was sufficient." Though it wasn’t, Roberts remains confident that Ohtani will return this year. He reiterated multiple times that Ohtani would be in the lineup if the Dodgers were in the postseason right now, and he thinks Ohtani will only need the minimum IL stay. The question no one can answer is what he'll look like when he's back. If he can't find his usual form, the Dodgers' delayed decision threatens to be their undoing. "He'll be in a much better place than he was today," Roberts said. "Is it going to be to 100 percent? Probably not. But I do think that with this time that we're taking now, he'll be in an adequate spot to finish the season."]]>
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					<![CDATA[Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Says Shohei Ohtani Is Going On IL]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-manager-dave-roberts-says-shohei-ohtani-going-il</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-manager-dave-roberts-says-shohei-ohtani-going-il</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list, Dave Roberts said on Wednesday.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:50:04 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list, manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday. "It’s the right thing to do," Roberts said following the Dodgers' 14-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, which Ohtani was sidelined for. "We tried to kick the bucket as much as we could." Ohtani has missed six of the last seven games due to lingering soreness in his right biceps and left knee. Roberts said Ohtani would be in the lineup on Thursday "if it were a postseason game." Ohtani, a four-time MVP, is a key component of the Dodgers' bid for a third consecutive World Series championship, even though he won't be pitching the rest of the season because of his injuries. "Most likely, no," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about pitching again this season following the team's Monday night win at home over the Cincinnati Reds, per MLB.com. "I'm going to be focusing on hitting moving forward." The Dodgers are off Thursday and open a seven-game trip in Miami on Friday. Top prospect Josue De Paula is expected to join the team in Miami. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Dodgers Reportedly Call Up Top Prospect Josue De Paula]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-reportedly-call-up-top-prospect-josue-de-paula</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-reportedly-call-up-top-prospect-josue-de-paula</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up top-rated prospect Josue De Paula from Double-A, according to multiple reports.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:30:06 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up top prospect Josue De Paula straight from Double-A, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. The Athletic was the first to report. De Paula is expected to get at-bats at designated hitter after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Wednesday that Shohei Ohtani will be heading to the IL. De Paula, 21, is the No. 6 ranked prospect in baseball and the highest-rated outfielder. He spent the 2026 season with the Dodgers' Double-A minor league affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers, and hit 27 home runs in 588 plate appearances, while posting a slash line of .303/.401/.547. He also had stolen 31 games in 123 games. Prior to being signed by the Dodgers out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, he played out of El Niche Academy. He signed a $397,500 contract with the Dodgers in January 2022. De Paula was named the 2025 Futures Game MVP.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Yankees Place 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. On 10-day IL With Sprained Right Thumb]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-place-2b-jazz-chisholm-jr-10-day-il-sprained-right-thumb</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-place-2b-jazz-chisholm-jr-10-day-il-sprained-right-thumb</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right thumb]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:28:18 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a sprained right thumb. Chisholm, who had been in the midst of his best stretch this season, will be shut down for seven to 10 days. New York has 18 games left. "We just got an update that he does have a sprained right thumb that’s going to require an IL stint," manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees faced the Rockies. "So no baseball activities for the next seven to 10 days and then see where we’re at." Chisholm was injured on a slide at second base trying to stretch a single in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s 5-3 win. He was tagged out by Ezequiel Tovar, and his thumb appeared to hit the Colorado shortstop’s cleat. Chisholm initially stayed in when the Yankees took the field for the ninth but was lifted after he made a poor throw while fielding a grounder. A free agent after this season, Chisholm is hitting .232 with 19 homers and 55 RBIs in 134 games. He also has 40 stolen bases in 49 attempts, becoming the first Yankee with 40 steals since Brett Gardner had 49 in 2011. Chisholm had two hits Tuesday and is hitting .391 (18 for 46) with two homers and six RBIs over his past 15 games. "I feel like he has been really putting together some of his best at-bats of the season for an extended stretch," Boone said. "So definitely a blow, but hopefully one that the time down here hopefully gets this thing right and puts us in position to impact us moving forward." Chisholm is the fourth Yankee to go on the IL since Aug. 23, joining pitchers Ryan Weathers (strained left forearm), Fernando Cruz (right elbow) and Trent Grisham (right hamstring strain). Chisholm also is the 18th player to land on the IL for the AL wild-card leaders, who activated Aaron Judge on Tuesday after an 84-game absence with a broken rib. Chisholm has spent time on the IL in each season since being acquired from the Marlins in July 2024. He missed a little over a month last season with a strained right oblique and missed nearly two weeks with a sprained left elbow sustained on a headfirst slide in 2024. Jose Caballero started at second base on Wednesday. Anthony Volpe has played 19 games at second base for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and earned International League Player of the Week honors for hitting .524 with three homers and six RBIs in his last six games. He was scratched from the Triple-A lineup Wednesday. Since being sent down to Triple-A on Aug. 4, Volpe is batting .295 with 10 homers and 21 RBIs in 27 games while playing shortstop and third base. Volpe batted .240 with one homer and 19 RBIs in 56 games before the Yankees replaced him at shortstop with rookie George Lombard Jr. "I feel like he’s in a really good spot," Boone said about Volpe. "He’s been really productive down there and playing really well. He has taken well to the other positions. So we’ll see." Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 MLB Playoff Picture, Standings: Wild Card Races Heat Up As Season Winds Down]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mlb-postseason-wild-card-playoffs-standings-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mlb-postseason-wild-card-playoffs-standings-2026</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[A weekly look at MLB's standings and how they are informing the postseason picture.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:38:36 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[With just under three weeks left in the regular season, several teams are closing in on postseason spots while wild card races in both leagues remain unsettled. In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves remain in the driver’s seat in each of their divisions, but the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs are positioning themselves for wild card spots while the Diamondbacks and Padres battle for the final spot. The race is tighter in the American League, where the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox currently hold playoff spots as of Monday's standings, while the Astros hold a slim lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West. The Yankees and Red Sox appear to be headed toward the wild card as well, with the Cleveland Guardians currently holding the final spot. Here is where the major postseason races stand as we inch closer to the postseason, standings are accurate as of Wednesday, Sept. 9. JUMP TO: AL: East | Central | West | Wild CardNL: East | Central | West | Wild Card AL East Tampa Bay holds a 4.0-game lead over New York in the division. The Yankees activated Aaron Judge from the 60-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against Colorado, ending his absence due to a rib fracture. New York sits in second and occupies the top AL wild card spot. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has picked up his production over his last 15 games to help ease the load on the lineup in the meantime. Boston is 6.0 games behind Tampa Bay and holds the second wild card spot, riding a five-game winning streak. AL Central Chicago leads Cleveland by 2.0 games. Rookie Munetaka Murakami has been in the White Sox lineup since returning from the injured list in mid-July. Cleveland's playoff hopes took a hit when outfielder and designated hitter Chase DeLauter, who has hit .357 with a 1.000-plus OPS over his last 20 games, suffered a wrist sprain. Minnesota trails by 6.5 games and Detroit by 9.5 games, but it looks like it will end up being between the White Sox or the Guardians heading into the final weeks. AL West The AL West remains the closest division race in the league. Houston's lead over Texas stands at 2.0 games. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski has provided a lift to the Astros' rotation since returning from Tommy John surgery, posting the staff's lowest ERA since the start of August. Texas has leaned on Cal Quantrill, who has a 1.18 ERA over his last six starts, to offset injuries to Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Leiter. Seattle is 7.0 games back and has allowed the fewest runs in the division. AL Wild Card New York and Boston hold the top two AL wild card spots. Cleveland, Baltimore and Texas are within three games of each other for the final spot, with Toronto and Minnesota also within range. Seattle and Detroit remain within 6.5 and 7.5 games and cannot be ruled out, meanwhile the Angels became the first American League team to be eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend. NL East Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 4.0 games. Ronald Acuña Jr. has been in the lineup since returning in late July, and Atlanta has performed better since his return. Right-hander Tyler Mahle has a 1.24 ERA in six starts since joining the Braves at the trade deadline, giving Atlanta rotation depth behind ace Chris Sale. Philadelphia was 12-19 through April but has closed the gap since and holds a wild card position. Starters Andrew Painter and Aaron Nola have each improved down the stretch, with Painter posting a 3.15 ERA and Nola a 2.31 ERA over their last several outings. NL Central The Brewers have the best record in baseball, despite allowing nine home runs in a loss to the Cubs to close out August. Milwaukee has rotation depth, led by NL Cy Young frontrunner Jacob Misiorowski—who became the second-fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts in a season last month. The Cubs sit 9.0 games back while holding a top NL Wild Card spot and pose the only threat to the Brewers division title hopes. Pete Crow-Armstrong has established himself as an MVP candidate after completing a 30-homer, 30-stolen base season while leading the majors in WAR. NL West Los Angeles leads Arizona by 10.5 games and San Diego by 11.0 games. The Dodgers have worked Tarik Skubal, acquired at the trade deadline, into the rotation, and Shohei Ohtani, who recently said he will "most likely,"focus on hitting the rest of the season, is back in the lineup as designated hitter after dealing with knee inflammation, right biceps discomfort and neck discomfort, among other issues. Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has heated up as well, collecting 13 hits over his last eight games, including a three-run homer on Monday. Arizona and San Diego remain locked in a battle for the final wild card spot at the moment. NL Wild Card Philadelphia and Chicago lead the NL wild card standings. San Diego holds the final spot by 0.5 games over Arizona. San Diego starter Nick Pivetta returned from a flexor strain Monday and threw five scoreless innings, a needed sign for a rotation that has not gotten consistent output from deadline additions Casey Mize and Robbie Ray. Miami, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati remain within 8.0 games of the final position. Clinching Scenarios The Rays can clinch a postseason berth as early as Thursday with two wins over Atlanta plus help from either Texas and Toronto losing, or Chicago and Cleveland losing. Tampa Bay leads the AL East by 4.0 games. The Brewers can clinch a postseason berth as early as Friday. Milwaukee leads the NL Central by 8.0 games. The Dodgers can clinch a postseason berth as early as Saturday and the NL West as early as Sunday. Los Angeles leads Arizona by 10.5 games in the division.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Browns Star Denzel Ward Joins Guardians Ownership Group]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/browns-denzel-ward-cleveland-guardians-ownership</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/browns-denzel-ward-cleveland-guardians-ownership</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Cleveland Browns and former Ohio State star Denzel Ward has purchased a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:14:35 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Denzel Ward has a mere uphill walk to check on his new investment. The Cleveland Browns star cornerback has purchased a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians, the team announced on Wednesday morning. Ward is the second NFL player with a tie to the greater Cleveland area to purchase a minority stake in the team this year; Kansas City Chiefs tight end and four-time All-Pro Travis Kelce — who grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, which is roughly 20 minutes east of Huntingon Bank Field, home of the Browns — bought a minority stake in the Guardians in May. Meanwhile, Ward is from Macedonia, Ohio, which is roughly 25 minutes south of Progressive Field, home of the Guardians. "Cleveland is my hometown. I’m so blessed to be able to show up for this city on the field and now as a part of the Guardians organization," Ward said in a statement, according to Cleveland.com. "I couldn’t be more grateful to the Dolan family and David Blitzer for the opportunity to continue to pour into this community and give back to the best fans in the world." Ward is expected to throw out the first pitch for the Guardians' Sept. 15 game against the Chicago White Sox. "Denzel Ward is a hometown hero on the field and off it," Guardians chairman and CEO Paul Dolan and vice chairman David Blitzer said in a joint statement. "His excellence, character and commitment to this community — including his work with the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation — make him a perfect fit for our organization. We are proud to welcome him as a partner in the Guardians' future." Last NFL season, Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler, totaled one interception, nine passes defended and 39 combined tackles across 15 regular-season games. Cleveland selected Ward, who has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Browns (2018-25), with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Cleveland signed the 29-year-old Ward to a two-year, $62.2 million extension in July, with the $31.1 million average annual value putting him third among NFL cornerbacks. As for the team Ward is now a part-owner of, the Guardians (74-72) are in possession of the third American League wild-card seed, one game up on the Toronto Blue Jays for the last AL playoff spot and two games behind the White Sox for first place in the AL Central.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Aaron Judge Is Finally Back. For Now, The Yankees Just Need Him To Play It Safe]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/aaron-judge-finally-back-right-now-yankees-just-need-him-play-safe</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/aaron-judge-finally-back-right-now-yankees-just-need-him-play-safe</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Aaron Judge was back after being sidelined for over three months. But he was on a leash, and that bothered him.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:07:25 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[NEW YORK — A few days ago, an imposing 6-foot-7 outfielder appeared at the door to Aaron Boone’s office in the visitor’s clubhouse at Petco Park. Aaron Judge showed up, unannounced, and told the Yankees skipper that he was ready to go. Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham had just been placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. The club needed help on the field. Judge had been nursing a fractured right rib since the end of May, but he was toward the end of his ramp-up and recovery timeline. Judge believed he was ready to play. Boone said no. There were still a few more boxes the Yankees captain needed to check before being cleared to return, and Boone was not going to risk rushing Judge back because of another player injury. There were people to call, and processes that had to be cleared that had nothing to do with how badly Judge wanted to be back in the lineup, and everything to do with the Yankees making sure he wouldn’t re-injure himself or aggravate the fracture. No amount of hope or anticipation or roster needs would change the plan. So Judge spent the team’s off-day on Monday at Yankee Stadium checking all those remaining boxes. He faced live pitching. He replicated going out to right field and playing defense for a few innings. He ran the bases. Judge came away from it all with no issues. The Yankees were pleased with what they saw. Finally, they gave Judge the answer that he was expecting to receive months ago. On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Judge was back after being sidelined for over three months. But he was on a leash, and that bothered him. Judge played six innings and went 0-for-3 before Boone pulled him from the Yankees’ 5-3 win in the series opener against the Rockies. His timing was clearly off as he flew out to center and struck out twice. He expected it, to some extent. These at-bats are equivalent to his spring training build up. And even though Boone warned him before Tuesday’s game that he would be pulled early, Judge was still miffed when it actually happened. Judge and Boone had a long chat on the dugout steps after the sixth inning about it. The eight-time All-Star made it his case to stay in the game. "We got Cam [Schlittler] on the mound, so I'm probably not going to get a lot of action anyway," Judge said, reiterating his conversation with Boone. "What's the difference between me standing out there for nine innings or standing out there for six?" His request was denied. Hours later, Judge was clearly still stewing over the manager’s decision. "I feel good. I played half a game. So I'm not too sure what to say about that," said Judge, who was uncharacteristically peeved and not even trying to hide it. "Obviously, whatever [Boone] says, I'm going to do. But I'm not happy about it." That was the tradeoff. Judge advocated for skipping a minor-league rehab assignment that would be considered standard for a player who hasn’t seen live pitching since May 31. The Yankees obliged. Better to have Judge’s bat in their lineup than be wasted in minor-league games. In lieu of Judge spending a week wearing a Scranton RailRiders uniform, the Yankees will treat his initial return to the major-league lineup like a rehab assignment. He won’t play full games at the outset. He won’t start every game in their series against Colorado. Every inning he takes right field will be measured against an internal plan built by the team, not by how Judge feels. That plan exists because how he feels has never been the problem. If it was up to Judge, he would’ve continued to play through his injury and avoided missing any time at all. "He’s been champing at the bit," Boone said, and it wasn’t a compliment. It was a small reveal of how difficult it has been for Boone and the Yankees to keep Judge sidelined despite his readiness and impatience to play. Even now, with Judge single-handedly bringing the electricity back to the Bronx, the return everyone wanted comes with more restriction than freedom. Even Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees owner, wanted to be in the loop before Judge was cleared to go. Unlike his dad, George, Steinbrenner is not known to meddle in baseball operations. He typically stays out of day-to-day decisions, preferring to leave that up to Boone and longtime Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. But, on Monday, after Judge took live at-bats, played the field, ran the bases, and was cleared to return by the team strength and conditioning coach, Brett McCabe, and the rest of the training staff, Boone called Cashman and Steinbrenner and asked them to weigh in on the decision. Boone said Steinbrenner wanted to be in the loop, which underscores how much the Yankees have riding on Judge. He is essential to their goal of going all the way, and he knows it. Of course, the back-to-back reigning American League MVP’s instinct was to go out there and play. The team needed him, he felt he was ready. What’s the problem? But the Yankees are walking a delicate tightrope, even if they won’t admit it. Judge has been "asymptomatic" for several weeks now, according to Boone. In other words, he doesn’t feel any pain or restriction when he’s going through baseball activities. And yet, the Yankees would still prefer Judge to be careful in right field, particularly on diving catches, since that’s how he fractured his rib in the first place. "I'd like him to be cautious with that stuff, and he will," Boone said. "And the one thing, even though he probably got hurt doing something like that, if you really watch over the last several years, he's done a good job of learning how to reign it in and not do things in certain situations. So he is aware of those things, probably even more hyper-aware of them now, obviously. The one thing is, watching him move out there, he's moving really well, albeit avoiding certain things." Is it realistic to expect Judge, who has built his reputation on giving maximum effort, to actually change that wiring? Can he really dial it back? "I hope I'm playing every day," Judge said. "But I'm not the manager. So you have to talk to him. Hopefully I can play more than six innings." The reality is, the Yankees need a still-easing-in Judge to be the three-time MVP Judge to catch Tampa Bay in the division race. The Rays (86-58) lead the AL East by four games, with New York (82-62) right behind them, trying to avoid another wild-card series against the Red Sox and earn a bye week before the ALDS instead. The stakes are already high, and they’ll only get higher in October. So, on a nightly basis, Boone will be fighting against the urge to keep Judge in the lineup for just one more at-bat, weighing whether one more swing will be the one that wins them the game, or potentially re-injures him. Boone said the Yankees are going to be smart about how they handle that balance, but it’s not like talking to Judge about their processes will be helpful. It’s hard to imagine Judge will say anything except he’s feeling good enough to go out there and play. Even back in May, when Judge knew something was wrong, he played through the injury because of how many other players were sidelined at the time. Now, at least, the Yankees have the luxury of a full-ish roster on the position-player side. Besides Grisham (hamstring strain) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain), who could both potentially come back at some point this year, the Yankees lineup is set for the postseason. Judge’s presence in that lineup is a requirement for the Yankees to go back to the Fall Classic, and even though Judge alone is not going to carry the offense, he certainly has a ripple effect. While he was out, the Yankees offense struggled mightily to generate runs. Since June 2, which is the date Judge officially went on the IL, New York has ranked 26th in the majors in runs scored (341) and slugging percentage (.385), and 29th in batting average (.227) and batting average with runners in scoring position (.216). From Opening Day to May 31, the Yankees ranked fourth in the majors in runs scored (305), second in slugging (.436), 13th in batting average (.243) and seventh in batting average with runners in scoring position (.270). When Judge is in the lineup, he makes everyone around him better. He offers protection, forcing opposing pitchers to attack the zone against hitters like Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger who typically precede Judge in the order. And even now, while Judge’s timing is off, the best plan of attack for opposing pitching staffs might be to walk him and take their chances against the batter after him. Which is why, more than anything, the Yankees just need Judge to play it safe. Just like a few days ago in San Diego, when Judge told Boone he was ready to give the team his all, Boone and the Yankees have to continue to hold firm. Right now and in the weeks ahead, Judge needs to be managed as much for his instincts as for his health. Hence, the leash. "He was not real pleased with me taking him out," Boone said. "The ultimate competitor in him wants to be out there because he’s done a lot of work to prepare, to be ready to play. And I know in his mind he feels he is very much ready to play and go the distance. But, it’s my job to be smart here. Especially these first several games."]]>
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					<![CDATA[Aaron Judge Back In Yankees Lineup Following 99-Day Rib Injury Absence]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/aaron-judge-back-yankees-lineup-following-99-day-rib-injury-absence</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/aaron-judge-back-yankees-lineup-following-99-day-rib-injury-absence</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Aaron Judge is returning to the New York Yankees after a 99-day absence caused by a broken rib, starting in right field and batting third against the Colorado Rockies.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:29:28 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Aaron Judge returned to the New York Yankees after a 99-day absence caused by a broken rib, starting in right field and batting third Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies. A three-time AL MVP, Judge had missed 84 games since his last appearance on May 31. The 34-year-old skipped a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment. Judge entered hitting .248 with 17 homers, 38 RBIs and a .907 OPS. He was initially injured attempting to avoid second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. during an unsuccessful try for a diving catch at Houston on April 26 and batted .263 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 31 games before going on the injured list. He had just one homer in 18 games before the IL stint. New York was 36-23 after Judge last played on May 31 and went 45-39 in his absence. The Yankees hit .243 with 86 homers and a .770 OPS in 59 games through May 31 but .227 with 107 homers and a .681 OPS while Judge was sidelined. Their batting average during that stretch ranked 29th among the 30 major league teams, ahead of Seattle at .225. New York entered 81-62, four games behind of AL East-leading Tampa Bay and two games in front of Boston (80-65) for the top AL wild card. The Yankees hold a potential tiebreaker over the Red Sox after winning the season series. Judge hit a career-high .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs in 152 games last year, winning his third MVP and first batting title. He missed 10 games from July 26 to Aug. 4 with a flexor strain in his right elbow that he sustained on a throw to home plate July 22 in Toronto. He underwent a plasma-rich platelet injection and did not require offseason surgery. Judge skipped a rehab assignment in 2023 when he missed 42 games with a fractured right big toe after crashing into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium. He hit .245 with 18 homers, 35 RBIs and a .965 OPS over 57 games after his return. Reporting by the Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Pete Crow-Armstrong Joins 35/35 Club, And The Much Rarer 40/40 Is In Reach]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/chicago-cubs-pete-crow-armstrong-40-home-runs-40-steals</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/chicago-cubs-pete-crow-armstrong-40-home-runs-40-steals</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Pete Crow-Armstrong joined select company on Monday after stealing his 35th base of the year, but he has a shot at an even more elite club in the season's finals weeks.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:49:31 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[On Monday against the Brewers, Pete Crow-Armstrong stole bases 34 and 35 of the season in a 4-3 loss for the Cubs. While Chicago’s fans can’t be thrilled about taking the L against their rivals from Milwaukee, PCA’s thievery put him into rare territory: that second steal made Pete Crow-Armstrong just the 19th member of the 35 home run, 35 steals club. It’s the 25th such player season with at least 35 homers and 35 bags, as five players have pulled it off twice — Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Barry Bonds, Alfonso Soriano and Ronald Acuña Jr. — while Soriano actually managed it on three occasions, in 2002, 2003 and then 2006. Here is the complete list of 35/35 players and seasons: Crow-Armstrong was close to making it in 2025, when he hit 31 homers with 35 steals, but a second-half slump kept him from getting any closer: PCA batted .265/.302/.544 with 25 homers and 27 steals before the All-Star break in ‘25, but then hit a dismal .216/.262/.372 with just six more homers and eight more steals in the second half. While his 2026 started similarly slow, a switch flipped before May ended: on May 30, he went yard for the seventh time and pushed his OPS over .700 to stay, and has batted an absurd .316/.412/.707 since with 35 dingers and 23 steals. He’s now leading the National League in slugging percentage (.577) and OPS (.953), while his 41 homers put him second in the majors behind Phillies’ DH Kyle Schwarber, who has 43. Thanks to his defense, Crow-Armstrong is leading the majors in wins above replacement, and has a genuine shot at the National League MVP award thanks to not just his incredible play, but the fact that Dodgers’ two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3. The result of this sustained success — the likes of which PCA had never seen in his pro career before — is becoming a 35/35 player, which is a rarity unto itself. Even the 30/30 club isn’t a constant: there have been just 51 instances of a 30/30 season in MLB’s lengthy history, with 19 players managing the feat more than once — PCA being the most recent to do so. It follows that 35 homers and 35 steals is rarer than 30 of each, but rarer still is the 40/40 club. There are just six members of that one, and not one of them has repeated the trick. Pete Crow-Armstrong has 17 games left to get five steals to become the seventh 40/40 player in MLB history. Each of the players who have managed 40/40 seasons are also included in the 35/35 list above: José Canseco pulled it off in 1988 for the first time in MLB history; Barry Bonds followed in 1996 with the second 40-steal season of his career; Alex Rodriguez made it in 1998 with his only 40-steal season and first of what would be eight campaigns with at least 40 dingers; Alfonso Soriano, after a near miss in ‘02 when he fell one long ball short, got there in 2006; Ronald Acuña Jr. was three steals shy of 40/40 in 2019, but blew by the mark with 73 thefts in 2023; Shohei Ohtani didn’t just become the sixth member of the 40/40 club, but stands alone as the only 50/50 member thanks to 54 homers and 59 steals in 2024. PCA isn’t there yet, but he not only has the chance to join the 40/40 club, but could also have produced its best season to date. Shohei Ohtani’s wins above replacement in 2024 were 8.9 and 9.0, from FanGraphs and Baseball Reference, respectively — not playing the field, and not pitching, means he had no additional value beyond his admittedly exceptional offense. Acuña was worth 9.1 fWAR and 8.4 bWAR in ‘23, Soriano’s 2006 had him at just 5.4 and 6.1 — offensive levels were higher league-wide then — and Rodriguez posted 7.9 and a league-leading 8.5, respectively, in 1998, but it was also just the fifth-best season of his career by WAR. A-Rod had a pretty great career. Canseco in ‘88, well, he wasn’t exactly known for his defense, so as good as his bat was, he wrapped the year with a career-best 7.6 fWAR and 7.3 bWAR. Then there’s Barry Bonds in 1996. Bonds is basically the final boss of most offensive stats, so it makes sense that he’s the one player standing in Pete Crow-Armstrong’s way right now. Bonds produced 9.2 wins above replacement by FanGraphs’ calculations, but 9.9 via Baseball Reference — PCA, with 17 games left to go, is already ahead of Bonds in fWAR at 9.9, and real close in bWAR, at 9.5. If Crow-Armstrong is able to secure another five steals and pick up another bit of wins above replacement before the season ends, then it’s going to be easy to argue — at least from this particular point of view — that we just witnessed the best overall 40/40 season in MLB history. And if PCA falls just short of 40/40, or remains behind Bonds instead of ahead of him in both WAR calculations, well. This is still a ridiculous campaign worth remembering — at least he made it so far as 35/35, which is rare enough as it is.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 MLB Power Rankings: The X-Factors Who Could Swing The Season]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-power-rankings-x-factor-every-team-swing-season</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-power-rankings-x-factor-every-team-swing-season</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[It's time to focus on the postseason contenders and the X-factors who could impact the final three weeks of MLB's regular season.]]>
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				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:27:22 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Twenty days left. The margin for error is gone. It’s time to drill down on the teams in playoff contention. For the purposes of this exercise, we’re including only those teams within five games of a playoff spot as of Tuesday morning. In future iterations, teams will be added and subtracted as they move into and out of the playoff picture. Here are our latest contender rankings, along with one X-factor on each team who could help swing the playoff races. A 68-76 record would rank last in the NL Central. Lucky for the Twins, they’re in the AL Central. And while a lot of the attention is on recent outfield call-up Walker Jenkins, it’s shortstop Kaelen Culpepper who has been the team’s standout rookie so far. Just when it seemed like we might have to start taking the Orioles more seriously, they went and lost six straight games, including two to the Rockies and four to the division-rival Red Sox. Utility man Coby Mayo, however, helped snap the skid with a two-homer game and is emerging as an important power threat as Pete Alonso cools off. Cal Quantrill has a 1.18 ERA in six starts (seven appearances) since the beginning of August. It’s the lowest mark among all qualified MLB starters over that stretch, and it comes at an important time for the Rangers with Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Leiter injured. It was pretty much home run or bust for Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez in August, but he’s demonstrating more than that to start September. The rookie outfielder has hits in each of his first seven games of the month, including two homers and two doubles. With second baseman Xavier Edwards hurt and All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez slowing down, Javier Sanoja has risen to the occasion. Sanoja is tied for the MLB lead in hits through the first week of September and has been on base a ton lately. He just … has to stay on base. The Blue Jays hoped the additions of pitchers José Soriano and Spencer Arrighetti might help offset the departure of Kevin Gausman as they looked toward the future at the deadline. But it’s one of the prospects they got from the Cubs for Gausman who is making the biggest impact on the team's late-season playoff push. Since outfielder Brett Bateman was called up on Aug. 7, he leads the team in hits, batting average, runs scored and fWAR. For all the talk about rookies Parker Messick and Travis Bazzana in Cleveland, I’m not sure outfielder/DH Chase DeLauter has gotten his full due. He has been the Guardians’ best hitter since the start of August — he’s slashing .357/.427/.541 over that time with an OPS over 1.000 in his past 20 games — so his recent wrist sprain is worth monitoring. The Guardians can ill afford to have DeLauter on the IL. With a dearth of starting options in Houston, Hayden Wesneski's return from Tommy John surgery has brought a needed boost. Since the beginning of August, Wesneski has the lowest ERA in the Astros’ rotation. In his first game back from a flexor strain, starter Nick Pivetta fired five scoreless innings on Monday. That's a great sign for the rotation, which hasn’t gotten consistent production from deadline additions Casey Mize and Robbie Ray. While we're talking significant pitching boosts, Corbin Burnes is expected to make his 2026 debut on Tuesday. The four-time All-Star hasn't pitched since June 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery just 11 starts into his six-year, $210 million contract with Arizona. The addition of Luis Castillo at the deadline has not provided much for a White Sox rotation that ranks 26th in MLB in ERA. That’s why the return of Davis Martin, one of the biggest All-Star snubs, could be huge if he can recapture his early-season form. Martin fired 5.2 scoreless innings last Wednesday in his first start back from a blister issue. Adley Rutschman and Roman Anthony both get a mention here. After a dreadfully slow start to his Boston tenure, Rutschman has homered three times in his last four games. Meanwhile, Anthony was on fire in his first five games back from the IL (10-for-22, five XBH) before cooling off in Baltimore. Still, the Red Sox have won five straight, and they're going to be tough to slow down if they can get both players going at the same time. You could count the entire Cubs pitching staff as X-factors, but after adding starters Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman at the deadline, the biggest question in Chicago is high-leverage relief. Who are the arms the Cubs will trust late in games when it matters most? And could injured pitchers Justin Steele or Edward Cabrera figure into that mix before year's end? The team has three more weeks to sort that out. The Phillies decided against adding a fifth starter at the deadline, despite Andrew Painter holding an ERA over 6.00 at the time. Since then, Painter has a 3.15 ERA over his past six starts. The second-half improvements of both Painter and Aaron Nola (who has a 2.31 ERA over his past eight starts) have helped ease the concern about the depth of this rotation. We all know Aaron Judge's health matters more than anything else for the Yankees going forward. But as the Yankees welcome their captain back, he’s going to need some help to get this offense back above league average. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been a lot more productive over his past 15 games, and if he can keep that going, that might take some pressure off of Judge. Has Freddy Peralta started to figure things out? After an inauspicious start to his Rays tenure, Peralta has allowed just one run over his past two starts. He has another test Tuesday, but he’s trending in the right direction. The Dodgers have received little production from their corner outfielders this year, but Teoscar Hernandez seems to be turning a corner. He has 13 hits, including five extra-base hits, over his last eight games, and he just launched a three-run homer at 112.6 mph off the bat on Monday. Seven of his nine hardest-hit balls this season have come in September. Which qualified NL starter has the lowest ERA since the trade deadline? That would be Tyler Mahle, who has a 1.24 ERA in six starts since joining Atlanta and is quieting the criticism the Braves received for their quiet deadline. The Braves lack depth in the rotation behind ace Chris Sale, so it’ll be interesting to see if Mahle can keep this going into October. With Kyle Harrison looking more vulnerable of late, who else in the Brewers’ rotation might step up as a potential Game 2 starter behind ace Jacob Misiorowski? The answer appears to be Logan Henderson, who has a 1.67 ERA over his last four starts and a 2.20 ERA over his last 11 starts. He hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his 15 starts this season, and he’s showing why the Brewers made him off limits at the deadline.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani: I'm 'Most Likely' Done Pitching This Year]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-update-dodgers-starting-rotation</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-update-dodgers-starting-rotation</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani revealed he's "most likely" done pitching this season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:08:42 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Will we see Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani take the mound again this season? "Most likely, no," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about pitching again this season following the team's Monday night win at home over the Cincinnati Reds, per MLB.com. "I'm going to be focusing on hitting moving forward." Ohtani's Monday night presence in the Dodgers' lineup marked the end of a four-game absence, as the four-time MVP has been dealing with knee inflammation, right biceps discomfort and neck discomfort, among other issues. While he has consistently been in the Dodgers' lineup as the team's designated hitter, Ohtani hasn't pitched since July 3. Across the 14 starts he has made this year, Ohtani boasts a 1.79 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP and a 231 ERA+, while totaling 95 strikeouts and three wins above replacement in 85 ⅔ innings pitched. "I'm confident that my overall performance should be better moving forward," Ohtani said. "I think the thing that I was more focused on was making sure that the pitching wouldn't cause the worst-case scenario, which was for me to not be able to play at all." Ohtani finished the 6-3 win on Monday night 0 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts. "We’ve put a pin in throwing and just having him focus on the hitting, the running, keeping his legs good and doing whatever it takes to help us win," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Ohtani in a pregame press conference on Monday night. Ohtani didn't pitch for the Dodgers in his debut season with the franchise in 2024, as he recovered from a torn UCL suffered in Aug. 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels, but the six-time All-Star went on to have the first 50-50 season (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) in MLB history. Ohtani made 14 starts for the Dodgers in the 2025 regular season, gradually working his way back to being a starting pitcher, and was part of the team's postseason starting rotation en route to Los Angeles repeating as World Series champions. As for his work with the bat, Ohtani has recorded 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, a 148 OPS+ and 3.5 wins above replacement, while sporting a .277/.380/.522 slash line. Los Angeles has won five consecutive games (87-57) and has a two-game lead on the Atlanta Braves for the No. 2 seed in the National League playoffs. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top seed in the NL.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani Returns To Dodgers Lineup As DH, Pitching Again 'Not Dead']]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-returns-dodgers-lineup-dh-pitching-again-not-dead</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-returns-dodgers-lineup-dh-pitching-again-not-dead</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup as designated hitter on Monday night after a four-day break to deal with lingering left knee, right biceps and neck soreness.]]>
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				<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:59:19 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup as designated hitter on Monday night after a four-day break to deal with lingering left knee, right biceps and neck soreness. He was in his usual leadoff spot for the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. "Hopefully, we don’t see that wincing we saw a handful of nights ago," manager Dave Roberts said before the game, referring to Ohtani appearing physically compromised at the plate before his break. "I don’t want to say it’s day-to-day, but I am very curious to see how he comes out of tonight to then make the decision for tomorrow and ensuing days," Roberts said. The NL West-leading Dodgers won all four games during Ohtani’s absence, including a sweep of the Washington Nationals. Even with Ohtani’s return as a hitter, it appears increasingly unlikely that the two-way superstar will pitch again this season. He hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 and he hasn’t thrown since a bullpen session at Detroit on Aug. 28. "We’ve put a pin in throwing," Roberts said, "and just having him focus on the hitting, the running, keeping his legs good and doing whatever it takes to help us win." Asked to define "put a pin in throwing," Roberts said "it’s not dead but we have no timetable for when he’s going to pick up a baseball." Why not just say Ohtani won't pitch again? "I'm choosing not to say it's dead," Roberts said. Ohtani's thoughts remain private since he hasn't spoken to the media since Aug. 17. Roberts described Ohtani as "happy" to be back in the lineup while being "completely fine" about tabling any pitching plans for now. By taking pitching off Ohtani's plate, the Dodgers hope the four-time MVP will lock in on hitting and get back on track after not appearing to be himself at the plate. Ohtani is hitting .279 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs this season. Since the All-Star break, however, he’s batting .250 with eight homers and 22 RBIs in 41 games. "Yes, he loves pitching, loves being a two-way player," Roberts said, "but right now it just doesn’t make any sense. It’s more of what’s best for the team, number one, and 1A, what’s best for him." Utility player Tommy Edman took Ohtani's place as the leadoff hitter for four games. He went 7 for 17 with a .412 average, one home run, four RBIs and five runs scored. He was scheduled to start at second and bat third on Monday. Asked why he doesn't move Ohtani out of the leadoff spot, Roberts replied, "I think he’s our best hitter. I think the best player should have the most latitude. Is it forever? I don’t know. Is it until the end of the season? I don’t know yet." Reporting by The Associated Press.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Yankees Activate Aaron Judge From 60-Day Injured List Ahead Of Tuesday Return]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-activate-aaron-judge-from-60-day-injured-list-ahead-tuesday-return</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-activate-aaron-judge-from-60-day-injured-list-ahead-tuesday-return</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Aaron Judge is set to make his return to the New York Yankees lineup on Tuesday.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:44:15 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[After being sidelined for three months, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was officially activated off the injured list on Monday. The Yankees announced Monday night that Judge has been activated from the 60-day injured list. To clear room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton for assignment. Judge has been sidelined since May 31 with a stress fracture of his first right rib. He is finally back following months of rehabilitation and now set to rejoin the Yankees' lineup on Tuesday when they take on the Colorado Rockies. Even though the Yankees have managed to stay competitive without their captain, losing the former American League MVP clearly took a toll on the lineup. The Yankees sit with an 81-62 record and four games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. Judge’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Yankees remain in striking distance of the division title while holding a firm grip on an American League Wild Card spot, and the middle of the order desperately needs his rare, game-changing power. Through 59 games this season, Judge posted a .248 batting average with 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a .907 OPS. With Judge back in the batting order, the Yankees have as good a chance as anyone to make a deep October run.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-new-york-yankees-vs-san-diego-padres-tv-channel-live-stream-september-5-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-new-york-yankees-vs-san-diego-padres-tv-channel-live-stream-september-5-2026</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres MLB game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:32:12 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The New York Yankees visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT from Petco Park, San Diego, CA. The Yankees enter at 80-61 (.567), while the Padres sit at 74-67 (.525). Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.14 ERA in 149 innings) takes the mound for the Padres, opposed by Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.20 ERA). The Yankees' 3.23 ERA is the lowest in the MLB in the 2026 regular season. Below, we'll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game. How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres Players to Watch With San Diego chasing a Wild Card spot and facing the American League's top ERA staff, Tatis stands out as the Padres hitter most capable of changing the game with one swing or one burst on the bases. He leads the club among projected starters with a .282 average and 31 steals, and he is tied for second on the team with 70 RBI. His recent form gives this matchup extra weight. Over his last 25 games, Tatis has hit .290 with a .345 on-base percentage and a .680 slugging percentage, piling up 11 home runs, five steals, 20 RBI and 21 runs. He also homered twice on Tuesday. If that hot stretch carries into this one, San Diego's offense gets a real chance to crack a Yankees pitching group that has allowed a .225 opponent average and a .659 opponent OPS this season. In a matchup where New York may need one big middle-of-the-order blow against Robbie Ray, Rice is the Yankees bat that jumps off the page. He leads the team with 36 home runs and 88 RBI, and he brings the kind of left-handed power that can flip a tight game in a hurry. His season line backs up the impact. Rice is hitting .257 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .526 slugging percentage, giving the Yankees their most productive power source among projected starters. That matters against a Padres staff that has been solid overall but has still allowed 155 home runs and owns a 1.292 WHIP. If Rice gets a mistake in the zone, he is the hitter most likely to turn it into instant separation for New York. Yankees vs. Padres Odds Learn more about the New York Yankees vs. San Diego Padres game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports! Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Astros: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-arizona-diamondbacks-vs-houston-astros-tv-channel-live-stream-september-5-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-arizona-diamondbacks-vs-houston-astros-tv-channel-live-stream-september-5-2026</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros MLB game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:26:30 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Houston Astros on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Daikin Park, Houston, TX. The Houston Astros enter at 73-69 (.514), while the Arizona Diamondbacks sit at 74-68 (.521). Ethan Pecko (1-0, 6.23 ERA) takes the mound for the Astros, while Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.49 ERA) starts for the Diamondbacks. Below, we'll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game. How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Astros Players to Watch Houston needs its biggest bat front and center in this matchup, and Alvarez has been that guy all season. He leads the Astros in home runs with 37, batting average at .317, and RBI with 94 while carrying a .434 on-base percentage and .601 slugging percentage. For a Houston lineup that ranks fifth in MLB with 184 home runs, he is the clearest game-changing threat. This matchup puts extra weight on every middle-of-the-order plate appearance because Arizona's pitching staff has been steadier than Houston's over the full season, posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Alvarez is the hitter most capable of cutting through that with one swing. When he is driving the ball, Houston's offense looks far more dangerous. For Arizona, Moreno stands out as the bat most likely to pressure Houston across multiple at-bats. He leads the Diamondbacks in batting average at .299 and is tied for the team lead with 68 RBI, while adding an excellent .379 on-base percentage and .467 slugging percentage. In a game where Arizona may need to string together quality plate appearances, his profile fits the moment. The Astros' pitching staff has allowed 588 walks this season, so Moreno's ability to reach base and keep innings alive could shape the flow of the night. He gives Arizona a steady offensive anchor, and that matters against a Houston club fighting to protect first place in the AL West. Speed changes the picture for Arizona in this matchup, and Carroll brings the most of it among the projected starters. He is expected to play after being in the lineup Wednesday despite lower-back discomfort, and his season line still shows impact: 19 home runs, 61 RBI, a .335 on-base percentage, a .466 slugging percentage, and 21 stolen bases. Arizona's 98 stolen bases rank tied for 11th in MLB this season, and Carroll can stress the Astros in ways that go beyond extra-base power. One sharp night from him can turn singles into scoring chances fast, like a spark catching dry grass. Diamondbacks vs. Astros Odds Learn more about the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports! Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]]>
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					<![CDATA[The Dodgers Have Options If Shohei Ohtani Goes On The IL]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-injury-knee-biceps</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-injury-knee-biceps</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
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				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani might not pitch again in 2026, and he might need an IL stint to rest his multiple injuries. Here's who the Dodgers would turn to in his absence.]]>
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				<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:47:51 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[A trip to the injured list is unlikely for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, according to Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts. It is a possibility, however, and one that Los Angeles will be mulling over with the postseason less than a month away. Ohtani has hit just .194/.316/.403 since his last bullpen session on Aug. 14, and had his OPS drop from .935 to .906 in that stretch, culminating in a physically uncomfortable looking four-strikeout game on Wednesday before receiving Thursday off. That the Dodgers have alternatives makes the decision to give Ohtani an extended rest or place him on the IL an easier one: while none of these options can replace a healthy Ohtani on the mound or in the lineup, that's not the job. Being an improvement on an ailing Ohtani, and giving him the time he needs to rest his ailing knee and biceps, would be the task at hand. The goal is to make sure the best possible version of Ohtani would be available by the postseason; these players give the Dodgers that chance. On Thursday, outfielder Alex Call subbed in at designated hitter for Ohtani on a night off. He's been a semi-regular in 2026, appearing in 74 games – often subbing into them – and picking up 166 plate appearances. Call is batting a below-average .252/.361/.324, but his defensive limitations would be hidden by filling in as a DH, and his .685 OPS isn't all that much different than what an injured Ohtani has managed the past few weeks. Call isn't a thrilling option, but he's one that's already on the roster. And with the Dodgers starting Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker in the outfield, Call is also available to DH whenever the three are in the same lineup. The issue is that he's much better against left-handed pitching: for his career, against right-handers, Call is batting just .231/.343/.334 in 733 plate appearances, compared to .265/.347/.413 against southpaws. Everyday play might not be the best use of his skills, even if it gets Ohtani the rest he needs. Dalton Rushing was the Dodgers' primary catcher for much of the summer, after starting backstop Will Smith went on the IL with an inflamed disc in his neck. Rushing suffered his own injury, though, a partial tear in his right elbow's UCL, that put him on the shelf. Now, Rushing is back with rosters expanded, but in a more limited role than before: he's unlikely to spend much, if any time, behind the plate, and will instead be limited to pinch-hitting and DH duties. Rushing is a left-handed batter – Call, a righty. If the Dodgers want to avoid putting too much of a burden on Rushing while he attempts to work back to time behind the plate, then letting the two platoon could be an option: Rushing can take the bulk of the at-bats, facing right-handers, while Call can focus on lefties. That would actually work out well for both players, too, since Rushing bashes righties – he's hitting .261/.344/.509 with 11 of his 12 homers against them in 2026 – but has just a .568 OPS against left-handed pitching in his big-league career. Ohtani's absence could also be an opportunity for less established players, like prospect James Tibbs III. Tibbs, an outfielder at Triple-A Oklahoma, is the No. 7 prospect in the Dodgers' system per MLB Pipeline, and has been mashing there. He's hitting .294/.417/.540 in 578 plate appearances and 127 games at the level in 2026. While the Pacific Coast League has inflated offensive totals – the average PCL player is batting .272/.362/.436 – there also seems to be little left for Tibbs to learn in the minors – a cup of coffee in the bigs could be good for him and his development, and the MLB season goes longer than the Triple-A one, as well, meaning he would have the opportunity for more at-bats. The problem with this plan is that the 23-year-old Tibbs is not on the 40-man roster, so the Dodgers would need to make a corresponding move there to make room, rather than simply being able to take advantage of September's expanded rosters. While the same goes for Josue De Paula – the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect – he could also be worth finding a roster spot for. De Paula is just in Double-A, but the 21-year-old has an ETA of 2027 according to MLB Pipeline – he's hitting .301/.397/.542 for Tulsa, and while a promotion straight to the bigs would be a significant ask, when the stakes are lower and he's not fighting for a permanent spot or a place on the postseason roster is as good a time as any. De Paula also, for all his offensive ability, is not expected to contribute much defensively in the outfield. Letting him ease in as a DH on a team that's expected to win the NL West, and is mostly jockeying for position with seeding, with the primary goal being to give Ohtani time to recover, feels optimal for an introduction to the bigs.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani Not In Dodgers Lineup vs. Cardinals After 0-4 Outing]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-not-dodgers-lineup-vs-cardinals-after-0-4-outing</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-not-dodgers-lineup-vs-cardinals-after-0-4-outing</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani was left out of the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Thursday following an 0-4 outing in L.A.'s 8-6 loss to St. Louis on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:43:18 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Shohei Ohtani was left out of the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Thursday following an 0-4 outing in L.A.'s 8-6 loss to St. Louis on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday that he had plans to have a conversation with the training staff and Ohtani on Thursday to "really try to figure out where he’s at physically" and weigh giving him a day off, although Roberts said he doesn’t think a stint on the injured list is necessary. "I saw the same thing that everyone saw," Roberts said after 10 innings against the Cardinals. "You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal." The two-way superstar hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps, which may be affecting his offense. He is hitting .279 after striking out four consecutive times for the first time this season. "I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright he should play," Roberts said. "I respect that, but if he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone." Earlier Wednesday, Roberts had said he had no indication that Ohtani was physically ailing. After the game, the manager said, "I’ve seen it over the last couple weeks where he hasn’t been who he is." Ohtani hasn’t spoken to the media in two weeks. "I still feel there’s enough days on the calendar of the season that we have plenty of time to make whatever decision we make and to have him come out of it in a better spot," Roberts said. The Dodgers remain uncertain whether Ohtani will pitch again this season. He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday but was scratched from a potential start at Detroit two days later. Roberts said that until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen he won’t know the next step in his pitching progression. Asked if it’s possible Ohtani won’t pitch again this season, Roberts said, "It’s an option."Before being shut down, Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. If Ohtani can’t start on the mound, would he be a candidate to play at an outfield corner? "Not on the table right now," Roberts said. Ohtani hasn’t played the outfield in the major leagues since 2021, when he appeared there in seven games for the Los Angeles Angels. If Ohtani isn’t physically capable of starting a game, it’s possible he could enter as a reliever. If he starts as the designated hitter and then moves to the mound, the so-called Ohtani Rule would kick in and the Dodgers would lose their DH for the rest of the game. But if he moves from the mound to the outfield, he could remain in the lineup. The Associated Press contributed to this report.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Clearly Still Hurting, Dodgers Can't Afford This Version of Shohei Ohtani Much Longer]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/clearly-still-hurting-dodgers-cant-afford-version-shohei-ohtani-much-longer</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/clearly-still-hurting-dodgers-cant-afford-version-shohei-ohtani-much-longer</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[A return to pitching should be the last thing on Dodgers' mind as they work to get Shohei Ohtani, the hitter, right again.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:26:47 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[DODGER STADIUM (Los Angeles, CA) — Before Wednesday’s game, manager Dave Roberts finally acknowledged the obvious. For much of the last couple of months, the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani have insisted the knee and bicep issues preventing the two-way star from pitching weren’t impacting him as a hitter. But they can no longer pretend. Not after Ohtani’s 0-for-4, grimace-inducing night against St. Louis. Ohtani had been ramping back up as a pitcher in recent weeks and was expected to return to the mound for an inning last Sunday, but the soreness he felt in a bullpen session two days prior tabled that plan and paused his progression yet again. He hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3. Meanwhile, the more he labors to return as a two-way force, the more his body clearly aches and the more his offense suffers. On Aug. 14, he threw his first bullpen session in more than three weeks. Over 17 games since then, he’s hitting .194 with a .719 OPS. He is currently suffering through his longest stretch without a home run as a Dodger, a regrettable streak that reached 12 games on Wednesday night. That afternoon, before Ohtani’s first four-strikeout night of the year, I asked Roberts if he thinks pausing the two-way star’s pitching progression will help him as a hitter. "I do," Roberts told me after a long pause to consider his answer. "I think that I certainly know the value of him pitching, but if you're not 100%, there's possibly some bleed-in to the performance offensively. That's just me kind of theorizing. But yeah, it's his decision, honestly. If he feels like he's capable [of pitching], then we'll run the play out until it doesn't make any sense." Wednesday night should be an indication that time has arrived. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow all healthy, there’s no reason for the Dodgers to consider putting Ohtani back on a mound in 2026. Not while he looks like this. In his final at-bat Wednesday night, Ohtani looked to be in pain, wincing and shaking out his troublesome right arm. He took a few half-hearted hacks before being sent back to the dugout with his fourth strikeout in the 10th inning of the Dodgers’ sixth loss in their last eight games. The Dodgers are now 26-27 since the start of July. They rank 21st in OPS, 24th in slugging and 26th in home runs over that stretch. Clearly, they can't afford a hobbled version of Ohtani at the plate. And Wednesday night, Roberts acknowledged what everyone else saw: The four-time MVP's injuries are compromising him offensively. "Clearly, the swings aren’t who he is," Roberts said. At this point, Ohtani’s left knee — which required an injection at the All-Star break — and right biceps have been bothering him for months, yet he still hasn’t gone on the injured list since joining the Dodgers before the 2024 season. Ohtani’s only official time away from the team was a two-game hiatus on the paternity list after the birth of his first child last season. He didn’t go on the paternity list at all after welcoming his second child, missing just one game. He does not like to sit out. At some point, though, the Dodgers have to take the decision out of his hands.  On Wednesday night, Roberts at least sounded more open to that possibility. "It won’t be an IL — unless it is," Roberts told reporters after Ohtani's four-strikeout day. "But it’s very unlikely." At the least, a day or two off could be in the cards. Roberts plans to have a conversation with Ohtani and the training staff before Thursday’s game. "I know that he feels he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright he should play," Roberts said. "I respect that. But if he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then [it’s] really not helping anyone." The Dodgers continue to maintain that anything Ohtani can provide as a pitcher the rest of the way is added value. But if it comes at the expense of his abilities offensively, is it really? While there’s no hard deadline for the Dodgers to make a decision on whether they’ll shut Ohtani down as a pitcher for the season, Roberts did finally acknowledge Wednesday afternoon that it’s on the table. "We’re not quite there yet," Roberts said. "But it’s certainly an option." It should be the only one. At this point, given that Ohtani has now been hobbled for three months, there’s no guarantee he will look 100% like himself at the plate again this year, even if he gives up on pitching, takes a day or two off or goes on the IL for a minimal stint. But they have to do anything they can to get him closer to full strength offensively. Wednesday can’t become the norm. The Dodgers and their scuffling offense can’t afford it come October.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 Cy Young Odds: Misiorowski Overwhelming Favorite Entering Final Month]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-cy-young-odds-historic-race</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-cy-young-odds-historic-race</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The NL Cy Young race looks totally different than it did earlier this summer. See the latest odds.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:48:54 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[With the 2026 MLB season now entering the home stretch, both Cy Young races are taking shape. Let's check out the odds for this season's winners at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 3. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Cam Schlittler: -215 (bet $10 to win $14.65 total)Dylan Cease: +190 (bet $10 to win $29 total)Drew Rasmussen: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)Sonny Gray: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total) What To Know: When the season began, Detroit's Tarik Skubal was favored to win a third straight Cy Young. That's how dominant he's been. However, he was forced to have surgery to remove loose bodies in his throwing elbow, was sidelined for months, and has now been traded to the Dodgers. The Yankees' young star, Cam Schlittler, owns a 2.04 ERA (second), 210 strikeouts (fourth) and a 0.94 WHIP (fourth) this season, and remains the favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award. His only competition at this point is Toronto's Dylan Cease, who has won his last three starts and has the second-most strikeouts in baseball (221). Jacob Misiorowski: -600 (bet $10 to win $11.67 total)Chris Sale: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)Cristopher Sanchez: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Yoshinobu Yamamoto: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total) What To Know: The NL Cy Young race looks a lot different than it looked a few months ago. Entering June, Philadelphia's Cristopher Sanchez was atop the board (+145), followed by Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski (+340), Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes (+450) and the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (+750). Now, while "The Miz" has only become more dominant and Sale has continued to find success, Skenes and Ohtani have fallen off the map. The more shocking fall-off belongs to Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner who entered 2026 as the favorite to repeat. He is now not even on the oddsboard. He began the season 6-3, but then lost his next nine starts. He has a 3.97 ERA, a far cry from the 1.97 ERA he had last season and the 1.96 ERA he registered as a rookie. His 8.0 WAR from last season has dropped all the way to 2.4 this season. As for Ohtani, he's been dealing with a bothersome knee and has not taken the mound since July 3. Going back to Misiorowski, he's quickly become the best pitcher in the NL and possibly in baseball. He leads MLB in ERA (1.97), strikeouts (227) and WHIP (0.97). It is his race to lose at this point.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 MLB Odds: Kyle Schwarber Remains Favorite To Win Home Run Crown]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-odds-who-will-lead-majors-home-runs</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-mlb-odds-who-will-lead-majors-home-runs</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The home run race is a hot one, with several star players making a run at Philadelphia's slugger. See the odds.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:34:49 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[Home runs have made a comeback. Consider this: After a 20-year stretch from 2002 to 2021 without a single 60-home-run season, we’ve now seen two in just the past four years. The Yankees' Aaron Judge opened the year as the favorite once again, but injuries sidetracked his AL MVP campaign, as well as his chances to have the most home runs in baseball this season. Let's check out the odds for who will lead MLB in that category at Fanduel Sportsbook as of Sept. 3. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Kyle Schwarber: -190 (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)Pete Crow-Armstrong: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)Yordan Alvarez: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)Matt Olson: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)Junior Caminero: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)Hunter Goodman: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)Ben Rice: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) Here's what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorite: Philadelphia's masher, Kyle Schwarber, is leading baseball in home runs (40), a few ahead of some worthy competitors, including Pete Crow-Armstrong (38) and Yordan Alvarez (37). Schwarber isn't new to this. He led the NL in home runs in 2022 (46), hit 47 in 2023, and then led the NL again in 2025 (56). He's now on pace to hit 46 this season. Hunting The Crown: PCA is second in total home runs, and Alvarez, Junior Caminero and Matt Olson are all tied with 37, meaning Schwarber is well within striking distance for each of them. However, this year's home run race hasn't been quite as prolific as a last year's. Last season, four players hit 50 and seven players crossed the 40 mark.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Last Night In Baseball: Yankees Rally Late, Brewers' Lineup Save Miz]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-brewers-dodgers-braves-ronald-acuna-200-home-runs</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/yankees-brewers-dodgers-braves-ronald-acuna-200-home-runs</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[The Yankees rallied late, the Brewers held off the Cubs, the Dodgers did not hold off the Cardinals, Ronald Acuña Jr. made history and more from Wednesday's MLB action.]]>
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				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:21:40 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Yankees got most of their scoring in late. Ronald Acuña Jr. made history. Jacob Misiorowski looked off, but the Brewers' lineup did not. Wednesday's MLB action provided all that and much more. Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball: So much of the excitement in last night’s Yankees-Angels game came after hours. For one, the game was on the west coast, and then the scoring didn’t begin until the fourth, when New York went up 1-0. A homer by Angels’ first baseman Vaughn Grissom tied things up in the seventh, and the score stayed that way until extras. Cy Young candidate Cam Schlittler looked the part, going eight innings with nine strikeouts against two baserunners and a lone run allowed, but Los Angeles’ starter Reid Detmers was nearly as impressive, going seven frames with six hits, eight strikeouts, no walks and one run. The Yankees’ bullpen took care of business in the ninth. The Angels’ pen was also on point… until it wasn’t. Luke Murphy entered in the top of the 10th, and started his appearance by striking out rookie outfielder Spencer Jones. The right-hander then allowed a single to shortstop José Caballero and walked second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr before getting the second out. That’s when things really unraveled. Catcher Austin Wells, who had come on as a pinch-hitter earlier in the game, hit a two-run single off Murphy. Then left fielder Cody Bellinger picked up his third hit of the game, a liner to center, to make it 4-1. New York’s own center fielder, Trent Grisham, then singled to score Wells, and DH Ben Rice made it four singles in a row and a 6-1 game. Murphy was lifted, but the damage was done: New York scored five runs in a row with two outs, and while L.A. managed to get two back against new pitcher Michael Fulmer in the bottom of the inning, the Angels needed more than that to keep the game going. The Yankees climbed to 3.5 behind the Rays in the AL East — Tampa Bay fell to the Mets, 10-4 — and also picked up a game on the Red Sox in the wild-card race, since Boston lost to the Marines, 8-3. Pretty good night for the Yankees after it nearly going awry. Things did not work out as well for the Dodgers. While Los Angeles went up on the Cardinals 3-0 in the first on a Freddie Freeman homer… …and then made it 5-3 in the sixth when shortstop Mookie Betts also went yard… …even Yoshinobu Yamamoto couldn’t keep St. Louis down the whole game. Yamamoto went seven innings and pitched into the eighth, but gave up another two runs to leave with the score 5-4. Then first baseman Alec Burleson tied the game off reliever Tanner Scott in the same inning with a sac fly. The game stayed tied thanks to this fantastic play by second baseman José Fermín… …and then it was Fermín who came around to score in the 10th, on a single by shortstop Thomas Saggese. St. Louis got some insurance right after when Joshua Báez — who had entered as a pinch-hitter earlier and hit an RBI double to make it a 5-4 game — doubled in two more runs. The Dodgers scored once in the bottom of the 10th thanks to a passed ball and ground out, but Riley O’Brien shut them down otherwise and picked up his 35th save of the year. St. Louis is now .500 once more after winning the series against Los Angeles, and 3.5 back of a wild-card spot. With the Braves and Brewers both victorious on Wednesday, the Dodgers find themselves a game back — and effectively two since Atlanta has the tiebreaker — of the second Wild Card Series bye. The Brewers could have easily lost on Wednesday to the Cubs, given that ace Jacob Misiorowski did not look like one. He struck out five batters over four innings while also walking four, and was charged with five earned runs. The bullpen, though? Five scoreless frames, with just one walk and one hit marring them. That gave the offense time to do its thing. Left fielder Jackson Chourio would go 4-for-6 with two runs and an RBI — of those two knocks, one was a double and another a homer. Catcher William Contreras was a more modest 2-for-5, but his one RBI came at the right time, and gave the Brewers a lead they would not relinquish. Shout out to rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt, too, who went 2-for-4 with a walk, a run and an RBI against the Cubs on Wednesday, adding to what has already been a big series for him. The Cubs already had little chance of taking the NL Central from the Brewers with what limited time is left in 2026, but losing these last two games after the football-esque score on Monday has Chicago nine back now. Luckily for the Cubs, they have the third-best run differential in MLB, and have a cushy wild-card lead, too. Chicago lost, yeah, but check this catch by shortstop Nico Hoerner, anyway. Absolutely ridiculous. The Orioles are not in as comfortable a situation as the Cubs — Baltimore began the day 1.5 out of the AL wild-card race, and the Guardians lost, giving the O’s a chance to make up ground. That did not happen. The Rockies scored a run in the ninth to tie the game, 3-3, and then in the 11th Baltimore made it a 5-3 game. Bad news for the Orioles, but the Rockies were at home and came to bat once more. Grant Wolfram came on in relief, and allowed an RBI single to first baseman TJ Rumfield on the seventh pitch of the at-bat. Wolfram got two outs after this, but getting through the heart of the Rockies’ order wasn’t enough. Second baseman Adael Amador hit a ground-rule double to move Rumfield to third, and then catcher Brett Sullivan — brought on as a defensive replacement — got the walk-off knock. The Orioles are still 1.5 behind the Guardians, an opportunity wasted against a Rockies team trying to avoid having the worst record in MLB. Good news for Colorado on that front: this dub paired with the Angels’ loss has the Rockies with the second-to-worst record, one up on L.A. With San Diego’s series loss to the Reds, the Diamondbacks were in position to get back into the last wild-card spot despite losing their own series. Arizona is now half-a-game up thanks to defeating the Phillies and ending their six-game winning streak, and pulled it off with an eighth-inning homer from catcher James McCann. A 1-0 dub, and pulled off in a bullpen game: Taylor Clarke went just 1 ⅔ innings, and six other relievers followed him. None of them gave up a run to the Phils, so even though Andrew Painter went seven scoreless, that solo dinger was all it took for an L. Or a win, if you’re looking from the D-backs’ perspective. How many home runs would Ronald Acuña Jr. have if he hadn’t missed significant time with torn ACLs, plural? Hard to know! But what we do know is that the 28-year-old right fielder has 200 actual career long balls, after launching his 14th of the season on Wednesday against the Nationals. Acuña has 200 dingers and 225 career steals after 904 games, 25 games quicker than Alfonso Soriano managed, per MLB, making him the fastest-ever player to reach that mark. Dozens of players have had 200 steals and 200 homers, but the list gets a lot shorter fast: just 25 have even 250 or more of each, and all of eight have 300 a piece. Acuña is young enough to make progress on becoming the ninth. Or 10th, rather: Guardians’ third baseman José Ramírez is four dingers away from being ninth on that list. The Rangers aren’t in a position where they can lose very many games, not with four teams within 1.5 games of the last wild-card spot in the AL and the Twins just 3.5 behind. And not with the Astros seeming to get their footing a little better than Texas is in the AL West race. The Rangers lost to the lowly A’s on Wednesday, 9-2, and that occurred opposite an Astros’ W over the White Sox, to give Houston the series win. All the scoring came in the eighth, when left fielder Nelson Velázquez, who had come on earlier as a pinch-hitter, drove a two-run single to center to score infielders Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve. Davis Martin, now blisterless, looked great for the White Sox in his return from the IL, going 5 ⅔ while scattering five hits. Hayden Wesneski did better than that, though, going seven scoreless with one hit and three total baserunners, and the difference ended up mattering: Sean Newcomb gave up those two runs in relief of Martin, and the Astros’ pen didn’t give up a thing to Chicago. Houston is now 71-69, two games up in the AL West, while the White Sox are further ahead than that in the Central but also lucky everyone else in the division besides the Tigers — who are nine out — lost.]]>
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					<![CDATA[2026 AL, NL MVP Odds: PCA, Alvarez Running Away With Awards]]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-al-nl-mvp-odds</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/2026-al-nl-mvp-odds</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[For the first time in a long time, Ohtani is nearly a forgotten thought in the NL MVP races. See the latest odds.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:19:25 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The AL MVP race has been over — and now it appears the same can be said about the NL race. Let's check out the odds for the AL and NL MVP race at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 3. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Yordan Alvarez: -20000 (bet $10 to win $10.05 total)Junior Caminero: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total) What To Know: We're going to have a new AL MVP, as two-time defending MVP Aaron Judge has battled injuries all season long. The name atop the board is Houston's Yordan Alvarez, who (as of Sept. 3) is leading the AL in batting average (.317), home runs (T-37), RBIs (94), on-base percentage (.433), slugging percentage (.604) and OPS (1.037). What's it called when you lead a league in every hitting category? He's aiming for more than the triple crown at this point. Pete Crow-Armstrong: -1500 (bet $10 to win $10.67 total)Shohei Ohtani: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total) What To Know: PCA has officially left Ohtani in the dust. In July, the Dodgers' superstar was -1500 to win his third straight NL MVP and his fourth straight overall. As of Aug. 5, his odds were even with Pete Crow-Armstrong at -110, and as of Aug. 24, PCA was the slight favorite. Now, it's PCA's to lose. Crow-Armstrong is leading the NL in WAR (8.4), slugging (.568) and OPS (.943), and has 38 home runs and 32 stolen bases. Last season, Ohtani won back-to-back NL MVP awards for the first time since Albert Pujols did it in 2008 and 2009. He also won the AL MVP in 2023, making him the first player in MLB history to win MVP back-to-back in each league. This year, if Ohtani is to win NL MVP, he will tie Barry Bonds' record of four straight MVP wins (2001-2004). All four of Ohtani's MVP wins so far have been unanimous, with him receiving all 30 first-place votes. He has the second-most MVPs in history, trailing only Bonds' seven.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts: Shohei Ohtani Not Pitching Again 'An Option']]>
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				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-dave-roberts-shohei-ohtani-pitching-rehab</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/dodgers-dave-roberts-shohei-ohtani-pitching-rehab</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani may not pitch again this season.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:51:54 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[July 3 may be the last time Shohei Ohtani takes the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Prior to the team's Wednesday night loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in a pregame press conference that "shutting down" Ohtani as a starting pitcher for the rest of the season is "an option," as the two-way superstar continues to rehab from left knee inflammation and a right biceps issue. Roberts noted that the Dodgers aren't at the point of shutting down Ohtani as a pitcher "quite yet" and there's no "hard timeline" on making such a decision. The skipper also expressed that Ohtani playing the outfield isn't "on the table." While Ohtani has continued to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter since encountering the injury, he hasn't pitched since July 3. Across the 14 outings he has made this season, Ohtani has recorded a 1.79 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, a 231 ERA+, three wins above replacement and 95 strikeouts in 85 ⅔ innings pitched. On the pitching front, Los Angeles recently got starters Justin Wrobleski (forearm) — whose first appearance back in action came out of the bullpen — and Tyler Glasnow (back) back from the injured list, with Blake Snell (elbow) four starts back from the injured list. Meanwhile, at the plate, the four-time MVP has totaled 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, a 148 OPS+ and 3.5 wins above replacement, while boasting a .279/.381/.525 slash line. Ohtani is in a slump of late, though, as he's batting .130 over his last 12 games (57 plate appearances). The Dodgers (82-57) have lost six of their last eight games and are now in possession of the third seed in the National League playoffs. They're a half-game behind the Atlanta Braves (83-57) for the No. 2 seed.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How to Watch Brewers vs. Cubs: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-milwaukee-brewers-vs-chicago-cubs-tv-channel-live-stream-september-3-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-milwaukee-brewers-vs-chicago-cubs-tv-channel-live-stream-september-3-2026</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs MLB game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:52:10 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Milwaukee Brewers visit the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. CT from Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL. The Chicago Cubs enter at 78-62, while the Milwaukee Brewers sit at 87-53. Kevin Gausman (8-11, 4.52 ERA in 155.1 innings) takes the mound for the Cubs, opposed by Logan Henderson (9-2, 2.48 ERA in 76.1 innings). Below, we'll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game. How to Watch Brewers vs. Cubs Players to Watch Chicago leads all of baseball in almost every meaningful offensive category, and Crow-Armstrong sits right at the center of that production. The Cubs lead MLB in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, and Crow-Armstrong leads the team with 38 home runs and 91 RBI. Over his last 10 games, he has gone 14 for 45 with seven home runs, making him the biggest power threat in this lineup heading into this divisional game. Milwaukee counters with one of the sport's stingiest pitching staffs, ranking second in ERA, third in WHIP and second in strikeouts. That kind of staff has shut down plenty of lineups this season, which is why Crow-Armstrong's power stands out as the one matchup Milwaukee's shutdown staff can't fully account for. Milwaukee's pitching staff does not hand out many scoring chances, which makes Suzuki's supporting punch behind Crow-Armstrong that much more important. Suzuki is second on the Cubs with 24 home runs and 80 RBI this season, and in a game where Chicago may need to cash in on limited opportunities, his run production profile stands out. Scoring against Milwaukee's staff has been difficult all year, evidenced by a .221 opponent batting average and a .658 opponent OPS this season. Chicago still owns the league's best team OPS at .773, and Suzuki's production against a staff built to suppress it will be a key factor in whether the Cubs' offense holds up on the road. Milwaukee wins with contact and on-base skill more than raw power, and Turang is the clearest example of that identity. The Brewers rank 30th in home runs but are third in batting average, second in on-base percentage, third in RBI and sixth in stolen bases. Turang leads Milwaukee with 78 RBI and is also one of the club's top power contributors with 17 home runs, making him a central run creator in a lineup built more on pressure than pure slug. Chicago's own pitching tells a different story, ranking 16th in ERA and already surrendering 211 home runs, among the most in baseball this season. A staff prone to giving up the long ball is exactly the matchup where Turang's contact-first approach can turn into extra bases, and every run he creates chips away at a Cubs staff that has struggled to keep the ball in the yard. Recent form is squarely in Yelich's favor entering this series. In Tuesday's win over the Cubs, he went 1 for 4 with a two-run homer, a walk and two runs scored, and over his last eight games he is 10 for 27, batting .370 with five extra-base hits. That kind of short-term surge matters in a series between the top two teams in the division. Chicago's offense carries this roster, but the pitching side hasn't kept pace, posting a 4.17 team ERA and giving up home runs at one of the highest rates in the league this season. Yelich has already shown he can exploit that weakness, and the Brewers will need more of the same from him if they want to protect their spot atop the NL Central. Brewers vs. Cubs Odds Learn more about the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports! Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]]>
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					<![CDATA[How to Watch Red Sox vs. Orioles: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-boston-red-sox-vs-baltimore-orioles-tv-channel-live-stream-september-3-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/how-to-watch-boston-red-sox-vs-baltimore-orioles-tv-channel-live-stream-september-3-2026</guid>
				<category>mlb</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles MLB game.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:50:43 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Boston Red Sox visit the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD. The Orioles enter at 69-71, while the Red Sox sit at 75-65. Brandon Young (9-3, 3.38 ERA in 130.1 innings) takes the mound for the Orioles, opposed by Jake Bennett (9-6, 3.27 ERA in 93.2 innings). The Red Sox's 264 hits in the month of August are the most in the MLB in the 2026 regular season, while the Orioles' 114 walks on breaking balls are the most in the MLB in the 2026 regular season. Below, we'll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game. How to Watch Red Sox vs. Orioles Players to Watch Alonso has been the anchor of Baltimore's offense all season, leading the Orioles with 32 home runs and 91 RBIs. He returns to the lineup healthy after a Monday scare, and he arrives red hot: a 1.050 OPS with nine home runs in August alone. This game also sets up as a test of whether Baltimore can break through against a Boston staff that owns a 3.64 ERA and 1.239 WHIP, both better than the Orioles' season marks on the mound. Beating a staff like that early is exactly the kind of production Baltimore needs from the middle of its order in a tight wild card chase. Henderson has already put a charge into this exact matchup. In the Orioles' 5 to 1 win over Boston on July 22, he scored twice and added a triple, and in the 6 to 5 loss on July 20, he went 3 for 5 with three doubles. He ranks second on the club with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs, giving Baltimore a second consistent power source behind Alonso. Against a Red Sox team that has allowed a .242 opponent batting average and a .687 opponent OPS this season, Henderson's ability to create loud contact matters. Keeping him locked in on hard contact gives Baltimore's offense a real chance to pressure a Boston club that has been the stronger run prevention side all year. With Willson Contreras on the injured list, more of Boston's offense now runs through Abreu, who is second on the Red Sox in both home runs, with 23, and RBIs, with 70. He already has a taste of success in this series too: in Boston's 8 to 1 win on June 3, he drove in three runs. The broader matchup fits his importance. Baltimore's pitching staff has a 4.16 ERA, a 1.346 WHIP and ranks 21st in WHIP and 23rd in strikeouts. That gives Boston's lineup a chance to put balls in play and build innings. Abreu turning that traffic into runs would let Boston lean into the edge it has shown all season in run prevention and overall record. The way this opener plays out could hinge on command from the mound, and that puts real weight on Bennett's start as Boston's projected opener. The Red Sox have been one of the better pitching teams in the American League all season, ranking fourth in ERA and sixth in WHIP, and Bennett steps into a favorable team context behind that staff. He also started the July 22 meeting that Boston won 6 to 3. His assignment is especially important against an Orioles lineup that has hit 169 home runs but owns a .235 team batting average and a .714 OPS. Baltimore can still punish mistakes, especially with Alonso and Henderson in the middle, so Bennett's command will be the key. Keeping the ball under control and limiting free baserunners would put Boston in position to protect its wild card standing. Red Sox vs. Orioles Odds Learn more about the Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports! Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]]>
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					<![CDATA[Harshest Punishments In Sports History: How Does The Clippers Ruling Compare?]]>
				</title>
				<link>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/harshest-punishments-sports-history-where-does-clippers-ruling-rank</link>
				<guid>https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/harshest-punishments-sports-history-where-does-clippers-ruling-rank</guid>
				<category>nfl</category>
				<description>
				    <![CDATA[With the hammer officially dropped on the Clippers, let’s dive into the history books. These are the most memorable and impactful sports punishments handed out in history.]]>
				</description>
				<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:26:04 -0400</pubDate>
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				    <![CDATA[The Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer just learned that circumventing the salary cap carries a steep price tag. After concluding its investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s side deals, the NBA delivered a decisive ruling that proves no franchise is above the league's rulebook. According to ESPN, the NBA is stripping the Clippers of five first-round picks and slapping owner Ballmer with a $30 million fine. Ballmer will also serve a one-year suspension, leaving the Clippers without control over a first-round pick until 2034. Leonard escaped the harshest discipline, but he was still ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution over improper benefits received by his uncle, Dennis Robertson. The NBA has also banned Robertson from conducting any future business within the league. This isn't just a slap on the wrist as it’s one of the steepest penalties ever handed down in pro sports. For a young Clippers team on the brink of rebuilding, losing half a decade’s worth of first-round draft capital is an absolute death blow. With the hammer officially dropped on the Clippers, let’s dive into the history books. These are the most memorable and impactful sports punishments handed out in history. Winning Super Bowl XLIV gave Saints head coach Sean Payton the breakout moment he needed to earn respect around the league. But that reputation took a hit when an investigation revealed a scandal brewing behind their magical season. The victory was soon tarnished when an investigation exposed a bounty program led by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to intentionally injure opponents. Payton covered it up, resulting in a $500,000 fine and the Saints being stripped of two second-round picks. However, the league's hammer didn't stop swinging at the top. The league hit Payton with a full, unpaid one-year suspension for 2012 and suspended Williams indefinitely. General manager Mickey Loomis was also held accountable, serving an eight-game suspension without pay. With the Clippers' latest punishment now out there, it’s worth going back to the Minnesota Timberwolves scandal involving Joe Smith. Starting in 1999, Smith signed three consecutive low-salary, one-year contracts with the Timberwolves. This raised concerns, which eventually led to the discovery of an under-the-table agreement to circumvent salary cap rules. Once the investigation concluded, the Timberwolves were fined $3.5 million, owner Glen Taylor and general manager Kevin McHale were suspended. The Timberwolves, similarly to the Clippers, were stripped of five first-round draft picks. After winning the 2017 World Series, the Houston Astros seemed like the talk of the league and baseball's next dynasty. However, after an MLB investigation revealed they illegally stole signs from opposing teams, public scrutiny and backlash only intensified. The Astros were fined the maximum of $5 million and stripped of their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. On top of that, general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were also suspended for one year, prior to their firings. Despite widespread backlash across the sport, the Astros went on to win the World Series again in 2022. They may have cheated in the past, but winning it all without stealing signs proved just how talented and well-built the Astros roster truly was. To no one's surprise, the New England Patriots were a lock for this list. Head coach Bill Belichick was no stranger to league discipline, but his involvement in Spygate remains the most notorious stain on the Patriots historic dynasty. Early in the season, a Patriots video assistant was caught illegally filming the New York Jets' defensive signals from an unauthorized location on the sideline. Because this violated NFL rules, Belichick and the organization faced league discipline. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots organization was fined $250,000. Not only were the fines massive, but the team was also stripped of their 2008 first-round pick. Following the Astros, the Boston Red Sox were also caught stealing signs during their 2018 World Series winning season. The punishment was far lighter compared to the Astros, but still impactful. Replay operator J.T. Watkins received a one-year suspension, and the team forfeited its 2020 second-round draft pick. Following the investigation, manager Alex Cora was also suspended for one year, but his penalty was from his role in the Astros scandal. Since the scandal, the Red Sox have made the playoffs only three times, struggling to regain their former league dominance that fans have come to get accustomed to watching. One of the most impactful punishments involved the SMU Mustangs. Investigators discovered that administrators and boosters were paying football players under the table and this came even while they were already on probation for previous recruiting violations. The "death penalty" label comes from the sheer severity of the punishment. The NCAA canceled the Mustangs 1987 season, and the heavy restrictions on scholarships and recruiting forced the school to cancel the 1988 season as well. The severity of the punishment effectively silenced the program for two consecutive seasons. With 55 scholarships stripped over four years, the roster was systematically gutted, triggering a collapse that took them more than two decades to recover from. As well-respected as the Atlanta Braves are in baseball today, they aren't without their fair share of controversy. From 2015 to 2017, MLB investigators caught the Braves circumventing international signing rules and bonus caps. For a Braves franchise built on international scouting, the penalty could not have been more damaging. The Braves lost 13 top international prospects, including prized shortstop Kevin Maitan, setting back their international pipeline for years. From top to bottom, the fallout for the Braves organization extended far beyond the field. General manager John Coppolella received a lifetime ban from MLB and the Braves were forced to forfeit a 2018 third-round draft pick. It only got worse as the strict bonus limits effectively shut the team out of the international market through the 2021 season. Pete Carroll departed USC for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, executing a perfectly timed exit. This came just months before the NCAA hit the Trojans football program with severe 'lack of institutional control' sanctions. The investigation centered on star running back Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits from sports marketers. Following the probe, the football program was hit with a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years. The Trojans were also placed on four years of probation and forced to vacate 14 wins from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including their national title win. Bush faced severe fallout as well, forfeiting his 2005 Heisman Trophy. College football has undergone major reforms regarding athlete protection and mandatory reporting policies. This was largely driven by the fallout from former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Penn State was hit with historic sanctions after university and athletic department leaders conspired to cover up Sandusky's crimes rather than report him to law enforcement. This resulted in one of the most severe punishments in college football history. The punishment included a $60 million fine, a four-year postseason bowl ban and the loss of 40 scholarships. The Nittany Lions football program was also forced to vacate 112 victories from 1998 through 2011. Sandusky is currently serving time in prison for his crimes at Penn State. He is serving a 30-to-60-year sentence in a Pennsylvania state prison following his 2012 conviction on 45 counts of child sexual abuse. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was at the center of a six-month, league-wide NFL investigation for tampering. The start of the investigation was actually sparked by a lawsuit from former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. The lawsuit revealed that the Dolphins had illegal contact with quarterback Tom Brady and Sean Payton while both were under contract with other teams. Given how high-profile the story was, it came as no surprise when the league handed down harsh penalties. The Dolphins were stripped of a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, while Ross was suspended and fined $1.5 million. While it remains unclear whether Brady or Payton was planning a team-up, the punishment is one of the most severe in history.]]>
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