The Major League Baseball playoffs began Tuesday with four games in the best-of-three wild-card series, with the winners already on the verge of advancing to the Division Series.
The Detroit Tigers defeated the Astros in the first game of the day, putting Houston on the brink of elimination after seven consecutive trips to the ALCS. In Baltimore, Royals lefty Cole Ragans tossed five shutout innings and the bullpen got 12 outs in Kansas City’s 1-0 win over the Orioles. The New York Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 and the San Diego Padres took the opener against the Atlanta Braves in Tuesday’s nightcap.
All four series will be back in action Wednesday, with winner-take-all Game 3s scheduled for Thursday if necessary.
Here’s how Tuesday unfolded:
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FINAL: Padres 4, Braves 0
Padres starter Michael King struck out 12 in seven scoreless innings, a dominant outing against the Braves on Tuesday night at Petco Park that moved San Diego to the brink of the NLDS.
Fernando Tatis Jr. started the party with a monstrous two-run homer in the first inning off Atlanta starter AJ Smith-Shawver, the 21-year-old starting on short notice after his team had to wait until Monday to clinch a playoff berth.
The two teams will go at it again on Wednesday at 8:38 p.m. ET with a win sending the Padres to an NLDS showdown with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 3 will be played Thursday if the Braves come out on top in Game 2.
Michael King dominating: Padres up 3-0 through six
San Diego starter Michael King is through six shutout innings, striking out 10 Braves in the process. King, acquired in the Juan Soto trade last winter, has given up five hits with no walks and is at 80 pitches.
Padres score again in the second: San Diego leads 3-0
Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver was pulled after getting just four outs, surrendering a sacrifice fly to Kyle Higashioka after plunking Jake Cronenworth and giving up a single to Donovan Solano to start the second inning.
Aaron Bummer came out of the bullpen and forced NL batting champion Luis Arraez into an inning-ending double play to limit the damage.
Fernando Tatis Jr. home run puts Padres ahead
Fernando Tatis Jr. absolutely crushed a two-run homer off Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver in the first inning to give the Padres an early 2-0 lead.
Braves vs. Padres underway in San Diego
Michael King starts for the Padres against the Braves, with 21-year-old AJ Smith-Shawver getting the nod for Atlanta.
The Braves had to win a game Monday in Atlanta to get into the wild-card series, and now play Game 1 on the West Coast just 24 hours after an emotional doubleheader against the Mets.
Mets beat Brewers: 8-4 final in Milwaukee
The Mets kicked it into gear with a feverish, five-run two-out rally to launch past the Brewers, 8-4, and grab Game 1 in front of 40,022 fans on Tuesday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
The Mets will now have an opportunity to move into the National League Division Series for the first time since 2015 when Sean Manaea takes the mound in Game 2 at 8:38 p.m. on Wednesday.
– Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com
Mets-Brewers: Both teams go three-up, three-down before bottom of the eighth
This game has been rather quiet since New York’s big fifth inning, but it’s been especially quiet the last full inning as both the Brewers and the Mets went down in order. Heading into the bottom of the eighth, it’s still 8-4 Mets.
Mets-Brewers: Civale gets through seventh unscathed
It wasn’t pretty, with Vientos and Nimmo each hitting the ball hard, but Civale was able to do what no other Brewers’ pitcher was, namely get through the middle of the Mets order without giving up a run. It’s still 8-4 as we head into the seventh inning stretch.
Mets-Brewers: Severino over 100 pitches
Another strong inning for Severino as he went three-up, three-down for the second consecutive inning. The Mets would love to keep Severino in the game as long as possible, but his pitch count did creep into the triple digits in the bottom of the sixth. He may return to the mound in the seventh, but he’ll likely be on a very short leash.
Mets-Brewers: Mets go quietly in sixth
The sixth inning went by without much fuss. After a five-run fifth, the Mets failed to secure a single baserunner in the sixth, not that they needed more runs as it stands. Heading into the bottom of the sixth, it’s 8-4 Mets.
Mets-Brewers: Severino doesn’t allow an inch
Despite working with a four-run lead now, Luis Severino did not allow the Brewers to get any momentum going. He went three-up, three-down getting Adams and Hoskins to pop out and Bauers to strike out. Heading into the sixth, it’s 8-4 Mets.
Mets-Brewers: J.D. Martinez pinch-hit single drives in two more
The fifth inning just won’t end for Milwaukee, and the Mets knew it. In order to capitalize on their incredible inning, the Mets brought in J.D. Martinez with the bases loaded and two outs. Martinez knocked in both runners in scoring position to widen the gap even further. It’s 8-4 Mets.
Mets-Brewres: Vientos knocks in two more
The Brewers had an opportunity to end the inning, but a ground ball to short was just tricky enough to force a botched transfer from Willy Adames. That loaded the bases for Vientos, who drilled a single to right field, his second hit of the ball game. Two runners came in and the Mets have turned this game on its head. They lead 6-4.
Mets-Brewers: Chourio’s mistake costs the Brewers
With runners on first and second, Jose Iglesias laced a sharp ground ball to first, and was able to beat the throw. Taylor, who reached second base thanks to Chourio’s mistake in left, took advantage, hustling around third and heading home during all the confusion.
Payamps was brought out afterwards. It’s 4-4 in the fifth inning.
Mets-Brewers: Chourio brings one back, lets one go
Chourio, the youngest player in MLB isn’t just doing it with his bat. He’s also flashing leather. With Joel Payamps entering the game for Milwaukee, the first batter he faced laced a fly ball to deep left field, but Chourio saw it all the way, jumping against the wall to rob Starling Marte of an extra-base hit.
The very next batter, Tyrone Taylor, also drilled a line drive to left, but this time Chourio could not make the play. The baseball went off Chourio’s glove, allowing Taylor to reach second base with just one out.
Mets-Brewers: Turang scores to make it 4-3
After Chourio’s double, Willy Adames bounced out to short, but that was enough to drive in Brice Turang from third. The inning ended shortly after. The Brewers lead 4-3 heading into the fifth inning.
Mets-Brewers: Chourio ties it up for Milwaukee
With runners at first and second, Jackson Chourio singled (it was ruled a double, but it shouldn’t have been) back up the middle to tie the game. However, Milwaukee was aggressive with their baserunning. A slot bobble from Tyrone Taylor in center field allowed the runners to reach second and third. After all was said and done, the Mets had two runners in scoring position with only one out in a tie ballgame.
Mets-Brewers: Peralta, Severino have settled down after rough early frames
Both the Brewers’ and Mets’ starters, Freddy Peralta and Luis Severino respectively, struggled in the early goings of Game 1. Severino allowed two runs to start the game. Meanwhile, Peralta waited until the second inning to surrender three runs. Since then though, both pitchers have settled down. Heading into the bottom of the fourth, it’s still 3-2 Mets and Peralta just recorded three straight outs in the top half of the inning.
FINAL: Royals 1 – Orioles 0 (KC leads series 1-0)
Although the Orioles led off the innings with a walk to Ryan O’Hearn, Royals’ closer Lucas Erceg was able to set Adley Rutschmann, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad down in order to earn the save. 1-0, the final, Kansas City wins.
Royals vs. Orioles: Royals threaten to extend lead
A one-run lead isn’t a very comforting lead, and the Royals were looking to add at least one more run before the bottom of the ninth inning. Following a Maikel Garcia single and Vinnie Pasquantino walk, the Royals had two runners on with two outs. The opportunity fell to Salvador Perez facing Seranthony Dominguez.
Perez quickly fell behind in an 0-2 count. Dominguez put Perez away with a slider way outside. Perez chased, and the lead remained 1-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Mets-Brewers: Mets strike back
After a very strong first inning for Freddy Peralta, the Mets got to him quickly to lead off the second. Mark Vientos led off the inning with a single back up the middle.
The Mets started working Peralta deep into counts afterwards. Alonso and Winker both worked full counts before walking and tripling down the right field line respectively.
Winker’s triple would drive in both Vientos and Alonso still with no outs in the inning. It’s knotted at 2.
Starling Marte followed the triple up with a sac fly to give New York the lead, 3-2.
Royals vs. Orioles: Ragans leaves with cramp
Kansas City was dealt a blow as Cole Ragans, who was dealing, leaves the game with what was called left leg cramps. Sam Long gets the call to the bump.
Ragans leaves with eight strikeouts and four hits through six innings.
Mets-Brewers: Milwaukee gets offensive
Freddy Peralta started the game with a couple of strikeouts but took 17 pitches to get things started. Luis Severino wasn’t as fortunate.
The Brewers got on the board early thanks to a Turang double to start the festivities for Milwaukee. A William Contreras single scored Turang to get New York into a quick hole.
FINAL: Tigers 3 – Astros 1 (DET leads series 1-0)
Although the Astros threatened in the bottom of the ninth, putting two men in scoring position with only one out, and loading the bases with two outs, Tigers’ reliever Beau Brieske was able to secure the victory by getting veteran outfielder Jason Heyward to line out to first baseman Spencer Torkelson.
Off the bat, it looked like Heyward had at least tied the game, but Torkelson was there to snag the ball. It wasn’t pretty, but Detroit got the win. 3-1 the final.
Royals vs. Orioles: Royals break through in sixth
After five scoreless innings, the Royals finally got through to Corbin Burnes after an RBI single by Bobby Witt Jr. Who else could it be in the Royals’ biggest game of the season?
Tigers vs. Astros: Foley out, Beau Brieske in
Although Foley is the Tigers’ closer, Hinch opted for a favorable matchup in Brieske. Brieske is not a great strikeout pitcher though, and with two runners in scoring position and only one out, the Tigers could use a strikeout now more than ever.
Tigers vs. Astros: Yainer Diaz puts the Astros on the board
After eight scoreless innings, the Astros have started cooking in the bottom of the ninth, an opposite field single from Yainer Diaz scores Dezenzo, and the Astros are down just two with two men on and no outs.
Tigers vs. Astros: Jason Foley surrenders leadoff double
Foley got the nod from Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch to close out Game 1. However, he’d have to get through Houston’s gauntlet of Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, and Yainer Diaz to get the win. Things did not get off to a hot start, surrendering a double to Alvarez, who left the game afterwards for pinch-runner Zach Dezenzo. Bregman would secure an infield single, pushing Dezenzo to third and suddenly, Tigers’ fans were biting their nails.
Royals vs. Orioles: Baltimore threatens, fails to score
A double from Ramon Urias and a single from Cedric Mullins put runners on the corners with only one out. Ragans stuck out James McCann though, passing the burden of driving in the game’s first runs to Baltimore’s leadoff man Gunnar Henderson.
Ragans wasted no time setting down Henderson. Back-to-back punchouts to keep this one scoreless heading into the sixth.
Tigers vs. Astros: Josh Hader takes over
After just one out from Caleb Ferguson, the Astros turned to their stud lefty reliever, Josh Hader. Hader was quick to get Kerry Carpenter to ground out, but Riley Greene took the first pitch he saw to deep right field, earning a ground-rule double.
Greene would wind up at third following a groundout from Colt Keith, but Wenceel Perez was unable to drive him home. Hader got Perez to pop out to first base. We head to the bottom of the ninth, Tigers lead 3-0.
Royals vs. Orioles: Burnes sets them down in order again
Offense has been hard to come by in Game 1 between the Royals and Orioles. Orioles’ starter Corbin Burnes has allowed only two hits through five innings. The fifth inning got off to a good start for the Royals after Yuli Gurrield led off the innings with a single to center field. After MJ Melendez lined into a double play though, Burnes set down Pham on strikes to finish off the inning. The game is still scoreless heading into the bottom of the fifth.
Tigers vs. Astros: Will Vest’s 1.2 perfect innings keeps Tigers ahead
Coming into Game 1, everyone assumed the Tigers would have the advantage with Tarik Skubal taking the mound. However, after Skubal’s departure following the sixth inning, the future was uncertain. Well, Will Vest was arguably better than Skubal, facing five hitters and striking out four. He exited the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. In his stead comes Tyler Holton who will look to get the final four outs of this one.
Royals vs. Orioles: Pitcher’s duel in Baltimore
Cole Ragans and Corbin Burnes are trading three-up, three-down innings with one another. In the bottom of the fourth, Ragans set down Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle, and Adley Rutschmann with relative ease. He’s allowed only two baserunners all game and struck out five. Through four full innings, it’s still scoreless.
Tigers vs. Astros: Blanco out, Caleb Ferguson in
After two solid, scoreless innings from Ronel Blanco, the Astros have opted for right-hander Caleb Ferguson following a walk to Matt Vierling. The Tigers are not threatening, per se, with only a runner on first and two outs, but with Kerry Carpenter at the plate, Ferguson was the play.
Ferguson didn’t stay on the mound long. One pitch in the dirt, and Vierling took off for second. He was thrown out, and the inning was over. Heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Tigers still lead 3-0.
Royals vs. Orioles: Corbin Burnes with quick fourth
After a quick two outs to lead off the top of the fourth, Corbin Burnes gave Orioles’ fans a bit of a scare surrendering a very deep fly ball to Salvador Perez. However, that deep, deep left field wall in Camden Yards remains undefeated, as Perez wound up flying out just before the warning track. Heading into the bottom of the fourth, it’s still a scoreless ball game.
Royals vs. Orioles: Mullins leads off bottom of the third with a double
Fans were unsure whether or not Mullins would be in the Orioles’ starting lineup after a lackluster season. However, that decision seems to have paid off early on. Mullins led off the bottom of the third with a double off the top of the right field wall. Mullins is now 1-for-1 in his career against Cole Ragans with a double and two walks. Game is still tied 0-0, but the Orioles have a man in scoring position with no outs in the bottom of the third.
Tigers vs. Astros: Blanco escapes jam
A brief two-out rally for Detroit wound up loading the bases, but Ronel Blanco was able to get Parker Meadows to strike out, holding Detroit’s lead to just three runs. It’s time for the stretch in Houston, as the Astros look to muster any offense.
Royals vs. Orioles: Tommy Pham takes a hit from Mountcastle
Although many of the Royals’ young stars have no postseason experience, Tommy Pham remains one of the veterans on the team who knows what to expect in October. He wasted no time displaying his calm nerves, diving to rob the Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle of a base hit to lead off the bottom of the second inning.
Tigers vs. Astros: Skubal fired up
After giving up a shot off the left-field wall to Alex Bregman, Skubal finished the inning with a strikeout on Diaz with a 99-mph fastball.
Skubal was noticeably amped and should be as he concludes six shutout innings on just four hits.
Royals vs. Orioles: Burnes and Ragans come on
Corbin Burnes and Cole Ragans share the bump for the Orioles and Royals, respectively. The first inning had some excitement but both pitchers were able to start the game.
Burnes induced a couple of pop outs and a fielder’s choice ground ball. Ragans then came on and dealt with a formidable Orioles lineup. No score after one.
Tigers vs. Astros: Ronel Blanco comes in, gets strikeout
Houston keeps the bullpen churning, with Ronel Blanco coming on with two outs and one on in the sixth inning. He gets Vierling on a 93-mph to end the threat.
Royals vs. Orioles begins
The Kansas City Royals face Corbin Burnes to kick off the second game in a packed schedule for MLB wild card series on Tuesday.
Bryan King in for the Astros
Houston makes another change to start the sixth. Left-hander Bryan King comes on and will face Parker Meadows, Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney.
Skubal makes quick work of the Astros
Welp, so much for making Skubal work.
The Tigers ace really could have used smooth sailing after an exhausting fourth. The Astros obliged with some quick at-bats to the end the inning. Skubal needed just five pitches and is now sitting on 67 pitches on the afternoon.
Neris gets it done in the fifth
This call to the bullpen was brought to you by timely decisions.
Working his fastball-splitter combo, Neris made quick work of Perez and Torkelson, getting both batters with swinging strikes to end the inning. No damage done as the Astros now try to whittle away at the deficit before the later innings.
Framber Valdez comes out, Neris comes in
After pitching 78 pitches and getting a strikeout on Greene the Astros welcome Hector Neris into the game with Justyn-Henry Malloy on first and one out.
Tigers, Skubal maintain momentum after tiring fourth
After a smooth top of the fourth for Valdez, Skubal went back to work. The lefty gave up a single to Alvarez to start the inning.
The story of this half-inning was about workload as the Astros got Skubal to increase that pitch count. The Bregman hit and a walk to Diaz brought the Tigers pitcher to 62 pitches through four.
But Detroit comes away unscathed.
Score: Tigers 3, Astros 0
Tarik Skubal on fire, Tigers jump out to early lead
Talk about efficient.
American League Cy Young candidate and Tigers ace Tarik Skubal needed just five pitches − all strikes − to get through the first inning against the Astros.
Meanwhile, the Tigers got back-to-back-to-back RBI singles off Astros starter Framber Valdez to give Detroit an early 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
Tigers fans must be resting a little easy with Skubal in control and an early lead.
Braves leave Chris Sale off roster
National League Cy Young favorite and Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was left off the wild card roster against the San Diego Padres. He was a late scratch from an elimination game start Monday due to back spasms.
Hours before Game 1, the Braves said Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) wouldn’t be available until at least the division series. He hasn’t pitched since Sept. 19, when his velocity dropped.
Right-handers Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver are candidates to start Game 1 vs. the Padres tonight.
Sale could be added to the roster for the divisional round if the Braves advance.
Vinnie Pasquantino back in Kansas City’s lineup
‘Is it ever sunny here? I don’t think I’ve seen the sun in Baltimore,’ the Kansas City Royals designated hitter mused.
Yet Tuesday morning was, in fact, quite bright for the left-handed slugger: He woke up before 7, discovered his surgically repaired thumb felt just fine and texted such to a club trainer. And after five weeks of recovery, Pasquantino just beat the deadline to earn inclusion on the Royals’ wild-card series roster.
Pasquantino will bat third against the Orioles.
‘We’re here now,’ says Pasquantino, ‘and the rehab is not over. But the games can start.’
And not a moment too soon for the Royals. They posted an 11-16 record without Pasquantino in the lineup, this after going 75-60 when he was healthy. Yet the Royals overcame a late seven-game losing streak to win four of six in the final week, just as Pasquantino began hitting against a machine, and on the field, and determined he was ready just before Game 1.
He grew up about three hours away, near Richmond, Va., and had to tell friends he had no tickets. Getting there one year after the club lost 106 games was good enough; now, he’ll have an impact.
‘To get here now, and the cherry on top is that I get to play,’ he said. − Gabe Lacques
Astros wild card roster: Alvarez on, Verlander left off
Great news for the Astros: Slugger Yordan Alvarez, who has been nursing a sore knee, is on the wild-card series roster and batting third.
Mildly surprising news: Justin Verlander was excluded from the roster.
Verlander, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, has struggled since returning from a neck injury, posting an 8.10 ERA in eight starts since August. He’s given up at least five earned runs in four of those starts.
Verlander has made 37 career starts, and earned his first World Series win during the Astros’ run to the 2022 championship.
‘Justin Verlander is a professional,’ Astros manager Joe Espada said before Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers. ‘He knows how well our starting pitchers have to perform throughout the season. So when we had this conversation, he was all in. He’ll do what’s best for this team. So I appreciated his feedback and how he evaluated his season and his last few starts.’
Left-hander Framber Valdez will start Game 1. − Gabe Lacques
2024 MLB wild card series umpire schedule
Note: Umpires rotate from right field to left and then clockwise around the bases starting at third during an MLB postseason series, so the ump at second base for the opener will be behind the plate for a potential Game 3 in the wild card round.
Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros
Alfonso Marquez (crew chief): Third base for Game 1
Tony Randazzo: Home plate for Game 1
Jordan Baker: First base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 2
Will Little: Second base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 3
Jeremie Rehak: Left field for Game 1
Junior Valentine: Right field for Game 1
Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles
Bill Miller (crew chief): Third base for Game 1
Ryan Additon: Home plate for Game 1
Ben May: First base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 2
Nic Lentz: Second base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 3
David Rackley: Left field for Game 1
Malachi Moore: Right field for Game 1
New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers
Alan Porter (crew chief): Third base for Game 1
Alex Tosi: Home plate for Game 1
Chris Segal: First base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 2
Vic Carapazza: Second base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 3
Mike Estabrook: Left field for Game 1
Brennan Miller: Right field for Game 1
Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres
Dan Iassogna (crew chief): Third base for Game 1
Nestor Ceja: Home plate for Game 1
Phil Cuzzi: First base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 2
Jansen Visconti: Second base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 3
Mark Wegner: Left field for Game 1
Erich Bacchus: Right field for Game 1
Game 1 lineups: Royals vs. Orioles
Game 1 lineups: Tigers vs. Astros
Astros lineup
Jose Altuve, 2B
Kyle Tucker, RF
Yordan Alvarez, DH
Alex Bregman, 3B
Yainer Diaz, C
Jeremy Peña, SS
Victor Caratini, 1B
Mauricio Dubón, LF
Jake Meyers, CF
MLB wild card schedule Tuesday
All times Eastern
No. 6 Detroit Tigers at No. 3 Houston Astros – 2:32 p.m.
No. 5 Kansas City Royals at No. 4 Baltimore Orioles – 4:07 p.m.
No. 6 New York Mets at No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers – 5:32 p.m.
No. 5 Atlanta Braves at No. 4 San Diego Padres – 8:38 p.m.
Probable pitchers
Tigers vs. Astros: LHP Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA) vs. LHP Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91 ERA)
Royals vs. Orioles: LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA) vs. RHP Corbin Burnes (15-9, 2.92 ERA)
Mets vs. Brewers: RHP Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68 ERA)
Braves vs. Padres: TBD vs. RHP Michael King (13-9, 2.95 ERA)
MLB wild card predictions
Who will move on? Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports MLB team sees this week playing out.
Detroit Tigers (86-76) at Houston Astros (88-73)
Bob Nightengale: Astros in 3
Gabe Lacques: Tigers in 2
Steve Gardner Astros in 3
Jesse Yomtov: Astros in 3
Scott Boeck: Tigers in 3
Kansas City Royals (86-76) at Baltimore Orioles (91-71)
Bob Nightengale: Orioles in 3
Gabe Lacques: Orioles in 2
Steve Gardner: Orioles in 3
Jesse Yomtov: Orioles in 2
Scott Boeck: Orioles in 3
New York Mets (89-73) at Milwaukee Brewers (93-69)
Bob Nightengale: Brewers in 2
Gabe Lacques: Brewers in 2
Steve Gardner: Brewers in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Mets in 3
Scott Boeck: Brewers in 2
Atlanta Braves (89-73) at San Diego Padres (93-69)
Bob Nightengale: Padres in 2
Gabe Lacques: Padres in 2
Steve Gardner: Padres in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Braves in 3
Scott Boeck: Padres in 2
How to watch MLB playoffs
Astros vs Tigers
Time: 2:32 p.m.
TV: ABC
Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Orioles vs. Royals
Time: 4:08 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Brewers vs. Mets
Time: 5:32 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Padres vs. Braves
Time: 8:38 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)