Baseball’s postseason has kicked off.

The Major League Baseball playoffs got underway on Tuesday with four games in the best-of-three wild-card series, with winning teams poised to advance to the Division Series.

The Detroit Tigers triumphed over the Astros in the day’s opening game, putting Houston on the edge of elimination after making seven straight ALCS appearances. In Baltimore, Royals pitcher Cole Ragans threw five scoreless innings, complemented by the bullpen’s performance, leading Kansas City to a narrow 1-0 victory against the Orioles. The New York Mets overcame the Milwaukee Brewers with an 8-4 score, while the San Diego Padres secured a win against the Atlanta Braves in the night game.

All four series will continue on Wednesday, with potential winner-take-all Game 3s lined up for Thursday if needed.

Here’s a recap of how Tuesday’s games went:

FINAL: Padres 4, Braves 0

Padres pitcher Michael King delivered a stellar performance, striking out 12 batters over seven scoreless innings, leading San Diego closer to the NLDS.

Fernando Tatis Jr. sparked excitement with a massive two-run homer in the first inning off Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver, who stepped in on short notice as his team clinched a playoff spot just a day earlier.

The teams will face off again on Wednesday at 8:38 p.m. ET, with a victory securing the Padres a place in the NLDS against their rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Braves win Game 2, Game 3 will take place on Thursday.

Michael King in control: Padres lead 3-0 heading into the seventh

Padres pitcher Michael King completed six shutout innings while striking out 10 Braves batters. Acquired in the Juan Soto trade last winter, he allowed five hits without issuing a walk and has thrown 80 pitches.

Padres extend lead in the second inning: Score now 3-0

Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver was removed after just four outs, allowing a sacrifice fly to Kyle Higashioka after hitting Jake Cronenworth with a pitch and giving up a single to Donovan Solano to start the second inning.

Aaron Bummer came in to pitch and got NL batting champion Luis Arraez to hit into an inning-ending double play to limit the scoring.

Tatis Jr. puts Padres on the board

Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a two-run homer off Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver in the opening inning, giving the Padres a swift 2-0 advantage.

Braves and Padres kick off in San Diego

Michael King is starting for the Padres, while 21-year-old AJ Smith-Shawver takes the mound for the Braves.

The Braves clinched their wild-card spot with a win on Monday in Atlanta, now facing off in Game 1 on the West Coast just a day after an intense doubleheader against the Mets.

Mets defeat Brewers: Final score 8-4 in Milwaukee

The Mets ignited a five-run rally with two outs to beat the Brewers 8-4, putting them in a strong position in Game 1 played in front of 40,022 fans at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

With this victory, the Mets now aim to reach 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 quietly before the eighth inning

After New York’s explosive fifth inning, the game quieted down, with both the Brewers and Mets going down in order. As the bottom of the eighth approaches, the score remains 8-4 in favor of the Mets.

Mets-Brewers: Civale impresses in the seventh

Despite facing tough hitters, Civale managed to navigate through the Mets’ lineup without conceding a run, marking a notable achievement as we head into the seventh inning stretch with the Mets still leading 8-4.

Mets-Brewers: Severino surpasses 100 pitches

Severino turned in another solid inning, shutting down the Brewers again as he kept his pitch count exceeding 100 in the sixth. While the Mets hope to keep him in the game, they’re likely to be cautious with him going into the seventh.

Mets-Brewers: Mets go silent in sixth

The sixth inning saw no action for the Mets, as they failed to get any baserunners after their five-run fifth inning. Heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Mets remain ahead 8-4.

Mets-Brewers: Severino stays strong

With a four-run lead, Severino did not let the Brewers gain any momentum, going three-up, three-down in another dominant inning. The score stays 8-4 as we move to the sixth inning.

Mets-Brewers: J.D. Martinez drives in two with pinch-hit single

The fifth inning was significant for the Mets as they brought in J.D. Martinez to bat, and he delivered with a single that drove in two more runs. The score is now 8-4 in favor of the Mets.

Mets-Brewers: Vientos adds two more runs

The Brewers had a chance to escape the inning, but a grounder to short led to a mishap that allowed the Mets to score more runs.

Willy Adames stepped up, and after loading the bases, Vientos hit a sharp single into right field—marking his second hit of the game. Two runners scored, flipping the game in favor of the Mets as they took a lead of 6-4.

Mets-Brewers: Chourio’s error proves costly for the Brewers

With players on first and second, Jose Iglesias hit a strong grounder to first base and managed to beat the throw. Taylor, who advanced to second due to Chourio’s mishap in left field, took advantage of the situation and dashed home amidst the confusion.

Payamps came in to pitch next, and the score stood at 4-4 in the fifth inning.

Mets-Brewers: Chourio makes an impressive catch, but misses another

Chourio, the youngest player in the MLB, is also showcasing his defensive skills. When Joel Payamps entered for Milwaukee, the first batter hit a deep fly ball to left field. Chourio tracked it perfectly, leaping against the wall to rob Starling Marte of a hit.

However, the next batter, Tyrone Taylor, hit a hard line drive to left that slipped through Chourio’s glove, allowing him to reach second base with just one out on the board.

Mets-Brewers: Turang scores to narrow the gap to 4-3

Following Chourio’s double, Willy Adames hit a ground ball to shortstop, enough to score Brice Turang from third base. The inning concluded shortly after, giving the Brewers a lead of 4-3 as they entered the fifth inning.

Mets-Brewers: Chourio ties the game for Milwaukee

With players on first and second, Jackson Chourio connected for a single (originally scored as a double, but it didn’t warrant that) right up the middle, tying the game. Milwaukee’s aggressive base running capitalized on an error from Tyrone Taylor in center, allowing the runners to advance to second and third base. Consequently, the Mets had two runners in scoring position with just one out in this tied game.

Mets-Brewers: Peralta and Severino regain composure after shaky starts

Both starting pitchers, Freddy Peralta and Luis Severino, faced challenges early in Game 1. Severino allowed two runs right off the bat, while Peralta admitted three runs in the second inning. However, both pitchers stabilized afterwards. As the game approached the bottom of the fourth inning, the score still read 3-2 in favor of the Mets, with Peralta having notched three outs in the top half of the inning.

FINAL: Royals 1 – Orioles 0 (KC leads series 1-0)

Although the Orioles began the inning with Ryan O’Hearn walking, Royals’ closer Lucas Erceg struck out Adley Rutschmann, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad in order to secure the save. The final score was 1-0, marking a victory for Kansas City.

Royals vs. Orioles: Royals aim to widen their lead

With a fragile one-run lead, the Royals sought to add at least another run before heading to the bottom of the ninth. After Maikel Garcia’s single and Vinnie Pasquantino’s walk, they had two players on with two outs. Salvador Perez then faced Seranthony Dominguez.

Perez quickly fell behind at 0-2 but swung at a slider far outside, and the Royals’ lead remained at 1-0 as they approached the bottom of the ninth.

Mets-Brewers: Mets respond with a comeback

After Freddy Peralta’s strong start in the first inning, the Mets quickly answered in the second. Mark Vientos opened up the inning with a single up the middle.

Following that, the Mets forced Peralta into deep counts, with Alonso and Winker both walking and hitting a triple down the right field line, respectively.

Winker’s triple brought in Vientos and Alonso, tying the game at 2. Starling Marte’s subsequent sacrifice fly pushed New York ahead with a score of 3-2.

Royals vs. Orioles: Ragans exits due to cramping

Kansas City suffered a setback when Cole Ragans, who was performing well, had to leave the game due to cramps in his left leg. Sam Long was called in to pitch instead.

Ragans departed with a solid line: eight strikeouts and only four hits allowed over six innings.

Mets-Brewers: Brewers strike early

Freddy Peralta began with a couple of strikeouts but needed 17 pitches to get through initially. Unfortunately, Luis Severino found himself in hot water early.

The Brewers struck first, with Turang hitting a double, followed by a single from William Contreras that brought Turang home, putting New York in an early hole.

FINAL: Tigers 3 – Astros 1 (DET leads series 1-0)

Despite a late threat from the Astros in the bottom of the ninth, with two runners in scoring position and one out, Tigers’ reliever Beau Brieske held firm and secured the win by getting veteran Jason Heyward to line out to first base, caught by Spencer Torkelson.

Initially appearing as if Heyward had at least equalized the game, Torkelson was in the right place at the right time. It was a hard-fought 3-1 win for Detroit.

Royals vs. Orioles: Royals finally score in the sixth

After five scoreless innings, the Royals broke through Corbin Burnes’ strong performance with an RBI single from Bobby Witt Jr.—a fitting player to rise to the occasion in this crucial game for Kansas City.

Tigers vs. Astros: Foley replaced by Beau Brieske

Though Jason Foley is the closer for the Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch opted for a matchup favoring Brieske. Not known for his strikeouts, Brieske faced a challenging situation with two runners in scoring position and just one out, raising the stakes for the Tigers.

Tigers vs. Astros: Yainer Diaz gets Astros on the board

The Astros started the bottom of the ninth strong after eight scoreless innings. Yainer Diaz hit a single to the opposite field, scoring Dezenzo, and cutting the deficit to just two with two men on base and no outs.

Tigers vs. Astros: Foley allows leadoff double

Jason Foley received the call to close out Game 1, but encountered trouble against Houston’s powerful lineup, allowing a double to Yordan Alvarez right off the bat, putting pressure on the Tigers to secure their win.

After leaving the game to bring in pinch-runner Zach Dezenzo, Bregman managed to secure an infield single, moving Dezenzo to third base and suddenly making Tigers’ fans quite anxious.

Royals vs. Orioles: Baltimore makes a push, yet can’t score

With a double from Ramon Urias and a single from Cedric Mullins, the Orioles had runners at the corners with just one out. However, Ragans struck out James McCann, placing the pressure of scoring the first runs on Baltimore’s leadoff hitter, Gunnar Henderson.

Ragans didn’t take long to dispatch Henderson, achieving back-to-back strikeouts and maintaining the scoreless tie as the game headed into the sixth inning.

Tigers vs. Astros: Josh Hader comes in

After securing just one out with Caleb Ferguson, the Astros opted to summon their star left-handed reliever, Josh Hader. Hader promptly got Kerry Carpenter to hit a groundout, but Riley Greene made an impact by sending the first pitch he saw deep into right field for a ground-rule double.

Greene advanced to third after Colt Keith’s groundout, but Wenceel Perez couldn’t bring him home, popping out to first base. Moving into the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers held a 3-0 lead.

Royals vs. Orioles: Burnes continues to retire hitters

Run production has been scarce in Game 1 between the Royals and the Orioles. The Orioles’ starter, Corbin Burnes, allowed only two hits over five innings. The Royals attempted to make progress in the fifth inning with Yuli Gurriel’s single to center field, but after MJ Melendez hit into a double play, Burnes struck out Pham to conclude the inning. It remains scoreless as the game enters the bottom of the fifth.

Tigers vs. Astros: Will Vest pitches a stellar 1.2 innings

Heading into Game 1, expectations were high for the Tigers with Tarik Skubal on the mound. However, after Skubal’s exit following the sixth inning, there was uncertainty. Will Vest, in turn, delivered an outstanding performance, facing five batters and striking out four before leaving the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. Tyler Holton now steps in to secure the last four outs.

Royals vs. Orioles: A pitcher’s battle unfolds in Baltimore

Both Cole Ragans and Corbin Burnes have been exchanging quick three-up, three-down innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Ragans made quick work of Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle, and Adley Rutschman. He has given up just two runners in the entire game and has managed to strike out five batters. We’re still at a scoreless tie through four innings.

Tigers vs. Astros: Blanco replaced by Caleb Ferguson

After two effective innings from Ronel Blanco, the Astros brought in right-hander Caleb Ferguson after Matt Vierling’s walk. The Tigers haven’t posed a major threat with only one runner on first base and two outs, but with Kerry Carpenter at the plate, Ferguson was deemed the right choice.

But Ferguson didn’t last long. After a wild pitch, Vierling attempted to steal second and was thrown out, ending the inning. The Tigers continued to lead 3-0 heading into the bottom of the eighth.

Royals vs. Orioles: Corbin Burnes has a swift fourth

Corbin Burnes started the fourth inning quickly with two outs but gave Orioles fans a brief scare when he allowed a deep fly ball from Salvador Perez. Fortunately for Burnes, the left field wall at Camden Yards held strong, with Perez being caught just before reaching the warning track. The score remains tied 0-0 going into the bottom of the fourth.

Royals vs. Orioles: Mullins opens third with a double

There were doubts about whether Mullins would make it into the Orioles’ starting lineup after an unimpressive season, but this decision has proven wise thus far. Mullins kickstarted the bottom of the third with a double that kissed the top of the right field wall. He’s now 1-for-1 against Cole Ragans, with a double and two walks. The game remains tied 0-0, but the Orioles have a runner in scoring position with no outs.

Tigers vs. Astros: Blanco escapes a tight spot

Detroit posed a brief two-out rally that filled the bases, but Ronel Blanco achieved a crucial strikeout against Parker Meadows, keeping the Tigers’ lead intact at three runs. It’s time for a break in Houston as the Astros are looking for any opportunity to generate offense.

Royals vs. Orioles: Tommy Pham robs Mountcastle

Despite many young stars on the Royals team lacking postseason experience, veteran Tommy Pham showcased his expertise by diving to prevent Ryan Mountcastle of the Orioles from getting a hit to start the bottom of the second inning.

Tigers vs. Astros: Skubal shows intensity

Following a hit off the left-field wall from Alex Bregman, Skubal ended the inning with a strikeout against Diaz, throwing a blazing 99-mph fastball.

Skubal’s energy was evident as he wrapped up six shutout innings while allowing just four hits.

Royals vs. Orioles: Burnes and Ragans take the mound

Corbin Burnes and Cole Ragans took the mound for the Orioles and Royals, respectively. The first inning brought some action, but both pitchers managed to regain control.

Burnes induced a pair of pop-outs and a fielder’s choice grounder, while Ragans skillfully handled a tough Orioles lineup. Both teams remain without a score after the first inning.

Tigers vs. Astros: Ronel Blanco enters and secures a strikeout

Houston continues their bullpen activity with Ronel Blanco entering the game with two outs and one on in the sixth inning. He finished off Vierling with a 93-mph pitch to end the threat.

Royals vs. Orioles game opens

The Kansas City Royals are up against Corbin Burnes to begin the second game of a busy schedule in the MLB wild card series on Tuesday.

Bryan King joins the Astros

Houston made another substitution to begin the sixth inning. Left-handed pitcher Bryan King took the mound, preparing to go up against Parker Meadows, Jake Rogers, and Trey Sweeney.

Skubal finishes strong against the Astros

So much for having Skubal face challenges.

The Tigers’ ace enjoyed a smooth inning after a strenuous fourth, with the Astros cooperating by making quick outs. Skubal needed just five pitches to wrap it up, bringing his total pitch count to 67 for the afternoon.

Neris Successfully Closes the Fifth Inning

This substitution in the bullpen came at a crucial moment.

Utilizing his mixture of fastballs and splitters, Neris swiftly dispatched both Perez and Torkelson, striking them out to conclude the inning unscathed. With no damage done, the Astros now aim to reduce their deficit as the game progresses into the later innings.

Framber Valdez Exited, Neris Enters

Following 78 pitches and a strikeout against Greene, the Astros brought Hector Neris into the game with Justyn-Henry Malloy on first base and one out on the board.

Tigers and Skubal Keep Their Momentum After a Challenging Fourth

After a clean fourth inning for Valdez, Skubal returned to the mound and allowed a single to Alvarez to kick off the inning.

This half-inning centered on pitch count, as the Astros managed to drive Skubal’s total up. With Bregman’s hit and a walk to Diaz, Skubal reached 62 pitches by the end of the fourth.

Fortunately for Detroit, they escaped without any runs scored.

Current Score: Tigers 3, Astros 0

Tarik Skubal Shines, Tigers Take an Early Lead

What an efficient performance!

With just five pitches, all strikes, Cy Young contender and Tigers ace Tarik Skubal breezed through the first inning against the Astros.

Meanwhile, the Tigers delivered three consecutive RBI singles against Astros starter Framber Valdez, establishing a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.

With Skubal in form and an early edge, Tigers fans can breathe a little easier.

Braves Omit Chris Sale from Wild Card Roster

In a surprising twist, Atlanta Braves ace and potential Cy Young winner Chris Sale was left off the wild card roster against the San Diego Padres. He was forced to skip a start in an elimination game on Monday due to back spasms.

Just hours prior to Game 1, the Braves announced that Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) would not be accessible until at least the division series. He hasn’t pitched since September 19, when he experienced a drop in velocity.

Possible candidates to start Game 1 against the Padres tonight are right-handers Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver.

Should the Braves progress, Sale could be added to the roster for the divisional round.

Vinnie Pasquantino Returns to Kansas City’s Lineup

BALTIMORE – Vinnie Pasquantino looked up at the ceiling as though the sky was right above him, reflecting on the dreary weather outside Camden Yards.

“Does it ever clear up here? I feel like I haven’t witnessed sunshine in Baltimore,” joked the Kansas City Royals designated hitter.

However, Tuesday morning indeed brought brightness for the left-handed hitter: He woke up before 7, feeling no discomfort in his surgically repaired thumb, and quickly informed a club trainer. After five weeks of recovery, Pasquantino successfully made the cut for the Royals’ wild-card series roster just in time.

He is slated to bat third against the Orioles.

“We’re here now,” Pasquantino remarked, “and while the rehab isn’t finished, it’s game time.”

This is crucial for the Royals, who recorded an 11-16 record without Pasquantino, contrasting with their 75-60 record when he was active. Even after weathering a seven-game losing streak, they managed to win four of six as Pasquantino began to resume hitting drills, affirming his readiness just before Game 1.

Growing up about three hours away from Baltimore, near Richmond, VA, he had to inform friends that he had no tickets. Making it to this point after a rough previous season is an achievement; now, he’s ready to contribute.

“To be here now, and the cherry on top is that I get to play,” he said. − Gabe Lacques

Astros’ Wild Card Roster: Alvarez Included, Verlander Excluded

Exciting news for the Astros: Star player Yordan Alvarez, who has been dealing with a sore knee, is on the wild-card roster and batting in the third spot.

In contrast, it was a mild surprise that Justin Verlander was not included in the roster.

The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer has struggled post-neck injury, recording an 8.10 ERA over his last eight starts, having allowed at least five earned runs in four of those games.

Having made 37 postseason starts, Verlander also claimed his first World Series win during the Astros’ title run in 2022.

“Justin Verlander is a consummate professional,” stated Astros manager Joe Espada before Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers. “He understands the caliber at which our starting pitchers must perform throughout the season, and when we discussed this, he was fully committed. He will always put the team first. I appreciate his insight and how he assessed his overall performance this season.”

Framber Valdez is set to start Game 1. − Gabe Lacques

2024 MLB Wild Card Series Umpiring Schedule

Note: During MLB postseason series, umpires rotate from right field to left and then clockwise around the bases, beginning at third base. Therefore, the umpire at second base for the opening game will be behind the plate for a possible Game 3. in the wild card round.

Detroit Tigers vs. 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 vs. 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 vs. 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 vs. 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: Second base for Game 1; Home plate for Game 3
• Visconti: Umpiring second base in Game 1; Home plate in Game 3
• Mark Wegner: Left field in Game 1
• Erich Bacchus: Right field in Game 1

Lineups for Game 1: Royals vs. Orioles

Lineups for Game 1: Tigers vs. Astros

Astros lineup

1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Kyle Tucker, RF
3. Yordan Alvarez, DH
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Yainer Diaz, C
6. Jeremy Peña, SS
7. Victor Caratini, 1B
8. Mauricio Dubón, LF
9. Jake Meyers, CF

MLB Wild Card Schedule for Tuesday

All times are in Eastern Time

• No. 6 Detroit Tigers vs. No. 3 Houston Astros – 2:32 p.m.
• No. 5 Kansas City Royals vs. No. 4 Baltimore Orioles – 4:07 p.m.
• No. 6 New York Mets vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers – 5:32 p.m.
• No. 5 Atlanta Braves vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres – 8:38 p.m.

Expected Pitchers

• Tigers vs. Astros: LHP Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA) facing LHP Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91 ERA)
• Royals vs. Orioles: LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA) taking on RHP Corbin Burnes (15-9, 2.92 ERA)
• Mets vs. Brewers: RHP Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) against RHP Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68 ERA)
• Braves vs. Padres: TBD vs. RHP Michael King (13-9, 2.95 ERA)

Predictions for the MLB Wild Card

Who will advance? Here’s what the YSL News Sports MLB team predicts for this week.

Detroit Tigers (86-76) vs. 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) vs. 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) vs. 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) vs. 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 the MLB Playoffs

Astros vs. Tigers

• Time: 2:32 p.m.
• TV: ABC
• Stream: Available on Fubo (Subject to regional restrictions)

Orioles vs. Royals

• Time: 4:08 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2
• Stream: Available on Fubo (Subject to regional restrictions)

Brewers vs. Mets

• Time: 5:32 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: Available on Fubo (Subject to regional restrictions)

Padres vs. Braves

• Time: 8:38 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: Available on Fubo (Subject to regional restrictions)