American MLB team; oldest continuous one-name city franchise; two-time World Series champions (1980, 2008).
The Cubs’ star third baseman has suffered facial fractures after a foul ball struck him in the face near the on-deck circle. He has undergone hospital checks and is expected to fly back to Chicago. Cubs are contending for a playoff spot with one wild-card game left.
Colson Montgomery has set a new MLB single-season strikeout record, surpassing Mark Reynolds’ 223 Ks. He did so while also contributing 31 home runs and 87 RBIs as Chicago clinches a playoff berth after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, with two Colorado games remaining in the regular season.
The ABS challenge system has been used to overturn a close ball/strike call in the Phillies-Braves wild-card game, delivering a 4-3 win for Philadelphia. Realmuto challenged a ball that replays showed clipped the zone; the ruling change preserves the Phillies’ season. The moment marks ABS’s first playoff-game use to end a game.
MLB has ended its consideration of Grand Teton National Park as a potential site for a game after local opposition became clear. Commissioner Rob Manfred has stated that the league will not evaluate the park further, and previous reporting highlighted the lack of community support and environmental concerns. The development follows earlier exploration of other non-traditional venues and signals a shift back to traditional ballparks.
The Houston Astros have not renewed Joe Espada’s contract and will not bring back five coaches for 2027, while bench coach Omar Lopez is offered a new internal role. The organization is also searching for a new manager and GM after a season that saw seven straight ALCS appearances end in 2026 with a sub-.500 finish.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers have reached the World Series, continuing a throwback, low-payroll clash. Junior Caminero and Jackson Chourio lead young talent, while Freddy Peralta and Drew Rasmussen could face former teams. The series opens Friday in Milwaukee as two pennant winners chase their first title.
The Tampa Bay Rays have defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games to advance to the World Series, facing the Milwaukee Brewers. Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz delivered key homers as Freddy Peralta and the Rays’ pitching staff secured a 7-3 victory in Game 6. The World Series will open Friday in Milwaukee, pitting two title-less teams in a historic matchup.