2026 MLB stretch run: wild-card races and top performances

Key developments

1. Sep 12, 2026

   Jesús Luzardo throws his first career complete-game shutout, leading the Phillies past the Braves 1-0.

2. Sep 12, 2026

   Jackson Chourio's go-ahead RBI and sliding catch lift the Brewers past the Cubs 4-3.

3. Sep 12, 2026

   The Detroit Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 as Riley Greene and Kevin McGonagle homer.

4. Sep 13, 2026

   Phillies Reinstate Banks From Injured List, Option Holman to Triple-A.

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5. Sep 13, 2026

   Verlander Throws Simulated Game Toward Final Tigers Start.

Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Sports

Cardinals Beat White Sox 3-1 in Series Finale

The Chicago White Sox look to avoid a series sweep at Rate Field as Hagen Smith makes his first MLB start in a bullpen-style assignment against the Pirates, with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. CT. Smith, a 23-year-old left-hander, has impressed in relief with a 0.56 ERA over 16 innings and 23 strikeouts, and will be limited by pitch count as Jared Jones starts for Pittsburgh.

33 sources

Sports

Brewers Near Division Clinch Entering Pirates Series

"The Milwaukee Brewers, leading the NL Central late in the season, travel to Pittsburgh for a pivotal three-game series as they push to clinch the division and seek the top NL seed, powered by ace Jacob Misiorowski who has been dominant this year. The Pirates, with slim playoff chances and a bullpen-by-committee approach, look to finish strong as scheduling uncertainties loom and the Brewers’ recent form raises the stakes for the playoff race."