Congratulations to the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees on winning in the Wild Card round, with a thrilling slate of best-of-threes all now resolved. Now, just today’s off day remains before the playoffs come to Milwaukee, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Seattle.

Here’s what to expect Saturday (times are all ET, because of course they are).

MLB playoff scores…

Another pitching duel seemed destined between the Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians, albeit bullpen heavy with neither Jack Flaherty nor Slade Cecconi clearing five frames. A late offensive outburst from a faltering showing by Cleveland’s bullpen allowed Detroit to stave off a late comeback for a 6-3 win.

A late inning homer and a heroic effort in relief by Adrian Morejon wasn’t enough to overcome a brilliant display by the Cubs pitching staff and Pete Crow-Armstrong (aided by a crucial blown call in the 9th) to send the San Diego Padres home for winter with a 3-1 final.

That call (a strike three in a full count to Xander Bogaerts on a pitch well below the zone in an inning the Friars went on to threaten seriously) led to a ferocious yelling confrontation as the umpiring crew filed out through the Padres dugout (video enclosed).

Garrett Crochet could only watch. as his Boston Red Sox were mowed down by one of the greatest playoff debuts of all time. Yankees rookie righty Cam Schlittler, who debuted back in July against the Mariners in the game Cole Young cracked his first big league big fly, was unbelievable. 8 IP, just 5 hits, no walks, and 12 punchouts added up to a 4-0 shutout over their rivals from Beantown.

I may not like it, but the next time someone tries to tell you velocity doesn’t matter, remind them of this outing.

In Mariners news…

As listed above, with the Yankees win, the Mariners will play in the latest slot of Saturday’s games! That means a 5:38 PM PT start on Saturday on FS1, with MLB in general kicking things off at 11:08 AM local time with Cubs-Brewers on TBS (and HBO MAX!)

Kate catalogued the news from Scrimmage Two, namely that Bryan Woo successfully threw live BP. The Mariners plan to name their starters for the first few games by the end of Friday, so seeing how Woo responds tomorrow will be paramount. It seems likeliest that Woo will either be available for Game 4 or 5 at the earliest, or potentially need to be withheld from the roster entirely.

MLB Pipeline spoke with several current and former members of the M’s scouting, coaching, and player development teams about Cal Raleigh.

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Around the league…

Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader has been a stud since joining the club at the trade deadline. To keep his head level and his mind from melting into one-dimensionality, he makes sure to set time aside for painting and viewing art.

Diamondbacks 1B Tyler Locklear, of course the centerpiece of the Eugenio Suarez trade this deadline, has multiple severe injuries in his left elbow and shoulder, requiring surgery that will sideline him well into 2026.

The “brutal loss” to the Yankees has the Red Sox considering their options in the front office, including the future of executive Craig Breslow following a season of high-profile moves like the Rafael Devers trade.

Disappointing news for prospect fans, as the Padres have removed one of their top youngsters, Ethan Salas, from the Arizona Fall League following some injury issues.

John’s pick…

Pitcher List is hiring! One of the best websites for baseball writing and analysis on the internet, if you are seeking to write analytically about this sport, throw your hat in the dang ring.