The MLB postseason just dropped on us like a ton of bricks, and already, it’s absolute chaos! We’re talking four Games 1 hitting the field on Tuesday, kicking off the best-of-3 wild card series. And get this: three of the eight teams in these matchups are already so banged up or had such a wild scramble to even make it here that they’re rolling with a bullpen game in their opener. Seriously, that’s a gamble right out of the gate!
The Phillies’ Wild Ride and the Braves’ Ace Up Their Sleeve
Talk about an uphill battle! The Philadelphia Phillies had a total free fall, barely clawing their way into that final National League wild card spot with a clutch win on Sunday. But guess what? They had to burn ace Zack Wheeler to get that W. Now, for Game 1 against the Braves, they’re in a tough spot. Their guy Jesús Luzardo, who had a great season, just came off the injured list after missing three weeks with shoulder inflammation. He’s back, but he’s only going to be the opener on Tuesday, with Andrew Painter expected to log some innings behind him. Meanwhile, the Braves? They’ve got the luxury of throwing their ace, Chris Sale, in Game 1. That’s a huge advantage right there, and the winner of this Phillies-Braves series gets to face the Dodgers in the NLDS. You gotta wonder if the Phillies’ late-season drama is going to haunt them immediately.
Bullpen Bonanza in Houston and More Wild Card Action
It’s not just the NL East battle that’s feeling the squeeze, either. Over in Houston, we’ve got the 81-81 Astros and the 84-78 White Sox. And get this: BOTH teams are going with bullpen games for their Game 1. Seriously, that’s a risky move when you’re starting a short series. Who blinks first in that chess match? These wild card series are all over the place, and we’ve got a full slate of diamond drama coming our way. The Red Sox and Yankees are set to face off at 5 p.m. PT, with Payton Tolle on the bump for Boston against Cam Schlittler for the Bronx Bombers. Then, to cap off the night at 7 p.m. PT, it’s the Cubs and Padres battling it out, with Matthew Boyd going up against Michael King.
So grab your snacks, settle in, because these Wild Card series are shaping up to be must-watch TV. All four Games 1 are live on Tuesday! You can catch the Phillies at Braves at 11 a.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. The White Sox at Astros goes down at 2 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network and Peacock. Then the Red Sox at Yankees is on at 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, followed by the Cubs at Padres at 7 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network and Peacock. Don’t miss a pitch, because this postseason is starting hot!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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