Author: Passion MLB

Categories
Uncategorized

MLB in brief: Jose Bautista and his message to the fans | The Reds, well placed for the future

Jose Bautista and his message to the fans

He expects a great atmosphere at the Rogers Centre during the playoffs.

What will Pete Alonso do?

He’s a powerful free agent.

A different year

From 2022 to 2024, there were two final games in the 2-of-3 series. This year? Three.

Teams already qualified for the divisional series

Who will have the edge in their head-to-head, starting Saturday?

Podcast details

The next episode will be recorded tomorrow evening. Come and listen to us LIVE on our social networks from 8pm, if you feel like it.

The Reds, well placed for the future

It’s all downhill from here for them.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Bo Bichette will miss the division series, if Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s words are anything to go by

Blue Jays fans are hoping that Bo Bichette will be able to play in the division series. But the more time passes, the more unlikely it seems.

But why? Two big clues have been offered recently.

First, we learned that Bichette hadn’t started running again. And that makes sense, considering that the shortstop is still wearing a heavy knee brace. As of yesterday, he had one.

I can’t see him trying to stretch a single into a double in… two days. And even though I know that sportsmen and women often wear braces, Bichette’s doesn’t seem to be just the right one to help him, should the need arise.

And secondly, there are the words of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Blue Jays star hopes his good friend can join them in the next series, should the Blue Jays win their division series. That’s saying a lot.

Nothing says that Bichette would be ready for a potential championship series. He has to hope so, as he wants to play, is fighting for a contract and finally wants to win a bit in the playoffs.

But in the short term, don’t hold your breath.

I have a feeling the Blue Jays will want to bring him back as soon as possible, even if it means as a designated hitter. I don’t think we’ll necessarily see him playing defensively in the playoffs.

To be continued in the championship series… but to get there, the Blue Jays will first have to beat the winner of the series between the Red Sox and the Yankees, whose final game takes place tonight.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Dodgers vs Phillies: the table is set for the series

That’s it: the Dodgers managed to beat the Reds in two short games, without worrying too much. Except perhaps for their bullpen…

So, starting Saturday, they’ve got a date with the Philadelphia Phillies in what promises to be a fascinating division series between two MLB powers.

These two teams are no strangers to divisional series. It’s the fourth time in a row the Phillies have been at this stage of the series… and the 13th time in a row for the Dodgers. #Wow

Who will win? What are the forces at work?

The pitchers

Both teams will have good starting pitchers for the series. For the Dodgers, it will start with Shohei Ohtani, who will pitch for the first time in his career in the playoffs. He will be the first player in history to start a game as a hitter and one as a pitcher in the same series.

In Los Angeles, Shohei is not expected to be restricted in terms of pitching.

The Nationals will be off on Sunday. Which means that on Monday, the Dodgers could decide to resume the rotation from the top, putting Blake Snell six days after his most recent start. Yoshinobu Yamamoto could pitch Game #3 on Wednesday.

Because the Dodgers have Sunday off in the Nationals, swept the Reds and didn’t have to use Shohei Ohtani, they’re in almost as good a position as if they’d had a bye. And the owner lined his pockets for two games this week.

The club could also use Tyler Glasnow, who is surely the #4 pitcher in the rotation. But if I were the Dodgers, I’d go with Ohtani, Snell and Yamamoto, just to keep one more weapon in the bullpen as long as possible.

Because, as we’ve seen over the past two months, the bullpen is very thin in L.A. It survived against the Reds because of the big advances… but the Phillies will be a whole different challenge.

The Phillies’ rotation is also a strength, despite the loss of Zack Wheeler. Cristopher Sanchez will pitch the first game of the series, and the club is also counting on Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suarez, who had a good end to the season.

And if Aaron Nola can pitch like he did in his last start, the Phillies’ rotation will be spot on. But he could be used in relief, given his ugly 2025 season.

The Phillies haven’t had the best of bullpens in 2025, but there are a few names to keep an eye on, including Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering. These are the men to trust, ahead of the David Robertsons and Jose Alvarados of this world.

And of course, the Dodgers won’t want to be trailing after eight innings. Johan Duran can single-handedly change everything.

Position players

On both sides, the offensive potential is there. J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner, Harrison Bader, Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper and (obviously) Kyle Schwarber are the Phillies players to watch.

Will Bryce Harper go for his first ring in 2025?

On the other side, we also agree that this is a big forward. Freddie Freeman (who’s healthy this year), Mookie Betts (who’s back to his best) and Shohei Ohtani (who did well against the Reds)

Teoscar Hernandez, Max Muncy and Kiké Hernandez are the other players I’ll be keeping an eye on. But don’t underestimate this club’s bench…

The managers

Rob Thomson is in his fourth year as Phillies manager. He made it to the World Series, then the Championship Series, then didn’t win a single round in 2024. Will he do better this year?

As for Dave Roberts, his 2024 series allowed him to erase a bit of his reputation as a manager who makes ugly playoff decisions. Which Roberts will we get this year?

The imponderables

It’s been a long time since the two teams met in the playoffs. The last time was in 2009. The Phillies made it to the World Series that year, but didn’t win.

And in 2025, it’s shaping up to be an incredible series. Especially with the Pennsylvania crowd…

The pressure will be on both teams. After all, the Phillies haven’t performed up to their talent recently in the playoffs… and the Dodgers are the Dodgers. Both organizations need to win.

Who will come out on top? Watch this space.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Red Sox vs Yankees: Rookie duo on the mound for the ultimate game

As expected, the series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees will go down to the wire. And to determine a winner, let’s just say it won’t be veterans on the mound.

It will be up to rookies Connelly Early and Cam Schlittler to make the difference for their team tonight (Thursday).

When the Red Stockings and Bombardiers played their most famous duel in 2004, when Boston erased a three-game deficit in the series, Early was one year old and Schlittler was two.

According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, the first rookie pitching duo to face off in this scenario, an ultimate matchup, was Atlanta Braves gunner Ian Anderson and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May in Game 7 of the 2020 National League Championship Series. Neither pitcher was involved in the decision at the time, but Los Angeles went on to win the game by a score of 4-3 and run away with the World Series.

It’s the second time in history that we’ll see a rookie duel in a game where a loss will send the losing team home.

Schlittler, who has posted an excellent 2.96 earned-run average in 73 innings of work this season, might have been expected to take the mound, but Early was a different story. The latter only made his Major League baseball debut on September 9.

Will his manager’s call-up be too Early? We’ll find out tonight at 8:08pm.

The winner of this final game will advance to the Division Series and face the Toronto Blue Jays. The first duel is scheduled for Saturday.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Dodgers sweep the Reds

In yesterday’s final game of the day, the Los Angeles Dodgers were visited by the Cincinnati Reds.

The Dodgers’ goal? To sweep the series and keep Shohei Ohtani pitching for Saturday’s game in Philadelphia. And the Reds’ goal was simply to stay alive.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto thought he’d gotten out of the first inning, but a bad error by Teoscar Hernandez (who’s getting worse defensively) extended the inning.

And the Reds took advantage to make it 2-0 early in the game.

But of course, the Dodgers struck back. Mookie Betts produced his team’s first run in the third… and quickly, the bottom of the lineup followed suit. In the fourth, Kiké Hernandez and Miguel Rojas also produced runs.

Did you think the Dodgers would take it easy?

While the Reds’ starting pitcher (Zack Littell) had left the game, Yamamoto was in complete control. The Dodgers gunner, who no doubt had a mandate to get as far in the game as possible to avoid giving the ball to relievers, did very well.

In 6.2 innings of work, he did not add an earned run to his record and passed nine players in the mitt.

He was supported by his teammates, who exploded with four runs in the sixth. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez took matters into their own hands to give the Dodgers a 7-2 lead.

It stunned the Reds.

The Dodgers added an eighth run and their reliever played tricks on them. Dave Roberts was creative to keep his team ahead, giving up two late runs to the Reds.

Roki Sasaki gave nothing away in the ninth inning.

But in the end, the Dodgers kept their lead and won 8-4 to complete the only sweep of the best-of-second series. And starting Saturday, they’ll cross swords with the Phillies in a highly anticipated division series.

Walker Buehler will face his former team in the playoffs.

PMLB
  • The Reds’ last playoff win? 2012.

  • Brayan Bello didn’t think he’d pitch this poorly in game #2.

  • The impact of video games for Jazz Chisholm Jr.

  • A candidate to be GM in Colorado.

  • Today’s schedule.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Yankees are still alive

After a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of manager Aaron Boone last night (Tuesday), the New York Yankees were trying to stay alive in their best-of-three series against the Boston Red Sox.

For the occasion, Carlos Rodon was sent to the mound for the Bombardiers, while Brayan Bello did the same for the Red Stockings.

And things started well for New York, as with two outs and Cody Bellinger on the path in the first inning, the little rice bowl, Ben Rice, dispatched the Sox gunner’s offering over the little fence in right to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Bello lasted only two and two-thirds innings on the mound. However, the Red Sox tied the game in the third inning thanks to a two-run single from Trevor Story.

The two teams then traded politeness in the bottom of the fifth inning and the top of the sixth, due in part to a huge error by outfielder Jarren Duran. The score was now 3-3.

Carlos Rodon ended the evening with six complete innings of work, four hits, three earned runs and six strikeouts.

Then, in the bottom of the eighth inning, Jazz Chisholm used his speed to score from first on Austin Wells’ timely single.

That was enough, as closer David Bednar closed the door in the top of the ninth inning without putting anyone on the paths.

The two rival teams will cross swords once again in a final match tomorrow evening (Thursday). Cam Schlittler will be on the mound for the Yankees. No word yet on who will do the same for the Sox.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

MLB in brief: Bruce Bochy will not manage the Giants | Bo Bichette is not running yet

Bruce Bochy won’t manage the Giants

But he could take on a role in the organization, according to Buster Posey.

New GM in Colorado

Bill Schmidt has left.

Bo Bichette still not running

It doesn’t look good for Saturday.

Weekend playoff schedule

Despite their position in the standings and their potential opponents, the Blue Jays won’t be playing in prime time.

David Ross wants to come back

Will he get an interview somewhere?

Podcast details

It won’t take place tonight, but the next episode will be broadcast before the start of the division series. Stay tuned…

“Making chicken salad out of chicken crap”

Ron Washington makes it sound like he couldn’t work miracles in Anaheim. He lost his job not because of his health, but because the club wasn’t rolling. Am I the only one who thinks the Braves will hire him, regardless of the position?

Ridiculous

Jazz Chisholm Jr. isn’t mature: he did his media dispo yesterday with his back turned.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Padres and Cubs face elimination tomorrow

Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs took a 1-0 lead in their 2-of-3 series against the San Diego Padres at home. And today, they were trying to sweep the California club.

What was at stake? The right to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the next round.

Shota Imanaga was the starter, but the Cubs opted to bring in a right-handed reliever (Andrew Kittredge) to start the game against the Padres’ right-handers. Even so, the visitors took the early lead.

Jackson Merrill drove in Fernando Tatis Jr. via a sacrifice fly.

A few innings later, with both teams giving up almost nothing, Manny Machado found a way to produce. He hit a two-run homer to give his team a three-run lead.

Meanwhile, the Padres’ relievers held their own. Because of the powerful bullpen, the Padres manager wasn’t afraid to remove his starter (Dylan Cease) after just 3.2 innings. Mason Miller in particular was incredible.

The Padres held on late in the game, which means there will be at least two games tomorrow. Will the Yankees and Reds make it more?

Remember that tomorrow marks the end of the best-of-second series. And on Saturday, the division series will begin.

PMLB
  • The Rays pitcher should be ready to return in 2026.

  • Yes, the Red Sox had the resources to make the playoffs.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Guardians force final match against Tigers

The Cleveland Guardians received a visit from the Detroit Tigers today. The Tigers were looking for a win to sweep their 2-of-3 series and move on to face the Mariners in the Division Series.

The Guardians, on the other hand, wanted to stay alive and force a Game #3 tomorrow.

However, the Tigers were not opportunistic in the first inning. They weren’t able to take advantage of a few guys on the trails to score first in the game.

But in the bottom of the first, the Guardians didn’t miss a beat.

In the fourth, the Tigers managed to get some traffic on the trails. A run was scored, but seeing Zach McKinstry pinch-hit at third base meant the second run didn’t count.

The score was 1-1 instead of 2-1 for the visitors.

The score remained the same until the eighth inning. Once there, the Guardians broke through the Tigers’ relievers by scoring no less than five runs. That was enough for a 6-1 victory.

The series is now tied 1-1. Tomorrow’s game will decide everything. We imagine it will be played fairly early… unless the other series is swept aside.

PMLB
  • Read more.

  • Here’s the Red Sox third starting pitcher.

This content was created with the help of AI.

Categories
Uncategorized

Manager: Albert Pujols favored by Angels owner

In recent weeks, the name Albert Pujols has refused to die in Anaheim. Many see him taking over as manager of the club he played for for about a decade.

According to Ken Rosenthal, Pujols is Angels owner Arte Moreno’s favorite to take the job. According to one source, it would even be up to Pujols to decide whether or not he feels ready.

We don’t know what GM Perry Minasian thinks of all this. But he’s a year away from the end of his contract, and in any case, we know that the Angels owner takes up a lot of space in the organization.

And since he loves stars and holds Pujols in high esteem, it makes sense. The reputation of Pujols, who chose the Angels as a free agent back in the day, is excellent around the league.

What you need to know is that even if Pujols didn’t make his mark in the minors or as a bench coach, he still managed in a few places, including winter leagues.

And if he doesn’t get the job in Anaheim, he’ll be managing the Dominicans at the 2026 World Classic.

But if not, remember that he wouldn’t be managing the Dodgers or a big club: he’d be going to a club that isn’t close to winning. He’d have plenty of time to learn on the job.

Would he be any good? The Angels would have time to find out. But on paper, I like the bet.

Let’s remember that Pujols has been working for the Angels (and on TV) since he retired. He had signed a “personal services” contract for 10 years at $1 million a year for his retirement. He’s been working with young prospects (notably in the Dominican Republic) and Major League guys since 2023.

The contract was signed in 2012, at the same time as his real $240 million player contract.

In short, even though Pujols was once DFA’d by the Angels because he had slowed down offensively, he’s still well liked in the Angels’ offices. That explains today’s rumor.

In recent years, Albert Pujols has consulted Tony La Russa, his first manager in the majors in St. Louis, to help him prepare for such a mandate one day.

It would be special to see Pujols manage before Yadier Molina… but the Cardinals chose to keep Oliver Marmol.

I wonder if (Pujols’ presence) would be a selling point to attract free agents to Anaheim. I have a feeling that some players with offensive talent would see the opportunity to improve under Pujols.

One also wonders what the connection would be between Pujols and Mike Trout, who spent many years together. I have a feeling that Trout would play an important role under his former teammate.

Pujols is one of only four players in history with 700 home runs in the majors. He was mostly associated with the Cardinals, where he was the most feared hitter in the Majors for several years.

PMLB
  • Vladdy wants to win.

  • Trey Yesavage will be there in the playoffs.

  • Jose Berrios isn’t necessarily getting any better. He hasn’t started pitching again.

This content was created with the help of AI.