The divisional round is here. The combination of four playoff baseball games and a full slate of college football make today one of the better sports days of the year. So bust out your extra screens, throw something tasty on the grill, and settle in for a great day of spectating.
Cubs at Brewers, 2:08 pm, TBS
TBD (CHC) vs. Freddy Peralta (MIL)
The Cubs outlasted Ryan O’Hearn and the Padres with a 3-1 victory at Wrigley Field. The win earned Chicago a matchup with a divisional foe in Milwaukee. The Brewers were able to lineup their Game 1 starter after securing
a bye through the Wild Card round. Freddy Peralta (17-6, 2.70 ERA) will start for the Brew Crew. He holds an 0-1 record with a 4.00 ERA over 18 postseason innings.
The Cubs had yet to officially announce a starter as of Friday evening. Both Colin Rea and Javier Assad would be able to take the ball for Chicago. Rea worked in relief against San Diego, while Assad (4-1, 3.65 ERA) did not make the Wild Card roster.
Yankees at Blue Jays, 4:08 pm, Fox
TBD (NYY) vs. Kevin Gausman (TOR)
The Yankees found a way to outlast Boston in the Wild Card round. Cam Schlittler put together a dominant outing, and the Sox failed to take advantage of a one-game lead. New York will travel to Toronto to face another divisional opponent. I’m hardly a Jays fan, but you all should know where my allegiance lies this week.
Toronto will send out former Oriole Kevin Gausman. The former top prospect somehow managed a losing record (10-11, 3.59 ERA) despite posting solid numbers for a first place club. Wins and losses aren’t what they used to be, but I’ll take a win for the donut lover today.
Dodgers at Phillies, 6:38, TBS/HBO Max
Shohei Ohtani (LAD) vs. Cristopher Sánchez
The Dodgers made quick work of the Cincinnati Reds to earn a matchup with Philadelphia. Shohei Ohtani will make his first pitching appearance in this year’s postseason. Ohtani only completed six innings one time during the regular season, so it will be interesting to see how long of a leash he receives in Game 1.
The Phillies earned to opportunity to setup their rotation after a first round bye. Cristopher Sánchez (13-5, 2.50 ERA) will take the ball in Game 1.
Tigers at Mariners, 8:38, FS1
TBD vs. George Kirby
The Tigers squeaked by their division rival Cleveland after limping to the finish line. Detroit may have squandered a chance at AL Central, but its ultimate goal is still achievable.
The Mariners clinched the AL West during a down year for the Astros and Rangers. Both organizations possess an opportunity to take a real step forward by making an appearance in the ALCS.
Seattle will start George Kirby (10-8, 4.21 ERA) in Game 1.
