Wild Card Series Preview: Yankees Without Judge, Phillies Seek Rebound

The 2026 MLB postseason opens Tuesday with four best-of-three Wild Card Series, while the Rays, Guardians, Brewers and Dodgers sit on byes. The Phillies try to shake off a rough final week at Atlanta behind Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez , and the 81-81 Astros face a White Sox lineup that ranked fifth in MLB in runs scored. The Yankees host the Red Sox with Aaron Judge on the IL since Sept. 16 with a calf injury. San Diego 's rotation depth behind Michael King and Nick Pivetta is also under the microscope against the Cubs.