As the MLB season pushes deeper into September, the postseason picture grows sharper, and this week feels like one of the final checkpoints before October arrives. The final two weeks of the regular season represent two of the last true swings for contenders to solidify their standing, and outside of the Brewers and Phillies, the other division leaders are still fighting to preserve slim cushions at the top, aware that one rough series could undo months of steady work. Wild Card hopefuls, meanwhile, are entering a pressure-packed gauntlet where every at-bat and bullpen move could tip the balance, with margins so tight that even a single loss looms large. For teams already outside the playoff race, these games still matter, serving as opportunities to play spoiler, challenge contenders, and evaluate young talent under postseason-like tension. What separates teams now isn’t just talent but poise, discipline, and the ability to execute when the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. This week, the stakes climb higher, and the October field begins to take clearer shape, so let’s take a look at the top teams:
1. Milwaukee Brewers (91-59)
9/8 – @ Rangers – Lost 5-0
9/9 – @ Rangers – Lost 5-4
9/10 – @ Rangers – Lost 6-3
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Cardinals – Won 8-2
9/13 – vs. Cardinals – Won 9-8 (10)
9/14 – vs. Cardinals – Lost 3-2
Never mind the rough Texas trip. This week was all about fireworks and affirmation for Milwaukee. They clinched a playoff berth and dug themselves out of a five-run hole to beat St. Louis 9-8 in the tenth, with Caleb Durbin tying it and Andruw Monasterio delivering the walk-off single. William Contreras and Sal Frelick sparked the comeback. With the postseason locked in, the Brewers’ push now shifts from “proving you belong” to “owning home-field advantage,” and every bullpen arm will matter in that pursuit.
Up next: vs. Angels (9/16-18), @ Cardinals (9/19-21)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (89-61)
9/8 – vs. Mets – Won 1-0
9/9 – vs. Mets – Won 9-3
9/10 – vs. Mets – Won 11-3
9/11 – vs. Mets – Won 6-4
9/12 – vs. Royals – Won 8-2
9/13 – vs. Royals – Won 8-6
9/14 – vs. Royals – Lost 10-3
This week, Philadelphia felt like a freight train barreling toward October. Kyle Schwarber launched his 50th, 51st, and 52nd home runs, highlighting a series win over the Mets and an 8-6 nail-biter versus the Royals. Ranger Suárez tossed six shutout innings against the Mets, and Brandon Marsh drove in three runs vs. Kansas City. Philly is now one win away from locking up the NL East and only a couple behind the Brewers for the top NL seed, and their intensity going into those final matchups is real.
Up next: @ Dodgers (9/15-17), @ Diamondbacks (9/19-21)
3. Toronto Blue Jays (87-62)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – vs. Astros – Won 4-3 (10)
9/10 – vs. Astros – Lost 3-2
9/11 – vs. Astros – Won 6-0
9/12 – vs. Orioles – Won 6-1
9/13 – vs. Orioles – Won 5-4
9/14 – vs. Orioles – Won 11-2
The Blue Jays showed grit all week long, especially following their split of a tight opening series with Houston, where they pulled out an extra-innings win, a narrow loss, then a shutou, and they then made surprising work of Baltimore, including a blowout on Sunday. The offense didn’t rely solely on stars, as role players came through in late innings, and bullpen arms held off Orioles rallies. Their AL East race has swings like this where close games turn into wins, and if they can string more of these together against divisional foes, a first-round bye is very much in reach.
Up next: @ Rays (9/15-18, 4 Games), @ Royals (9/19-21)
4. Detroit Tigers (85-65)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – @ Yankees – Won 12-2
9/10 – @ Yankees – Won 11-1
9/11 – @ Yankees – Lost 9-3
9/12 – @ Marlins – Lost 8-2
9/13 – @ Marlins – Lost 6-4 (11)
9/14 – @ Marlins – Won 2-0
The Tigers exploded early against the Yankees, dominating large chunks with massive scoring, but the trip to Miami exposed crack, but still, Skubal and Detroit’s starters gave enough length, and they bailed themselves out with a gutsy 2-0 win to cap the week. For a team chasing AL home-field or at least a favorable Wild Card slot, those inconsistencies haunt you. If Detroit can avoid the letdowns, especially on the road, they’ve got enough steam to stay in the mix.
Up next: vs. Guardians (9/16-18), vs. Braves (9/19-21)
5. Los Angeles Dodgers (84-65)
9/8 – vs. Rockies – Won 3-1
9/9 – vs. Rockies – Won 7-2
9/10 – vs. Rockies – Won 9-0
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – @ Giants – Lost 5-1 (10)
9/13 – @ Giants – Won 13-7
9/14 – @ Giants – Won 10-2
The Dodgers reminded everyone they’re still dangerous by crushing the struggling Rockies in blowout fashion, and while the road trip to San Francisco had its hiccups (a loss in extra innings), they responded with offensive outbursts, including multiple big innings against a tough Giants bullpen. Mookie Betts taking Player of the Week honors and Shohei Ohtani nearing 50 homers adds the kind of storyline that forces people to pay attention, so as NL West tightens, LA looks like the team capable of closing the gap, provided their rotation stays healthy and the bullpen doesn’t unravel.
Up next: vs. Phillies (9/15-17), vs. Giants (9/18-21, 4 Games)
6. Chicago Cubs (85-64)
9/8 – @ Braves – Lost 4-1
9/9 – @ Braves – Won 6-1
9/10 – @ Braves – Won 3-2
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Rays – Won 6-4
9/13 – vs. Rays – Lost 5-4
9/14 – vs. Rays – Won 4-3
The Cubs had plenty of ups and downs, and almost all of their wins came at times when they needed them most to close out their two series. They edged close games against Rays and held serve in tricky away spots. Injuries have chipped away at depth, but veterans stepped up in pinch moments. With the postseason nearly secure, Chicago’s now playing for seeding, and they’re still very much in contention for a trip past the Wild Card. If their young arms find consistency and the offense doesn’t go cold, they could surprise many.
Up next: @ Pirates (9/15-17), @ Reds (9/18-21, 4 Games)
7. New York Yankees (83-66)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – vs. Tigers – Lost 12-2
9/10 – vs. Tigers – Lost 11-1
9/11 – vs. Tigers – Won 9-3
9/12 – @ Red Sox – Won 4-1
9/13 – @ Red Sox – Won 5-3
9/14 – @ Red Sox – Lost 6-4
Yankees fans saw the best and worst in one week, especially after they dropped two blow-outs to the Tigers early, but then responded by taking series against the Red Sox and grinding out late-game wins. Aaron Judge was electric, and he was declared Player of the Week after reminding everyone why he’s still one of the most feared bats in the league. Their postseason path is narrow, as they need to tighten up starting pitching and avoid letting bad losses pile up, so if matched up right, they could still push for a Wild Card spot.
Up next: @ Twins (9/15-17), @ Orioles (9/18-21, 4 Games)
8. Boston Red Sox (83-66)
9/8 – @ Athletics – Won 7-0
9/9 – @ Athletics – Won 6-0
9/10 – @ Athletics – Lost 5-4
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Yankees – Lost 4-1
9/13 – vs. Yankees – Lost 5-3
9/14 – vs. Yankees – Won 6-4
Boston’s mood this week swung from hope to exasperation. They shut down the A’s in dominant fashion on the road, but then stumbled against the Yankees at home in tight games. Young players like Trevor Story and others had big moments, but inconsistencies in bullpen and offense showed up again, and at this point, Boston feels like a team on the cusp. With the right momentum and a couple of big road wins, they could crash the Wild Card party, but it feels like there’s very little room for error.
Up next: vs. Athletics (9/16-18), @ Rays (9/19-21)
9. Seattle Mariners (82-68)
9/8 – vs. Cardinals – Won 4-2
9/9 – vs. Cardinals – Won 5-3
9/10 – vs. Cardinals – Won 4-2 (13)
9/11 – vs. Angels – Won 7-6 (12)
9/12 – vs. Angels – Won 2-1
9/13 – vs. Angels – Won 5-3
9/14 – vs. Angels – Won 11-2
The Mariners made a bold statement all week long and showed that they’re postseason-ready and a team to look out for as they try and clinch their division over the Astros and make a run towards the World Series. Cal Raleigh blasted his 54th home run, tying Mickey Mantle’s all-time switch-hitter record, while George Kirby carved up the Angels for 14 strikeouts, matching his career high. That 11-2 rout on Sunday gave them sole possession of first place in the AL West, and with their offense heating and bullpen arms holding firm, they now carry real momentum into series that could decide the division.
Up next: @ Royals (9/16-18), @ Astros (9/19-21)
10. San Diego Padres (82-68)
9/8 – vs. Reds – Won 4-3 (10)
9/9 – vs. Reds – Lost 4-2
9/10 – vs. Reds – Lost 2-1
9/11 – vs. Rockies – Won 2-0
9/12 – vs. Rockies – Lost 4-2
9/13 – vs. Rockies – Won 11-3
9/14 – vs. Rockies – Won 9-6
The Padres remained in the conversation thanks to solid wins over weaker foes and keeping pace with the Dodgers in the NL West dogfight. Key bullpen arms held their ground, and the offense scraped together scoring when needed. But shaky starts continue to loom, and unless their rotation manages clean outings and they avoid collapses, they risk slipping in the seeding shuffle. The Padres are dangerous if they stay hot, but they can’t afford to flinch now.
Up next: @ Mets (9/16-18), @ White Sox (9/19-21)
11. Houston Astros (81-68)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – @ Blue Jays – Lost 4-3 (10)
9/10 – @ Blue Jays – Won 3-2
9/11 – @ Blue Jays – Lost 6-0
9/12 – @ Braves – Won 11-3
9/13 – @ Braves – Won 6-2
9/14 – @ Braves – Lost 8-3
Houston experienced plenty of breakthrough moments and nagging concerns throughout their week, but the biggest storyline was rookie Zach Cole emerging from nowhere, homering and driving in three in relief of an injured Yordan Álvarez, giving the club an emotional jolt. However, that collapsed ninth-inning lead against the Blue Jays exposed cracks, leaving runners in scoring position, bullpen mis-steps. Now tied tightly with the Mariners atop the West, the Astros’ postseason fate hinges on whether Cole is a spark or an outlier, and if the rotation can stay healthy.
Up next: vs. Rangers (9/15-17), vs. Mariners (9/19-21)
12. Texas Rangers (79-71)
9/8 – vs. Brewers – Won 5-0
9/9 – vs. Brewers – Won 5-4
9/10 – vs. Brewers – Won 6-3
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – @ Mets – Won 8-3
9/13 – @ Mets – Won 3-2
9/14 – @ Mets – Lost 5-2 (10)
The Rangers kept pushing, but couldn’t quite close the gap this week. They took two early wins over Milwaukee, including a 5-0 shutout, yet dropped one in extra innings. Their offense had its moments, including two-run blasts, clutch RBI singles, but pitching depth showed vulnerabilities, especially when starters struggled to hold leads. With Seattle and Houston pulling ahead, Texas needs strong road performances and healthier arms if they want to crash the AL West or at least secure a Wild Card slot.
Up next: @ Astros (9/19-21), vs. Marlins (9/19-21)
13. Cleveland Guardians (78-71)
9/8 – vs. Royals – Won 10-2
9/9 – vs. Royals – Won 2-0
9/10 – vs. Royals – Lost 4-3
9/11 – vs. Royals – Won 3-2
9/12 – vs. White Sox – Won 4-0
9/13 – vs. White Sox – Won 3-1
9/14 – vs. White Sox – Won 3-2
The Guardians’ pitching staff has quietly been the team’s backbone, with consistent starts and lockdown bullpen work helping the Guardians stay firmly in Wild Card contention. While the offense hasn’t always dazzled, timely hits in close games have made a big difference, and the rotation’s efficiency has allowed the team to avoid unnecessary stress late in games. This dependable foundation makes Cleveland a tough out and positions them to surge if they can maintain the momentum through September’s stretch.
Up next: @ Tigers (9/16-18), @ Twins (9/19-21, 4 Games)
14. New York Mets (77-73)
9/8 – @ Phillies – Lost 1-0
9/9 – @ Phillies – Lost 9-3
9/10 – @ Phillies – Lost 11-3
9/11 – @ Phillies – Lost 6-4
9/12 – vs. Rangers – Lost 8-3
9/13 – vs. Rangers – Lost 3-2
9/14 – vs. Rangers – Won 5-2 (10)
The Mets experienced stretches of frustration offset by late-game heroics, with an extra-inning win offering a much-needed mood reset for the clubhouse. The Mets’ offense has been streaky, but individual flashes and clutch plate appearances have occasionally masked deeper inconsistency. With crucial divisional matchups approaching, New York needs steadier production from its everyday lineup and cleaner late-inning work from the bullpen if it hopes to salvage any home-field considerations in the postseason scramble.
Up next: vs. Padres (9/16-18), vs. Nationals (9/19-21)
15. Kansas City Royals (75-75)
9/8 – @ Guardians – Lost 10-2
9/9 – @ Guardians – Lost 2-0
9/10 – @ Guardians – Won 4-3
9/11 – @ Guardians – Lost 3-2
9/12 – @ Phillies – Lost 8-2
9/13 – @ Phillies – Lost 8-6
9/14 – @ Phillies – Won 10-3
The Royals’ post-deadline optimism cooled after a run of defeats to higher-ranked opponents, revealing that new additions alone couldn’t paper over lineup slumps. When bats went quiet, even capable starting outings failed to translate to wins, and the Royals slid away from contention quicker than many anticipated. Still, developmental gains among younger pieces provide a clearer offseason blueprint; KC may pivot from late-season hopes to long-term construction, prioritizing growth and player timelines over a frenzied sprint to October.
Up next: vs. Mariners (9/16-18), vs. Blue Jays (9/19-21)
16. Cincinnati Reds (74-75)
9/8 – @ Padres – Lost 4-3 (10)
9/9 – @ Padres – Won 4-2
9/10 – @ Padres – Won 2-1
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – @ Athletics – Lost 3-0
9/13 – @ Athletics – Lost 11-5
9/14 – @ Athletics – Lost 7-4
The Reds showcased efficient, situational baseball this week and leveraged disciplined plate approaches to just pump out competitive results even as marquee prospects searched for consistent power. Victories over middling opponents highlighted maturation in situational hitting and defensive execution, but the lineup needs steadier production to sustain a real push. If Cincinnati’s young core rediscovers consistent contact and the bullpen stabilizes, the franchise could reshape its late-season narrative into one of forward momentum rather than lingering question marks.
Up next: @ Cardinals (9/15-17), vs. Cubs (9/18-21, 4 Games)
17. San Francisco Giants (75-74)
9/8 – vs. Diamondbacks – Won 11-5
9/9 – vs. Diamondbacks – Won 5-3
9/10 – vs. Diamondbacks – Lost 5-3
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Dodgers – Won 5-1 (10)
9/13 – vs. Dodgers – Lost 13-7
9/14 – vs. Dodgers – Lost 10-2
The Giants staged a subtle yet meaningful surge in the NL Wild Card race, highlighted by a walk-off win that reminded fans just how dangerous the team can be. Opportunistic baserunning, timely hitting, and spot starts from pitchers gave San Francisco a chance against top-tier opponents, and these victories feel like earned momentum rather than luck. If the bullpen can avoid late-inning collapses and the offense remains opportunistic, San Francisco could play spoiler or even sneak into the postseason mix.
Up next: @ Diamondbacks (9/15-17), @ Dodgers (9/18-21, 4 Games)
18. Arizona Diamondbacks (75-75)
9/8 – @ Giants – Lost 11-5
9/9 – @ Giants – Lost 5-3
9/10 – @ Giants – Won 5-3
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – @ Twins – Lost 9-8
9/13 – @ Twins – Won 5-2 (10)
9/14 – @ Twins – Won 6-4
The Diamondbacks’ dynamic young core continued to flash star-level tools, generating extra-base hits and sustained pressure on weaker staffs while showing improved plate discipline. Their stretch against divisional opponents provided momentum that may matter in tiebreaker scenarios, and steady contributions from the pitching staff have reduced late-game vulnerability. Even if top seeding remains an uphill battle, Arizona’s player development and balanced attack make them a team to watch as the regular season narrows toward roster-locking decisions.
Up next: vs. Giants (9/15-17), vs. Phillies (9/19-21)
19. St. Louis Cardinals (73-77)
9/8 – @ Mariners – Lost 4-2
9/9 – @ Mariners – Lost 5-3
9/10 – @ Mariners – Lost 4-2 (13)
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – @ Brewers – Lost 8-2
9/13 – @ Brewers – Lost 9-8 (10)
9/14 – @ Brewers – Won 3-2
Even in a tough stretch, the young Cardinals had glimmers that suggest next season could be something. Ivan Herrera launched a homer on Saturday that drew gasps, and Dylan Carlson turned in a clutch catch in the ninth of a tight game against the Brewers. But five straight losses to playoff-hoping teams sting. The Cardinals’ veteran core is fading, youth is stepping in, and management is evaluating who they build around. Going forward, expect focus on matchup experience, bullpen consistency, and seeing which young arms are ready for bigger roles.
Up next: vs. Reds (9/15-17), vs. Brewers (9/19-21)
20. Tampa Bay Rays (73-76)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – @ White Sox – Won 5-4
9/10 – @ White Sox – Lost 6-5
9/11 – @ White Sox – Lost 5-1
9/12 – @ Cubs – Lost 6-4
9/13 – @ Cubs – Won 5-4
9/14 – @ Cubs – Lost 4-3
The Rays’ were gritty all week long, but some of their results were unforgiving. They stole a couple of tight wins, with bullpen arms like Brooks Raley and Pete Fairbanks keeping it close in the first place, but they couldn’t close out several nail-biters, including a heartbreaker to the Cubs on Sunday. Yandy Díaz and Josh Lowe had hot at-bats, reminding fans of what could be, but when pitching wobbled late, those hopes slipped. As they chase the Wild Card, it’s little things that matter: timely base running, late-inning bullpen durability, and avoiding mentally collapsing when the game is on the line.
Up next: vs. Blue Jays (9/15-18, 4 Games), vs. Red Sox (9/19-21)
21. Baltimore Orioles (69-80)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – vs. Pirates – Won 3-2 (11)
9/10 – vs. Pirates – Won 2-1 (10)
9/11 – vs. Pirates – Won 3-2
9/12 – @ Blue Jays – Lost 6-1
9/13 – @ Blue Jays – Lost 5-4
9/14 – @ Blue Jays – Lost 11-2
The Orioles’ late push encountered tougher waters when facing experienced rotations, revealing that their earlier gains still require refinement to be sustainable. The club showed fight in extras and collected a few moral victories, with rookies and role players stepping up in high-leverage moments. The lineup struggled to maintain production against veteran staffs, but flashes of promise from younger contributors offer hope for next season. September will be about identifying which performances are repeatable and which were one-off sparks.
Up next: @ White Sox (9/15-17), vs. Yankees (9/18-21, 4 Games)
22. Athletics (70-80)
9/8 – vs. Red Sox – Lost 7-0
9/9 – vs. Red Sox – Lost 6-0
9/10 – vs. Red Sox – Won 5-4
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Reds – Won 3-0
9/13 – vs. Reds – Won 11-5
9/14 – vs. Reds – Won 7-4
The Athletics’ narrative this weekend was “ruin the expectations.” Nick Kurtz mashed a homer, and Jacob Wilson’s defense in a tight save situation flashed big-league reflexes. Still, recurring shakiness from the rotation and a bullpen that looks overmatched in high leverage shows where the gap is. As fans await full rebuild turns, the A’s are making small statements: that some organization pieces may be coming into focus, and that with development, they could surprise next season more than people expect.
Up next: @ Red Sox (9/16-18), @ Pirates (9/19-21)
23. Miami Marlins (70-80)
9/8 – vs. Nationals – Lost 15-7
9/9 – vs. Nationals – Lost 7-5
9/10 – vs. Nationals – Won 8-3
9/11 – vs. Nationals – Won 5-0
9/12 – vs. Tigers – Won 8-2
9/13 – vs. Tigers – Won 6-4 (11)
9/14 – vs. Tigers – Lost 2-0
The Marlins showcased explosive run outbursts that overwhelmed weaker opponents, mixed with frustrating losses against more disciplined staffs, including a pattern that highlights upside rather than collapse. When the bats were hot, the Marlins looked capable of scoring in bunches, and timely contributions from role players kept them competitive. Yet they occasionally wilted in front of veteran rotations, exposing late-inning vulnerabilities. The overall takeaway centers on potential: with a more consistent approach and a tightened bullpen, Miami could assemble these flashes into a steadier, more competitive profile next season.
Up next: @ Rockies (9/16-18), @ Rangers (9/19-21)
24. Los Angeles Angels (69-81)
9/8 – vs. Twins – Lost 12-3
9/9 – vs. Twins – Won 12-2
9/10 – vs. Twins – Won 4-3
9/11 – @ Mariners – Lost 7-6 (12)
9/12 – @ Mariners – Lost 2-1
9/13 – @ Mariners – Lost 5-3
9/14 – @ Mariners – Lost 11-2
This week underscored everything the Angels have left to fix. Jo Adell smashed a couple of monster home runs while rookie Zach Neto showed flashes in the field, but still, the team couldn’t string together enough competent pitching or clutch offense to win when it mattered. Losses piled up against tighter squads, and that matters when you’re way out of postseason talk. The offseason looms large, especially considering they need a decent amount of starpower and depth in both the lineup and bullpen, so while it might be brutal, clarity needs to start now.
Up next: @ Brewers (9/16-18), @ Rockies (9/19-21)
25. Atlanta Braves (66-83)
9/8 – vs. Cubs – Won 4-1
9/9 – vs. Cubs – Lost 6-1
9/10 – vs. Cubs – Lost 3-2
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Astros – Lost 11-3
9/13 – vs. Astros – Lost 6-2
9/14 – vs. Astros – Won 8-3
The Braves’ offense flashed at times, especially Matt Olson swatting a homer that lifted spirits, but it wasn’t enough. Pitching was wildly inconsistent, and bullpen lapses cost them the edge in almost every tight contest. For the Braves, the remaining weeks are about dignity, about cap decisions, but also about leadership. Can the vets tutor the young players in pressure moments? Do they trade for or promote guys who can handle tight innings? These are decisions off the field that may matter more than any single game now.
Up next: @ Nationals (9/15-17, 4 Games), @ Tigers (9/19-21)
26. Washington Nationals (62-87)
9/8 – @ Marlins – Won 15-7
9/9 – @ Marlins – Won 7-5
9/10 – @ Marlins – Lost 8-3
9/11 – @ Marlins – Lost 5-0
9/12 – vs. Pirates – Won 6-5
9/13 – vs. Pirates – Lost 5-1
9/14 – vs. Pirates – Won 4-3
Washington’s week felt like building blocks rather than scorecards. Robert Hassell III had a clutch hit, and youngsters like Dylan Crews got high-leverage at-bats. There was a rally to avoid a shutout here, and a late inning fight in another, even if they came up short. Very few are expecting postseason play, but this period is about identity and finding who can hit, who can field, and who handles chaos. If they can keep doing that, they might avoid being purely the “teachable” squad and more the “surprisingly competitive” squad in 2026.
Up next: vs. Braves (9/15-17, 4 Games), @ Mets (9/19-21)
27. Pittsburgh Pirates (65-85)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – @ Orioles – Lost 3-2 (11)
9/10 – @ Orioles – Lost 2-1 (10)
9/11 – @ Orioles – Lost 3-2
9/12 – @ Nationals – Lost 6-5
9/13 – @ Nationals – Won 5-1
9/14 – @ Nationals – Lost 4-3
When the Pirates finally broke their seven-game losing streak, their performance showcased plenty of grit, even when they were down at their lowest point. Andrew McCutchen and Nick Yorke each had two-out, go-ahead hits in the eighth, and Bubba Chandler nearly flirted with a no-hitter through five. That kind of drama matters, especially for building clubhouse confidence, for fans, for what you want your franchise to feel like. Wild Card dreams are long gone, but every win now is about momentum and proving the young core isn’t just baby steps but capable of bigger strides next year.
Up next: vs. Cubs (9/15-17), vs. Athletics (9/19-21)
28. Minnesota Twins (65-84)
9/8 – @ Angels – Won 12-3
9/9 – @ Angels – Lost 12-2
9/10 – @ Angels – Lost 4-3
9/11 – OFF
9/12 – vs. Diamondbacks – Won 9-8
9/13 – vs. Diamondbacks – Lost 5-2 (10)
9/14 – vs. Diamondbacks – Lost 6-4
The Twins’ week wildly between offensive fireworks and bullpen breakdowns, keeping their slim playoff hopes precarious. They racked up convincing wins, but late-inning lapses against the Diamondbacks exposed the fragility of their relief corps. Stabilizing the bullpen and extracting more consistent production from key everyday players are immediate needs if the Twins hope to shake up potential Wild Card outcomes without them even in contention anymore, but otherwise, they risk fading as better-balanced lineups surge past them in the final stretch.
Up next: vs. Yankees (9/15-17), vs. Guardians (9/19-21, 4 Games)
29. Chicago White Sox (57-93)
9/8 – OFF
9/9 – vs. Rays – Lost 5-4
9/10 – vs. Rays – Won 6-5
9/11 – vs. Rays – Won 5-1
9/12 – @ Guardians – Lost 4-0
9/13 – @ Guardians – Lost 3-1
9/14 – @ Guardians – Lost 3-2
Some nights the White Sox felt like the team that could squeak out a win, and on other nights, they looked exhausted. Breakout nights from rookies showed there’s more here than just losing. But inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel, as they struggled to hold onto any leads they had. Postseason is out of reach, but this week gave them character moments. What matters now is which young players they trust long term and which performances they’ll remember when the lights are bright again in 2026.
Up next: vs. Orioles (9/15-17), vs. Padres (9/19-21)
30. Colorado Rockies (41-109)
9/8 – @ Dodgers – Lost 3-1
9/9 – @ Dodgers – Lost 7-2
9/10 – @ Dodgers – Lost 9-0
9/11 – @ Padres – Lost 2-0
9/12 – @ Padres – Won 4-2
9/13 – @ Padres – Lost 11-3
9/14 – @ Padres – Lost 9-6
Rockies fans have had a bleak season, but this week had a raw kind of poignancy: flashes of effort, gutsy moments from young arm prospects, and every once in a while, batters doing damage off tough fastballs. There was no sweeping victories, but there were respect-earning games. The rest of the schedule is about finishing strong mentally, maybe unearthing a young impact bat or starter, but mostly about pride. For a club in rebuild mode, sometimes that’s enough to turn a season’s narrative from “collapse” to “foundations laid.”
Up next: vs. Marlins (9/16-18), vs. Angels (9/19-21)

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