Japan has always loved baseball. Is it now falling for cricket?
An historic game with India, a cricketing superpower, is the latest move to bring the sport to a whole new audience.
MLB
20th September 2026
Mets owner Steve Cohen on plans to add front-office 'voices,' fan reaction to Pete Alonso
"It doesn't have to be a GM," Cohen said. "It could be other ways to support David (Stearns) and the front office.".
Shohei Ohtani hits off Trajekt machine, runs bases as he nears return off IL
Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates understood why Ohtani needed to go on the IL: "I thought he looked extremely compromised.".
Yankees' Aaron Judge explains why his calf injury is 'more difficult' to play through
Judge said he strained the soleus muscle in his calf but didn't know the grade of the strain.
19th September 2026
With 8 games to go, the NL wild-card race is a 3-way tie between the Cubs, Phillies and Padres
With the MLB regular season set to end next Sunday, the NL playoff race has settled, in some ways at least.The division winners are all clear. The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched their respective crowns, and the Atlanta Braves could join them as soon as Sunday.
Scorching-hot Padres pull into 3-way tie in National League wild-card race
The Padres notched their 11 win in their past 12 games. The Cubs and Phillies hold tiebreakers over San Diego with eight games remaining.
Braves clinch postseason berth with win in Houston as depth endures through trying season
After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in eight years, Atlanta nailed down a spot in this year's postseason field.
Mets place Jared Young on 7-day concussion IL after on-field collision and leaving Thursday's game on a stretcher
The New York Mets placed infielder Jared Young on the 7-day concussion list, the team announced Friday. He will miss the remainder of the regular season, according to interim manager Andy Green.
Yankees place Aaron Judge on IL with strained calf: What we know now
The new injury stunts Judge's return to the field and delivers a potentially major blow to the Yankees' chances of winning the AL East.
Aaron Judge to hit IL due to calf strain, can't return until Yankees' final game of regular season
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will be placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, the club announced Friday.Assuming the roster move is backdated to Thursday, the day after Judge's last on-field appearance, the three-time AL MVP won't be eligible to return until Sept.
Yordan Alvarez vs. Junior Caminero for AL MVP: Can a designated hitter win the award?
Yordan Alvarez has been the American League's best hitter in 2026. But is that enough for him to be crowned AL MVP? The Astros' designated hitter has one week left to hold off young Rays superstar Junior Caminero, who has made a surge for the award in recent weeks.
Mets' Jared Young out of the hospital, doing better after scary collision at first base
Young has full range of motion with his limbs and is walking a day after suffering a scary head injury in a Mets game against the Phillies.
Nationals sign pitcher Cade Cavalli to 4-year contract extension for reported $47 million with team option for 2031
The Washington Nationals have signed pitcher Cade Cavalli to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.
Oswaldo Cabrera, a Yankees fan favorite, claimed by the Reds off waivers
Cabrera's positive personality and willingness to play any role with the Yankees made him a favorite in the stands and the clubhouse.
In his first season as a Blue Jay, Dylan Cease is maximizing his 'potential' as planned
Flanked by his agent, Scott Boras, and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins on a dais at the winter meetings last December, right-hander Dylan Cease was asked why he chose to sign with Toronto as a free agent.
With another NL West title in hand, the prospect of October without Shohei Ohtani looms large for the Dodgers
CINCINNATI — As the celebrating Los Angeles Dodgers drenched one another in various carbonated boozes, the team's most important character was bone dry and most likely quite sober roughly two thousand miles away.Shohei Ohtani, that baseballing mover of mountains, is injured.
One last MLB awards update, Cubs off to the races & weekend preview
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeJake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take a final look at the MLB award races.
18th September 2026
The season of ABS, PCA and the CBA is drawing to a close. Let's discuss in our MLB Mailbag
In a year defined by the arrival of ABS, the looming discussions of a new CBA and the emergence of PCA, MLB is entering the final, frenetic days of the regular season. The Wild Card seeding in the National League is suddenly in flux. The American League Central and West are still up for grabs.
With one swing, Munetaka Murakami provides relief for ailing White Sox
Until recently, the Sox’s season has been an unquestioned success. Now, nine games are left to decide how this season will be judged.
Whatever happened to the 200-hit season? A batting champ and a hitting coach explain
Plus Carlos Beltrán's upcoming Mets number retirement, a legendary MLB life remembered and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.
What does the MLB Playoff bracket look like with 9 games left?
Elsewhere, the Dodgers claim NL West after matinee win. Plus, tiebreaker scenarios and what to watch Friday.
Howie Rose, legendary New York Mets voice, didn't have to go national to live his dream
The Mets' longtime announcer has been overwhelmed by the tributes leading into Sunday’s farewell at Citi Field before his final game.
Mark Walter accused of insurance fraud, hiding investigation from policyholders in lawsuit
The Los Angeles Dodgers owner recently agreed to sell his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mets' Jared Young exits game on stretcher after taking knee to the head from pitcher Nolan McLean
A collision between teammates created a scary scene for the New York Mets on Thursday, which resulted in first baseman Jared Young getting taken off the field on a stretcher.
Mets 1B Jared Young exits game on stretcher after taking knee to the head from pitcher Nolan McLean
A collision between teammates created a scary scene for the New York Mets on Thursday, which resulted in first baseman Jared Young getting taken off the field on a stretcher.
Edwin Díaz to return to Dodgers on Friday, but not as closer
The Los Angeles Dodgers made Edwin Díaz the highest-paid reliever in MLB history last offseason. Their return so far has been an 11.85 ERA and two injured list stints.
Dodgers exec Andrew Friedman expects Shohei Ohtani to return from IL in the regular season: 'He's progressing well'
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing without star Shohei Ohtani for the near future, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman thinks it won’t be too long before Ohtani is able to make his return.
Dodgers clinch 13th NL West division title in 14 seasons with a rout over Reds
Earlier this week, the Dodgers clinched an MLB-record-tying 14th consecutive postseason appearance.
Dodgers take down Reds to capture fifth consecutive NL West crown, 13th in past 14 seasons
The Los Angeles Dodgers were already playoff-bound for the 14th straight season. But after taking down the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Thursday, they're winners of the NL West for the 13th time in that span and for the fifth season in a row.
Dodgers down Reds to capture fifth consecutive NL West crown, 13th in past 14 seasons
Justin Casterline via Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Dodgers were already playoff-bound for the 14th straight season. Now, after taking down the Cincinnati Reds on the road 8-2 on Thursday, they’re winners of NL West for the 13th time in that span, including for the fifth seaason in a row.
Who will be the next MLB GM? Baseball execs discuss the top candidates for front-office jobs around the league
There is no decision more important for a franchise than who's leading it. An organization's choice for its head of baseball operations can chart the course for years of sustained success or years of wandering in standings futility.
Recap of live chat with Keith Law from Sept. 17
Recap of a live chat with subscribers and Keith Law from Sept. 17.
17th September 2026
Mets' billion-dollar trio allows 'double' after ball drops between all three players
No matter how much money the team spends, the New York Mets are still the New York Mets. The seemingly cursed franchise can't seem to get out of its own way and has been subject to various embarrassing moments, injuries and signings over the years.
Here's what the AL is missing down the stretch: A team that's charging like the '73 Mets
With six playoff teams in each league, there are bound to be frauds. But can one AL squad at least make some noise in September?.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Sept. 17, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
MLB season predictions 4.0: What did we get completely wrong at season start?
Here's our expectations for how the remainder of the 2026 season will shake out.
Why Arte Moreno's Angels sale may be unlike anything we ever see again
Moreno, widely considered one of the worst owners in baseball, was perfectly set up to keep a big secret.
The Yankees could taste the 2001 title. Then the Diamondbacks got a World Series-altering tip
The Yankees looked poised to win an emotional World Series. Then the Diamondbacks heard a tip about Andy Pettitte that changed everything.
MLB's managerial merry-go-round is about to spin. These 6 jobs could be most volatile
So much in baseball right now is uncertain, which will make the next cycle of managerial hirings and firings that much more intriguing.
MLB playoff watch: A new leader in the AL Central, plus AL West race tightens
Plus, Dodgers put champagne on ice after loss to Reds and a Padres win. Also, what to watch for Thursday and tiebreakers.
The MLB prospects I was wrong about: Jacob Misiorowski, Ben Rice and more
Misiorowski's development may be an outlier given his profile, while Rice, Otto Lopez and Kyle Leahy offer interesting scouting lessons.
He has the most minor-league losses ever. So why is this Triple-A manager still winning?
Kelly, who is also eighth in all-time minor-league wins, says the gig is 'about getting your players to the big leagues.'.
Coco Crisp played 15 years in MLB. These were the 4 leaders who stood out
Crisp played 15 years in Major League Baseball for four different teams: Cleveland, Boston, Oakland and Kansas City.
Marlins call in ace Sandy Alcantara for his first career save, 2 days after a 101-pitch start
Entering Wednesday, no pitcher in MLB had made more starts than Sandy Alcantara's 32 this year. No pitcher in MLB had recorded more innings than Alcantara's 205 this year. No pitcher in MLB had thrown more pitches than Alcantara's 3,161 this year.
Dodgers, on the brink of clinching the NL West, now have another injury to worry about with Blake Snell
CINCINNATI — Hours before first pitch, rolled-up sheets of plastic hung impatiently above the lockers in the Dodgers' clubhouse. Ready, like another division title banner, to be unfurled.Boxes of Italian sparkling and Napa cab sat stacked like Lego blocks in the hallway.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman make MLB history with rare feat in Cubs' rout of Braves
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman made MLB history on Wednesday while leading the Chicago Cubs to victory over the Atlanta Braves.Crow-Armstrong and Bregman each hit a home run, each hit a triple and each had three extra-base hits in the 8-4 rout at Wrigley Field.
Former Blue Jays pitcher Brian Wolfe dies at 45
Ronald Martinez via Getty ImagesFormer Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brian Wolfe died on Tuesday, both his wife and the franchise announced.He was 45. Wolfe died after "a really, really difficult and torturous battle," his wife wrote on social media.
Dodgers' Blake Snell day-to-day with groin injury after exiting start at 1 inning, 19 pitches
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell left Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds after one inning. Snell threw 19 pitches in the bottom of the first inning and didn't return for the second.
6 takeaways from White Sox-Guardians: Brayan Rocchio, José Ramírez, Tommy Pham and Petey Halpin stand out as Guards take AL Central lead
CLEVELAND — Chris Getz has taken many flights to Cleveland over the course of his career, first as a player in the American League over parts of seven seasons and more recently as the general manager of the Chicago White Sox since 2023. But this time was different.
Paralyzed Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko leaves rehab facility to begin recovery at home
The 24-year-old outfielder suffered a spinal cord injury in an on-field collision with a teammate in late June.
Aaron Judge exits Yankees game with leg injury: 'We're still trying to ramp up'
The Yankees said Judge was dealing with right lower leg tightness before leaving in the sixth inning of a 5-4 loss to the Twins.
Aaron Judge leaves in 6th inning vs. Twins due to 'right lower leg tightness'
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was due up in the top of the sixth inning Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees were down 2-0, and there was one out with a runner on first.
Tommy Pham launches clutch, go-ahead, 3-run home run for his first hit of season after elevator pitch to GM to play
Tommy Pham has finally registered a hit in the 2026 MLB season. He came into Wednesday's game between the White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians 0-for-14 this season, then launched a clutch, go-ahead, three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning.
Pete Alonso Gets Revenge on the Mets, Freddie Freeman Tries Something New & Junior Caminero Eyes the MVP
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubePete Alonso returned to his old digs on Monday night in Queens, greeted by New York Mets fans giving a rousing ovation to show their appreciation for his time with the team.
How an American-style challenge system could be the antidote for soccer's VAR controversy
In the quest to correct what's "clear and obvious," VAR is often the subject of post-match debate. A tweak to the system would do wonders.
16th September 2026
Pete Alonso trades tickets, ‘the whole 9 yards’ with Mets fans for 300th career home run ball
Alonso, who received an ovation at Citi Field, offered tickets, memorabilia and more to the Mets fans who caught the ball.
Shohei Ohtani wants to keep pitching. His body may force the Dodgers to rethink everything: MLB Mailbag
Also in our mailbag: The success of the Rays model; whether catchers excel at ABS challenges when batting; thoughts on the looming lockout.
Inside the revitalization of the Nationals’ once-antiquated farm system
No part of the organization needed to change more — and no part of the organization has changed more — than its player development machine.
What happened to the September pinch runner? Why a beloved species went extinct
Dave Roberts. Terrance Gore. Tim Locastro. Antoan Richardson. Among specific fanbases, those names once meant something significant.
MLB playoff watch: AL Central race tightens; Brewers claim NL Central
Plus, the Padres’ eight-game win streak comes to an end, but the Diamondbacks' loss to Marlins keeps wild-card race in place.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 4-pitch leadoff walk was a red flag, but the Dodgers' ace proved it was a fluke
CINCINNATI — Before each start, Yoshinobu Yamamoto does something remarkable.Many pitchers long toss as part of their pregame routine. It's common practice at the high school level and above to warm up the arm, boot up the body, rev up the engine.
Jacob Misiorowski's gem, Cubs' loss to Braves clinch NL Central for Brewers
With the NL Central title on the line, the Milwaukee Brewers had their Cy Young hopeful ace on the mound Tuesday. Jacob Misiorowski delivered with another gem, striking out seven across five shutout innings to lead the Brewers to a 5-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pete Alonso hits career home run No. 300 at Mets' Citi Field, draws standing ovation and curtain call from his former home fans
Pete Alonso's first game back at Citi Field on Monday night since leaving the New York Mets for the Baltimore Orioles was an emotional one.On Tuesday, he punctuated the homecoming with a significant career milestone.
Shohei Ohtani takes first swings since landing on IL, Dodgers still hopeful he can return before playoffs
Shohei Ohtani appears to be making progress in his quest to return to the field before the end of the regular season.The Dodgers' star hit off a tee on Tuesday in Los Angeles, manager Dave Roberts confirmed before the team's 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Phillies place All-Star Jesús Luzardo on 15-day IL but not ruling out potential postseason start
Although Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo received encouraging news over the weekend, when an MRI revealed that there is no structural damage to his throwing shoulder, the lefty wasn't feeling as well as the club expected on Tuesday.
Astros’ Carlos Correa will not return this season: 'He tried everything'
Manager Joe Espada shot down any thought of Correa returning during the postseason, should the Astros qualify.
Astros manager Joe Espada confirms SS Carlos Correa will not return from ankle injury this season
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed to reporters Tuesday that shortstop Carlos Correa will not return this season. Correa has been sidelined since the beginning of May due to an ankle injury. When the injury occurred, it was expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Phillies put Jesús Luzardo on IL, a critical blow with so many potential ramifications
Luzardo returning to the mound in the postseason is the best-case scenario for the Phillies at this point, but so many questions loom.
Mickey Mantle photograph used for 1952 Topps card sells for record $3 million
The iconic image smashes the previous records for sports photograph sales.
MLB power rankings: Brewers, Rays, Dodgers take the top 3 spots as the playoffs approach
The regular season is winding down, with the teams at the top of the standings starting to clinch their spots in the postseason and those at the bottom being mathematically eliminated.
This Yankees front office exec got to live out his lifetime dream. But did he survive?
Mike Pinsky has seen all 50 seasons of "Survivor." Now he's on the show, and he can't even tell owner Hal Steinbrenner if he won.
Previewing Arizona Fall League rosters: Eduardo Quintero, Bryce Rainer and other notables
The Arizona Fall League rosters are stacked, with several top-100 prospects and many more intriguing players.
What went wrong for the 2026 New York Mets? And where do they go from here?
It was appropriate, in an unfortunate way, that Pete Alonso was on hand to witness the official end of this most woeful Mets season.
Pro sports leagues, players' unions ask regulators to ban bettors who harass athletes
The NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL and their players’ unions asked for regulations banning bettors who harass and threaten athletes and staff.
Did a ball get hit out of state? Plus: 14 straight playoff appearances?!
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
15th September 2026
It still makes no sense that the Mets lost Pete Alonso, an everyday force they cannot replace
Alonso arrived back at Citi Field with more home runs, runs batted in, runs scored, total bases and WAR than anyone on the Mets.
An Atlanta Braves investor wants the team sold. Here’s why he says now is the time
Breach Inlet Capital, one of the team's 20 largest shareholders, publicly proclaimed that now is the time to court bids or to go private.
MLB postseason watch: NL wild-card race tightens; Yankees, Dodgers clinch berths
Plus, the battle for the AL Central gets a bit more clear after the White Sox offense comes to life against the Guardians.
Why hasn’t Yasiel Puig been sentenced months after his conviction for obstruction?
Puig's lawyers have filed a motion to acquit him, and the long wait makes legal experts wonder if it might have a chance.
I was an MLB GM. This is what is fair and unfair in the labor proposals
The labor negotiations are nowhere near finished but both sides have submitted proposals that could improve the game.
MLB Power Rankings: From team sales to Chris Sale, a highlight for each club in 2026
Whether it was a rookie emergence, a veteran revival or the owner selling the team, there was something to like for every club this season.
With Tarik Skubal trending up and Edwin Díaz trending down, the Dodgers are headed to the postseason yet again
CINCINNATI — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not one to beat around the bush.Most MLB skippers, when asked an incisive question in a pregame scrum, volley back an evasive answer. Such is the job.
Yankees clinch playoff spot, but bigger AL East question looms
The Yankees are in the playoffs for the ninth time in the last 10 years. How hard should they push to overtake the Rays in the AL East?.
How did the Dodgers celebrate clinching 14th straight postseason berth?
The Dodgers join the 1991-2005 Braves as the only teams in baseball history to make it to 14 consecutive postseasons.
Pete Alonso receives standing ovation, pregame chant from Mets fans in return to Citi Field
Pete Alonso returned to Citi Field on Monday with the Baltimore Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets, for whom he was arguably the face of the team.
Edwin Díaz continues to struggle, could be left off Dodgers' postseason roster
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic, but expressed concern after Díaz's worst rehab appearance to date.
14th September 2026
First two MLB playoff spots locked. Plus: The AL race tightens
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
MLB playoff race: Which contenders have the easiest and toughest schedules in this final stretch?
As teams sprint for the finish, we examine each contender’s remaining schedule, playoff odds and strength of schedule.
MLB postseason watch: Here's what's at stake with 2 weeks to go
The battle for the AL Central and AL West have taken a major turn, while the NL wild card has seen new developments. Plus, what to watch.
Tigers planning for Justin Verlander to pitch one last game this season to celebrate his career
Justin Verlander was supposed to have one last hurrah with the Detroit Tigers this season, signing a one-year deal with the team that originally drafted him and whom he played with for 14 seasons.
Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally hits first home run at Toronto's Rogers Centre in 2026, with six home games remaining
It took 75 games into the Toronto Blue Jays' 2026 home schedule, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally hit a home run this season at Rogers Centre in Sunday's 8-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Tigers' Justin Verlander targeting one final home start at Comerica Park
Verlander, who will retire at the end of the 2026 season, has faced numerous setbacks in his quest to make one last start for his career.
What is an immaculate inning? Red Sox’s Payton Tolle just threw one against the Royals
Tolle became the second Boston pitcher to throw nine pitches to strike out the side in the first inning — Pedro Martínez did it in 2002.
Red Sox starter Payton Tolle opens game vs. Royals with immaculate inning
The Boston Red Sox started Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals with a perfect note. In the top of the first inning, Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle threw an immaculate inning to begin the game.
Red Sox starter Payton Tolle throws immaculate inning to open win over Royals
The Boston Red Sox started Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals with a perfect note. In the top of the first inning, Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle threw an immaculate inning to begin the game.
Giants' Rafael Devers to miss rest of season due to core muscle injury
Devers, baseball's hottest hitter for weeks, may need to undergo surgery to repair an injury he's dealt with for much of the season.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally hits first Rogers Centre home run
The Jays slugger waited until his 75th home game to hit his first Rogers Centre home run.
