Dominic Smith plates three runs in loss to Cards

Thomas has been sidelined since September 10th with oblique tightness and just began hitting off a tee on September 22nd. This live batting practice session gives him a good shot to be active for the NL Divisional round, where he would likely serve as a pinch hitter and starter against left-handed pitching.

Anthony left Tuesday’s game in the 6th inning after he reaggravated a hand injury that cost him three months earlier this season. What’s more troubling is that Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that the “issue predated the game” and that Andruw Monasterio “said he was notified prior to the game that he might have to replace Anthony due to the discomfort in his hand.” Red Sox manager Chad Tracy also said after the game that Anthony had been feeling some discomfort in the month since he returned from the injured list. All signs point to the 22-year-old no longer being an option for Boston this postseason. According to MLB rules, “A club may request permission from the Commissioner’s Office to replace a player who is injured during the course of a series, but that player is then ineligible for the rest of that round and the subsequent round.” The Red Sox may have to decide on that shortly.

Marsh sat out Game 1 with the Braves throwing left-hander Chris Sale, but he’ll be back in against Tyler Mahle. Marsh hit a career-high 18 home runs this season while stealing 11 bases and posting a .260/.304/.408 slash line.

This may not seem noteworthy, but Acuña Jr. has led off just three times since September 8th. That role is mostly held by Drake Baldwin. Baldwin will DH and hit second in this one, with Sean Murphy entering the lineup as the catcher and hitting eighth.

Gausman always figured to be one of the Cubs’ three starters in the series, but there were some doubts about his availability after he injured his non-throwing shoulder in his final regular season start. Fortunately, it seems he’s good to go. The Cubs, though, will have everyone available while facing elimination.

Pretty incredible. Musgrove was a surprising addition to the Padres’ playoff roster, and received a roaring ovation from the San Diego crowd when he entered for the final inning. He struck out the first batter he faced since 2024 on a curveball, and while he then gave up two singles and free pass, the 33-year-old was able to get the next two outs. It’ll be interesting to see how the Padres use Musgrove going forward, as the stuff did look good.

A tough first playoff game for Crow-Armstrong, with the only positive being a walk. The MVP favorite was fortunate not to get kicked out after arguing a check-swing third strikeout in a game where the Cubs only managed three hits through the game. PCA and Chicago will get a chance to bounce back in a must-win game for the Cubs on Wednesday in San Diego.

Machado hit one of three homers for the Padres with a solo blast in the first off Matthew Boyd. The 34-year-old then doubled home Fernando Tatís Jr., and he also drew a walk. Machado and the Padres will have a chance to get to the NLDS with a win Wednesday.

Tatis Jr. stole second in the seventh, then turned on the afterburners to score on a throw that went into shallow left field. The 27-year-old has been spectacular over the final few months, and he got the Padres all the offense they’d need with a leadoff homer off Matthew Boyd. A win Wednesday will see the Padres advance to the NLDS against the Brewers this weekend.

Boyd allowed three homers, including a leadoff homer to Fernando Tatis Jr. He also gave up dingers to Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts in a shaky — at very best — outing for the 35-year-old. Boyd would likely start Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers if the Cubs advance, but they’ll need to win these next two games on the road.