Ryan Johnson holds Angels to one run on Tuesday

No real changes for the Astros, with the exception of Alvarez heading out to left field with Isaac Paredes moving to DH and Nick Allen entering at third base, as they try to stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 3 showdown. Here’s the full lineup: Jeremy Peña (SS), Alvarez (LF), Paredes (DH), Jose Altuve (2B), Yainer Diaz (C), Christian Walker (1B), Lucas Spence (CF), Cam Smith (RF) and Allen (3B).

Tracy added that Anthony underwent an MRI that revealed new strains to different muscles in his right hand and wrist in addition to re-aggravating his previous finger-related issue. The 22-year-old made an early exit from Tuesday’s AL Wild Card Series opener and won’t be available for the Division Series, if Boston somehow manages to rally. The greater concern here is whether Anthony will require surgery, which would put his status for the outset of next season in serious jeopardy. It’s a disappointing development after Anthony missed most of the season with a finger injury. There should be additional clarity on his status in the coming days.

Garcia sat out Game 1 against left-hander Payton Tolle, but will be in the lineup with Sonny Gray on the hill. Jazz Chisholm will also start at second base and bat sixth, and Trent Grisham will play center field and bat seventh. George Lombard Jr. will be the only right-handed hitter in the lineup, but there could be plenty of turnover if the Red Sox go to a left-handed reliever out of the bullpen.

This always seemed likely after the 22-year-old reaggravated a hand injury on a check swing on Sunday and then further hurt it in Game 1 on Tuesday. Nate Eaton will start in left field and bat ninth against left-hander Max Fried, but now the bigger question will be whether or not the Red Sox request permission to replace Anthony on their roster for the postseason.

In the final week of the regular season, Varsho admitted that he might need offseason surgery, and that was indeed the case. The 30-year-old hit .221/.281/.355 with 12 home runs, 12 steals, and a career-low 20.3 percent strikeout rate. He’ll be a free agent in the off-season, and it will be really interesting to see what kind of contract he can get, keeping in mind his clear defensive value.

According to the Texas Orthopedic and Spine Associates website, the procedure removed damaged tissue from the triangular fibrocartilage complex in the wrist. Holliday will be able to begin his rehab in a few weeks, and he should be good to go for spring training.

The White Sox are running back the same lineup that scored six runs in a Game 1 win, which makes total sense. Meidroth, who had missed the last three games of the regular season with left hamstring discomfort, went 2-for-4 in that game with a run and an RBI. Colson Montgomery, who homered in Game 1, will continue to hit behind him in the ninth spot.

The 32-year-old Rees, a former Blue Jays prospect, got a little attention back in 2019 after posting a crazy 0.73 ERA and an 88/15 K/BB in 61 2/3 innings in A-ball. He topped out in Triple-A with the Jays, but he will get another look from a major league team next spring after spending two years in indy ball and 2026 in Mexico.

Ogando, 26, joined the Orioles organization in 2025 after seven years with the D-backs and a 2024 spent in indy ball. He had a 4.89 ERA and a 61/37 K/BB in 49 2/3 innings out of the pen between Double- and Triple-A this year.

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.