ALCS and NLCS Openers: Key Highlights and Waiver Wire Insights

The baseball world is buzzing with excitement as the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and National League Championship Series (NLCS) unfold. Key matchups and player performance are drawing attention, while the waiver wire is heating up as teams prepare for the offseason.

ALCS Update: Blue Jays vs. Mariners

The ALCS has shifted to Game 4 with the Toronto Blue Jays facing the Seattle Mariners. After falling behind 0-2 in the series, the Blue Jays delivered a resounding 13-4 victory over the Mariners last night. They aim to tie the series later today.

Scheduled for 5:33 PM local time, future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer will take the mound for the Blue Jays. Scherzer, carrying a 5.19 ERA, is set to face off against the Mariners’ Luis Castillo, who boasts a more impressive 3.54 ERA this postseason.

• Scherzer was excluded from the Blue Jays’ ALDS roster due to matchup concerns.
• Castillo excelled in the ALDS, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 2.

NLCS Insight: Dodgers vs. Brewers

Before the ALCS game, the NLCS continues with the Dodgers facing the Brewers in Los Angeles at 3:08 PM local time. The Brewers, looking for their first away win of the series, are working with a yet-to-be-announced starting pitcher.

Southpaw Jose Quintana, with a 3.96 ERA, is expected to pitch today. He will contend against Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers, who has a 3.19 ERA.

• Quintana has demonstrated postseason prowess with three scoreless innings against the Cubs.
• Glasnow has recorded ten strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings of scoreless work this postseason.

Waiver Wire Developments

As the offseason approaches, teams are beginning to manage their 40-man rosters. This has led to increased activity on the waiver wire.

• The Chicago White Sox assigned four players to minor leagues this week.
• Pittsburgh claimed Will Robertson off waivers.
• Minnesota added Ryan Kreidler after he was designated for assignment by the Pirates.

With these moves, other teams may also consider exposing borderline 40-man roster players to waivers in the coming days. This increasing activity reflects the strategic adjustments teams are making as they plan for the future.