New York’s Mets face a decisive late-season sprint as a seven-game skid threatens their playoff hopes, even with Soto delivering MVP-like numbers. The AL Wild Card picture tightens with Seattle closing in on Houston, while the NL race features Mets, Giants, Reds and D-backs all within striking distance. Byes go to the Blue Jays and Tigers in the AL and Brewers and Phillies in the NL, but a final regular-season series tiebreaker will determine some crucial spots.

The stretch run promises volatility: a couple of wins can vault teams into clinching scenarios, while losses can flip a wildcard order overnight. Fantasy managers must monitor lineup shifts, bullpen usage, and park factors as teams jockey for a postseason berth in the two weeks ahead.

Chicago White Sox managed a first-inning lead but couldn’t sustain offense, drawing a blank after one run as Parker Messick’s mix of fastball and changeup kept Cleveland in check. Davis Martin steadied after a rough first, yet a late two-run shot by C.J. Kayfus and a costly error-free third inning sealed a 3-1 loss. Despite outhitting the Guardians, Chicago couldn’t string together multi-run damage and left runners stranded, highlighting the need for a deeper lineup breakout.