Toronto Blue Jays omit Max Scherzer, Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt from their ALDS roster as they face the Yankees, citing Scherzer’s 9.00 ERA over six recent starts and Bichette’s left-knee sprain. Bieber and Gausman anchor Toronto’s rotation with Trey Yesavage in reserve, while four left-handers bolster a depth-heavy staff. New York adds Luis Gil to start the opener, trimming Mark Leiter Jr. Dodgers bring Clayton Kershaw in relief for a likely farewell, Phillies keep Kemp and Wilson but drop Romano and Trivino, Cubs add Ben Brown, and Brewers promote Misiorowski and Gasser while Rhys Hoskins sits out.

With Bichette out, Toronto’s lineup turns to bench and depth options for sustained run production; Scherzer’s absence is a sharp reminder that even veteran names aren’t immune to late-season fade. Dodgers’ setup role for Kershaw will shape NLDS strategy, while Brewers’ rookie pair injects upside into a rotation-heavy playoff path. The rosters highlight the strategic pivots teams make in October to optimize short-series odds.

Detroit exploded for nine runs in the seventh and rolled to a 12-2 win over New York, tightening its grip atop the AL Central. The middle game features a Rodón–Flaherty pitching duel as the Yankees chase a wild-card spot and the Tigers look to keep momentum against a familiar division foe. Rodón aims to lead the AL in wins but hasn’t solved Detroit this year, while Flaherty has shown volatility but can swing a game with a strong start.

Bookmakers list NYY as a moderate favorite while a SportsLine model pegs a Yankees win around 64% with various props on Guardians wins and Clay Holmes’ outs. For fantasy players, Meadows’ multi-hit night and Mize’s quality six-inning outing supply value, while Rodón’s history vs Detroit keeps expectations cautious in cash games.

Detroit erupted in a single, nine-run seventh that erased a tight six-inning duel and crushed the Yankees 12-2. Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. combined to face at least four batters and record no outs, marking a rare, franchise-typical bullpen meltdown at an inopportune time. Will Warren steadied six innings for NYY before the collapse, but Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter supplied the late-inning punch for Detroit. The loss leaves New York three games behind Toronto in the AL East; Detroit remains in the top-seed mix in the American League.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has returned to his natural position at second base for the New York Yankees, taking over from DJ LeMahieu, who is now on the bench. This change comes after Chisholm struggled defensively at third base due to injury. He is looking to improve upon his season batting average of .245 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs. Also, the Yankees placed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. on the injured list with a stress fracture in his leg, paving the way for Clayton Beeter and Cam Schlittler to take on more significant roles.

Chisholm's transition back to second aims to capitalize on his athleticism, especially with the Yankees' recent defensive struggles. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the need for flexibility in their infield positions, given the current injury situations. Meanwhile, LeMahieu, facing physical challenges, will serve as a right-handed bat off the bench. The Yankees continue to navigate a tough season with various lineup adjustments going forward.

The New York Yankees are facing significant challenges in their bullpen following Mark Leiter Jr.'s placement on the 15-day injured list due to a stress fracture in his left leg. The injury occurred while covering first base during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, and Leiter reported feeling a 'pop' that led to initial confusion about the nature of his injury. His timeline for recovery remains uncertain, adding to the Yankees' growing list of pitching woes, with multiple relievers already sidelined.

Leiter's performance prior to the injury was solid, posting a 3.48 ERA over 36 appearances and playing key roles in high-leverage situations. However, his recent outings were less effective, potentially impacted by his undiagnosed injury. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the burden on the bullpen and emphasized the need for others to step up in Leiter's absence. The team has called up Clayton Beeter to fill the vacant roster spot, while they wait for Leiter's return and the possible rehabilitation of Luis Gil, who has been out since spring training with a lat strain.