San Diego faces a must-win Game 3 against Chicago as Mike Shildt tabs Yu Darvish over Michael King, with Randy Vásquez in the wings. The Padres’ bullpen has been taxed after back-to-back outings by Morejon and Mason Miller, so a sharp, efficient start from Darvish could ease late-inning pressure.

The decision pits veteran playoff pedigree against sharper season numbers. Darvish, 39, carries extensive postseason exposure but a smaller workload due to injuries, while King has the clearer statline this year. The winner advances to face Milwaukee; the loser heads home, ending San Diego’s season in a high-stakes showdown.

Boston hosts a winner-take-all showdown in Game 3 as Connelly Early, a debuting lefty, eyes a historic postseason start against the Yankees at Fenway. The rookie’s rapid ascent—promoted after Dustin May’s injury and boasting a 2.60 minor-league ERA—has Boston riding a mix of nerves and anticipation for a potential series-altering moment.

New York counters with Cam Schlittler, another rookie, setting up a high-wire duel that could hinge on a few swing-or-miss at-bats and bullpen leverage. The night also flickers with broader postseason whispers about Miller, Skubal, Fried and other arms, while stars like Volpe, Bregman and Suzuki thread through the conversation, underscoring how a single game can redefine trajectories and fantasy value.

Day of Aces chaos ruled the postseason bullpen picture. San Diego’s Mike Shildt turned to Mason Miller as a true weapon, unleashing him in back-to-back eighths to erase danger with velocity and a brutal slider. Detroit’s A.J. Hinch, short on swing-and-miss, overextended his bullpen, leaning on relievers with limited whiffs and paying for late damage in Cleveland. In sudden-death, bullpen depth and the right arms matter as much as starters.