Following a Game 3 victory on Tuesday, the Padres kept their postseason hopes alive. Led by stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado—the latter drawing relentless boos from the Milwaukee crowd—San Diego is eager to punch its ticket past the NLDS.

On the other hand, the Brewers remain in control of the series thanks to a dominant, well-rounded effort on both sides of the ball. Powered by cornerstones William Contreras and Jackson Chourio, along with pitching standouts Logan Henderson and Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee aims to eliminate the Padres and keep its championship pursuit alive.

What happens if the Padres beat the Brewers?

If San Diego wins today, the series will be tied 2-2. A Padres victory would completely shift momentum in the NLDS, forcing a decisive Game 5 and putting Milwaukee’s season on the line.

What happens if the Padres and Brewers tie?

If the Padres and Brewers remain deadlocked after nine innings today, they will play extra innings until a winner is decided—either via a walk-off in the bottom half or by the visiting team holding a lead in the bottom half.

Unlike the regular season, MLB drops the automatic runner on second base (“ghost runner”) during the postseason. Every extra inning starts with clean bases, just like the first inning.

What happens if the Padres lose to the Brewers?

If the Padres lose to the Brewers today, San Diego will be eliminated from the postseason. A Milwaukee win secures the series and sends the Brewers to the NLCS to face the winner of the Dodgers-Braves matchup.

An exit would be a devastating blow for a Padres squad that battled hard all year. However, considering Milwaukee finished as the NL’s top team in the regular season, a Game 4 clinch for the Brewers would surprise very few.

Key takeaways

• A victory by San Diego in Game 4 ties the series 2-2 and forces Game 5.
• Postseason games cannot end in a tie and feature no ghost runner in extra innings.
• A loss by San Diego eliminates the team and sends Milwaukee to the NLCS.

After convincingly eliminating the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round, the Padres find themselves backed into a corner. Facing elimination, San Diego needs a positive result today to maintain its hopes of advancing to the NLCS to face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves.

The Brewers have been firing on all cylinders. Coming off a dominant 103-59 regular season and fueled by top-to-bottom roster production, Milwaukee remains the heavy favorite to close out the series, a sharp contrast to teams like the New York Yankees, who have struggled to find momentum despite key contributions from Jazz Chisholm Jr.

What happens if the Padres win vs Brewers?

If the Padres win Game 3 today vs Milwaukee, San Diego cuts the series deficit to 2-1 and forces a Game 4. While Milwaukee would still hold the series lead, momentum would shift, putting the Brewers at risk of letting the Padres tie the series.

What happens if the Padres and Brewers tie?

A tie is not possible between the Padres and Brewers. An MLB postseason game cannot end in a tie; if the score remains tied after nine innings, teams play extra innings without the ghost runner on second base until a winner emerges.

Play continues through full extra innings until the road team leads at the end of an inning or the home team scores the walk-off run in the bottom half. There is no limit to how many extra innings a playoff game can go.

What happens if the Padres lose vs Brewers?

If the Padres lose Game 3 today, the Brewers will sweep the series and officially clinch a berth in the NLCS. On the other hand, the Padres will be eliminated from postseason contention.

Key takeaways

• A loss by Milwaukee cuts the series deficit to 2-1 and forces Game 4.
• Postseason games cannot end in a tie and feature no ghost runner in extra innings.
• A Brewers win in Game 3 sweeps the series and clinches an NLCS berth.

During that year’s National League Championship Series (NLCS), Machado was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers and had a notable incident with Jesus Aguilar. While running toward first base after hitting a ground ball, Machado dragged his foot and intentionally made contact with the Brewers first baseman’s ankle. The play was considered a “dirty play” by Milwaukee’s fans and players.

During that same series, Machado said in an interview that he was not the type of player who was going to sprint to first base on every play. This further infuriated Brewers fans, whose team prides itself on a strong work ethic and constant effort.

In that 2018 series, Machado made several aggressive and unnecessary slides into second base against shortstop Orlando Arcia. Needless to say, whenever the third baseman visits American Family Field, he is not exactly welcomed with open arms.

Padres look to even the series

The Padres are coming into Game 2 super hungry to bounce back and knot this NLDS series up after a brutal 3–2 heartbreak in Game 1 against the Brewers. The Friars actually out-hit Milwaukee 9 to 7, but they just couldn’t capitalize on their chances when it mattered most.

Manny Machado did his part to keep the offense alive, going 2-for-4 at the plate, including a clutch solo homer to keep things tight. But between William Contreras’ big long ball and a bizarre late-game play where Ty France hit the roof, the Padres came up just short.

Heading into the next matchup, the Pads know their bats can get to Milwaukee’s staff—they just need Machado and the rest of the core to deliver that one big sequencing hit to level the field before heading back home.

Key takeaways

• Game 1 boos targeted Manny Machado due to a controversial incident dating back to 2018.
• Jesus Aguilar made contact with Machado’s foot during a ground ball play at first base.
• 3–2 heartbreak in Game 1 left San Diego looking to bounce back against Milwaukee.

Grisham’s injury update made Boone and the Yankees brace for a long-term absence entering the home stretch of the MLB campaign. Moreover, Boone’s ambiguous answer on Aaron Judge’s return means the Yankees are at a premium for outfield answers.

It all adds up to the pressure on Dominguez. Needless to say, his second MLB game in pinstripes since Aug. 3 didn’t go as expected, and Boone put the Dominican on notice afterward.

“[Dominguez] missed it,” Boone said about the outfielder’s grave fielding mistake in the second inning. “Obviously, a play you have to make. Didn’t make it. Fortunately, we were able to get out of that inning.”

Boone sounded off on Dominguez

Although Gerrit Cole made MLB history of the bad kind by allowing home runs in the first three at-bats of the game and was responsible for the four home runs that won San Diego the game, Boone sounded way more frustrated with Dominguez than he did with Cole’s performance.

In fact, judging by his tone, it may be reasonable to believe Dominguez could be taken out of the lineup just one game after being called up from the Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Dominguez’s struggles weren’t limited to the outfield.

He went 1-for-4 at the plate, including a third-out lineout in the eighth inning, when the Bronx Bombers had cut the deficit to 4-3 with three runs. Dominguez’s at-bat killed the momentum before closer Mason Miller took to the mound and recorded his 33rd save of the year. Boone admitted he considered subbing Dominguez out for Heliot Ramos, but shied away from it.

“Yes, [we considered bringing in Ramos for Dominguez]. With Miller going [at the bullpen], I didn’t like that matchup necessarily,” Boone said after the game. “I don’t necessarily think they would have brought him in [against Ramos], though. I was kind of taking my shot there, but I did consider it.“

Dominguez could lose starting role

It remains to be seen if Boone and New York have a decision in store regarding Dominguez. Perhaps the young Triple-A call-up will be taken out of the lineup for a couple of games. Boone and the Yankees won’t want to act on impulse, but the manager sure sounded very upset at the young Pinstriper.

With Judge trending toward a return soon, there may no longer be a spot for the Dominican in the outfield by the time he can get back into the lineup. Aaron Judge, Spencer Jones and Cody Bellinger may soon make up the Yankees’ starting outfield, shutting Dominguez’s 2026 season window entirely.

Allowing a home run to Padres leadoff batter Fernando Tatis Jr. in the first inning was only the start of a historically bad beginning for Cole in the 2026 MLB season. The Yankees’ starter followed it up by giving up homers to Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado. The worst part of it was that it wasn’t the first time this happened to Cole, and thus he accomplished what no other starting pitcher in MLB history ever had.

“Gerrit Cole is the only pitcher in MLB history to allow back-to-back-to-back home runs to the first three batters of a game more than once in a career,” according to Talkin’ Baseball on X.

Last time Cole allowed three straight HRs to start a game

Although allowing home runs to the first three batters to start a game is rare on its own, it’s not unprecedented. However, doing so more than once is—or rather, was—until Cole accomplished the negative record during the Yankees’ series finale against the Padres.

The last time Cole had started a game by allowing three straight home runs was on June 9, 2022. Then, the Yankees’ starting pitcher allowed three straight home runs to Luis Arraez, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa in the Minnesota Twins’ first three at-bats of the game. Cole’s night would be over after only 2.1 innings pitched, as he gave up five homers.

Cole’s abrupt ending saw him finish with eight hits allowed, seven earned runs, two bases on balls, three strikeouts, a 70-45 pitch-to-strike ratio, and a 3.63 ERA. Surprisingly enough, though, the Yankees ended up winning that game 10-7.

Cole’s pitching combinations in three straight home runs

With a 2-2 count, Cole served a knuckle curve right down the middle of the strike zone that Tatis Jr. connected with for a 371-foot homer. Against Cronenworth with a 2-1 count, Cole once again served a ball right down the middle of the zone, only this time it was a four-seam fastball, which the second baseman took 343 feet to the left side of the field.

Lastly, Machado’s home run came on another four-seam fastball, this time lower but still inside the strike zone and with a 2-2 count. Machado went yard with it, sending it 416 feet out to center.

Boone revealed that Warren will serve as a piggyback reliever for Fried, who is slated to return at some point during the series starting Friday. If Fried stays healthy upon his activation, it could provide a massive boost for the Yanks down the stretch.

Fried first landed on the injured list in mid-May after exiting a start against the Baltimore Orioles. Diagnostic testing revealed a bone bruise in his pitching elbow, keeping him sidelined for over two months before his return on July 22.

Even as the Yankees monitor a potential injury to prospect George Lombard Jr., they remain focused on getting their roster to full strength to lock down a high postseason seed and finish the regular season strong.

What’s next for Warren with the Yankees?

Beyond piggybacking Fried’s return start against the Padres, Boone outlined what could be next for Warren. The right-hander could slide back into the starting rotation afterward, though team management is still finalizing plans around a few upcoming off-days.

Warren’s performance in the coming days could solidify his role for the remainder of the season, as the Yankees set their sights on a World Series run to bring a championship title back to New York.

Impact of Fried’s return on the rotation

When healthy, Fried has been a dominant frontline anchor for the Yankees’ rotation. Across 15 starts, he has compiled a 4–4 record with a 2.81 ERA across 86.1 innings, featuring elite strikeout and ground-ball metrics. His return provides a critical boost to the starting staff as the Yankees fine-tune their pitching roster for October baseball.

The Reds granted Suarez permission to step away during the Padres series so he can take his US naturalization test. A native of Venezuela who resides in Miami, Suarez has been studying for the exam as he works toward earning his American citizenship.

Alongside star infielder Elly De La Cruz, Suarez has been one of the team’s most consistent presences. With Cincinnati out of realistic contention, the front office is focusing on the offseason to evaluate whether Suarez fits into their future plans or if a trade or release makes more sense for next year.

While playoff contenders like the New York Yankees manage high-stakes injury timelines—such as manager Aaron Boone’s updates on Aaron Judge—the Reds are turning their attention toward reshuffling the roster for the upcoming season.

Reds’ projected lineup vs. Padres

With Suarez out of action, De La Cruz takes center stage to anchor the lineup against San Diego. Here is a look at Cincinnati’s projected batting order for the remainder of the series:

1. Elly De La Cruz — SS
2. Sal Stewart — 1B
3. JJ Bleday — LF
4. Tyler Stephenson — C
5. Matt McLain — DH / 2B
6. Héctor Rodríguez — RF
7. Ke’Bryan Hayes / Edwin Arroyo — 3B / IF
8. TJ Friedl — CF
9. Dane Myers / Ivan Johnson — OF / 2B
10. Probable Starter: Nick Lodolo (LHP) / Brady Singer (RHP)

With their postseason hopes virtually extinguished, the Reds are focused on finishing the regular season on a high note while building momentum for the offseason ahead.

According to OptaSTATS, Tatis became the first MLB player since Mike Cameron in 2002 to hit multiple home runs and rob a grand slam in the very same game. Twenty-four years later, Tatis reminded the baseball world of his unmatched ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Amid an up-and-down regular season for San Diego, Tatis’ heroic play has served as the anchor for a squad determined to secure a NL Wild Card berth, especially with the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers setting a blistering pace atop the NL West at 76-51.

Even as trade rumors swirl around potential deadline targets like Mason Miller, the Padres already possess the ultimate game-changer in Tatis to spearhead another deep October postseason push.

Comparing Tatis Jr.’s pre- and post-All-Star splits

The numbers back up what the eye test clearly shows: Tatis has elevated his game to an MVP-caliber level since mid-July. His stark contrast in offensive production before and after the All-Star break highlights just how hot he has been at the plate.

A closer look at the split comparison reveals a dramatic surge in power and productivity:

• Pre All-Star Break
  • .714 OPS
  • 5 HR in 372 AB (1 HR every 74.4 AB)
• Post All-Star Break
  • 1.016 OPS
  • 10 HR in 114 AB (1 HR every 11.4 AB)

Moving forward, the Padres will rely heavily on Tatis to keep his hot hand going as San Diego wraps up its critical home series against the Mets before welcoming the Minnesota Twins to town this weekend.

“Another sign Mason Miller almost certainly isn’t going anywhere: Two days before the trade deadline, Padres manager Craig Stammen has summoned his star closer for a five-out save attempt against the Giants,” Dennis Lin of The Athletic wrote. “Miller last went more than three outs on June 23, when he recorded a two-inning save versus the Braves.”

It is clear that the pitcher’s talent could easily fit on any team with World Series aspirations. However, judging by the Padres’ intentions, Miller will remain on the West Coast at least until the end of this season.

Why is Mason Miller in demand?

San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller has put up absolute outstanding numbers in 2026, delivering a dominant 0.76 ERA, 88 strikeouts, and a 0.80 WHIP while converting 28 saves. Thanks to his electric stuff and overwhelming efficiency at the back end of the bullpen, Miller has naturally emerged as one of the most coveted trade targets across the league leading up to the trade deadline.

The Padres want to make the playoffs

Holding a 58-54 record, the San Diego Padres remain firmly in the postseason hunt. Sitting in third place in the NL West behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego is gearing up for a high-stakes stretch run.

With 50 games remaining in the regular season, every matchup will be crucial as the Padres aim to secure a Wild Card berth and seal their ticket to October.

The road ahead for San Diego

The San Diego Padres are entering a critical stretch of their season with two high-stakes series on the horizon. First, they travel to Phoenix for a crucial four-game division clash against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a direct rival in the NL Wild Card race. Immediately following that series, the Padres return home to Petco Park to host the Houston Astros for a tough three-game interleague matchup, where every win will be vital to keeping their October playoff hopes alive.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “Padres and Yankees discussed Will Warren plus a prospect for set-up man extraordinaire Adrian Morejon but it didn’t happen.

It may not have been the Yankees’ fault though, as Heyman added that, at the end of the day, Morejon is too important for the Padres. It may also explain why the Padres appear to have no intention of trading Mason Miller either.

It’s not been the most fruitful trade period for the Yankees and that is concerning. Arraez went to the Phillies, while the Padres didn’t accept the offer for Morejon. Whether they’ve lost their allure or the front office is just not doing business correctly, the fact is all points sign to the Yankees leaving the MLB trade deadline with empty hands.

Adrian Morejon would’ve been a great addition for the NY Yankees

Adrian Morejon would have been an exceptional high-leverage addition for the New York Yankees bullpen. He is great particularly as a premier left-handed weapon to complement their late-inning mix.

Morejon has established himself as the hardest-throwing left-handed reliever in baseball, featuring a 99 mph fastball. Through 52 appearances this season, Morejon has an 8-2 record with a 3.00 ERA, a minuscule 1.07 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts across 60 innings.

What are the Yankees major needs ahead of the MLB trade deadline?

The New York Yankees are heavily focusing their remaining efforts on securing an impact right-handed bat and high-leverage bullpen depth. Injuries have decimated the Yankees lately as well.

According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, the veteran infielder will remain with Triple-A Syracuse as he continues working his way back from injuries that have limited him throughout his first season with the Mets. The decision comes even after Polanco successfully returned to game action during his rehab assignment.

While his recovery appears to be moving in the right direction physically, the Mets are taking a cautious approach as they evaluate both his health and readiness at the plate before activating him, even as Bo Bichette answered to criticism from doubters continues to circulate as one of the week’s notable storylines around the league.

Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of being fully ready

Earlier this week, manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that Polanco’s return would depend on more than just medical clearance. “We got to talk to the player, how he’s feeling, and all that. And he’s got to get cleared from the medical staff as well,” Mendoza said. “It could be in play that he’s active on Friday. But again, if he needs more at-bats, and it’s not so much like how he’s feeling physically, I think there’s a combination of a lot of things there.”

Polanco has struggled offensively during his brief stay in Syracuse, going hitless with one walk in two Triple-A games. Prior to that, he appeared in three games for Double-A Binghamton, where he collected two hits, including a home run.

Injuries have complicated Polanco’s first season with Mets

Polanco’s debut season in Queens has been disrupted by multiple health issues. He spent time dealing with Achilles bursitis before being sidelined in April with a right wrist contusion.

The wrist injury is reportedly no longer a concern, but the Achilles issue remains something he will likely need to manage throughout the season. As a result, the Mets expect him to spend most of his time as a designated hitter when he eventually returns, while remaining available to play first base when needed.

For now, the Mets will continue their road trip without him as they open a key series against the Padres. The club will return home next week for a matchup against the Cardinals, which could provide another potential target date for Polanco’s return if his rehab continues to progress.