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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber (57) delivers against the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game 3 of baseball's American League Division Series, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Hostile Territory: Bieber gets Game 3 start for Blue Jays as ALCS moves to Seattle

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:17 PM CDT

TORONTO - When the Toronto Blue Jays enter hostile territory, it's Shane Bieber's job to be out front.

Bieber will be Toronto's starting pitcher for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Seattle on Wednesday. He had the same role for Game 3 of the AL Division Series when the Blue Jays visited Yankee Stadium.

"I love it. It's cool. It's something to embrace," said Bieber on Monday before the opening pitch of Game 2 at Rogers Centre. "Ultimately, it's how many people get the opportunity to pitch in the playoffs, in the ALCS, in what's going to be a great environment in Seattle, so I'm excited for it."

Bieber pitched two games for the Cleveland Guardians at the start of 2024 but was shut down on April 6 of that year after the team announced he needed Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. He was traded to Toronto on July 31 of this year for pitching prospect Khal Stephen.

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Former infielder and coach Sandy Alomar Sr. dies at 81

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 3:43 PM CDT

Sandy Alomar Sr., an All-Star infielder during his playing days in the 1960s and '70s who went on to coach in the majors and manage in his native Puerto Rico, has died. He was 81.

A spokesperson for the Cleveland Guardians said Monday that the team was informed by Alomar's family about his death. Sandy Alomar Jr., who along with Hall of Fame brother Roberto played for their father in winter ball, is on the Guardians' staff.

Alomar broke into the big leagues in 1964 with the Milwaukee Braves, one of six teams he played for. He also spent time with the New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers before calling it a career in 1978.

He stole 227 bases, including a career-high 39 in 1971, when he led the American League with 689 at-bats. He took part in one playoff series with the Yankees in '76.

Sunny Days? Blue Jays say Rogers Centre roof will be open for Game 2 against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Sunny Days? Blue Jays say Rogers Centre roof will be open for Game 2 against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:15 PM CDT

TORONTO - In a change from Game 1, the Rogers Centre roof will be open for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Monday.

The Seattle Mariners beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in the best-of-seven series opener on Sunday when the retractable roof was closed.

Toronto posted a 25-11 mark (.694) this past season with the roof open and a 24-14 record (.632) with the roof closed. The Blue Jays were 5-2 (.714) when the roof was open or closed after a game had started.

At 54-27, the Blue Jays had the best home record in the American League this past season. The Blue Jays won both home games against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series with the roof open.

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Yesterday at 2:15 PM CDT

The Canadian flag is displayed on the field during an anthem ceremony ahead of the start of Major League Baseball's American League Division Series between the Blue Jays and New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
The Canadian flag is displayed on the field during an anthem ceremony ahead of the start of Major League Baseball's American League Division Series between the Blue Jays and New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Anthony Santander scratched from Blue Jays’ Game 2 lineup with back tightness

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Anthony Santander scratched from Blue Jays’ Game 2 lineup with back tightness

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 2:14 PM CDT

TORONTO - Switch-hitting slugger Anthony Santander is a late scratch from the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup for Game 2 of the American League Championship.

Santander was originally going to hit seventh against the Seattle Mariners, even doing a pre-game news conference.

He was pulled from Toronto's batting order a little over two hours before the opening pitch at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays say he's out with back tightness.

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Yesterday at 2:14 PM CDT

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Anthony Santander (25) hits a single ruled as a double on the play in front of Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) during second inning American League Championship Series baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Anthony Santander (25) hits a single ruled as a double on the play in front of Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) during second inning American League Championship Series baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Mariners dump Blue Jays 10-3 to take 2-0 lead in American League Championship Series

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Mariners dump Blue Jays 10-3 to take 2-0 lead in American League Championship Series

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:53 PM CDT

TORONTO - So much for the fatigue storyline.

The Seattle Mariners have looked anything but tired despite arriving in Toronto on a transcontinental flight less than 24 hours before the start of the American League Championship Series.

It seems the only thing a 15-inning Game 5 division series win did was make the Mariners hungry for more.

Seattle quieted the hot Toronto bats over two victories at Rogers Centre, the latest a 10-3 rout in Game 2 on Monday that has the Mariners two wins away from their first World Series appearance.

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Updated: Yesterday at 9:53 PM CDT

Blue Jays manager John Schneider, right, talks with Nathan Lukes after he fouled a pitch off his right knee in the first inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners on Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Blue Jays manager John Schneider, right, talks with Nathan Lukes after he fouled a pitch off his right knee in the first inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners on Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Padres manager Mike Shildt announces retirement after just 2 seasons in charge

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Padres manager Mike Shildt announces retirement after just 2 seasons in charge

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:14 PM CDT

Mike Shildt is retiring after two seasons as the San Diego Padres’ manager.

The Padres confirmed the 57-year-old Shildt’s decision Monday. In a letter to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Shildt said he is retiring because “the grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Shildt went 183-141 and led San Diego to two postseason appearances during his brief tenure. The Padres won 90 games this season and finished second in the NL West before being eliminated by the Chicago Cubs this month in a tense three-game wild-card playoff series.

Padres general manager A.J. Preller issued a statement praising Shildt.

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Updated: Yesterday at 12:14 PM CDT

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt reacts during the seventh inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt reacts during the seventh inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)

Rookie Trey Yesavage starts for Blue Jays in Game 2 of ALCS; Mariners lead series 1-0

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Rookie Trey Yesavage starts for Blue Jays in Game 2 of ALCS; Mariners lead series 1-0

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:48 AM CDT

TORONTO - Trey Yesavage will take the mound this evening for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.

Logan Gilbert will get the start for the Seattle Mariners.

Seattle leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 after beating the Blue Jays 3-1 in last night's Game 1.

Yesavage was electric in his post-season debut on Oct. 5, striking out 11 Yankees over 5 1/3 innings of no-hit baseball as Toronto went on to beat New York 13-7 in Game 2 of the AL Division Series.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:48 AM CDT

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reacts after grounding out during sixth inning American League Championship Series baseball action against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reacts after grounding out during sixth inning American League Championship Series baseball action against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Mariners beat Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 1 of American League Championship Series

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Mariners beat Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 1 of American League Championship Series

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:38 PM CDT

TORONTO - The Seattle Mariners struck first in the American League Championship Series on Sunday with a 3-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Cal Raleigh hit a solo shot in Seattle's two-run sixth inning. Jorge Polanco had a pair of RBI singles and Bryce Miller (1-0) threw six strong frames for the win.

Andres Munoz worked a clean ninth inning for the save.

George Springer put a charge into the sellout crowd of 44,474 with a leadoff homer for the Blue Jays. Anthony Santander singled in the second inning for Toronto's only other hit.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:38 PM CDT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman reacts after giving up a home run to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh during sixth inning American League Championship Series baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman reacts after giving up a home run to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh during sixth inning American League Championship Series baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Blue Jays right-fielder Nathan Lukes leaves ALCS Game 1 after taking pitch off knee

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Jays right-fielder Nathan Lukes leaves ALCS Game 1 after taking pitch off knee

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

TORONTO - Nathan Lukes was pulled from the Toronto Blue Jays' 3-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series with a right-knee contusion.

Lukes went down in pain after his bat deflected a ball on to the top of his right knee in the first inning. He was replaced in right field by Myles Straw in the fourth inning.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the game that Lukes had an X-ray and a CT scan done and they came back negative for a fracture.

Lukes dropped to the turf after he fouled a Bryce Miller pitch off his bat and into his right knee.

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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays' Nathan Lukes is slow to get up after fouling the ball off his leg as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, right, looks away during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Toronto Blue Jays' Nathan Lukes is slow to get up after fouling the ball off his leg as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, right, looks away during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Yesavage just a pawn in Blue Jays’ chess match with Yankees in Game 4 of ALDS

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Yesavage just a pawn in Blue Jays’ chess match with Yankees in Game 4 of ALDS

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

TORONTO - Trey Yesavage has had a lot of firsts in his rookie season with the Toronto Blue Jays. You can add "decoy" to the list.

Yesavage and Blue Jays manager John Schneider admitted that the freshman pitcher was used as a distraction in the decisive Game 4 of the American League Division Series when Toronto eliminated the New York Yankees from the playoffs with a 5-2 victory.

Yesavage and fellow starting pitcher Kevin Gausman walked to the visitors' bullpen midgame, implying they could come in as relievers to shut down any comeback New York might mount.

"When I was walking down there, I was trying not to smile. I was trying to act locked in," said Yesavage on Sunday ahead of Game 1 of the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.

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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) looks out to the stands after being pulled off the mound during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) looks out to the stands after being pulled off the mound during sixth inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action against the New York Yankees, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Yesavage says family subject to abuse after helping Blue Jays beat Yankees

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Yesavage says family subject to abuse after helping Blue Jays beat Yankees

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

TORONTO - Trey Yesavage has called out baseball fans who have been subjecting his family and girlfriend to abuse during Major League Baseball's post-season.

Yesavage opened a news conference on Sunday afternoon with a prepared statement to address the attacks on his loved ones. The rookie will be the Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Monday against the Seattle Mariners.

"Living in this world where there's so many different opinions and feelings which results in a lot of hate, it's sad to see that people close to me are being attacked for my performances on the field," said Yesavage. "These people have done nothing to warrant negativity for my actions, whether that's my parents, my brothers, my girlfriend, family. It's just really sad."

Yesavage struck out 11 over 5 1/3 shutout innings on Oct. 5 as Toronto beat the New York Yankees 13-7 in Game 2 of the AL Division Series. The Blue Jays went on to eliminate New York from the playoffs.

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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage steps off the mound during MLB American League Division Series baseball action against New York Yankees in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage steps off the mound during MLB American League Division Series baseball action against New York Yankees in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Bandwagon fan’s guide to baseball: most of what you need to know to enjoy post-season

Nicole Thompson and John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Bandwagon fan’s guide to baseball: most of what you need to know to enjoy post-season

Nicole Thompson and John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays have advanced to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nearly a decade, and the bandwagon is officially rolling. 

But those new to the sport might need a primer on how exactly it works, from the sequence of the playoffs to the rules of the game. 

Below, we parse through the basics.

WHAT'S THE STRUCTURE OF THE POST-SEASON?

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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

The crowd looks on as Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) works against the New York Yankees during first inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
The crowd looks on as Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) works against the New York Yankees during first inning MLB American League Division Series baseball action in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Hot offence runs cold as Blue Jays fall to Mariners in ALCS opener

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Hot offence runs cold as Blue Jays fall to Mariners in ALCS opener

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:21 AM CDT

TORONTO - George Springer did his best to set the early tone for the American League Championship Series on Sunday. 

It would be the lone offensive spark on a disappointing night for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Springer hit a leadoff homer off Bryce Miller but the Seattle Mariners shut down the Blue Jays from there in a 3-1 victory at Rogers Centre.

"I thought we took some good swings and hit some balls at people a little bit," said Toronto manager John Schneider. "(We) didn't have a whole lot of batted ball luck, if you want to call it that."

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:21 AM CDT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman practices with his team ahead of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman practices with his team ahead of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Brewers beat Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of NL Division Series to advance to NLCS matchup with Dodgers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Brewers beat Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of NL Division Series to advance to NLCS matchup with Dodgers

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning and William Contreras and Brice Turang also went deep as the Milwaukee Brewers shook off their recent history of playoff frustration by beating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the decisive fifth game of their NL Division Series on Saturday.

The Brewers, making their seventh playoff appearance in the last eight years, earned their first postseason series win since sweeping Colorado in the 2018 NLDS. The Brewers were on the verge of their second World Series appearance in franchise history that year before losing Game 7 of the National League Championship Series at home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Now they get another NLCS matchup with the Dodgers, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the other NL Division Series. Game 1 is Monday at Milwaukee.

Milwaukee won with an all-hands-on-deck pitching approach in the final game against Chicago. Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe combined on a four-hitter.

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Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (28) hits a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 5 of baseball's National League Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (28) hits a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of Game 5 of baseball's National League Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

Right-hander Kevin Gausman gets Game 1 start for Blue Jays in ALCS against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Right-hander Kevin Gausman gets Game 1 start for Blue Jays in ALCS against Mariners

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

TORONTO - It has become a familiar routine for the Toronto Blue Jays since securing the top seed in the American League on the final day of the season: rest, prepare and perform.

It worked like a charm against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. The Blue Jays, who have had a three-day break between games, are hoping for an encore showing in the AL Championship Series against Seattle.

"I think we're going to be ready to roll," said Toronto outfielder Myles Straw. "I feel like that was the perfect amount of time to miss and still be locked in."

The division title gave Toronto home-field advantage and a bye past the wild-card round. The Yankees went the distance in that best-of-three series against Boston and were worse for it against the Blue Jays.

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Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) reacts to a flyout during the fifth inning of Game 1 in Major League Baseball's American League Division Series action against the New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) reacts to a flyout during the fifth inning of Game 1 in Major League Baseball's American League Division Series action against the New York Yankees in Toronto on Oct. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Polanco hits winning single in the 15th inning as the Mariners beat the Tigers to advance to ALCS

Luke Olson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Polanco hits winning single in the 15th inning as the Mariners beat the Tigers to advance to ALCS

Luke Olson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

SEATTLE (AP) — Jorge Polanco hit a game-ending single in the 15th inning, and the Seattle Mariners advanced to the AL Championship Series by outlasting the Detroit Tigers for a 3-2 victory Friday night in the longest winner-take-all postseason game in baseball history.

With one out and the bases loaded, Polanco drove in J.P. Crawford with a liner to right off Tommy Kahnle. Crawford hit a leadoff single, Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch and Julio Rodríguez was intentionally walked before Polanco's big swing on the 472nd pitch of an epic Game 5 in a tightly contested Division Series.

The Mariners left 12 runners on base and still managed to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. Next up is a matchup with the AL East champion Blue Jays, beginning on Sunday night at Toronto.

“We never give up. We just keep fighting. It doesn’t matter how many innings we play,” Polanco said. “We just stay ready and wait for the moment. It’s going to come. It was my time.”

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Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025

Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco reacts after hitting an RBI-single for shortstop J.P. Crawford to score the game-winning run during the 15th inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco reacts after hitting an RBI-single for shortstop J.P. Crawford to score the game-winning run during the 15th inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

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