MLB division series 2026: Live updates, analysis on Day 5

We've got a Super Wednesday in the 2026 MLB playoffs. That's right, four games -- all win or go home for the teams with their backs against the wall. Does it get any better than that?

In the first American League game of the day, the Chicago White Sox hope to treat their home fans to a sweep of the Cleveland Guardians. Then it's Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the reigning back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, as the Braves fight to play another day. Next up, another Game 3: The Tampa Bay Rays, up 2-0, look to bounce the New York Yankees in the Bronx. Finally, the San Diego Padres hope to stave off elimination once again as they face the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park.

We'll have all the day's action covered -- from lineups and keys to the game before first pitch to in-game analysis and postgame takeaways.

Key links: Mega-preview | Series outlooks | Bracket | Schedule

Jump to:

Live updates | Lineups

Live updates

Cleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox

Follow live with pitch-by-pitch coverage

Highlights from Chicago

HUGE DP for Cleveland

Jose Ramirez in the fifth inning: double, stolen base, run scored

Sox get a run back with back-to-back doubles

Adell clears the bases!

Guardians strike back on Kwan's clutch single

Gold-star DP by Vargas

Teel doubles in the first run

History today on the South Side?


Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Follow live with pitch-by-pitch coverage

Highlights from Atlanta

Braves' D coughs up a run

Harris races home -- it's 1-0 Braves

Lineups

All times Eastern

Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (8 p.m.)

Starting pitchers: Nick Martinez vs. Max Fried

What Yankees need to do to force Game 4: Score some runs early to ease the pressure. As ugly as the defense was in Game 2, the offense has been the bigger problem for New York in this series. Both Yankees runs this postseason came via home runs by the scalding Ben Rice. Their five hits are the fewest through two games of a playoff series in franchise history. The Yankees' three through five hitters -- Luis Garcia Jr., Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. -- went 0-for-21 with seven strikeouts and no walks at Tropicana Field. Manager Aaron Boone on Monday said he's considering making lineup changes against right-hander Nick Martinez after using the same lineup with eight left-handed hitters in the first two games. It wouldn't hurt. -- Jorge Castillo

Lineups

Rays
1. Yandy Diaz (R) DH
2. Jonathan Aranda (L) 1B
3. Junior Caminero (R) 3B
4. Victor Mesa Jr. (L) LF
5. Ryan Vilade (R) RF
6. Liam Hicks (L) C
7. Jonny DeLuca (R) CF
8. Richie Palacios (L) 2B
9. Taylor Walls (S) SS

Yankees
1. Trent Grisham (L) CF
2. Ben Rice (L) DH
3. Luis Garcia Jr. (L) 1B
4. Cody Bellinger (L) LF
5. George Lombard Jr. (R) SS
6. Austin Wells (L) C
7. Anthony Volpe (R) 2B
8. Spencer Jones (L) RF
9. Jose Caballero (R) 3B


Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres (10 p.m.)

Starting pitchers: Robert Gasser vs. Walker Buehler

What Padres need to do to force Game 4: With their season on the line once more, the Padres will turn to Buehler in Game 4. He has been a godsend for a thin Padres rotation this season, and he is no stranger to big playoff moments from his time with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. But his leash will be short.

The Padres also seem optimistic that Mason Miller will be back off the paternity list on Wednesday, and that Adrian Morejon will be recovered enough from a stiff shoulder to join him in the bullpen. If that ends up being the case, the Padres could be in good shape. If not, they'll have to get creative once more. -- Alden Gonzalez

Lineups

Brewers
1. Jackson Chourio (R) LF
2. Christian Yelich (L) DH
3. William Contreras (R) C
4. Brice Turang (L) 2B
5. Jake Bauers (L) 1B
6. Cooper Pratt (R) SS
7. Sal Frelick (L) RF
8. Garrett Mitchell (L) CF
9. Joey Ortiz (R) 3B

Padres
1. Fernando Tatis Jr. (R) RF
2. Jackson Merrill (L) CF
3. Manny Machado (R) 3B
4. Ty France (R) 1B
5. Austin Hays (R) DH
6. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS
7. Luis Campusano (R) C
8. Jake Cronenworth (L) 2B
9. Samad Taylor (R) LF