19 October, 2025
mlb-playoffs-kick-off-wild-card-showdowns-start-today-

UPDATE: The MLB playoffs are officially underway as all eight wild-card teams clash today, October 3, 2023. The action kicks off with heated rivalries and high stakes in the best-of-three series, promising thrilling moments for fans nationwide.

The first game features the Cleveland Guardians hosting the Detroit Tigers at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. This matchup brings a fierce rivalry to life, as the Guardians aim to capitalize on their division victory over the Tigers. Game 1 starters are Tarik Skubal for the Tigers and Gavin Williams for the Guardians.

In the afternoon, the spotlight shifts to the San Diego Padres visiting the Chicago Cubs at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. Both teams are eager to make a strong statement as they compete for a chance to advance. The starting pitchers for this critical clash are Nick Pivetta for the Padres and Matthew Boyd for the Cubs.

The intensity ramps up later in the evening as the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN. This historic rivalry never fails to deliver drama, and fans can expect a nail-biting performance from starters Garrett Crochet and Max Fried.

Wrapping up Day 1, the Cincinnati Reds face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Reds secured the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season and will look to upset the reigning champions, the Dodgers, with Hunter Greene on the mound against Blake Snell.

Stay tuned for live updates, lineups, and postgame analysis as each game unfolds. Fans can access pregame insights and key links, including game previews and expert analysis, to fully immerse themselves in the playoff atmosphere.

With such high stakes and fierce competition, today marks an unforgettable start to the postseason. Don’t miss a moment of the action as teams battle for their playoff lives!