MLB Wild Card Series Game 1 begins Tuesday with four matchups

Can the Phillies Overcome a Brutal September Collapse Against Atlanta?

The Philadelphia Phillies enter the postseason on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock against the Atlanta Braves, seeking to put a dismal 5-10 and 10-14 late-season stretch behind them. A shaky September nearly cost the veteran roster a playoff berth, forcing a 7-3 victory on a rainy final day at Citizens Bank Park to avoid a historic slide. Yahoo Sports reported that the Phillies needed an in-season managerial firing to spark the roster, mirroring a previous shakeup during their window. Now, a veteran club making its fifth consecutive postseason appearance faces heated rivals in a series where starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo takes the mound for Game 1 against Atlanta’s Chris Sale.

White Sox and Astros Clash in Battle of Under-.500 Division Winners

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros square off Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN, featuring the two teams with the worst regular-season records in the postseason. Houston finished below .500, becoming the first division winner to finish with a losing record since divisions began in 1969, while outscored by 32 runs. Both squads posted sub-.500 records in September, leaving neither side red-hot. The matchup hinges on whether slumping hitters like the White Sox’s Colson Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami—despite Murakami hitting four homers and slugging .684 over his final 10 games—or Houston’s heavily avoided Yordan Alvarez can ignite their respective lineups.

Yankees Rely on Dominant Rotation Facing Red Sox

The New York Yankees lean heavily on starting pitching as they face the Boston Red Sox, with Aaron Judge’s status and effectiveness up in the air. New York counters Boston’s depleted offense with a rotation trio of Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole. Schlittler, this season’s presumed AL Cy Young winner, starts Game 1 after serving as the difference-maker in last year’s round against the team he grew up cheering for. Meanwhile, Boston’s rotation features Sonny Gray for Game 2, while Garrett Crochet remains ticketed for the bullpen after not pitching since April.

Cubs Face Bullpen Contrast Against Padres’ Lockdown Relievers

The Chicago Cubs bring an outstanding offense and incredible defense into their Wild Card matchup against the San Diego Padres, but face a glaring disadvantage in relief pitching. While San Diego features Mason Miller alongside a structured bullpen with set roles in Adrian Morejon, Yuki Matsui, and Bradgley Rodriguez, the Cubs lack a reliable closer. Chicago relies on throwing multiple arms at late-game problems, making early leads essential. Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs’ bats will need to score early to survive against a San Diego bullpen that locks down games after five innings.

Postseason Schedule and Starting Matchups

The Wild Card Series opens Tuesday with a full slate of opening games across both leagues. The Philadelphia Phillies send Jesús Luzardo to face Atlanta’s Chris Sale in Game 1 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, followed by Cristopher Sánchez against Tyler Mahle in Game 2 on Wednesday. In the American League, the White Sox and Astros play at 5 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series

When does the MLB postseason start?

The MLB postseason begins on Tuesday, exactly 335 days after the conclusion of the previous year’s postseason.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Phillies vs. Braves Game 1?

Jesús Luzardo takes the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies against Atlanta’s Chris Sale on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET.

Which teams with losing records made the playoffs?

The Houston Astros secured a division title despite finishing the regular season with a sub-.500 record, becoming the first division winner to do so since 1969.

Where can viewers watch the White Sox vs. Astros Wild Card game?

The White Sox and Astros game airs at 5 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN.