The Atlanta Braves have officially opted to retain designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, catcher Travis d'Arnaud, and reliever Aaron Bummer for the 2025 season, committing a total of $31.25 million. Ozuna will be the highest-paid among them at $16 million.

However, relief pitcher Luke Jackson's future with the team looks bleak as the Braves have not exercised his $7 million option. Jackson struggled during his stint, posting a 4.50 ERA in 16 appearances.

With d'Arnaud returning to share catching duties with Sean Murphy, and Bummer reinforcing the bullpen, the Braves will need to find a new middle reliever if Jackson departs. Closer Raisel Iglesias will also be back, ensuring stability in the bullpen.

The San Diego Padres faced off against the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series. Despite the Braves' recent doubleheader, their offense showed promise, getting runners on base early but failing to capitalize.

Fernando Tatis Jr. shined for the Padres, hitting a two-run homer in the first inning, followed by an RBI sacrifice fly from Kyle Higashioka, giving San Diego a 3-0 lead. The Braves struggled with their pitching rotation, missing key players due to fatigue and injury.

The Houston Astros have made significant roster decisions for their AL Wild Card Series against Detroit, notably omitting three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander due to his recent struggles after a neck injury. Manager Joe Espada acknowledged Verlander's professionalism and hinted at a possible return if the team progresses.

In contrast, the Astros included injured slugger Yordan Alvarez, who has been sidelined since September 22, and outfielder Chas McCormick, who returns from a hand injury. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles added reliever Colin Selby to their roster, while Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino is back after a thumb injury, though limited in his role.

In the National League, the Atlanta Braves will be without Chris Sale due to back spasms, and the Milwaukee Brewers have included Sal Frelick, who recently recovered from a hip bruise. The New York Mets have opted for Max Kranick over Tylor Megill as they prepare for their series against Milwaukee.

Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves has been sidelined due to back spasms, missing the crucial Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. His absence comes after the Braves secured a playoff spot with a win over the New York Mets, but they will have to adjust their pitching strategy without Sale.

Sale, a strong contender for the National League Cy Young Award, led the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA this season. With his unavailability, the Braves are left to rely on other pitchers as they prepare for their postseason matchup.

As October begins, the MLB playoffs are set to kick off with wild-card series featuring teams eager to prove their worth. The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their strong record, face pitching concerns, while the Philadelphia Phillies have cooled off after a hot start.

The Milwaukee Brewers are winning with small ball, and the San Diego Padres have surged in the second half. The Atlanta Braves are dealing with injuries to key pitchers, while the New York Mets owe their playoff spot to Francisco Lindor's stellar performance.

Meanwhile, Aaron Judge seeks postseason redemption for the New York Yankees, and the Cleveland Guardians boast an unhittable closer in Emmanuel Clase. The Houston Astros are heating up at the right time, the Baltimore Orioles struggle with bullpen issues, and the Kansas City Royals are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. The Detroit Tigers have made a miraculous run to the postseason, led by Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal.