Overview
- The New York Yankees clinched a postseason spot Monday after Aaron Judge hit a three-run homer in a six-run eighth inning to power an 8-3 win over the Minnesota Twins.
- Judge’s homer was his first since May and came after he returned from a fractured rib, a timely contribution that helped the Yankees secure their record 61st trip to the playoffs and their ninth in 10 years.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers also clinched a playoff berth this week, extending their streak of postseason appearances to 14 straight seasons.
- The New York Mets were eliminated following a loss to Baltimore, while former Met Pete Alonso returned to Citi Field to warm ovations and hit his 300th career homer later in an extra-innings game that Baltimore won on Coby Mayo’s three-run inside-the-park homer.
- With roughly two weeks left in the regular season, late returns from star players, late-inning homers and unusual plays are directly affecting wild-card and divisional races and will shape October matchups and roster decisions.