Published on: September 29, 2025, 01:32h.
Updated on: September 29, 2025, 01:57h.
- Complete MLB Wild Card Schedule Announced for Tuesday
- The Dodgers and Brewers Lead World Series Betting Odds
- The Tigers Remain the Moneyline Favorites Against the Guardians
As soon as Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays hit his second home run during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, the MLB postseason alignments began to solidify, prompting oddsmakers to adjust their lines.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ catcher not only hit a grand slam but also captivated the Rogers Centre audience of 42,083 as he celebrated emotionally, making it one of Toronto’s landmark moments since Jose Bautista’s iconic bat flip in 2015. The Jays dominated the Rays 13-4, securing the American League East title.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians achieved a remarkable comeback to clinch the Central Division, with the Mariners already having secured the AL West title.
Thus, the American League’s best-of-three wildcard matchups are established: the Red Sox will face the Yankees in New York on Tuesday (6:08 p.m.), while the Tigers travel to Cleveland to square off against the Guardians (1:08 p.m.). The winning team from Boston and New York will proceed to Toronto for the American League Division Series (ALDS) next Saturday, while the victor between Detroit and Cleveland will head to Seattle.
Upcoming Wild Card Games This Tuesday
In the National League, the Cincinnati Reds needed a win against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday to secure the final wild card spot but fell short with a 4-2 loss. The Mets required a victory against the Marlins to remain in the hunt, but they lost 4-0, eliminating them from contention.
The Reds will head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (Tuesday at 9:08 p.m.), while the Padres will visit Wrigley Field for a match against the Cubs (3:08 p.m.). The Phillies and Brewers will await the outcomes of these series in the National League Division Series.
The Tigers, with Tarik Skubal on the mound, are -169 moneyline favorites at DraftKings. The Guardians, led by Gavin Williams, are currently at +138. Over in New York, the Yankees with Max Fried are positioned at -136, while the Red Sox and Garrett Crochet are at +112.
At BetMGM, the Cubs (TBD) hold a slight edge as moneyline favorites at -115 against the Padres (Nick Pivetta) at -105. The Dodgers, with Blake Snell, are favored at -200, while the Reds, represented by Hunter Greene, sit at +165.
Injury Updates for Tuesday
Injuries to monitor: Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm is dealing with a forearm issue and is listed as day-to-day, absent from the Sunday lineup that secured a 4-1 win over the Orioles. Red Sox starting pitcher Dustin May, recovering from an elbow injury, threw his second live bullpen session on Friday, and relief pitcher Jordan Hicks has been cleared to resume light throwing after a shoulder-related 15-day IL stint. Guardians’ starter John Means made a notable return, pitching 5.1 innings for Triple-A Columbus following a 60-day stint on the IL due to elbow troubles.
The Reds’ left fielder Austin Hays is day-to-day, alongside Nick Lodolo, who is currently throwing from the bullpen mound, as reported by MLB.com. Dodgers’ third baseman Max Muncy is expected to return for Tuesday’s game, while Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya is on a rehab assignment in the minors due to an ankle issue.
Betting Trends: Dodgers and Brewers as Top World Series Picks
Notably, the Guardians will be without relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, who remains sidelined due to an investigation related to alleged gambling activities initiated earlier this season. Clase recorded 47 saves last season and had already made 24 saves this season before his suspension.
“The Dodgers and Brewers are among the top choices for World Series bets. Interestingly, a Yankees triumph would benefit sportsbooks significantly,” noted Halvor Egeland, a senior trader at BetMGM. “Should the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, and Red Sox advance, this could lead to unprecedented betting activity in BetMGM history.”
Regarding betting odds for the AL pennant at BetMGM, the Mariners lead at +200, while the Tigers have the highest ticket percentage at 18.2%. The Yankees possess the largest handle percentage at 23.3%. In the NL pennant, the Phillies are favored at +210, with both the Phillies and Dodgers sharing the highest ticket percentage at 14.0%, while the Dodgers lead in handle percentage at 17.0%.
Potential Value Bets on the Red Sox
“The Yankees-Red Sox matchup is bound to attract the most bets,” predicted Phill Gray, former head of trading at Sports Interaction and a current sports betting analyst. “The Yankees are notably short favorites at -165 to win the series outright. They are always a public favorite, but that price feels ahead of the action, making Boston an appealing option with an inflated price.”
Gray also anticipates considerable interest in the Reds vs. Dodgers matchup. “Before the season started, we didn’t expect LA would be in the wildcard, but here they are with significant odds – currently at a steep -245 to win the series. While LA boasts a superior offense, the Reds have a decent pitching lineup. Expect significant betting on the Overs as the public anticipates heavy scoring from the Dodgers at home.”