Samwise MLB Newsletter
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Brewers clinch fourth straight NL Central title after Cubs loss2 sources
This achievement locks Milwaukee into the postseason, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Meanwhile, other MLB developments included the Philadelphia Phillies placing 14-game winner Luzardo on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. The Los Angeles Dodgers reported that Shohei Ohtani took his first swings off a tee since going on the IL. As we reported in the Samwise MLB Daily Newsletter on May 20: “Misiorowski’s 24⅓-Inning Scoreless Streak Powers Brewers into NL Central Lead.”.
Yankees, Dodgers clinch 2026 MLB playoff berths as postseason picture takes shape2 sources
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched berths in the 2026 MLB postseason, according to CBS Sports. Playoff races are heating up across baseball as the league approaches the final stretch of the regular season. The publication provides a comprehensive look at the current bracket and postseason projections for all teams. Standings data reflects the immediate impact of these clinches on the remaining playoff spots. The article details the specific positioning of teams within the American and National League divisions. It outlines the path for wild card contenders and division leaders alike.
Sources: cbssports.com · dodgersdigest.com
Phillies place Jesus Luzardo on 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation2 sources
The Philadelphia Phillies placed left-hander Jesus Luzardo on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to September 12, due to left shoulder inflammation. Luzardo was previously scratched from his last start citing shoulder stiffness. An MRI subsequently revealed no structural damage to the shoulder. The team executed a corresponding roster move by recalling left-handed pitcher Kyle Backhus. Manager Don Mattingly communicated the injury status to the team prior to the official public announcement. Luzardo’s absence removes a key starting option from the rotation during the final stretch of the season. The move reflects the team’s protocol for managing inflammation while preserving long-term arm health.
Sources: cbssports.com · mlbtraderumors.com
Yankees ace Cam Schlittler earns MVP attention with lowest ERA among qualified pitchers
Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is receiving MVP attention. The 25-year-old is tied with Jacob Misiorowski for the lowest earned run average among qualified pitchers. CBS Sports reports the MVP consideration. The source does not mention a specific game, score, opponent, or strikeout total. The source does not specify Aaron Judge’s exact words or reasoning regarding the MVP chatter. The reference material does not mention any other players or teams. The context contains no news content beyond the MVP attention and ERA statistic. The source does not provide additional details on Schlittler’s performance metrics or dominance.
Sources: cbssports.com
Yankees plan to activate Clarke Schmidt from injured list on Wednesday
The New York Yankees are set to activate pitcher Clarke Schmidt from the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. The reinstatement occurs before the team’s series finale in Minnesota. This transaction marks Schmidt’s return to the active roster after a significant absence. The Yankees likely view Schmidt as a crucial addition to their pitching rotation for the final stretch of the season. His availability provides the team with additional depth and flexibility. The move is scheduled for September 15, 2026, as reported by Anthony Franco.
Sources: mlbtraderumors.com
Red Sox expect Justin Slaten to miss remainder of 2026 season2 sources
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed reliever Justin Slaten will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. The right-hander received a platelet-rich plasma injection following a diagnosis of degenerative chondromalacia. Tracy delivered the update to reporters on Tuesday. Tim Healey of The Boston Globe and Perla Paredes of MLB.com reported the news. The team does not expect Slaten to return before the season concludes. This medical intervention marks a significant end to his current campaign. The Red Sox are now adjusting their bullpen strategy without Slaten’s contributions. The injury details were not fully elaborated upon in the initial reports.
Sources: mlbtraderumors.com · baseballamerica.com
Cubs shut down Shelby Miller for rest of 2026 season2 sources
The Chicago Cubs have shut down pitcher Shelby Miller for the remainder of the 2026 season. Anthony Franco reported the news at 9:30 p.m. CDT on that date. The information was linked via Patrick Mooney. This move ends Miller’s participation in the current campaign. The Cubs are managing Miller’s health status through this administrative action. No specific injury diagnosis was detailed in the immediate report. The team’s decision impacts their roster construction for the final weeks of the regular season.
Sources: mlbtraderumors.com · baseballamerica.com
Justin Verlander targets final Tigers start before retirement at 43
Justin Verlander, 43, is targeting one final start for the Detroit Tigers before retiring. Verlander questioned the logic of preserving his physical condition for a future that will not include professional play, asking, “What are we saving my arm for?” This statement underscores his intent to compete in his remaining scheduled outing rather than rest. The Tigers are preparing for this potential final appearance by their veteran ace. Verlander’s career spans multiple decades and teams, but this specific start marks the conclusion of his tenure with Detroit.
Sources: cbssports.com
Joc Pederson attempts to play through hand fracture
Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson has a small fracture in his left hand. The injury occurred when Pederson was hit by a 93.3 mph fastball from former teammate Brandon Pfaadt. Pederson intends to play through the pain, though his availability depends on swelling and pain tolerance. Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported the diagnosis. MLB Trade Rumors covered the story, with Anthony Franco authoring the piece. The report was published on September 15, 2026, at 8:10pm CDT. No specific timeline for his return was provided in the initial reports. The severity is described as a small fracture, indicating he may attempt to continue playing despite the risk.
Sources: mlbtraderumors.com
Also in the News
What’s next for the Mets? How MLB’s most disappointing team can turn things around for 2027 — cbssports.com
Threepeat? Not so fast: Why a third consecutive Dodgers World Series title isn’t as inevitable as it seems — cbssports.com
AL East (W-L, GB)
Rays — 91-59 (-)
Yankees — 88-63 (3.5)
Red Sox — 82-69 (9.5)
Blue Jays — 75-77 (17.0)
Orioles — 74-78 (18.0)
AL Central (W-L, GB)
White Sox — 77-74 (-)
Guardians — 77-75 (0.5)
Tigers — 72-79 (5.0)
Twins — 70-81 (7.0)
Royals — 66-85 (11.0)
AL West (W-L, GB)
Astros — 76-75 (-)
Rangers — 75-76 (1.0)
Mariners — 70-82 (6.5)
Athletics — 61-90 (15.0)
Angels — 58-93 (18.0)
NL East (W-L, GB)
Braves — 89-63 (-)
Phillies — 83-68 (5.5)
Marlins — 75-77 (14.0)
Nationals — 71-81 (18.0)
Mets — 69-82 (19.5)
NL Central (W-L, GB)
Brewers — 94-57 (-)
Cubs — 84-68 (10.5)
Pirates — 75-76 (19.0)
Cardinals — 75-77 (19.5)
Reds — 70-81 (24.0)
NL West (W-L, GB)
Dodgers — 92-59 (-)
Padres — 82-69 (10.0)
D-backs — 80-72 (12.5)
Giants — 63-89 (29.5)
Rockies — 56-95 (36.0)
Source: MLB Stats API · September 16, 2026
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