2024 MLB Division Series: Live updates, analysis from Day 1

It’s time for the division series!

After a wild-card round that lived up to its name, the eight teams in the division series start their title quest on Saturday. First, the Cleveland Guardians opened the ALDS with a blowout win over the Detroit Tigers. Another interdivision matchup follows with the New York Mets taking on the Philadelphia Phillies. Later, the Kansas City Royals look to renew a storied rivalry with the New York Yankees (6:38 p.m.), the AL’s No. 1 seed, while the NL’s top dog, the Los Angeles Dodgers, host the San Diego Padres (8:38 p.m.).

We have you covered as the best-of-five series begin with matchups, live updates and analysis throughout the day, followed by our takeaways after the final pitch of each game.

Key links: Everything you need to know | Bracket | Picks

Jump to: Live updates | Lineups, matchups

Live updates

Takeaways and matchups

* All times Eastern

Cleveland leads series 1-0

This one was over early as the Guardians destroyed the Tigers’ opener strategy, chasing starter Tyler Holton before he could even get an out in the first inning. Then Lane Thomas put the hammer down on Reese Olson, sending the reliever’s first pitch into the left-field stands for a three-run homer — and Cleveland never looked back.

It’s a reminder that although openers and bullpen games are great when they work, it’s still a huge risk asking multiple relievers to be on their game from the start. Holton clearly wasn’t. After five days off, Cleveland showed up ready to roll from the start, showing that any rust for teams coming off a playoff bye can be overcome with a solid game plan.

What to watch in Game 2: At least Tigers manager A.J. Hinch won’t have to prep for a bullpen game Monday. Instead, he’ll have Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal on the mound with a chance to even the series. Detroit will be able to lean heavily on its ace as he’ll have an extra day of rest because of the day off between Games 1 and 2. If Hinch doesn’t visit the mound until the eighth inning or later, the Tigers might be in good shape heading home. — Jesse Rogers

New York leads series 1-0

The never-say-die Mets stage another crooked-number comeback in Game 1 of the NLDS. This one came with a five-run eighth inning after they’d managed only one hit in the first seven against a locked-in Zack Wheeler. A gutsy, memorable win at the Bank. — Jeff Passan

New York leads series 1-0

The Yankees were sloppy in the field and on the basepaths. Gerrit Cole wasn’t dominant over five-plus innings. Aaron Judge went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. And yet the Yankees, behind an advantageous call and Alex Verdugo‘s bat, took a 1-0 series lead Saturday. One of the storylines heading into Saturday was whether Verdugo or Jasson Dominguez would start in left field for New York. Verdugo got the start mainly because he’s the better defender, but he delivered at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning. The difference-making hit came moments after Jazz Chisholm Jr. was ruled safe on a bang-bang play attempting to steal second base. Royals catcher Salvador Perez‘s throw was high, but Michael Massey appeared to place the tag just in the nick of time. The Royals challenged the safe call, but the ruling was upheld. The Yankees might have caught a break — and they capitalized.

What to watch in Game 2: The clubs will meet for Game 2 on Monday after an off-day Sunday. It’ll be Carlos Rodon vs. Cole Ragans, who tossed six scoreless innings in the wild-card series against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. It’ll be Rodon’s Yankees playoff debut. A strong performance could put the Yankees on the brink of the ALCS. — Jorge Castillo