Tarik Skubal foul ball breaks camera during Cleveland Guardians wild card game

The 2025 MLB postseason began with intense and closely contested games, including a notable American League Wild Card Series matchup where the Detroit Tigers narrowly defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a standout performance with 14 strikeouts, highlighted by a 100 mph pitch that, after deflecting off a bat, shattered a camera lens behind home plate, briefly halting the game. The Tigers' victory was clinched with a squeeze bunt scoring the go-ahead run, while the Guardians had earlier missed a scoring chance due to a bunt back to Skubal. Other playoff updates include managerial changes such as the Angels not renewing Ron Washington's contract and speculation about Albert Pujols possibly taking over, as well as the mutual parting of ways between the Texas Rangers and manager Bruce Bochy. Analysts also discussed the impact of team payrolls on postseason success and debated the merits of a salary cap, with varying opinions on team tiers and player pressures during the playoffs. Meanwhile, teams like the Phillies are hopeful to retain their core roster despite facing numerous free agency decisions heading into the offseason.