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The Baltimore Orioles might be out of playoff contention, but they’re playing the spoiler role with style. After a convincing sweep of the Padres, they now set their sights on tripping up the Los Angeles Dodgers in a high-stakes weekend series. Despite sitting last in the AL East, Baltimore’s impact on the NL West race is growing. The Dodgers, clinging to a two-game division lead, must overcome their recent slump to keep that edge. The Orioles are feeling themselves after a successful road trip capped by sweeping San Diego. According to interim manager Tony Mansolino, playing “loose and free” is key to their unexpected momentum. Meanwhile, the Dodgers limp into Baltimore after being swept by the Pirates. Manager Dave Roberts

The Philadelphia Phillies look to keep their momentum rolling into Friday’s opening game of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. With Cristopher Sanchez on the mound and playoff aspirations in sight, this matchup promises fireworks. Cristopher Sanchez has been stellar this season, and Friday’s start feels crucial for his Cy Young bid. His latest outing saw him go seven innings with one run allowed and eight punchouts against Atlanta. He’s excelled against Miami in his career: a 2–0 record with a 1.27 ERA across five appearances, including a one-run effort in eight innings back in June. Philadelphia enters the series at 81–59 after a strong road trip in Milwaukee, taking two of three from the NL-leading Brewers. Return-to-form performances

The Detroit Tigers return home Friday looking to protect their lead in the AL Central as they host the surging Chicago White Sox in the first of a three-game weekend set. With both starting pitchers riding recent momentum, this game sets up as a potential pitching duel. Jack Flaherty has had a rollercoaster ride over his last few starts. In August, he alternated between dominance and disaster, but he enters Friday’s game with renewed confidence after holding the Royals to one run in nearly six innings last week. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch praised Flaherty’s fastball and pitch conviction, noting it was one of his sharper outings this season. Flaherty is also 3-2 lifetime with a 3.45 ERA against the White

The San Diego Padres enter their weekend series at Coors Field with their playoff hopes intact but some serious hurdles to clear. With injuries piling up and recent losses adding pressure, Friday’s matchup against the struggling Colorado Rockies could help San Diego get back on track. Despite losing All-Star reliever Jason Adam for the season, San Diego still boasts an elite bullpen led by deadline addition Mason Miller, who recently fired an immaculate inning — three strikeouts on nine pitches — against Baltimore. They’ll send Nick Pivetta to the mound Friday. He’s had a solid year overall but has struggled mightily against Colorado in his career. Pivetta’s performance will be critical as the Padres try to halt a four-game losing