2024 MLB Division Series: Live updates, day one analysis

It's time for the Division Series!

After a wild card round that lives up to its name, the eight teams in the division series begin their title hunt on Saturday. First, the Cleveland Guardians opened the ALDS with a stunning victory over the Detroit Tigers. Another divisional clash follows, pitting the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies. Later, the Kansas City Royals look to renew their legendary rivalry with the New York Yankees (6:38 p.m.), the AL's No. 1 seed, while the NL leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers, take on the San Diego Padres (8:38 a.m.). have as guests. 38 p.m.).

We'll keep you updated as the best-of-five series begins throughout the day with matchups, live updates and analysis, followed by our takeaways after the final pitch of each game.

Important links: Everything you need to know | Bracket | Selection

Jump to: Live Updates | Lineups, encounters

Live updates

Takeaways and Matchups

* All times Eastern

Cleveland leads the series 1-0

This game was over early as the Guardians ruined the Tigers' opening 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 and sent the reliever's first pitch into the left field stands for a three-run home run – and Cleveland never looked back.

It's a reminder that while openers and bullpen games are great when they work, it's still a big risk to start multiple relievers. Holton clearly wasn't. After a five-day break, Cleveland appeared ready from the start and showed that any problems faced by teams coming off a playoff bye can be overcome with a solid game plan.

What to watch in Game 2: At least Tigers manager AJ Hinch doesn't have to prepare for a bullpen game on 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 rely heavily on its ace as he will have an additional day of rest due to the day off between Games 1 and 2. If Hinch doesn't visit the mound until the eighth inning or later, the Tigers could be in good shape heading home. –Jesse Rogers

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies, 4:08 p.m

Pitching Matchup: Kodai Senga (1-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57 ERA)

Head-to-head 2024 regular season record: Phillies won 7-6

Starting lineups:

Mets

Francisco Lindor (S) SS
Mark Vientos (R) 3B
Brandon Nimmo (L) LF
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Jose Iglesias (R) 2B
Jesse Winker (L) DH
Starling Marte (R) RF
Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
Francisco Alvarez (R) C

Phillies

Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
Trea Turner (R) SS
Bryce Harper (L) 1B
Nick Castellanos (R) RF
Alec Bohm (R) 3B
Bryson Stott (L) 2B
JT Realmuto (R) C
Brandon Marsh (L) LF
Johan Rojas (R) CF

Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees, 6:38 p.m

Pitching Matchup: Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA) vs. Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA)

Head-to-head 2024 regular season record: Yankees won 5-2

Starting lineups:

Royals

Michael Massey (L) 2B
Bobby Witt Jr. (R) SS
Vinnie Pasquantino (L) DH
Salvador Perez (R) C
Yuli Gurriel (R) 1B
MJ Melendez (L) LF
Tommy Pham (R) RF
Kyle Isbel (left) CF
Maikel Garcia (R) 3B

Yankees

Gleyber Torres (R) 2B
Juan Soto (left) RF
Aaron Judge (R) CF
Austin Wells (left) C
Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 3B
Anthony Volpe (R) SS
Oswaldo Cabrera (S) 1B
Alex Verdugo (L) LF

San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers, 8:38 p.m

Pitching Matchup: Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.47 ERA) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA)

Head-to-head 2024 regular season record: Padres won 8-5

Starting lineups:

Padres

Luis Arraez (L) DH
Fernando Tatis Jr. (R) RF
Jurickson Profar (S) LF
Manny Machado (R) 3B
Jackson Merrill (left) CF
Xander Bogaerts (R) SS
Jake Cronenworth (L) 2B
Donovan Solano (R) 1B
Kyle Higashioka (R) C

Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani (left) DH
Mookie Betts (R) RF
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Teoscar Hernandez (R) LF
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Will Smith (R) C
Gavin Lux (L) 2B
Tommy Edman (S) CF
Miguel Rojas (R) SS