September 11, 2026 | Edition #251

Hey MLB Gang,

MLB is bringing plenty of emotion and intrigue this time around. A Hall of Famer’s remarkable life story comes to a heartbreaking end, while the Yankees address questions about life with Aaron Judge being back. Elsewhere, Shohei Ohtani faces fresh scrutiny after an injury crisis put the Dodgers in danger, and Bryce Harper sends a message to Phillies fans with the playoffs approaching.

Games you can tune in to tonight:

• Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates @ 2:20 PM ET

• Colorado Rockies vs Detroit Tigers @ 6:40 PM ET

• Los Angeles Angels vs Washington Nationals @ 6:45 PM ET

• New York Mets vs New York Yankees @ 7:05 PM ET

• Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:07 PM ET

We decided to include the ones that could be the most thrilling - both on and off the field. Tell us your thoughts, too.

Growing up in Staten Island and attending Fordham University, a young Joe McDonald worked the gates at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, where he famously recalled seeing Jackie Robinson walk through his gate with his wife and baby, estimating he watched Robinson play 200 games in person.

Thank you for reading Essentially Dugout. We’d really appreciate any feedback you have for us.