The Los Angeles Dodgers moved one step closer to securing a first round playoff bye on Tuesday. Their magic number dropped to one after the latest result.
The Dodgers also strengthened their roster before the game. Center fielder Andy Pages and right handed pitcher Roki Sasaki returned from the injured list. Shohei Ohtani is expected to return on Wednesday.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | The Dodgers moved within one win of securing a first round playoff bye. |
| When | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 |
| Key Dodgers returns | Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki returned from the injured list. |
| Shohei Ohtani | Ohtani is expected to return Wednesday. |
| Angels result | The Athletics defeated the Angels 9 to 7. |
| WNBA result | The Aces defeated the Sparks 89 to 79. |
| Rams update | Puka Nacua's status remains uncertain for Sunday's game. |
| US Soccer | Mauricio Pochettino named a 28 player training camp roster. |
Dodgers Move Closer to Postseason Bye
Los Angeles continued its strong push toward the postseason. The Dodgers now need one more win to secure the first round bye.
The team also welcomed back two important players. Andy Pages returned after recovering from a fractured left hand. Roki Sasaki also came back after dealing with a blister on his right middle finger.
The Dodgers optioned right hander Emmet Sheehan and catcher Eliézer Alfonzo to Triple A Oklahoma City.
Athletics Rally Past Angels
The Los Angeles Angels suffered a 9 to 7 loss against the Athletics on Tuesday night.
Oakland completed a major comeback after falling behind 6 to 0. Carlos Cortes changed the game with a two run homer in the eighth inning.
Zack Gelof followed with another two run home run. His blast helped complete Oakland’s comeback.
Sparks Fall to Aces
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89 to 79 on Tuesday.
A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The result also secured at least the third playoff seed for Las Vegas.
The Aces improved to 30 and 13 with their sixth straight victory. The Sparks will now turn their attention to the final stages of the regular season.
Nacua's Status Remains Uncertain
The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
However, Puka Nacua’s availability remains unclear. The star receiver missed Monday night’s win over the New York Giants because of groin soreness.
Coach Sean McVay said the team hopes Nacua can return. The Rams will continue to monitor his condition during the week.
New US Soccer Cycle Begins
Mauricio Pochettino has started building his next United States men’s national team group.
His first training camp roster for the new cycle includes 28 players. Thirteen players from the previous World Cup squad received another call up.
The roster also includes 12 players making their first senior national team appearance.
September 22 has produced several memorable moments across American sports.
In 1926, Gene Tunney defeated Jack Dempsey by decision to retain the world heavyweight championship. Rocky Marciano later defended the heavyweight title on the same date in 1952.
In 1979, the Houston Oilers erased a 24 point deficit before beating the Cincinnati Bengals 30 to 27 in overtime.
Golf fans remember September 22, 2018, when Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship. The victory marked his 80th PGA Tour title and ended a more than five year wait between wins.
Baseball History Highlights
Baseball history also features several notable September 22 events.
In 1908, Fred Merkle failed to touch second base during a crucial game between the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs. The incident became known as the Merkle’s Boner play and helped create one of baseball’s famous controversies.
In 1988, Jose Canseco became the first major league player to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in one season.
In 2008, the New York Yankees saw their long postseason streak end. Boston’s victory eliminated New York and stopped the Yankees’ run of 13 consecutive playoff appearances.
Latest Los Angeles Sports Updates
The latest sports action brought major developments across Los Angeles.
The Dodgers moved within one win of a first round bye, while Ohtani prepares to return. The Angels suffered a late collapse against Oakland, and the Sparks fell to the Aces.
The Rams also face questions surrounding Nacua’s availability. At the same time, the United States men’s national team has started a new chapter with a mix of established players and newcomers.
