As the Major League Baseball postseason intensifies, prominent players, analysts, and alumni are weighing in on the October landscape, blending personal fandom with on-field preparations.
Kevin Gausman Torn Between Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman found himself caught in a classic hometown versus current-city sports dilemma. Hailing from Colorado, Gausman expressed his divided loyalties on social media regarding a scheduling clash between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs, noting the difficulty of supporting both squads simultaneously.
Leafs vs Aves is such a mind game for me. I want both teams to win but that ain’t possible. Can we just tie pls, and both teams score 10?? #ItCouldHappen
— Kevin Gausman (@KevinGausman) October 11, 2026
While Gausman navigates his hockey fandom, major league clubs are deep into their postseason schedules, preparing for pivotal series openers and roster decisions.
CC Sabathia Avoids Picking Favorites for a Potential Fall Classic
Former New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia made it clear he has no intention of choosing a side if a specific matchup materializes in the World Series. Addressing potential postseason outcomes, Sabathia stated he would be thrilled with a Fall Classic featuring the Cleveland Guardians and the Milwaukee Brewers, two franchises where he spent significant portions of his storied career.
Nothing would make me happier than a Cleveland vs. Milwaukee World Series 🙏🏾 And no I wouldn’t pick a side 😂
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) October 11, 2026
Jackson Chourio Expresses Absolute Confidence Ahead of National League Championship Series
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio voiced unwavering self-assurance on the eve of the National League Championship Series opener. Speaking to reporters, the young star embraced the bright lights of October baseball.
“I feel like I was born to play baseball,” Jackson Chourio said ahead of NLCS G1
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 11, 2026
Roster Adjustments and Opening Pitcher Confirmations Across the League
Elsewhere in the postseason picture, teams are locking in their rotations while dealing with the harsh realities of October injuries. Tampa Bay Rays manager plans were confirmed when beat writer Marc Topkin reported that right-hander Drew Rasmussen will take the mound for the opening game of the American League Championship Series.
As expected, RH Drew Rasmussen starts ALCS Game 1 for the Rays, giving Tampa Bay a formidable arm to set the tone against their opponent. Meanwhile, other franchises face tougher injury realities, as confirmation arrived that Shane McClanahan will not return for the remainder of the postseason series, dealing a blow to pitching depth.
