Kikuchi is slated to start Thursday in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, assuming he's not needed in relief in Game 2 on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kikuchi has been told to be ready in relief for Game 2 with the Astros having all hands on deck as they try to avoid elimination. If Houston wins and doesn't have to use Kikuchi on Wednesday, he'll take the ball Thursday. The left-hander was outstanding after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, putting up a 2.70 ERA and 76:14 K:BB over 60 innings.

Rodon will start Oct. 7 in Game 2 of the ALDS, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon will follow Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The lefty went through his fair share of ups and downs during the regular season, but he finished on an upswing in September, collecting a 2.20 ERA and 34:10 K:BB over 28.2 frames covering five starts.

Montas will start Game 2 of the Brewers' wild-card series against the Mets on Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Montas will take the bump as the Brewers face elimination Wednesday after losing the series opener, 8-4, on Tuesday. The right-hander finished the 2024 regular season with a 4.84 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 148 strikeouts over 150.2 innings in 30 starts with the Reds and Brewers. Montas has made two career postseason appearances, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out six batters over 6.2 innings.

Eflin will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Royals, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

The Orioles dropped the first game of the series against the Royals on Tuesday, losing 1-0. Eflin did not have his strongest outing in his final start of the regular season Wednesday, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks across 4.2 innings. With a week of rest under his belt, the 30-year old will look to rebound in order to force Game 3.

Manager A.J. Hinch said after Tuesday's wild-card game against Houston that Skubal is dealing with cramping, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Skubal was able to finish the sixth inning after drawing a visit from the Tigers' training staff, which is a good sign that his removal was precautionary, and he may still be available for the ALDS if Detroit advances. The 27-year-old southpaw earned the win Tuesday after throwing six shutout innings and striking out six batters in the process.

Brown will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros fell to the Tigers, 3-1, in Game 1 on Tuesday and will send Brown to the bump for an elimination game. The 26-year-old allowed one run on three hits and a walk in his last start Sept. 23. The right-hander, who'll be on extended rest, will look to help preserve Houston's season.

Ragans was pulled from Tuesday's wild-card game against Baltimore due to left calf cramps.

Prior to suffering his injury, Ragans had cruised through six shutout innings on 80 pitches while striking out eight batters. The severity of his injury is unknown, though the Royals won't need to make a decision on his availability until the ALDS, provided the team advances past the O's.

Fried will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Padres, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta is going with AJ Smith-Shawver in Game 1 before turning to Fried on regular rest for Game 2. The veteran left-hander closed out his regular season in fine fashion, collecting a 2.14 ERA with a 36:7 K:BB over 33.2 innings in five September outings. Fried will be opposed by Joe Musgrove in Game 2.

Smith-Shawver will start Tuesday in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Padres, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

With a doubleheader Monday and Chris Sale (back) unavailable, Atlanta's options for Game 1 were limited. Smith-Shawver made just one regular-season start with the big club, tossing 4.2 frames back in May versus the Cubs. Atlanta no doubt will have Smith-Shawver on a very short leash Tuesday.

Senga (calf/triceps) threw a 25-pitch live batting practice session Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga is not on the Mets' National League Wild Card Series roster after feeling tightness in his right tricep during a late-September rehab outing. However, the club is not ruling him out for the NLDS, should they advance. If Senga is added to the NLDS roster, he would be used in relief.