'Stayin' Alive!' Red Sox clinch postseason spot that once seemed improbable

The Boston Red Sox clinched a postseason berth on September 20, 2026, despite losing 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays earlier that day. Their Wild Card spot was secured when Mike Yastrzemski, grandson of Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski, hit a three-run homer to give the Atlanta Braves a victory over the Houston Astros. The Red Sox's playoff run is considered improbable after interim manager Chad Tracy took over a 10-17 team from Alex Cora on April 26.