Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Sasaki is "definitely the primary option now" to close games for the Dodgers, though the skipper noted that the rookie's availability will be contingent on his workload, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. "We have to win X amount of games [to secure a championship], and he's not going to close every game," Roberts said of Sasaki. "It's just not feasible, so, you've got to use other guys."

Sasaki struggled to a 4.72 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 24:22 K:BB in 34.1 innings over eight starts with the Dodgers to begin the season before he landed on the injured list May 13 due to a right shoulder impingement, but he's proven to be a dynamic weapon out of the bullpen since being reinstated Sept. 24. After collecting two holds and striking out four batters over two scoreless frames in two relief outings to close out the regular season, Sasaki retired the side on 11 pitches in his lone appearance against the Reds in the wild-card round, and he's converted a pair of save chances with ease in the first two games of the NLDS versus the Phillies. Given that the bullpen had been a relative weakness for the Dodgers down the stretch, it's not too surprising that Sasaki has quickly emerged as Los Angeles' most trusted reliever after he pitched effectively in his initial appearances following his return from the IL. With Clayton Kershaw headed for retirement following the playoffs, the Dodgers presumably still envision Sasaki getting stretched back out over the winter and settling into the vacated rotation spot in 2026, but the rookie right-hander looks like he'll rank as the preferred choice for ninth-inning duties for the duration of the team's postseason run.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Horton's (rib) light bullpen session Monday went well and the hurler is scheduled for another bullpen session Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The Cubs are in a 0-2 NLDS hole against the Brewers, but if they're able to come back and advance to the NLCS, Horton has a shot to rejoin the active roster as part of their rotation. Horton has been sidelined since late September after being diagnosed with a right rib fracture.

The Rockies plan to keep Senzatela in a relief role next season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Senzatela was moved from the rotation to the bullpen in late August after posting a 7.15 ERA and 61:42 K:BB over 112 innings. He was better in a long-relief role with a 3.50 ERA and 12:5 K:BB across 18 frames. The Rockies aren't chock full of rotation options, but they appear content to leave Senzatela in a low-leverage role in the final season of his five-year, $50.5 million contract.

Flaherty took the loss in Game 3 of the ALDS against Seattle on Tuesday after giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out six batters across 3.1 innings.

The 29-year-old righty allowed just one man to reach base through two innings following a three-hour rain delay, but things took a turn at the start of the third frame after consecutive hits from Victor Robles, J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena allowed the Mariners to take a 2-0 lead. Flaherty came back out for the fourth frame but was quickly pulled after allowing a leadoff homer to Eugenio Suarez and walking Victor Robles, who eventually came around to score. The Tigers now find themselves on the brink of elimination, and Flaherty likely won't be available to pitch in relief for the rest of the series after needing 76 pitches to collect 10 outs Tuesday.

Bieber did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. He was charged with three runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk, striking out two over 2.2 innings.

Bieber didn't have his best stuff, as evidenced by the fact that he recorded just five swings-and-misses. Manager John Schneider turned to his bullpen in the third inning and the relief crew was unable to hold the lead, affording the Yankees new life in the series. Bieber made only seven starts during the regular season, but that was after an arduous rehab from Tommy John surgery, so it's understandable that he's running on fumes a bit here at the end.

Rodon did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. He allowed six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings.

Vladimir Guerrero tagged Rodon for two-run homer in the first inning and Toronto tacked on four additional runs in the third. Indeed it looked like the end of the line for Rodon and the Yankees, but New York rallied to take the lefty off the hook and keep its season alive. Rodon turned in a quality start in his wild-card outing against Boston, but he now has a 9.72 ERA this postseason following Tuesday's performance.

Gilbert earned the win during Game 3 of the ALDS versus Detroit on Tuesday after allowing one earned run on four hits while striking out seven batters across six innings. He did not issue a walk.

A three-hour rain delay didn't seem to faze Gilbert at all, as he was able to generate 16 whiffs on 85 pitches and finished his outing without dishing out a free pass. A fielder's choice allowed the Tigers to plate a run against the right-hander in the fourth inning, but an eight-run performance from the Mariners' offense ensured that Gilbert was never in serious jeopardy of leaving the ballpark Tuesday without a win. If Seattle advances to the ALCS, the 28-year-old would likely be in the conversation to start one of the first two games of the series.

Horton (rib) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Horton is slated to throw 30 pitches at mid-level intensity. The rookie right-hander could still get added to the Cubs' NLCS roster, should they rally to advance past the Brewers. Horton hasn't pitched since Sept. 23 due to a right rib fracture.

Taillon will start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Brewers on Wednesday, Marquee Sports Network report.

Taillon put together a strong outing against the Padres during the wild-card round, hurling four scoreless frames while surrendering two hits and striking out four. He'll be tasked with shutting down an offense that has racked up 24 hits in the first two games of the series in a must-win game for the Cubs at Wrigley Field. It's worth noting that Taillon could be on a short leash Wednesday given it's a win or go home situation for Chicago.

Priester will start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Cubs on Wednesday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Priester was thought to be in the mix for bulk relief Monday in Game 2, but Milwaukee instead elected to lean on Jacob Misiorowski. This decision has opened the door for Priester to toe the rubber at Wrigley Field against a Cubs team that is one loss away from elimination. The 25-year-old struggled a bit with his command during his last start in Chicago (Aug. 21), allowing one run on three hits and five walks while striking out four in 4.1 frames.