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Wild Card Showdown: Muncy, Hays Return Amid Betts vs De La Cruz

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Max Muncy returns for the Wild Card Series after a four-game absence; 19 homers in 100 games.
The Reds' Austin Hays returns for Game 162 after back spasms; 15 homers and 105 OPS+ this season.
Betts vs De La Cruz; Betts is at .317/.892 OPS, while De La Cruz has three homers and 26 errors in the second half.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Major League Baseball strike canceled the postseason, including the World Series, marking a significant disruption in the sport's history. This led to the introduction of the wild card system in 1995, allowing teams with strong records but no division titles to compete in the playoffs. Today, players like Max Muncy and Austin Hays exemplify the league's recovery and evolving competitive dynamics.

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Story summary

Max Muncy returns for the Wild Card Series after a four-game absence; 19 homers in 100 games.
The Reds' Austin Hays returns for Game 162 after back spasms; 15 homers and 105 OPS+ this season.
Betts vs De La Cruz; Betts is at .317/.892 OPS, while De La Cruz has three homers and 26 errors in the second half.

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