UCLA Professional Athletes

Garrett Mitchell's right hand might be the most important thing to happen to Milwaukee baseball in decades.

The UCLA product delivered the defining moment of the 2026 MLB playoffs so far — a leaping, wall-crashing home run robbery of Manny Machado in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the NLDS — to preserve a 3-1 Brewers lead and send Milwaukee to the NLCS. The catch, made at the Petco Park wall with the Padres threatening to tie the game, was instantly viral. Bleacher Report called it a "masterpiece." Breaking T had merch on sale before the final out was recorded.

Machado was livid on the field, and understandably so. His drive had the trajectory and exit velocity of a go-ahead home run. Mitchell took it away at the wall, and the Padres never recovered.

It was more than a single play. Mitchell went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Game 4, finishing the series with a .267 average across the games he contributed offensively. He also posted a hit and a run scored in Milwaukee's Game 1 win on October 4. For a player who missed last year's playoffs entirely due to injury, the timing couldn't be more resonant — Yahoo Sports noted that a fully healthy Mitchell has been central to the Brewers' deepest postseason run in franchise history.

Now Milwaukee advances to a rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, adding another layer of intrigue for Bruins alumni tracking the bracket.

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Cole Steadies Yankees in a Tough Week

On the other side of the bracket, fellow UCLA alum Gerrit Cole took the mound for New York in Game 1 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay — his expected role as the Yankees' ace anchor. Cole allowed a home run over five innings but was otherwise effective, per Sports Illustrated, which gave New York's pitching staff an "A+" for the game. The problem was the offense, which generated next to nothing against Drew Rasmussen, and the Rays took Game 1.

Cole and the Yankees answered with a strong pitching performance in Game 2, keeping the series alive. As of the close of the research window, New York was heading into Game 3 facing elimination pressure after being outplayed early in the series. The six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner remained the Yankees' most important arm — and the series was far from settled.

For UCLA fans, the week offered a clear contrast in stakes: Mitchell making history in the field while Cole battles to keep New York's season alive. Both storylines have legs heading into next week.

Cole Locks In for October

Gerrit Cole saved his best for last. The UCLA product took the mound Wednesday for his regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays and delivered exactly what the Yankees needed heading into October — 5.2 innings, 8 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs in a 9-2 blowout win. The performance brought his ERA to 3.61 and, perhaps more importantly, quieted any lingering questions about his role in New York's postseason rotation.

Cole's outing was part of a broader strong stretch for a Yankees pitching staff anchored by him, Carlos Rodon, and Cam Schlittler — a group that helped New York secure the second-best record in the American League. Teammate and fellow Bruin Kelly Austin is also on the roster as a reliever, though it's Cole who enters the playoffs as the anchor. Sports Illustrated noted Cole is "back in consideration for a playoff rotation spot," a framing that undersells just how dominant the finale looked. After a season spent battling back to form, the timing could not be better.

Mitchell Keeps Hitting for Milwaukee

Garrett Mitchell closed out the regular season with a steady hand for the Brewers, collecting hits in four of his final five games. The centerfielder finished with a .262 average — a figure that reflects a quietly productive year for the former UCLA outfielder. Off the field, Mitchell made headlines of a different kind, opening up publicly about the support he receives from his wife, former Oregon softball star Haley Cruse.

Karros Surges, Kreidler Contributes in Minnesota

Kyle Karros gave Rockies fans something to watch in an otherwise lost season. The third baseman went deep Thursday against Arizona — part of a two-hit performance that pushed his average to .258. Colorado may be going nowhere in the standings, but Karros has carved out a clear role and looks like a building block heading into the offseason.

In Minnesota, Ryan Kreidler turned in his best game of the week on Saturday, going 1-for-4 with a home run, an RBI, two runs scored, and a walk in the Twins' 10-2 win over Texas. He also contributed Sunday against the Angels — 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 RBI, and a walk — as Minnesota cruised to an 8-5 win. Kreidler's .218 average doesn't scream headlines, but his pop and plate discipline keep him relevant on a Twins squad still figuring out its postseason identity.

Canning Caught in Padres' Roster Shuffle

Griffin Canning's week was one to forget. The right-hander logged 2.0 innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing 1 earned run while striking out two — serviceable numbers overshadowed by the bigger news that San Diego optioned him to make room for returning reliever Jason Adam. Canning had previously been recalled from the Arizona Complex League to fill an injury spot when Casey Mize landed on the 15-day IL. His irregular usage reflects a Padres staff that's been reshuffled repeatedly down the stretch.

Elsewhere in the Brief

Matt McLain hit safely in four of six games for Cincinnati, finishing the week batting .187 — production that keeps him on the roster but signals an inconsistent campaign for the Reds infielder. Jack Ralston struggled out of the Marlins' bullpen, posting a 5.71 ERA over the final week with 3 earned runs allowed in 1.1 innings Saturday. Tyler Heineman went 1-for-1 Sunday for the Angels in a narrow loss to Minnesota.

For UCLA, it's Cole who sets the tone heading into October. Everything else is context.