Daily Double Play: Your MLB Update

## World Series Game 2 Recap (October 26, 2025)

In Game 2 of the 2025 World Series at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, the Los Angeles Dodgers evened the series with a convincing 5–1 victory over the host Blue Jays. Dodger starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a vintage performance, yielding just one run on four hits while striking out eight and retiring the final 20 batters he faced. It marked the first complete game in a World Series since Johnny Cueto in 2015 and Yamamoto’s second straight postseason complete game, a feat not achieved since Curt Schilling in 2001. Los Angeles’ offensive spark came in the seventh inning, when Will Smith belted a go-ahead solo homer and added a two-run double, and Max Muncy followed with a solo shot to pad the lead. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5d87e18ff100f1c77e2f550a21b0e22c?utm_source=openai))

### Pitching Highlights

- **Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD):** 9 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 8 K, retired final 20 batters faced; first WS CG since 2015. Yamamoto’s 105-pitch outing showcased an array of fastballs, splitters, and curveballs, cementing his status as the first pitcher since Madison Bumgarner (2014) to throw back-to-back postseason complete games. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5d87e18ff100f1c77e2f550a21b0e22c?utm_source=openai))

- **Kevin Gausman (TOR):** 6 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K; early dominance gave way to a pivotal seventh inning when Smith and Muncy turned the game in Los Angeles’ favor. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_World_Series?utm_source=openai))

- **Bullpens:** Dodgers did not use a reliever, relying entirely on Yamamoto’s arm. Toronto’s bullpen surrendered two unearned runs in the eighth, extending the deficit. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5d87e18ff100f1c77e2f550a21b0e22c?utm_source=openai))

### Offensive Standouts

- **Will Smith (LAD):** 2 for 4, 3 RBI, including a solo homer in the seventh that broke a 1–1 tie and a two-run double later in the inning. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5d87e18ff100f1c77e2f550a21b0e22c?utm_source=openai))

- **Max Muncy (LAD):** 1 for 4, solo home run in the seventh. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_World_Series?utm_source=openai))

- **Blue Jays:** George Springer’s leadoff single in the third put Toronto on the board, but was their only run. Bo Bichette returned from a forearm injury as a pinch hitter in the eighth but went 0 for 1. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5d87e18ff100f1c77e2f550a21b0e22c?utm_source=openai))

## Fan Reaction & Mid-Game Entertainments

### Jonas Brothers Performance

Midway through the contest, MLB paused play after the fifth inning for a surprise performance by the Jonas Brothers in support of the Stand Up to Cancer initiative. The three-minute set—featuring “I Can’t Lose”—was intended as a tribute to cancer survivors, including the brothers’ father, but drew mixed reactions. Some fans praised the awareness-raising effort, while others criticized interrupting a tied World Series game for a concert, calling it “inappropriate” and “jarring.” ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/26/sports/jonas-brothers-mid-game-world-series-performance-baffles-fans/?utm_source=openai))

### Joe Jonas’ Response

Joe Jonas later addressed the backlash with levity, tweeting “Why these guys?” in response to critics on social media. He emphasized the tribute’s charitable purpose, noting the family’s deep connection to cancer-survivor causes and their role as ambassadors for Stand Up to Cancer. ([parade.com](https://parade.com/news/joe-jonas-shuts-down-backlash-against-jonas-brothers-world-series-2025-performance/?utm_source=openai))

## General MLB News (October 26, 2025)

### 2028 Olympics Participation

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred signaled growing confidence that major-league players will be allowed to compete in baseball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Unlike Tokyo 2021, when 40-man roster restrictions applied, MLB is exploring an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Games. Manfred noted ongoing negotiations with the players’ association and highlighted logistical challenges, including scheduling and sponsor agreements. He also reaffirmed MLB’s commitment to a 12-team postseason format and discussed potential league expansion pending resolution of the Tampa Bay Rays’ ballpark situation. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/af68a816dfcd7bc4b467f9d05fb0f278?utm_source=openai))

### Betting Investigations & Financial Oversight

Manfred acknowledged active investigations into allegations of sports betting involvement by players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, emphasizing that no timeline has been set for outcomes. He dismissed calls for a salary cap despite rising payroll disparities—citing the Los Angeles Dodgers’ record spending—stating that competitive balance solutions remain under league review. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/af68a816dfcd7bc4b467f9d05fb0f278?utm_source=openai))

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*All statistics and highlights are accurate as of October 26, 2025.*