As the home stretch of the regular season continues, here are three things well be keeping an eye on around the baseball world today: 1. Albies to begin rehab a signment: The Braves have dealt with plenty of injuries throughout the season, ranging from the early lo ses of and to the more recent absence of . Theyre finally on the cusp of getting a key player back, however, as manager Brian Snitker told reporters (including ) that second baseman is nearing a return to action after two months on the shelf due to a wrist fracture. The 27-year-old is set to begin a short rehab a signment today and will be activated Friday against the Marlins if all goes well. Albies, a switch-hitter, still when swinging left-handed and will have to exclusively swing right-handed upon returning. Fortunately, Albies has always hit much better when batting righty throughout his career, and Snitker confirmed that hell be able to play second base during his rehab a signment. , who was signed shortly after Albies injury and has performed well as the clubs second baseman in his absence, will now be an option in left field and at third base, where fellow in-season acquisitions and currently reside. 2. Series Preview: Yankees @ Mariners The Yankees are headed out west today to take on the Mariners in a three-game set that will have significant implications on the AL playoff picture. The Yankees currently hold a three-game lead Terrance Ferguson Jersey over the Orioles in the AL East, and while the loser of that duel will also make the postseason as a Wild Card team, the division crown is still noteworthy as it will likely be tied to a bye through the Wild Card round. Meanwhile, the Mariners are not currently in playoff position but are just two games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. still gives them a shot at the postseason with 10.7% odds. In order to keep those hopes alive, the Mariners will have to take down the Yankees in this series, which begins at 6:40pm local time tonight. Righty (3.18 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Yankees opposite 24-year-old (2.38 ERA). The next day, lefty (3.90 ERA) is scheduled to take on right-hander (3.18 ERA). The series wraps up with right-hander (2.41 ERA in 13 starts) taking on (3.24 ERA) on Thursday. 3. Eovaldi option watch: , Rangers right-hander is just four innings shy of triggering a vesting player option valued at $20MM. Hes pitched four or more innings in 24 of his 26 starts this season, so its extremely likely that Eovaldi will see that option vest today. The 34-year-old (35 in February) will still have the right to turn down that player option and once again test free agency, but it provides some insurance in the event that Eovaldi suffers an injury in the seasons final weeks or perhaps simply an easy means of resolving his offseason status early if the Texas native is happy with the Rangers and does not wish to go through free agency again. Eovaldi should have no problem topping that $20MM guarantee on the market, however. Hes pitched to a 3.67 ERA in 152 frames this season and touts a combined 3.65 ERA, 23.7% strikeout rate, 7% walk rate and 49.8% grounder rate in 296 frames over his two seasons as a Ranger. 4. MLBTR Chat: The postseason is almost upon us, and clubs have begun to get eliminated as the remaining contenders make their final pushes towards the playoffs. In the AL, the Tigers and Mariners are nipping at the heels of the Twins for the final AL Wild Card spot. In the NL, the Diamondbacks, Mets, and Braves are in locked in a close race to take the final two Wild Card spots behind San Diego. If youre wondering about your teams hopes of a World Series championship this fall or how your club could approach the coming offseason, MLBTRs Steve Adams is holding a live chat with readers at 1pm CT today. to ask a question in advance, join in live once the chat begins, or read the transcript once the chat is complete. Raul Neto Jersey