The playoffs in the American League are set with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians and Houston Astros locking in the top three seeds, respectively, with the Yankees and Guardians earning first-round byes. The Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals have locked up the three wildcard spots.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the best record in the major leagues after using more than 40 different pitchers this season, have clinched the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage. The Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres have secured seeds two through four in the National League, with the No. 2 Phillies joining the Dodgers with a first-round bye.
But there are still two playoff berths that need to be sorted out.
The New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks are still battling for the final two wild-card spots in the National League. The Mets and Braves will play an NL East doubleheader today after having games canceled due to Hurricane Helene.
The Diamondbacks are currently on the outside looking in and will have to wait to see how things play out. The Mets hold a head-to-head tiebreaker over Arizona.
Here’s a look at each scenario:
∎ The Braves can clinch if: Atlanta needs to win one of two games during the doubleheader against New York on Monday.
∎ The Mets can clinch if: New York needs to win one of two games during the doubleheader against Atlanta on Monday.
∎ The Diamondbacks can clinch if: Arizona needs either the Mets or the Braves to sweep the other in Monday’s doubleheader.
