2024 MLB playoff picture: Dodgers, Phillies can secure bracket spots on Thursday | News, results, highlights, stats and rumors
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The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers have already secured their playoff spots. Three more MLB teams could join them on Thursday.
The MLB-leading Philadelphia Phillies (91-61), the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (90-62) and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians (88-65) can secure a playoff spot with wins over the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins, respectively.
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The Phillies are on the verge of winning the NL East. They are seven games ahead of the Mets with just ten games left in the season. The Phillies could win the division as soon as Friday, as the two teams begin a four-game series on Thursday night.
The Dodgers have some work to do in that regard, as they are only 3.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres with 10 games remaining (nine for the Padres). The two teams will play a three-game series starting Tuesday.
The Guardians have a six-game lead over the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. The two teams will not face each other again this season.
Right now, the Yankees, Guardians, Houston Astros, Phillies and Dodgers all seem like sure candidates to win their respective divisions. The Brewers, meanwhile, have already secured the NL Central.
In the race for the Wild Card, the Baltimore Orioles, Royals and Twins currently occupy the three available spots in the American League, with the Detroit Tigers just half a game behind the Twins.
The Tigers begin a crucial three-game series against the Orioles on Friday, while the Twins and Orioles end the season with a three-game series beginning September 27.
The Seattle Mariners (three games back) and the Boston Red Sox (four games back) would need an incredible finish and some luck to advance.
In the American League, the Padres, Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks currently hold the wild card spots, with the Atlanta Braves two games behind the Mets and D-Backs. The Braves and Mets will play a decisive three-game series starting Tuesday, while the Diamondbacks and Padres will face off in a season-ending three-game series starting Sept. 27.
