Tensions rise as MLB postseason field narrows to eight teams
The 2023 MLB postseason is officially in full swing as the Wild Card Series came to a close on Wednesday. Four teams – the Phillies, Diamondbacks, Twins, and Rangers – secured their spots in the Divisional Round with two-game sweeps. Unfortunately, this means that the Marlins, Brewers, Blue Jays, and Rays have been eliminated from World Series contention.
The NLDS and ALDS matchups have now been set in stone. In the National League, the Braves will face the Phillies, while the Dodgers will take on the Diamondbacks. Over in the American League, the Orioles will go head-to-head with the Rangers, and the Astros will battle it out with the Twins.
Fans will have to wait two days for the LDS round to begin on Saturday. The game times for the upcoming round have yet to be announced by MLB.
The Braves, Dodgers, Orioles, and Astros were the top two seeds in each league, earning them a bye in the Wild Card round. They have not played since the regular season concluded on Sunday, giving them a slight advantage heading into the Divisional Round.
The 2023 MLB playoffs are set to last until at least October 31, with a potential World Series Game 7 scheduled for Saturday, November 4.
In Wednesday’s playoff schedule, the Rangers dismantled the Rays with a 7-1 victory, securing their spot in the next round. Similarly, the Twins defeated the Blue Jays 2-0, while the Diamondbacks took down the Brewers 5-2. The Phillies sealed their spot in the Divisional Round with a dominant 7-1 win against the Marlins.
With the playoff bracket taking shape, fans can now visualize the road to the World Series. The complete schedule is available, with the ALDS and ALCS games set to air on Fox and FS1, while the NLDS and NLCS games will be broadcasted on TBS. The ultimate showdown, the World Series, will be aired on Fox.
As the MLB postseason continues, tensions will undoubtedly rise as teams battle it out for a chance to secure their spot in the Fall Classic. Stay tuned for more thrilling baseball action.