All articles tagged with #nl wild card
The Chicago Cubs face the San Diego Padres in a decisive Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series at Wrigley Field, with the Cubs relying on a favorable pitching matchup and strategic lineup decisions to advance, while the Padres aim to leverage their stronger performance against right-handed pitchers and key players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Yu Darvish.
The final NL wild card spot will be decided on the last day of the MLB season, with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets tied at 83-78. The Reds have the edge due to a better head-to-head record, and their fate depends on their game against the Brewers and the Mets' game against Miami. Both teams are vying for a playoff spot, with the Reds aiming to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020, and the Mets seeking to capitalize on their high payroll and previous playoff experience. The outcome will determine who faces the Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Series.
The Mets lost 10-3 to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, with Jonah Tong struggling early, leading to a heavy defeat. Despite the loss, the Mets remain close to the Wild Card spots, with key players like Soto hitting a home run. The series concludes Thursday night.
The Chicago Cubs secured a postseason spot for the first time since 2020, celebrating their achievement with joy after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a significant milestone in their season amidst ongoing efforts and aspirations for further success.
The Padres are in a strong position in the MLB power rankings, benefiting from a favorable schedule against teams that sold at the trade deadline, which could help them secure a wild-card spot and challenge the Dodgers in the NL West.
The New York Mets signed J.D. Martinez to a one-year deal, providing them with a seasoned hitter to bolster their lineup amidst stiff competition for the NL wild-card spot. The move allows the Mets to balance the development of their young players with the immediate goal of making the playoffs, while also addressing concerns about the performance and age of existing players. Despite potential risks associated with Martinez's age and recent performance, the Mets are committed to winning this year and believe Martinez's hitting prowess will significantly benefit the team.
Brandon Pfaadt, a rookie pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, will start Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Pfaadt had a challenging start to the season but improved in his final seven regular season games, including a recent outing with 5.2 scoreless innings. Zac Gallen is expected to start Game 2, and Merrill Kelly would be next in line if the series goes to a third game.
The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-three National League Wild Card Series. The D-backs clinched the third and final NL Wild Card spot with an 84-78 record. The Brewers, who won the NL Central, have a strong pitching arsenal led by Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta. The Diamondbacks took four of six games against the Brewers this season. The winner of this series will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have two ways to secure a playoff spot on Saturday: by winning their game against the Houston Astros or if the Cincinnati Reds lose to the St. Louis Cardinals. After losing on Friday, the Diamondbacks' No. 2 starter, Merrill Kelly, will pitch on Saturday instead of being saved for the postseason. He will face off against Justin Verlander.
As the regular season comes to a close, there are multiple chaotic playoff scenarios in play. In the AL West, a four-way tie could result in the Mariners, Astros, and Rangers advancing, while the Blue Jays would be eliminated. In a three-way tie, the Mariners would claim the AL West title, the Astros would secure the second AL Wild Card spot, and the Rangers would take the third spot. In the NL Wild Card race, a four-way tie would see the Marlins and Reds advancing, while the D-backs and Cubs would be eliminated. Various tiebreakers based on head-to-head records and winning percentages would determine the outcomes.
The Cincinnati Reds staged a thrilling comeback, overcoming two deficits and hitting five home runs to secure an 11-7 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz played a pivotal role, hitting two home runs and driving in four RBIs. The win keeps the Reds' hopes alive for a National League Wild Card berth, as they are now 1.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs. The Reds' bullpen also stepped up, delivering six scoreless innings to secure the victory.
Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray exits game with right wrist tightness, raising concerns for the postseason. The NL Wild Card race tightens as the Diamondbacks and Cubs are tied for the last two spots, with the Marlins and Reds close behind. Tiebreaker situations favor the Marlins and Reds. MLBTR's Offseason Outlook series has begun, focusing on teams looking ahead to the 2023-24 offseason.
Clayton Kershaw pitched five scoreless innings, earning his 210th career victory and surpassing Don Drysdale for second place on the Dodgers' all-time wins list. The win also secured the Dodgers a bye in the National League Wild Card round of the playoffs. Despite pitching with limitations due to left shoulder inflammation, Kershaw has been effective in his recent outings, posting a 2.03 ERA in his last seven starts. The Dodgers plan to use Kershaw as a starter in the NLDS.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, several MLB series this week have significant playoff implications. The top five series to watch include the Twins vs. Reds, where the Twins can clinch the AL Central and the Reds are fighting for a Wild Card spot; the Orioles vs. Astros, featuring the AL's top seed against the defending World Series champions; the Giants vs. D-backs, a crucial series for both teams in the crowded NL Wild Card race; the Blue Jays vs. Rays, with both teams vying for division titles and playoff berths; and the Mariners vs. Rangers, as both teams compete for the AL West crown and Wild Card spots.
The race for the final Wild Card spot in the National League is heating up, with four teams vying for the position. The Atlanta Braves lead the NL standings, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the top Wild Card spot, with the Chicago Cubs close behind. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Cincinnati Reds are also in contention. The upcoming series between these teams will be crucial in determining the final playoff picture.