Parity abounds in MLB postseason as big spenders and budget squads collide
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale breaks down parity in the MLB postseason and why teams like the Padres are excelling despite cutting their budget.
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The MLB postseason has arrived, and the remaining eight teams are pursuing their World Series dreams as they compete in the 2024 MLB Division Series.
The top teams in the National League are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who feature Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, and the Philadelphia Phillies, making their third straight postseason appearance. The Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres after defeating the Atlanta Braves in the wild card series. Meanwhile, the Phillies will take on the New York Mets, who advanced after a hard-fought three-game series win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians will face their division rivals, the Detroit Tigers, in a matchup that promises to be a nail-biter. The New York Yankees, the heavy favorites with the best record in the AL, will face off against the Kansas City Royals, setting the stage for two must-watch events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
MLB playoffs: Four pivotal players for ALDS and NLDS matchups
MLB playoff bracket:American League Division matchupsCleveland Guardians vs. Detroit TigersNew York Yankees vs. Kansas City RoyalsNational League Wild Division matchupsPhiladelphia Phillies vs. New York MetsLos Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres2024 MLB postseason schedule:American League Division: Best-of-five series
*if necessary
Game 1: Tigers at Guardians, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1:08 p.m. ET on TBSGame 1: Royals at Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6:38 p.m. ET on TBSGame 2: Tigers at Guardians, Monday, Oct. 7 (TBS)Game 2: Royals at Yankees, Monday, Oct. 7 (TBS)Game 3: Guardians at Tigers, Wednesday, Oct. 9 (TBS)Game 3: Yankees at Royals, Wednesday, Oct. 9 (TBS)Game 4*: Guardians at Tigers, Thursday, Oct. 10 (TBS)Game 4*: Yankees at Royals, Thursday, Oct. 10 (TBS)Game 5*: Tigers at Guardians, Saturday, Oct. 12 (TBS)Game 5*: Royals at Yankees, Saturday, Oct. 12 (TBS)National League Division: Best-of-five series
*if necessary
Game 1: Mets at Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 4:08 p.m. ET on FoxGame 1: Padres at Dodgers, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8:38 p.m. ET on FS1Game 2: Mets at Phillies, Sunday, Oct. 6 (Fox or FS1)Game 2: Padres at Dodgers, Sunday, Oct. 6 (Fox or FS1)Game 3: Phillies at Mets, Tuesday, Oct. 8 (Fox or FS1)Game 3: Dodgers at Padres, Tuesday, Oct. 8 (Fox or FS1)Game 4*: Phillies at Mets, Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Fox or FS1)Game 4*: Dodgers at Padres, Wednesday, Oct. 9 (Fox or FS1)Game 5*: Mets at Phillies, Friday, Oct. 11 (Fox or FS1)Game 5*: Padres at Dodgers, Friday, Oct. 11 (Fox or FS1)League Championship Series (Best-of-7):October 13: NLCS Game 1October 14: ALCS Game 1, NLCS Game 2October 15: ALCS Game 2October 16: NLCS Game 3October 17: ALCS Game 3, NLCS Game 4October 18: ALCS Game 4, NLCS Game 5 (if necessary)October 19: ALCS Game 5 (if necessary)October 20: NLCS Game 6 (if necessary)October 21: ALCS Game 6 (if necessary), NLCS Game 7 (if necessary)October 22: ALCS Game 7 (if necessary)World Series (Best-of-7):October 25: World Series Game 1October 26: World Series Game 2October 28: World Series Game 3October 29: World Series Game 4October 30: World Series Game 5 (if necessary)November 1: World Series Game 6 (if necessary)November 2: World Series Game 7 (if necessary)
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