The Major League Baseball playoffs have reached the Division Series, and the field is loaded with big names and familiar rivalries. After a wild-card round filled with drama – three series went to a deciding Game 3 – only eight teams remain with a chance to hoist the World Series trophy.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were the lone team to sweep, rolling past the Cincinnati Reds in two high-scoring wins. The Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers each survived tough three-game battles to keep their October runs alive. Now, the bracket is set for a second round that feels stacked with storylines.
Dodgers vs. Phillies: Power vs. Pressure – Cubs vs. Brewers: Rivalry Renewed
The Dodgers looked like the juggernaut everyone expected. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman powered an offense that scored 18 runs in two games, while the pitching stayed sharp. Their reward? A date with the Philadelphia Phillies, a team that has made a habit of thriving under playoff pressure. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler have carried Philly deep into October before, and they won’t be intimidated by L.A.
Chicago has been in survival mode for weeks, grinding through the Padres to earn this spot. The Cubs rely on timely hits and steady defense, and they’re facing a familiar foe in the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee leans on pitching, with Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta capable of shutting down anyone. Add in the intensity of a division rivalry, and this matchup could be the most unpredictable of the round.
Yankees vs. Blue Jays: AL East Showdown – Mariners vs. Tigers: Experience vs. Youth
The Yankees got past Boston with help from Aaron Judge’s bat and Gerrit Cole’s arm. Now they meet the Toronto Blue Jays, who feature one of the deepest lineups in the game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette headline a team that has been building toward this moment. Both clubs have the firepower to win, and this series may go the distance.
Seattle claimed the American League’s top seed with a balanced roster and one of the strongest bullpens in baseball. The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, are the surprise of the postseason. Young, fearless, and riding momentum after upsetting Cleveland, the Tigers have little to lose. That edge could make them a dangerous underdog.
What’s The Schedule?
- Dodgers vs. Phillies (Oct. 4-11, TBS)
- Cubs vs. Brewers (Oct. 4-11, TBS)
- Yankees vs. Blue Jays (Oct. 4-10, Fox/FS1)
- Mariners vs. Tigers (Oct. 4-10, Fox/FS1)
The League Championship Series will begin Oct. 12 in the AL and Oct. 13 in the NL. The World Series starts Friday, Oct. 24 on Fox.
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