The Opener usually takes the weekends off but today is a good day for an exception. It is Game 162, the final day of the regular season, with still a lot to be determined. In order for no team to have an advantage of a later start potentially altering their strategic decisions, all games will begin at e sentially the same time, shortly after 2pm Central. Here are some of the things still at stake 1. One last playoff spot in the National League: The National League playoff field is mostly set. The Brewers have clinched the top seed, followed by the Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs and Padres. The Brewers and Phillies each get a bye through the first round. The Cubs will host the Padres in the Wild Card round. The Dodgers will be hosting the other Wild Card matchup but their opponent has not yet been determined. The Reds and Mets are currently tied for the final spot with identical 83-78 records, though the Reds hold the tiebreaker. The Reds can get into the playoffs with a win or a Mets lo s. For the Mets to get in, they need to win and have the Reds lose. In Milwaukee, the Reds are sending to the mound to face of the Brewers. The Mets are in Miami and are giving the ball to against of the Marlins. 2. American League seeding: The American League playoff field has been set, Mason Englert Jersey though the seeding is still largely up in the air. The six teams will be the Blue Jays, Yankees, Mariners, Guardians, Red Sox and Tigers. However, the Mariners are the only team locked into a seed. They have won the West and will be the #2 seed, getting a bye through the first round. The five other clubs still dont have a seed locked in. The Jays and Yankees are currently tied atop the American League East, though the Jays are technically ahead since they hold the tiebreaker. One of those two clubs will win the East and be the top seed, securing a bye. The Jays could get that spot with a win or a Yankees lo s, whereas the Yankees need to win and have the Jays lose. Whoever comes up short in that battle will get the #4 seed as the top Wild Card team, squaring off against the #5 seed. The Jays are hosting the Rays with squaring off against . The Yanks send to the mound as they host and the Orioles. Similarly, the Guardians and Tigers are tied atop the Central, with the Guards holding the tiebreak. However, theres no bye at stake here. The winner will just get home field advantage in the Wild Card round and will face the #6 seed. The Guardians are hosting the Rangers with facing . The Tigers are in Boston and will send to the mound. The Red Sox had lined up to pitch if today was meaningful but he may be held back for the playoffs now that they have clinched. If Giolito doesnt get the ball, Boston may do a bullpen game. Boston is currently in the #5 spot but they could get bumped down to #6. If they lose to the Tigers and the Guardians win, those three clubs would all finish at 88-74. In that scenario, the Guards win the Central and are the #3 seed. The Tigers hold the tiebreaker over the Red Sox and would jump to #5. 3. Individual achievements: Today is also the last chance for players to pad their stats for awards consideration. The A.L. MVP debate has been an ongoing talking point for months. has better offense than on the whole but Raleighs production from the catcher position is unprecedented. The baseball industry seems divided on who should get the nod and we wont know the answer for a few more weeks. For now, its one more chance to put up some numbers. Raleigh has already hit the 60-homer plateau but could tie Judges A.L. record if he can hit a couple more today. There are lots of other milestones which could be hit today and races which could still be determined. has 49 home runs, the same amount he hit back in 2019. Can he get to 50? has 38 stolen bases, tied for the N.L. lead with ? leads the majors in hits with 183, two ahead of and . Bichette is on the injured list, so he wont be a factor in that race. If youre watching out for some specific achievement today, comment below! Photo courtesy of Aaron Doster, Imagn Images Reese Olson Jersey
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