As the excitement builds for the 2024 MLB playoffs, teams are still vying for their position in the postseason. With the regular season winding down, the spotlight is on the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets as they prepare for a crucial doubleheader that could determine the final two spots in the playoffs. Adding to the drama, the Arizona Diamondbacks are still in the hunt for a wild-card berth in the National League, contingent on the outcomes of Monday's games.

If the Braves can clinch at least one victory during their doubleheader, they will secure the No. 5 seed in the NL. As for the Diamondbacks, they could only snag the No. 6 seed if one of the competing teams gets swept in the doubleheader at Truist Park. The ever-unpredictable Mets find themselves in a position where their playoff seating can swing between the No. 5 and No. 6 seed based on the events of the afternoon.

In contrast, the American League playoff picture is mostly set, with all four berths secured. The playoffs are set to kick off on Tuesday, marked by intense Wild Card Series matchups. The Houston Astros, as the No. 3 seed, will host the sixth-seeded Detroit Tigers. The Baltimore Orioles, holding the No. 4 seed, will face the No. 5 Kansas City Royals, who recently climbed above the Tigers after a victorious regular-season finale against the Braves. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have clinched the top seed in the AL, earning home-field advantage throughout the AL Championship Series, while the second-seeded Cleveland Guardians enjoy a first-round bye.

On the National League side of things, the top four seeds are known: the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the pack as the No. 1 seed, followed by the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres. The Dodgers' impressive record has granted them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and they will be looking to capitalize on it. The Phillies have also secured a bye in the first round, leaving the Brewers and Padres to await their respective Wild Card Series opponents.

The matchups begin Tuesday with a series of Wild Card games, and fans are eager for outcomes that will shape the road to the World Series. Here’s what to expect in the upcoming days:

Wild Card Series Schedule

(All times Eastern)

Tuesday, Oct. 1

- Astros vs. Tigers — 2:32 p.m. on ABC

- Orioles vs. Royals — 4:08 p.m. on ESPN2

- Brewers vs. Mets/Diamondbacks — 5:32 p.m. on ESPN

- Padres vs. Braves/Mets — 8:38 p.m. on ESPN

Wednesday, Oct. 2 (if necessary)

- Astros vs. Tigers Game 2 — 2:32 p.m. on ABC

- Orioles vs. Royals Game 2 — 4:38 p.m. on ESPN

- Brewers vs. Mets/Diamondbacks Game 2 — 7:38 p.m. on ESPN

- Padres vs. Braves/Mets Game 2 — 8:38 p.m. on ESPN2

Thursday, Oct. 3 (if necessary)

- Astros vs. Tigers Game 3 — 2:32 p.m. on ABC

- Orioles vs. Royals Game 3 — 4:08 p.m. on ESPN

- Padres vs. Braves/Mets Game 3 — 7:08 p.m. on ESPN

- Brewers vs. Mets/Diamondbacks Game 3 — 8:38 p.m. on ESPN2

### What’s Next?

The Division Series is scheduled to commence on Saturday, Oct. 5. Anticipate an electric atmosphere as the best teams battle for supremacy in pro baseball. With the potential for upsets and unforgettable moments, baseball fans are on the edge of their seats.

The 2024 playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling chapters in MLB history. Buckle up for what promises to be an exhilarating postseason!