MLB Playoff Picture 2024: Dodgers, Phillies Can Clinch Bracket Spots on Thursday

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 19, 2024

Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers have already clinched playoff berths. On Thursday, a trio of MLB teams can join them.

The MLB-leading Philadelphia Phillies (91-61), NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (90-62) and AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians (88-65) can clinch playoff berths with wins over the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins, respectively.

MLB @MLB- Phillies, Dodgers, Guardians can all clinch postseason spots TODAY
– Chris Sale vies for his 18th win
– Phillies/Mets and D-backs/Brewers open up pivotal 4-game sets

Another exciting day of September baseball is on deck. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/eB3dCQZJaH

The Phillies are close to clinching the NL East, with a seven-game lead over the Mets and just 10 games remaining in the season. The Phillies could clinch the division as soon as Friday, with the two teams begining a four-game series Thursday evening.

The Dodgers have a bit more work to do in that regard, with just a 3.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres and 10 games remaining (nine for the Padres). The two teams will play a three-game series starting on Tuesday.

In the AL Central, the Guardians hold a six-game lead over the Kansas City Royals. The two teams will not play again this season.

At the moment, the Yankees, Guardians, Houston Astros, Phillies and Dodgers all seem like safe bets to win their respective divisions. The Brewers, meanwhile, already clinched the NL Central.

In the Wild Card chase, the Baltimore Orioles, Royals and Twins currently hold the three available slots in the American League, though the Detroit Tigers are just a half-game back of the Twins.

The Tigers start a crucial three-game series with the Orioles on Friday, while the Twins and Orioles will close the season with a three-game series starting on Sept. 27.

The Seattle Mariners (three games back) and Boston Red Sox (four games back) would need an incredible final stretch, and some luck, to get in.

In the American League, the Padres, Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks are currently in the Wild Card spots, with the Atlanta Braves two games back of both the Mets and D-Backs. The Braves and Mets will play a crucial three-game series starting on Tuesday, while the Diamondbacks and Padres will play each other in a three-game series to close the season starting on Sept. 27.