MLB Playoff Picture: Key Series to Watch as Season Winds Down

LOS ANGELES, CA — As Major League Baseball’s regular season enters its final weeks, teams are racing for playoff spots and positioning. With just two weeks remaining, every game counts, especially for franchises like the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Tigers, who are within striking distance of vital byes.

The Los Angeles Dodgers sit at 87-62, needing to catch the Philadelphia Phillies in the standings for a bye. They face off against the Phillies this week, making the series critical for their October hopes. The Dodgers have had a rocky month, but a strong finish may help solidify their postseason chances.

The Toronto Blue Jays, leading the AL East at 87-62, are also looking to secure a first-round bye. Their upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox, who still have a chance to catch up, could determine the division winner.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers, with a record of 85-65, are six and a half games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in the Central Division. They are poised to clinch a division title, but two key series against the Guardians loom large.

In the AL West, the Seattle Mariners have surged into first place with nine consecutive wins and need to maintain their lead over the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Their upcoming matchup against the Rangers could be pivotal in determining the final playoff picture.

On the National League side, the Philadelphia Phillies are currently projected to make the playoffs but are looking to enhance their standings against the Dodgers. A successful series could set the tone for their postseason.

The final weeks of September will test each contender’s mettle, as teams look to solidify their playoff positions and vie for favorable rankings in October.