The wait is over, sports fans! The thrilling MLB postseason is just around the corner, and this year promises to be nothing short of spectacular. With the regular season wrapping up recently, it’s time to gear up for the much-anticipated 2023 MLB playoffs. So, let’s dive right in and get you up to speed on all the essential details!

When Does the Action Begin?

Mark your calendars for October 3rd, as this is when the MLB playoffs kick off with the exhilarating Wild Card round. On this day, four games will set the stage for the intense battle that lies ahead.

World Series Schedule

The pinnacle of the MLB postseason, the World Series, will commence on October 27th. If it goes the distance, with seven thrilling games, the World Series will conclude on November 4th.

The Contenders: Which Teams Made the Cut?

A total of twelve teams will be vying for glory in the MLB playoffs, with six teams from each league securing their spots. Let’s take a closer look at the teams that have earned their place in the 2023 MLB playoffs:

National League

• Atlanta Braves (National League East champions)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (National League West champions)
• Milwaukee Brewers (National League Central champions, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 1 seed)
• Philadelphia Phillies (second place in NL East, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 2 seed)
• Miami Marlins (third place in NL East, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 3 seed)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (second place in NL West, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 4 seed)

American League

• Baltimore Orioles (American League East champions)
• Houston Astros (American League West champions)
• Minnesota Twins (American League Central champions, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 1 seed)
• Tampa Bay Rays (second place in AL East, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 2 seed)
• Texas Rangers (second place in AL West, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 3 seed)
• Toronto Blue Jays (third place in AL East, will compete in Wild Card round as the No. 4 seed)

Now that you know which teams will be fighting for a shot at the championship, it’s time to explore the exciting playoff format and schedule!

The Wild Card Series

The Wild Card round will take place from October 3rd to October 5th and features a best-of-three format. The lowest-seeded division winner will face off against the lowest-seeded Wild Card team, while the other matchups will consist of the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds. All games will be held at the venue of the highest-seeded team.

Here is the schedule for the Wild Card Series:

• October 3rd:

  • AL Wild Card A, Game 1:
    • Rangers at Rays (3:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ABC
  • AL Wild Card B, Game 1:
    • Blue Jays at Twins (4:38 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN
  • NL Wild Card A, Game 1:
    • Diamondbacks at Brewers (7:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN2
  • NL Wild Card B, Game 1:
    • Marlins at Phillies (8:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN

• October 4th:

  • AL Wild Card A, Game 2:
    • Rangers at Rays (3:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ABC
  • AL Wild Card B, Game 2:
    • Blue Jays at Twins (4:38 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN
  • NL Wild Card A, Game 2:
    • Diamondbacks at Brewers (7:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN2
  • NL Wild Card B, Game 2:
    • Marlins at Phillies (8:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN

• October 5th:

  • AL Wild Card A, Game 3 (if necessary):
    • Rangers at Rays (3:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ABC
  • AL Wild Card B, Game 3 (if necessary):
    • Blue Jays at Twins (4:38 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN
  • NL Wild Card A, Game 3 (if necessary):
    • Diamondbacks at Brewers (7:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN2
  • NL Wild Card B, Game 3 (if necessary):
    • Marlins at Phillies (8:08 p.m. ET) – Airing on ESPN

Division Series: The Quest for the Pennants

Following the Wild Card round, the Division Series will take place from October 7th to October 14th. Each series will be played in a 2-2-1 format, with the highest-seeded team enjoying home-field advantage for games 1-2 and 5 (if necessary).

Championship Series: The Final Push

From October 15th to October 24th, the Championship Series will unfold. The American League Championship Series (ALCS) will air on FS1 and FOX, while the National League Championship Series (NLCS) will be broadcast on TBS. The game times will be announced in due course.

The Grand Finale: The 2023 World Series

The most anticipated event in the MLB calendar, the World Series, will captivate baseball fans around the globe starting on October 27th. The series, broadcast on FOX, will conclude on November 4th if it extends to a thrilling seventh game.

MLB Playoff Rules: What’s New?

With every MLB postseason comes a set of rules that add to the excitement. Let’s take a look at some notable rules for the 2023 MLB playoffs:

The Pitch Clock

For the first time ever, the pitch clock will be implemented during the MLB postseason. Pitchers will have 15 seconds to deliver a pitch when no runners are on base, and 20 seconds when at least one runner is on base. Any violation by a pitcher will result in an automatic ball. Hitters, too, must be in the batter’s box with eight seconds left on the pitch clock, or else they will be penalized with an automatic strike.

Extra Innings

While several new rules apply in the MLB playoffs, such as the disengagement rule and shift restrictions, the “ghost runner” in extra innings will not be used. This means that extra innings will begin with the bases empty, just like in regular innings.

Get ready for a month filled with adrenaline-pumping baseball action! Stay tuned to Sports News for all the latest updates on the 2023 MLB playoffs. Let’s root for our favorite teams and experience the joy, drama, and pure excitement that only the MLB postseason can deliver!