It took an extra day, but the National League playoff picture is now set. Here’s how things look for the first two rounds of October:
No. 4 Padres vs. No. 5 Braves
The Padres are in a very advantageous position. After playing a pair of games Monday, the Braves have to travel across the country to play three games against a rested Padres team that posted an MLB-best 43-20 record after the All-Star break. The Padres went 4-3 against the Braves in the regular season, outscoring them 26-22.
No. 1 seed: Dodgers
The Dodgers finished with baseball’s best record despite a rash of injuries in their starting rotation. Los Angeles will look to put a recent string of playoff disappointments in the rearview mirror. The Dodgers went 5-8 against the Padres in the regular season, and fans wouldn’t be broken up if San Diego can’t advance past the wild-card round.
No. 3 Brewers vs. No. 6 Mets
The Brewers enter the postseason in a similar position as last year after winning a second consecutive NL Central title. Milwaukee will hope for a different outcome this time around – the team was swept in two games by the eventual NL Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The Brewers handled the Mets in the regular season, winning five of six games between the two clubs.
No. 2 seed: Phillies
Philadelphia’s mission is simple: Win the World Series for the first time since 2008. The Phillies have advanced to the NLCS and World Series in each of the last two campaigns, and arguably have the most complete roster of any playoff club.
