SI.com · Sep 25, 2021
MLB Playoffs 2021: Current Standings, Magic Numbers, Clinching Updates
After a long, long six months and well over 100 MLB games, the playoffs are just around the corner.
The postseason is slated to kick off on Oct. 5 with the American League wild-card game, and the National League wild-card game scheduled a day later. The World Series, though, will start just before Halloween on Oct. 26 with the potential Game 7 scheduled for Nov. 3—its latest since 2009.
The Rays, aka the defending American League champions, were the first to clinch a postseason slot after blowing past the Blue Jays, 7–1. Since first making the postseason in 2008, Tampa Bay has advanced to the playoffs in seven out of 14 years.