MLB Roundup

MLB Playoff Picture Update 10/2: Brewers and Dodgers take the tiebreakers

And the field is officially set.

By Matt_Collins@MattRyCollins Oct 2, 2018, 8:00am EDT

National League Tiebreaker Game - Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs

American League East

The Red Sox clinched the American League East.

American League Central

The Indians clinched the American League Central.

American League West

The Astros clinched the American League West.

American League Wildcard

The Yankees clinched the top wildcard spot in the American League. They will host the Athletics for Wednesday’s Wildcard Game.

Current AL Playoff Picture

E: Red Sox (1)

C: Indians (3)

W: Astros (2)

WC1: Yankees (4)

WC2: Athletics (5)

National League East

The Braves clinched the National League East.

National League Central

The first of the two divisional tiebreakers on Monday was in Chicago with the Brewers taking on the Cubs. This was easily the more exciting game of the day, with both starting pitchers — Jhoulys Chacin for Milwaukee and Jose Quintana for the Cubs — pitching well then handing off for strong bullpen performances. The game was tied at one heading into the eighth, but Lorenzo Cain and Ryan Braun both came up with big hits as the Brewers went up by two before handing things off to Josh Hader. The lefty reliever finished off the final six outs and the Brewers clinched the Central. They’ll have home field throughout the National League side of the postseason schedule.

National League West

After that game wrapped up, we headed out to Los Angeles for the second Game 163 of the afternoon. In this one, the Dodgers were hosting the Rockies and the game was all about one pitcher in particular. Walker Buehler got the ball for L.A., and the rookie sure didn’t look like a rookie. He dominated a very good Colorado lineup all day and ended up with 6 ²⁄₃ shutout innings with just one hit. Throw in some homers for the Dodgers and they ended up with a 5-2 win. With the division officially in their hands, they’ll host Atlanta for the NLDS.

National League Wildcard

While the Cubs and Rockies both lost their divisional tiebreakers on Monday, they aren’t eliminated from postseason contention just yet. Now, on Tuesday night, they’ll be back in action for the Wildcard Game. This is, of course, a winner-take-all game and the Cubs will be hosting. Chicago sends old friend Jon Lester to the mound, and he’ll take on Kyle Freeland of Colorado.

Current NL Playoff Picture

E: Braves (3)

C: Brewers (1)

W: Dodgers (2)

WC1: Cubs (4)

WC2: Rockies (5)