Blue Jays Close to Playoff Spot, Cubs In: Playoff Scenarios

Entering Thursday's games, the Cubs have secured a postseason spot, marking their first since 2020. The Blue Jays are close to clinching a playoff berth with a magic number of two, while the Dodgers reduced their magic number to two after defeating the Phillies 5-0.

Despite a loss to the Padres, the Mets are holding onto the NL's third wild-card position. They aim to create distance from the Diamondbacks in upcoming games. The Diamondbacks are 1 1/2 games behind the Mets, with the Reds and Giants trailing closely. The Cardinals are unlikely to advance to the postseason, sitting 4 1/2 games back.

In the AL, the Guardians have a chance to sweep the Tigers and are still in the running for the AL Central title, trailing Detroit by 4 1/2 games. They are also 2 1/2 games behind for the final AL wild-card spot. Toronto and Detroit are set for first-round byes in the playoffs, with Toronto holding home-field advantage through the ALCS.

The AL Wild Card Series matchups are Red Sox at Astros and Mariners at Yankees. In the NL, the Wild Card Series features the Mets at Dodgers and Padres at Cubs. The Brewers and Phillies are poised as the top seeds in the NL, securing first-round byes.

In upcoming games, the Tigers face the Guardians, the Mariners play the Royals, and the Cubs take on the Reds. The Mariners are gearing up for a crucial series against the Astros to determine the AL West winner. Hunter Greene will be a key player for the Reds in their playoff push against the Cubs.