MLB Playoff Picture 2021: Dodgers, Giants, Phillies, Braves Vying For NL West, East Titles

While the American League could have a wild finish to its postseason race, there isn’t nearly as much at stake in the National League. Three of the five NL postseason berths have been clinched before the final week of the regular season. Only one team that is out of the current playoff picture has a realistic chance to sneak into the postseason.

The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched the NL Central and the No. 2 seed. The St. Louis Cardinals are one victory away from locking up the NL’s second wild-card spot. The only drama comes in the races for the NL West and NL East titles.

The San Francisco Giants have a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Both teams have already clinched a playoff spot, though the division winner will be in a much better position to make a World Series run.

The NL West champion will earn home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs, and probably in the Fall Classic, as well. The second-place finisher will host the win-or-go-home NL Wild Card Game against the Cardinals.

The NL West champ will face the NL Wild Card winner in the NLDS and have home-field advantage.

The odds are against the Dodgers in their quest for a ninth straight division title. In addition to owning a two-game lead with six games left to play, the Giants have an easier remaining schedule.

Both L.A. and San Francisco will play a three-game series against the San Diego Padres. The Giants start the week at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, while the Dodgers end the season with three games at home against the Brewers.

Arizona is tied for MLB’s worst record. The Giants are 14-2 against the Diamondbacks this season.

If San Francisco and Los Angeles finish the regular season with the same record, the Giants will host the Dodgers with the NL West title on the line. The loser gets the first Wild Card berth.

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are vying for the NL East championship. The second-place finisher will miss the playoffs completely. Atlanta has a 2.5-game edge over Philadelphia, including a three-game lead in the loss column.

The Braves host the Phillies in a three-game set starting Tuesday. Atlanta would clinch the division title by sweeping the series.

Atlanta finishes the season with three games at home against the New York Mets. Philadelphia’s final series is on the road against the Miami Marlins.

If the NL East contenders end Sunday separated by a half-game, Atlanta will host the Colorado Rockies Monday to make up a postponed game that was never played.

Philadelphia leads Atlanta 9-7 in the season series. If the Phillies and Braves have to play a 163rd game to determine the NL East winner, the contest will take place in Philadelphia.

The NL East champion will face Milwaukee in the NLDS.