Sunday primer
The essentials This is the last day of baseball's regular season … unless it's not. An AL wild-card tiebreaker might be needed Monday. Every game begins shortly after 2 p.m. Central time (weather permitting) — a new wrinkle MLB has added this year.
AL update
What we know: The Royals and Blue Jays have clinched their divisions and will have home field in the Division Series. … The Yankees have clinched a wild card. … And the Rangers have clinched a playoff spot.
What we don't know: That last playoff team. It will be the Astros or the Angels. … The Royals and Blue Jays are playing for best record, and the Rangers and Astros are playing for the West title. … The site of the wild-card game also could be up for grabs.
NL update
What we know: All five playoff teams — the Cardinals, Mets and Dodgers (division winners) and the Pirates and Cubs (wild cards). … The Cardinals also have clinched best record. … The Mets will play the Dodgers in the Division Series.
What we don't know: Where that wild-card game will be and where the series between the Mets and Dodgers will begin.
Playoff schedule
Tuesday: Angels/Astros/Rangers vs. Yankees in AL wild-card game (7 p.m., ESPN).
Wednesday: Cubs vs. Pirates (home team TBD) in NL wild-card game (7 p.m., TBS).
Division series: AL series begins Thursday, NL series begins Friday.
