Just like that, the 2020 MLB Playoffs are now set to begin in less than a week. It’s been a fast pace throughout the truncated 2020 season after Opening Day was postponed several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MLB just released its 2020 playoff schedule, noting that the divisional round, league championship series and World Series will be played in four different bubble cities — Houston, Texas, San Diego and Los Angeles.
At least initially, it did not seem like fans would be in attendance throughout the duration of the playoffs. That might no longer be the case.
MLB planning for fans to be in attendance for the NLCS and World Series at Globe Life Field in Texas
“We are pressing ahead to have fans in Texas,’’ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told USA Today Sports. “One of the most important things to our game is the presence of fans. Starting down the path of having fans in stadiums, and in a safe and risk-free environment, is very, very important to our game.’’
Tickets are expected to go on sale at some point here soon. As for the American League Championship Series in Southern California, fans will be a no go. California Governor Gavin Newsom made it clear during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic that fans would not be allowed in attendance throughout the 2020 calendar year.
2020 MLB Playoff schedule
- Wild card round: Teams will play the best-of-three series at home venues with the team that boasts the best record in each matchup hosting all three games.
- The divisional round will be played in Houston, Texas, San Diego and Los Angeles with the National League playing in Texas and the American League in Southern California.
- The National League Championship Series will be played in Arlington while the American League Championship Series will take place in San Diego.
- Game 1 of the 2020 World Series will take place in Arlington on Oct. 20. A potential Game 7 of the World Series would take place Oct. 28.
2020 MLB Playoffs
MLB expanded its playoff field to 16 teams this season. Two teams from each division are guaranteed a spot in the postseason with the two teams boasting the best record after that also securing a playoff spot.
As of Wednesday evening, the following teams have clinched playoff spots.
American League
- Tampa Bay Rays: 36-20
- Chicago White Sox: 34-21
- Oakland Athletics: 33-21
- Minnesota Twins: 34-22
- New York Yankees: 32-23
- Cleveland Indians: 31-24
National League
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 39-16
- Atlanta Braves: 33-22
- Chicago Cubs: 32-23
- San Diego Padres: 34-21
If fans are able to attend the ALCS and World Series in Arlington, it will add to what we expect to be an already fun fall around the Major League Baseball world.