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Normally, we would have already known the start times for the guaranteed games of the first round of the playoffs. In most years, most if not all of the division and wild card races are decided before the final weekend of the season and at the very least we have those answers at the end of 162 games.
However, the 2018 season was anything but normal as we had TWO tiebreaking game 163s in the National League which obviously complicates TV scheduling. However, now that that is over and we actually know who is seeded where and who is facing who, MLB fairly quickly got the schedule in order.
Below are start times for Division Series games through Sunday, October 7th. FS1 or MLB Network will exclusively cover all National League Division Series games, while TBS will exclusively televise all American League Postseason action. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/y9OZQzziZG
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 2, 2018
The wild card times were already known, but now we know who is actually playing on the NL side with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night at 8:08 PM EST. After that, we have the Yankees hosting the Athletics at 8:08 PM EST in the AL Wild Card on Wednesday.
After that comes the fun part with series play beginning with just the National League on Thursday with the winner of the Wild Card game playing against Milwaukee in an afternoon game before the Braves go on the road to face the Dodgers at 8:37 PM EST. Friday has everyone in action with Cleveland at Houston first from the American League before the other ALDS series between the winner of the wild card gets the “privilege” of going to Fenway park and playing the Boston Red Sox.
Playoff baseball starts today, folks. It is time to get excited for October.