Taking the Temperature of MLB Playoffs: Key Things to Watch with Each Contender in the Final Week

The MLB regular season is coming to a close, with several playoff spots still up for grabs. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves are all battling for seeding and byes. The Dodgers have a strong chance of winning the NL West, while the Phillies are the NL East champions. The Brewers need their lineup to start clicking, and the Padres are looking to win their first division title since 2006. The Mets have overcome injuries and are aiming to secure a playoff berth, while the Diamondbacks are dealing with bullpen struggles and injuries. The Braves, who swept the Mets last year, are hoping to secure a postseason spot. In the American League, the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners are all fighting for playoff berths. The Yankees are almost assured of a division title, while the Guardians are aiming for a first-round bye. The Astros have surged since June, while the Orioles are struggling. The Royals have faltered with injuries, and the Tigers are looking to clinch a playoff spot after a decade. The Twins are trying to avoid a collapse, and the Mariners are facing an uphill battle. As the regular season closes, the race for the playoffs is heating up, with key matchups and tiebreakers determining the final standings.

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