With Playoff Berth Secure, Phillies Wait to Find Out Opponent

The push for the postseason is complete for the Philadelphia Phillies, but they may be waiting a while to find out their opponent.

The Philadelphia Phillies have not only clinched a playoff berth, but they have also clinched the No. 4 seed in the National League playoffs, thanks to their win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and a loss by the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

So with five games left this season, the Phillies (88-69) now have time to fully prep for a Wild Card series at Citizens Bank Field. The only thing the Phillies need now is an opponent.

The Arizona Diamondbacks took a step forward on Tuesday, blowing out the Chicago White Sox, 15-4. That put a game between them and the Cubs, who lost to Atlanta. It’s possible that these two mid-week series could make all the difference. The D-Backs have two more against the 60-win White Sox, and the Cubs have two more against the NL East champion Braves.

By Thursday, the Phillies may have a clearer idea of who will be coming to town next week. Or, hot streaks by either Miami or Cincinnati could bring it right down to the wire.

Below is an update on the race, with the current standings, magic numbers to clinch a Wild Card berth and the remaining schedules for the teams that are still in the race.

The NL Wild Card Race as of Sept. 27

Tuesday’s results

Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2

Arizona 15, Chicago White Sox 4

Atlanta 7, Chicago Cubs 6

Cincinnati 11, Cleveland 7

Miami vs. New York Mets, ppd, rain (will play doubleheader on Wednesday)

Standings

(Top three teams clinch Wild Card berths)

Philadelphia (88-69): +6.0 Games (Will be No. 4 seed in playoffs)

Arizona (83-74): — +1.0 GB (Magic Number to clinch playoff berth: 5)

Chicago Cubs (82-75): — (Magic Number to clinch playoff berth: 6)

Miami (81-75): — 0.5 GB

Cincinnati (81-77): — 1.5 GB

What’s Left?

Philadelphia (5): Wednesday-Thursday: vs. Pittsburgh (2); Friday-Sunday: at New York Mets (3)

Chicago Cubs (5): Wednesday-Thursday: at Atlanta (2); Friday-Sunday: at Milwaukee (3)

Arizona (5): Wednesday-Thursday: at Chicago White Sox (2); Friday-Sunday: vs. Houston (3)

Cincinnati (4): Wednesday: at Cleveland (1); Friday-Sunday: at St. Louis (3)

Miami (6): Wednesday-Thursday: at New York Mets (3); Friday-Sunday: at Pittsburgh (3)