Although it was believed the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 2022 postseason berth with their win against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, a correction from MLB has determined that to not yet be the case.
The Dodgers did not have a raucous celebration after the series finale at Petco Park, but manager Dave Roberts did address the team during a tempered champagne toast, and players were provided with caps that featured a 2022 MLB postseason logo on them.
MLB’s forecasting of clinching scenarios included an error as it did not account for the possibility of the San Diego Padres surpassing the Dodgers in the National League West standings and thus dropping them into a three-way tie with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers would have to lose the final 23 games remaining on their schedule, and the Brewers would need to win their last 21 contests in order for both teams to finish with identical 96-66 records.
Improbable as that seems, work technically still remains for Los Angeles to officially punch their ticket for the MLB playoffs.
The Dodgers can secure a 10th consecutive postseason appearance with one more win, or a Brewers loss. Milwaukee is off on Monday, while the Dodgers begin a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Once the Dodgers clinch a postseason berth, they will become just the third team in MLB history to reach the playoffs in 10 straight seasons. The Atlanta Braves hold the MLB record for consecutive postseason appearances by virtue of winning 14 division titles in a row, and the New York Yankees were part of October baseball for 13 straight seasons (1995-2007).
Additionally, the Dodgers remain on track to set a new franchise wins record. The mark is currently 106 wins, shared by the 2019 and 2021 teams.
Dodgers magic number for NL West title
In spite of MLB’s error, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the NL West remains two. Thus, the earliest day L.A. can win a ninth division title in the past 10 seasons is Tuesday.
The Dodgers last clinched the NL West at Chase Field during the 2013 season, which famously included a celebration spilling into the Diamondbacks’ pool.
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