Here is the tentative American League playoff schedule for the KC Royals
The Royals had a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win Friday against the Braves in Atlanta.
That didn’t happen, but the Royals were more than happy to take what was behind Door No. 2. The Baltimore Orioles thumped the Twins 7-2 at Target Field, and that secured a wild-card spot for the Royals.
After the final out, the champagne began flowing at Truist Park in Atlanta. It’s the first time the Royals have qualified for the playoffs since 2015.
Baltimore’s win clinched the top wild-card spot for the Orioles, and they’ll play host to the second wild card. The Detroit Tigers beat the White Sox 4-1 and moved ahead of the Royals in the standings.
Detroit, 86-74, is the No. 5 seeded team in the playoff field following Friday’s games and, as things currently stand, would play the Orioles. The Royals, 85-75, are currently the No. 6 seed and in line to play the Astros as things stand.
However, the Royals would finish ahead of the Tigers if the teams end up tied at the end of regular-season play Sunday.
That means the American League playoff bracket isn’t set but we do know what days the Royals will be play their postseason. Here is the tentative AL playoff schedule.
Wild Card round
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Royals or Tigers at Houston Astros, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)
Royals or Tigers at Baltimore Orioles, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Royals or Tigers at Houston Astros, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)
Royals or Tigers at Baltimore Orioles, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)
Thursday, Oct. 3
Royals or Tigers at Houston Astros, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)*
Royals or Tigers at Baltimore Orioles, time TBD (ESPN or ABC)*
*If necessary
DIVISION SERIES
Saturday, Oct. 5
Wild Card winner at Guardians, time TBD (TBS)
Wild Card winner at Yankees, time TBD (TBS)
Monday, Oct. 7
Wild Card winner at Guardians, time TBD (TBS)
Wild Card winner at Yankees, time TBD (TBS)
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Guardians at Wild Card winner, time TBD (TBS)
Yankees at Wild Card winner, time TDB (TBS)
Thursday, Oct. 10
Guardians at Wild Card winner, time TBD (TBS)*
Yankees at Wild Card winner, time TDB (TBS)*
Saturday, Oct. 12
Wild Card winner at Guardians, time TBD (TBS)*
Wild Card winner at Yankees, time TBD (TBS)*
*If necessary
ALCS: Oct. 14-Oct. 22
World Series: Oct. 25-Nov. 2