With only three weeks left in the MLB season, each game becomes crucial. While a win counts the same no matter the month, September games can significantly affect playoff outcomes. This article outlines teams facing both easy and tough schedules as they push for playoff spots.

Easiest Remaining Schedules

1. San Diego Padres: 45.9% opponents’ winning percentage
Series remaining: Reds, Rockies (4), at Mets, at White Sox, Brewers, at Diamondbacks
Playoff odds: 97.9%
The Padres have a favorable schedule despite some competitive opponents, aided by 13 home games remaining.

2. Seattle Mariners: 47.5%
Series remaining: Cardinals, Angels (4), at Royals, at Astros, Rockies, Dodgers
Playoff odds: 88.6%
Crucial upcoming series against the Astros could decide the AL West.

3. New York Yankees: 47.7%
Series remaining: Tigers, at Red Sox, at Twins, at Orioles (4), White Sox, Orioles
Playoff odds: 100%
The Yankees face no playoff teams for the rest of the season, a potential advantage in the AL East.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers: 48.3%
Series remaining: Rockies, at Giants, Phillies, Giants (4), at Diamondbacks, at Mariners
Playoff odds: 97.5%
The Dodgers need to perform well against playoff hopefuls after facing weaker teams.

5. San Francisco Giants: 48.5%
Series remaining: Diamondbacks, Dodgers, at Diamondbacks, at Dodgers, Cardinals, Rockies
Playoff odds: 10.4%
The schedule is tougher than it appears, with several series against potential playoff contenders.

Toughest Remaining Schedules

1. St. Louis Cardinals: 55.6%
Series remaining: at Mariners, at Brewers, Reds, Brewers, at Giants, Cubs
Playoff odds: <1%
The Cardinals face an uphill battle with a schedule full of contenders.

2. Cincinnati Reds: 52.4%
Series remaining: at Padres, at Athletics, at Cardinals, Cubs (4), Pirates, at Brewers
Playoff odds: 6.7%
With series against teams that are exceeding expectations, the Reds’ path is challenging.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks: 52.1%
Series remaining: at Giants, at Twins, Giants, Phillies, Dodgers, at Padres
Playoff odds: 5%
Facing exclusively competitive teams, the Diamondbacks must win crucial series to stay relevant.

4. Tampa Bay Rays: 52%
Series remaining: at White Sox, at Cubs, Blue Jays (4), Red Sox, at Orioles, at Blue Jays
Playoff odds: 1.3%
The Rays must overcome a tough schedule amid losing streaks.

5. Boston Red Sox: 51.9%
Series remaining: at Athletics, Yankees, Athletics, at Rays, at Blue Jays, Tigers
Playoff odds: 95.5%
The Red Sox need to navigate a tough schedule against teams fighting for postseason spots.