2021 MLB playoffs: Schedules, postseason bracket, analysis and updates
All the latest information about the teams, storylines and highlights of the 2021 MLB postseason, from the start of October through the World Series.
2021 Schedule
2021 Schedule
0-1, 2nd in NL Cent
Cardinals fans deserve a better explanation for Mike Shildt firing
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak blamed "philosophical differences" for Shildt's unexpected dismissal in St. Louis. Whatever that means, it's not enough for this franchise.
Was Mike Shildt's last decision the reason for his firing? (0:54)
Shildt fired as Cards manager after wild-card run
Despite a 17-game winning streak in September that carried St. Louis to a wild-card berth, Mike Shildt has been fired as Cardinals manager.
Ohtani, Harper among finalists for Aaron Award
Shohei Ohtani, the favorite for American League MVP, is the first player who also pitches ever nominated as a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award, which is given to the best offensive player in each league.
2021 MLB playoffs: Our predictions from the wild-card games through the World Series
Will the Dodgers beat the Giants? Can the Rays win it all? Here's what our experts say will happen this October.
Dodgers walk off vs. Cards to capture wild card
Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger were unlikely heroes as the Dodgers walked off with an NL wild-card win against the Cardinals on Wednesday night and advanced to face the Giants in the NLDS.
Chris Taylor: 'Pure excitement' to send Dodgers to NLDS (1:07)
Taylor hits walk-off HR, Dodgers deck Cards 3-1 in WC game
— One big swing by Chris Taylor sent the Los Angeles Dodgers soaring and the St. Louis Cardinals crashing.
2021 MLB playoffs: Chris Taylor's timely walk-off lifts Los Angeles Dodgers over St. Louis Cardinals, into NLDS
The defending World Series champions advance to NLDS for ninth straight season.
Three questions for the Cardinals after being eliminated from the postseason
What's next for the Cardinals following their postseason exit?
How the Cardinals went from 1.3% postseason odds to playing the defending champs tonight
Instead of playing for next year, St. Louis decided to add at the trade deadline. Its reward? A 17-game win streak and a wild-card date with the Dodgers.
Jeff Passan answers 20 burning questions about the MLB playoffs
What's in store this postseason? Who has locked up awards voting? And which non-playoff team is best set up for 2022? Jeff Passan answers 20 burning questions for October and beyond.
Dodgers-Giants NLDS is set: Everything you need to know about the 8 remaining MLB playoff teams
From best (and worst) case scenarios and odds for every round to bold predictions and big names to know, our baseball experts break down the postseason field.
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt thinks Jack Flaherty's stuff was back in his lone inning Sunday. He hasn't recorded more than three outs since returning in late September, but it'll be fascinating to see how/when they use him tomorrow. "It'll be in the bullpen," Shildt said, "and it'll be fluid."
West, Carlson named MLB wild-card plate umps
The umpires for the MLB wild-card games have been set: Joe West will be behind the plate for Wednesday's Dodgers-Cardinals NL Wild Card Game, while Mark Carlson will call balls and strikes for the AL Wild Card Game between the Yankees and Red Sox.
Dodgers WS betting favorite; Cards a long shot
The Dodgers have been the favorite to win the World Series since the beginning of the season and they remain that way heading into the playoffs.
FiveThirtyEight: What Are The Odds Of Each World Series Matchup?
The 2021 MLB regular season came down to its final day with a lot of potential for chaos -- including a possible four-way tie for the American...
Report: Wainwright deal for 2022 worth $17.5M
St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright is guaranteed $17.5 million under his 2022 contract with the Cardinals, more than double his $8 million salary this year.
Cubs edge Cardinals 3-2 in rain-shortened finale
— Mike Shildt is ready. He hopes his St. Louis players are, too.
Happ's home run caps comeback as Cubs stun Cardinals 6-5
— Ian Happ drove a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning to sour what could be Jon Lester’s final career start, lifting the Chicago Cubs over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 Saturday night.
Goldschmidt walk-off hit, O'Neill 2 HRs as Cards beat Cubs
— Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning, and the playoff-bound St. Louis Cardinals won for the 19th time in their last 20 games, 4-3 over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.
MLB Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand in the final week
Who is rising and falling with the end of the season mere days away?
'Lifetime Cardinal' Wainwright to return in '22
Adam Wainwright, who is 17-7 with a 3.08 ERA this season and became just the second pitcher in franchise history to record 2,000 career strikeouts, has agreed to a one-year deal for 2022.
Cards tab Wainwright to start NL Wild Card game
Adam Wainwright will start the National League Wild Card game for the Cardinals next week against either the Dodgers or Giants.
Find Tickets
2021 NL Central Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 95 | 67 | .586 | - | L4 |
| St. Louis | 90 | 72 | .556 | 5 | L2 |
| Cincinnati | 83 | 79 | .512 | 12 | W1 |
| Chicago | 71 | 91 | .438 | 24 | W2 |
| Pittsburgh | 61 | 101 | .377 | 34 | L1 |
2021 Team Leaders
- Batting
- Pitching
BATTING AVERAGE
Home Runs
RUNS BATTED IN
Earned Run Average
Wins
Strikeouts
Team Stats
- Batting
- Pitching
Runs70620th
Batting Average.24413th
On Base Percentage.31319th
Slugging Percentage.41213th
Earned Run Average3.9812th
Quality Starts0Tied-23rd
WHIP1.3017th
BAA.2348th