LA Dodgers First to Clinch Playoffs in 2020 MLB Season

Clayton Kershaw with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017
Clayton Kershaw with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. Photo by Peter Joneleit/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8840430h)

Although they still have 10 games left to play in 2020 MLB season, Los Angeles Dodgers can already start preparing for the postseason. With a 7-5 win over San Diego Padres on Wednesday, Dodgers improved to MLB-best 35-15 record and became the first team to secure a playoff spot.

In order to clinch the playoffs this early, Dodgers needed a win against Padres, and Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers to lose their games. This all happened, allowing the Dodgers to start an early celebration.

“I think it caught us all by surprise — we were so focused on winning the series,” said manager Dave Roberts after the game. “I think word will travel on the plane. But it should be celebrated, for sure.”

This will be the eighth consecutive time Dodgers will make the postseason trip, which represents the third-longest streak in the history of the league. Only two teams made the playoffs more times in a row; New York Yankees, with 13 consecutive appearances between 1995 and 2007, and Atlanta Braves, who played playoff baseball 14 straight times between 1991 and 2005.

“We still have a lot of baseball to play, but it’s a credit to those guys in the clubhouse,” he added.

LA Dodgers will now be focused on securing the National League West title as well, considering that Padres are only four games behind. However, Dodgers’ job was made a bit easier by getting a tiebreaker, considering they have 6-4 head-to-head record.