The 2026 MLB postseason begins today, Tuesday, September 29, with four Wild Card Series games featuring eight teams fighting to advance to the Division Series.
Baseball fans have a full day of playoff action ahead, beginning with the Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves and concluding with the Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres. Other marquee matchups include the Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros.
Here is the complete MLB playoff schedule for today.
MLB Games Today – Tuesday, September 29, 2026
| Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|
| 2:00 PM ET | Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves |
| 5:00 PM ET | Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros |
| 8:00 PM ET | Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees |
| 10:00 PM ET | Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres |
Phillies vs. Braves – 2:00 PM ET
The postseason gets underway with an NL Wild Card showdown between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.
The divisional rivals are extremely familiar with each other, adding another chapter to their recent history of important late-season and postseason meetings.
Game time: 2:00 PM ET
Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves
Round: NL Wild Card Series, Game 1
White Sox vs. Astros – 5:00 PM ET
The second game of the day features the Chicago White Sox visiting the Houston Astros.
Houston enters another postseason looking to make a deep October run, while Chicago gets an opportunity to make an immediate statement on the road.
Game time: 5:00 PM ET
Matchup: Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros
Round: AL Wild Card Series, Game 1
Red Sox vs. Yankees – 8:00 PM ET
One of baseball’s biggest rivalries returns to the postseason when the Boston Red Sox face the New York Yankees.
With a trip to the AL Division Series on the line, every pitch takes on added importance in the best-of-three Wild Card format.
Game time: 8:00 PM ET
Matchup: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
Round: AL Wild Card Series, Game 1
Cubs vs. Padres – 10:00 PM ET
Tuesday’s playoff schedule concludes on the West Coast with the Chicago Cubs visiting the San Diego Padres.
The late-night matchup gives baseball fans postseason action stretching from the afternoon through the end of the night.
Game time: 10:00 PM ET
Matchup: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres
Round: NL Wild Card Series, Game 1
How Does the MLB Wild Card Series Work?
The MLB Wild Card Series uses a best-of-three format. A team must win two games to advance to the Division Series.
Game 1 takes place Tuesday, September 29, with Game 2 following Wednesday. A deciding Game 3 will be played Thursday where necessary.
That format makes Tuesday especially important. Winning the opener puts a team one victory away from advancing, while the Game 1 loser immediately faces elimination.
Are There MLB Playoff Games Today?
Yes. There are four MLB playoff games today, September 29, 2026. The postseason schedule begins at 2:00 PM ET and includes games throughout the afternoon and evening.
Today’s schedule:
Phillies at Braves – 2:00 PM ET
White Sox at Astros – 5:00 PM ET
Red Sox at Yankees – 8:00 PM ET
Cubs at Padres – 10:00 PM ET
With four Wild Card Game 1 matchups on the schedule, Tuesday marks the official beginning of the road to the 2026 World Series.