MLB expands playoffs for 2022 season
---------------------------------------------
REGULAR SEASON: APRIL 7 - OCTOBER 5
With off-field disputes settled, Major League Baseball can get its regular 162-game season underway. The postseason format expands to 12 teams, with three division winners and three wild card teams from each league battling to reach the World Series finale

Matt Olson
New first baseman for Atlanta Braves has signed eight-year deal worth $168m

MLB FRANCHISES
Two leagues of 15 teams, divided into three divisions
American League 
National League


Giants West
Central Cubs, Central
White Sox, Central
Blue Jays, East
Red Sox, East Yankees, East
Mets, East Phillies, East Orioles, East Nationals, East
Beginners’ guide to baseball
To score more runs than opponent, in nine innings of play
GAMEPLAY

Mariners Division: West
Brewers Central
Tigers Central
Guardians Central
Pirates Central
Reds  Central
Giants West
Cubs, Central
Twins Central 
White Sox, Central
Blue Jays, East
Red Sox, East 
Yankees, East
Mets, East 
Phillies, East 
Orioles, East 
Nationals, East
Dodgers West
Angels West
Royals Central
Diamondbacks West
Cardinals Central
Padres West
Braves East
Rangers West
Astros West
Rays West
Braves East 
Marlins East
Pirates Central
Cubs, Central
White Sox, Central




---------------------------------------------------
2021 PERFORMANCES
Regular season records only
American League: East Win-Loss 
Tampa Bay Rays 100 62 
Boston Red Sox 92 70 
New York Yankees 92 70 
Toronto Blue Jays 91 71 
Baltimore Orioles 52 110

Central
Chicago White Sox 93 69 
Cleveland Guardians 80 82 
Detroit Tigers 77 85 
Kansas City Royals 74 88 
Minnesota Twins 73 89

West
Houston Astros 95 67 
Seattle Mariners 90 72 
Oakland Athletics 86 76 
Los Angeles Angels 77 85 
Texas Rangers 60 102

National League: East
Atlanta Braves 88 73 
Philadelphia Phillies 82 80 
New York Mets 77 85 
Miami Marlins 67 95 
Washington Nationals 65 97

Central
Milwaukee Brewers 95 67 St. 
Louis Cardinals 90 72 
Cincinnati Reds 83 79 
Chicago Cubs 71 91 
Pittsburgh Pirates 61 101

West
San Francisco Giants 107 55 
Los Angeles Dodgers 106 56 
San Diego Padres 79 83 
Colorado Rockies 74 87 
Arizona Diamondbacks 52 110

Beginners’ guide to baseball

OBJECTIVE
To score more runs than opponent, in nine innings of play

GAMEPLAY
Two teams (of nine players) take turns
batting and fielding. Pitcher throws ball to
batter who aims to hit it and run to first base
or further. Run is scored when player runs around
all bases and back to home plate. Opposing fielders try to catch ball and take
batter out

BAT
Maple wood.
Length: 78.7-86.4cm

BALL
Diameter: 7.3cm

Home run
Foul line

Third base

Team dugout

Batter
(Home plate)


Outfield
Second base
Pitcher 
First base
Diamond 
Infield 

PITCHING STYLE
Up to 170km/h
Overarm, raised mound 18.4m


Source: MLB
Picture: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS