In Major League Baseball, the newly implemented 12-team playoff format is proving to be beneficial for teams that may have gotten off to a rough start in the season. The format allows teams more opportunities to recover from poor starts and make a push for the postseason.
One team that has shown signs of improvement after a slow start is the Houston Astros. The Astros began the season with a dismal record of 7-19 but have since bounced back with two consecutive wins, showing that they are beginning to turn things around.
Similarly, the Minnesota Twins started the season 7-13 but have managed to win seven straight games, now boasting a winning record above .500. This goes to show that a rough start doesn’t necessarily dictate the outcome of the entire season.
Looking back at recent history, the 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2019 Washington Nationals both overcame slow starts to make deep playoff runs, ultimately proving that it’s not how you start the season, but how you finish.
On the other hand, teams like the Cleveland Guardians have had a strong start to the season with a record of 19-9, setting themselves up for a potentially successful playoff run. In fact, the Guardians currently have a 79.9% chance of making the playoffs, highlighting the importance of early success in the season.
Overall, the 12-team playoff format is giving teams more opportunities to recover from poor starts and make a push for the postseason. It’s a long season with plenty of games ahead, and anything can happen in the world of baseball.
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