Entering Thursday, San Diego led the NL wild-card race by one game; the Cubs and Phillies were tied behind, and Arizona was three games back. Chicago held second on a tiebreaker. Thursday’s results shape the order; the top wild card hosts a best-of-three series starting Sept. 29.
Chicago holds head-to-head tiebreakers over both San Diego and Philadelphia. The Phillies hold one over the Padres, but not the Cubs. MLB resolves ties under its tiebreaking rules; there will be no Game 163.
The Cubs host Miami Thursday, then play a split doubleheader at Fenway Park Friday. Their Sunday game was moved to Friday because of a forecast major nor’easter in Boston; Saturday’s game remains scheduled, subject to weather. San Diego finishes its series at the Dodgers on Thursday, while Philadelphia hosts Milwaukee.
