Tough journeys to the playoffs for MLB contenders: Analyzing their challenging schedules
The final seven weeks of the Major League Baseball season are upon us, and several teams are gearing up for crucial series that could determine their playoff fate. Here's an overview of the key upcoming series in August for MLB playoff contenders and a comparison of their schedule difficulty:
- Milwaukee Brewers (79-48), the top-ranked NL team, have a comfortable five-game lead over the Phillies for the NL's top seed. They recently dropped 3 straight to the Cubs but still hold an 82% chance at the No. 1 seed. Their remaining August schedule includes some challenging NL division opponents but mostly mid-tier teams, making it moderately difficult.
- Philadelphia Phillies (74-53) are dealing with significant injuries to ace Zach Wheeler and other pitchers, which could affect their rotation depth. Their upcoming August games are critical to maintaining their position behind the Brewers. Their schedule features key divisional matchups and potentially tough opponents, so they face a fairly challenging August.
- Detroit Tigers (73-53) have regained momentum with three straight series wins and 13-7 over the last 20 games. They have a big series coming up against the Houston Astros, another top AL contender. This makes their schedule among the hardest for August contenders.
- San Diego Padres (69-55) and Chicago Cubs (70-53) are both strong contenders with around 97% playoff probability. Padres will face Dodgers soon, one of their biggest rivals, followed by easier matchups against weaker teams. Cubs have an important five-game set versus the Brewers this week, critical for momentum but unlikely to unseat Milwaukee.
- Houston Astros (69-55) face tough challenges including a showdown with the Tigers in Detroit, one of the best AL teams currently. Their schedule is quite difficult for August.
- Los Angeles Dodgers have recently reclaimed first place in their division and have an easier schedule after a big series versus the Padres, facing weaker teams such as Rockies, Giants, Diamondbacks, Pirates, and Orioles for the remaining August games.
- Toronto Blue Jays are also contenders with a recovering Max Scherzer and a chance to match last season’s total wins soon. They face a mixed schedule with some difficult divisional games and key series against the Rangers.
Summary of difficulty in August schedules:
| Team | Schedule Difficulty | Comments | |--------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Brewers | Moderate | Some tough divisional games, mostly mid-tier teams | | Phillies | Challenging | Key divisional games, rotation depth issues | | Tigers | Hard | Big series vs. Astros and other strong opponents | | Padres | Moderately hard | Key rivalry with Dodgers, then easier matchups | | Cubs | Moderate | Crucial series vs. Brewers, other games less tough | | Astros | Hard | Showdown vs. Tigers, generally tough opponents | | Dodgers | Easier | After Padres, mostly weaker teams in schedule | | Blue Jays | Mixed | Some tough divisional games; key series vs. Rangers |
These insights reflect the standings, injury situations, and schedule analyses as of August 18–21, 2025. Some significant matchups in August include Phillies-Mets, Red Sox-Yankees, and Dodgers-Padres twice. The Cubs' key series is Aug. 18-21 vs. Brewers, while the Phillies' key series is Aug. 14-17, 22-24 vs. Nationals. Only teams with at least a 10% chance of making the playoffs were included in the analysis.
- The Philadelphia Phillies, despite being injury-stricken, face a challenging August due to key divisional matchups and potentially tough opponents, such as the upcoming series against the Washington Nationals.
- The Detroit Tigers, currently on a winning streak, have a hard August schedule, particularly their series against the Houston Astros, another top contender in the American League.
