For first time in MLB history, playoff rounds will overlap

Two rounds. One day. A postseason unlike any other continues Tuesday under truly unique circumstances.

Because of Monday’s rainout, the Guardians and Yankees will play ALDS Game 5 in New York at 4:07 p.m. ET. Then, at 8:03 p.m. ET in San Diego, the Phillies and Padres will begin the NLCS.

It will be the first day in MLB postseason history where two rounds will overlap, with each having a game. It’s worth noting that this has only been possible since there has been a round prior to the LCS -- thus, in 1981 and since ‘95. In any other year, there was either just the World Series, or LCS and then World Series, with the latter depending on the outcome of the former. That means there was no way to play different rounds concurrently.

While this is a new occurrence for baseball, it certainly happens in some other sports’ playoffs -- including as recently as 2021 in both the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs.

Now, baseball fans, who have already been lucky enough to witness the first postseason in history with multiple games of 15-plus innings, will see another historic first transpire.