Contents
How does the MLB Schedule work?
One of the things that sets MLB apart from other professional sports leagues is its lengthy 162-game schedule. While creating schedules may appear to be a daunting task to fans and sports bettors alike, MLB schedule makers follow very specific guidelines while figuring out who will play whom, and when.
MLB is divided into two leagues (American League and National League). Each league features three divisions comprised of five teams (East, West, Central). Divisional play takes up almost half the schedule, with every team playing their four divisional rivals 19 times, for a grand total of 76 games. Many of these divisional matchups are typically scheduled late in the season. They can play a huge role in determining division winners, while adding excitement to the growing number of wild card races.
Teams also play either six or seven games against the remaining 10 teams from their own league, for a total of 66 games. Interleague action then rounds out the MLB schedule, with every team playing 20 games against opponents from a rival league. In 2022, interleague play will pit AL East teams against NL Central opponents, AL Central against NL West, and AL West against NL East.
While this approach to the MLB schedule has worked well since being introduced in 2013, baseball fans should be prepared for change in 2023. As part of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) recently reached by team owners and players, future MLB schedules will be more balanced. Starting next season, teams will play just 56 divisional games, while the number of interleague games will increase to 42.
MLB Bracket
MLB’s new CBA has also set the stage for an expanded postseason. Starting with the 2022 MLB campaign, the number of teams that qualify for the postseason will increase from five to six from each league, for a grand total of 12.
In this new expanded format, six playoff teams will emerge from both the AL and NL, namely the three division winners and three wild cards. While the MLB postseason schedule will feature more teams this time around, the road to the World Series will get no easier. In 2021, the Atlanta Braves enjoyed an impressive run to their first World Series title in three decades. But considering they sported the weakest regular-season record of any NL division winner, under the new format the Braves would have to participate in an additional best-of-three series on their road to the Fall Classic.
Here’s how the MLB postseason schedule works:
In addition to the three division winners from each league, the three non-division-winning teams from each league with the best win/loss records are awarded wild cards. The three division winners claim the top three seeds, and the three wild cards are seeded four through six, based on win/loss record.
The top two seeds in each league enjoy a bye through the first round of the MLB postseason schedule, commonly known as the Wild Card Series. The four remaining teams then play best-of-three series, with the No. 3 seed playing No. 6, and No. 4 versus No. 5. Division winners return to action in the League Divisional Series, taking on the two winners from the Wild Card Series, with highest seed playing lowest seed. The surviving teams then play off in a best-of-seven League Championship Series, with the last team standing from each league then competing for the World Series.
How to watch MLB games
Television has played a huge role in baseball’s growth in popularity over the past half-century and continues to be the easiest way for fans and sports bettors to keep up to date with the action on the diamond. In addition to the local TV deals that each team enjoys with broadcasters in their region, MLB reaches a national audience thanks to a lucrative deal with ESPN. It will see the Disney-owned sports network broadcast marquee matchups from the MLB schedule through 2028.
However, with consumers steadily cutting the cord and moving to the growing number of streaming services, MLB has followed suit. The league recently announced a deal with Apple TV+ that will see the subscription-based service hosting weekly games on Friday Night Baseball. MLB has also cut a deal with Peacock, with the NBC-own streaming outlet set to offer Monday and Wednesday night games.
Of course, fans who can’t get enough of the Great American Game can opt for a paid subscription to MLB.TV. The service enables you to stream virtually every out-of-market game during the regular season, as well as the All-Star Game, and selected contests from the MLB postseason schedule.
Notable Dates for 2022 MLB season
| Event | Matchup | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring training camps open | - | March 13th 2022 | Florida and Arizona |
| Grapefruit League and Cactus League games begin | - | March 17th 2022 | Florida and Arizona |
| First game of the 2022 MLB regular season | Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees | April 7th 2022 | Yankee Stadium |
| Atlanta Braves raise World Series banner | Cincinnati Reds @ Atlanta Braves | April 7th 2022 | Truist Park |
| MLB Home Run Derby | - | July 18th 2022 | Dodger Stadium |
| MLB All-Star Game | American League vs National League | July 19th 2022 | Dodger Stadium |
| 2022 MLB regular season ends | - | October 5th 2022 | - |
| AL & NL Wild Card Series | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| AL & NL Divisional Series | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| AL & NL Championship Series | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| World Series | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Using the MLB Schedule with your bets
Understanding the ins and outs of the schedule is more important in Major League Baseball than any other sport. The grind of the long 162-game season can take its toll and teams and players, but it can also create opportunities for sports bettors who stay on top of the daily MLB schedule, as well as MLB scores and standings. Here’s a look at some of the most important factors to keep in mind that can help you make the smartest decisions when placing bets on MLB games today:
Travel
With a more balanced MLB schedule set to feature fewer divisional matchups, the impact of travel on a team’s fortunes is likely to increase. Indeed, a more balanced schedule means that teams will play more games outside of their local time zone, adding to the grind of the marathon 162-game campaign.
Accordingly, it’s becoming increasingly important to stay on top of a team’s recent schedule when making tough betting decisions. Regardless of how talented they are, a team from the East will grow weary during an extended road trip to the West. Living in hotels away from family and switching into game mode just hours after stepping off a plane can impact the most steely-minded player. That can be particularly true when a team plays an afternoon game the day after playing a night game in another city.
The 2021 New York Mets represent a textbook example of a team that struggled badly while traveling. The Mets were among the best teams in baseball when playing at home during 2021, racking up a 47-34 record. However, the club struggled badly on the road, compiling a 30-51 record, and posted just nine road wins in games played immediately following a travel day.
Pitching Matchups
Perhaps the single biggest factor impacting your MLB betting decisions will be probable pitching matchups. MLB teams typically use a five-man pitching rotation during the regular season, meaning that a starting pitcher will enjoy four days rest in between starts. However, scheduled days off, travel, and the opposing team’s stadium can wreak havoc with a team manager’s ability to maintain a consistent rotation. It can also impact your ability to stick to a consistent MLB betting strategy.
While days off are crucial to any team’s ability to stay competitive, they can impact a starting pitcher’s rhythm, both negatively and positively. For example, Chicago White Sox hurler Dylan Cease saw five of his seven losses in 2021 come after enjoying at least five days off. Conversely, extra days off provided a huge benefit to reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Rays, who compiled an unblemished 5-0 record when making a start on at least five days rest.
Unfamiliar surroundings can also impact a pitcher’s performance. Depending on a pitcher’s throwing style, he may thrive in some stadiums while struggling in others. For example, knuckleball pitchers enjoy pitching in domed stadiums since they provide a controlled environment away from the elements. However, other pitchers struggle to find the groove on the road. Yu Darvish thrived in home games during his first season with the San Diego Padres, compiling a 6-4 record, but struggled to a 2-7 record when pitching on the road.
Opponent Trends and Scheduling
While staying on top of the trends and schedule for your team of choice is crucial, it’s equally important to understand how scheduling impacts opponents. Has the opposing team just come home following a long road trip? Have they enjoyed a day off lately? How is their starting rotation holding up? Have injuries or other scheduling factors impacted who is getting sent to the mound?
Staying on top of all these factors can help you make informed betting decisions on MLB matchups. They can also help you gain more value from the enormous volume of information, statistics, and trends available by taking advantage of our scheduling information and live data stream.
Our Top MLB Betting Guides
FAQs
Is it legal to bet on MLB online?
With recent changes in legislation, you can now get in on MLB betting action at legal sportsbooks in over 30 US states. Find the latest information from your state on our US Gambling Laws Guide.
How to win betting on MLB?
To place winning bets on MLB games today you must do your homework. There is no sport in which statistics are more important than baseball. And understanding key trends, the latest MLB odds, as well as staying informed about injuries and scheduling issues, can give you a clear edge.
What MLB games are on today?
You can stay on top of the MLB games today by referring to the day-to-day schedule above, which offers up-to-date information for all 30 MLB teams.
When does the 2022 MLB season start?
The 2022 MLB season got underway on April 7. It is scheduled to finish on October 5.
How will the lockout affect the 2022 MLB season?
The recent lockout impacted the length of spring training, as well as the Grapefruit League and Cactus League schedules. It also forced MLB to revise the schedule, which will feature an increased number of nine-inning doubleheaders this season.
How many games are in an MLB season?
Each of the 30 MLB teams plays 162 games during the regular season, including 81 home games and 81 road games.
When do the 2022 MLB Playoffs start?
The 2022 MLB postseason schedule has not yet been released, but the first games of the Wild Card Series are likely to be scheduled on the weekend of October 8 and 9.
How many games are in the MLB Playoffs?
Starting in 2022, the MLB postseason schedule will consist of four rounds. The League Wild Card Series will be best-of-three. The League Divisional Series are best-of-five. And the League Championship Series and World Series are both best-of-seven.
When does the 2022 World Series start?
The dates for the 2022 World Series have not yet been announced. But Online Gambling will provide you with the schedule as soon as it’s released.
How many games are in the World Series?
The World Series is a best-of-seven series. The team with home-field advantage hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while their opponents host Games 3, 4, and 5.
Who are the favorites to win the MLB World Series?
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2022 schedule as World Series betting favorites. The Dodgers are closely trailed by the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays.
When is the 2022 MLB All Star game?
The 2022 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for July 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
