Dodgers could open playoffs Oct. 5 or 7

The Dodgers, on pace for a fourth consecutive postseason appearance, would open the playoffs Oct. 5 or 7, according to the postseason schedule released Tuesday by Major League Baseball.

The Dodgers have a 94% chance of making the playoffs as of Tuesday, according to Baseball Prospectus.

The Dodgers lead the San Francisco Giants by one game in the National League West. The teams open a crucial three-game series Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

If the Dodgers win the National League West, they would open the division series on Friday, Oct. 7. If they qualify for the playoffs as a wild card, they would play one game on Wednesday, Oct. 5, with the winner advancing to the NLDS.

If the playoffs opened Tuesday, the Dodgers would play the Washington Nationals in the NLDS, with the Chicago Cubs facing the winner of the wild-card game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.

In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are tied atop the AL East. The division champion would face the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. The runner-up would face the Baltimore Orioles in the wild-card game, with the winner advancing to the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians.

The NL Championship Series starts Saturday, Oct. 15. The World Series starts Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the home park of the American League champion. If the World Series extends to a full seven games, the final game is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2.