{
  "id": 9270906,
  "title": "Dodgers magic number to clinch a bye to NLDS",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-magic-number-to-clinch-a-bye-to-nlds",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T04:50:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-magic-number-clinch-national-031232591.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 14, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a playoff berth for the 14th consecutive season by defeating the Cincinnati Reds, tying the Atlanta Braves' record of 14 consecutive postseason appearances from 1991-2005. The Dodgers continued their winning streak on September 15, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks and eliminating them from National League West contention. On September 16, the Dodgers clinched their fifth consecutive division title over the San Diego Padres with a victory against the Reds. To secure a bye directly into the National League Division Series, the Dodgers and Brewers, the two division winners with the best records, must have the best records. The Dodgers have a magic number of one to finish with a better record than the Atlanta Braves, while the Braves need 10 of 10 outcomes to claim the No. 2 seed. The Dodgers' magic number to finish with the best record in the National League is seven, meaning they need seven of 10 outcomes to claim the top spot.",
  "summary": "The Dodgers on September 14 beat the Reds to clinch a playoff berth for the 14th season in a row, tying the major league record also held by the Atlanta Braves, who made it to 14 consecutive postseasons from 1991-2005. Los Angeles won again in Cincinnati on September 15, which eliminated the Arizona Diamondbacks from […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Dodgers clinched 14th consecutive playoff berth on September 14",
    "Dodgers eliminated Diamondbacks, securing NL West title on September 15",
    "Magic number to finish with best record is seven"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Dodgers' low magic number indicates they are likely to secure a bye to the NLDS, giving them a significant advantage in the upcoming playoffs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}