PHOENIX – With just three games left in the 2026 MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have created one final opportunity to make October. The D-backs enter the final weekend two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the National League’s final Wild Card spot. The Phillies’ elimination number against the D-backs is two, meaning any combination of two Philadelphia wins or Arizona losses ends the chase. But there is one major reason Arizona remains alive: the Diamondbacks own the tiebreaker over Philadelphia.
Sep 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) reacts after his two run triple in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
That makes the equation surprisingly simple. Arizona plays all three remaining games in San Diego. Philadelphia hosts Tampa Bay for three. If the D-backs sweep the Padres and the Phillies go 1-2, the teams finish tied, and Arizona advances because of the tiebreaker. But Arizona does not necessarily need that exact combination. The D-backs simply need to gain two games on Philadelphia across the final three days, and that is what makes this weekend so fascinating.
Aug 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres base runner Fernando Tatis Jr. (right) slides safely into second as Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (center) commits a fielding error as he tries to toss the ball to shortstop Geraldo Perdomo in the second inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For weeks, Arizona’s postseason chances looked like a mathematical technicality. Now, the Diamondbacks control at least part of their own comeback. A team that entered the final week with its playoff hopes hanging by a thread has turned the final series into a three-game season.
The timing also matters psychologically. Arizona just completed a sweep of Colorado, while Philadelphia enters the weekend still struggling mightily to secure its postseason spot.
Sep 7, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks meet on the mound during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The challenge is obvious: San Diego is already in the postseason and will not simply hand Arizona three victories. But that is exactly why this weekend matters beyond the standings. For the D-backs, this is no longer about hoping for a miracle. It is about execution. Win three games, watch Philadelphia closely, and make the Phillies earn their way into October. Arizona has survived this long; now it has three games to prove it wasn’t too late.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
