Phillies become 1st NL team to clinch playoff spot, join Twins & Rangers with guaranteed slots

Phillies become 1st NL team to clinch playoff spot

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies have become the first National League team to clinch a playoff spot this year.

The two-time defending NL champions were assured at least a wild-card spot when San Diego lost to Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Phillies’ magic number for winning the NL East remained at one after their 7-3 loss to the New York Mets.

The Phillies lead the NL with 93 wins. There is no way four other NL teams can reach that mark and bump them — San Francisco and San Diego finish the season with three games against each other, so it’s impossible they both could wind up with 93 wins.

Texas and Minnesota have already clinched AL playoff spots.