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MLB playoffs extra-innings rules: Is there a ghost runner?

As the 2026 Major League Baseball postseason approaches with its opening games scheduled for September 29, league officials have clarified a major procedural difference regarding extra frames. While regular-season contests employ the automatic runner on second base beginning in the tenth inning, playoff games will strictly utilize traditional rules without any base runners added automatically.

Furthermore, the wild card series will begin on Tuesday, September 29, with decisive third games if necessary taking place on Thursday, October 1.

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