Wild Card Series schedule and where to watch every game in the first MLB playoffs week

The 2023 Major League Baseball playoffs are set to begin, with the post-season bracket now finalized.

It's the most wonderful time of the year for baseball fans, with some intriguing matchups ahead over this coming midweek and over the rest of October.

What is the 2023 MLB playoffs format?

The Wild Card Series, consisting of four best-of-three matchups, will involve Philadelphia Phillies vs Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins vs Toronto Blue Jays, starting on Tuesday.

Four teams have a bye to the next round, the Division Series round, and they are the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.

This year's MLB playoffs, following a 12-team format for the second consecutive year, will extend until at least October 31, with a potential World Series Game 7 on Saturday, November 4.

The MLB Wild Card Series schedule and TV channels

Tuesday, October 3:

• Game 1: Rays vs Rangers at 15:08 ET on ABC
• Game 1: Twins vs Blue Jays at 16:38 ET on ESPN
• Game 1: Brewers vs Diamondbacks at 19:08 ET on ESPN2
• Game 1: Phillies vs Marlins at 20:08 ET on ESPN

Wednesday, October 4:

• Game 2: Rays vs Rangers at 15:08 ET on ABC
• Game 2: Twins vs Blue Jays at 16:38 ET on ESPN
• Game 2: Brewers vs Diamondbacks at 19:08 ET on ESPN2
• Game 2: Phillies vs Marlins at 20:08 ET on ESPN

Thursday, October 5:

• Game 3 (if necessary): Rays vs Rangers at 15:08 ET on ABC
• Game 3 (if necessary): Twins vs Blue Jays at 16:38 ET on ESPN
• Game 3 (if necessary): Brewers vs Diamondbacks at 19:08 ET on ESPN2
• Game 3 (if necessary): Phillies vs Marlins at 20:08 ET on ESPN