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MLB Playoff Expansion: Extra Wild Card Teams Officially Added

The MLB Playoffs expanded to 10 teams with the addition of two more Wild Card teams.

By Russ Oates
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: The sun sets over the stadium as the San Diego Padres face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 19, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: The sun sets over the stadium as the San Diego Padres face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 19, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The MLB Playoffs have officially been expanded to include a second Wild Card team in each league, making it a 10-team affair. Due to time constraints, the divisional round will have the higher seeds open the on the road, as first reported by SB Nation's Amy K. Nelson.

Instead of a 2-2-1 format, it will be a 2-3 format for the divisional round that has the lower seed open at home. This change is only in effect for the 2012 season since the schedule was set before this playoff setup was put in place. Also, it will now be possible for teams from the same division to play each other in the divisional round.

The two Wild Card teams will face each other in a one-game playoff. No scheduling for either game has been announced yet, but the season ends on Oct. 3, for those looking for possible play dates for these two games.

The Colorado Rockies now have three potential ways to make the playoffs, but everyone is still watching, waiting for the club to win its first division title.

For more around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.