What Is The American League Division Series (ALDS) In Baseball ...

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What Is The Definition Of The American League Division Series (ALDS) In Baseball?

The American League Division Series (ALDS) is a round of the American League playoffs and was first introduced in 1981, but implemented for good after 1993. The American League Division Series consists of two best-of-five series with the winners of each series advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS). 

How Many Games Are In The American League Division Series (ALDS)?

In each of the two series that comprise the ALDS, teams play a maximum of five games with the first team to three wins taking the series. The fourth and fifth games are played on an as-needed basis if neither team reaches three wins in the first three games. 

Where And When Are The ALDS Games?

ALDS games always start with the higher seed beginning with home-field advantage.

The first two games are played on back-to-back nights at the higher seed, and then both teams enjoy an off day. After, the teams play the third and, if applicable, fourth games at the lower seed’s home field. The final game, if needed, is back at the higher seed’s home field after another off day.

Who Plays In The ALDS?

The teams that play in the two best of five series are the three division winners (AL East, AL Central, AL West) and the wild card winner. As of 2012, the wild card team plays the division winner with the best record, while the other two division winners face-off against each other. 

Because the two teams in wild card slots must playoff before the ALDS can begin, the wild card winner will play on one day of rest before playing the division winner.

Examples Of How The American League Division Series (ALDS) Is Used In Commentary

The Astros finish the regular season with the best record in the American League and will face-off against the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS.

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Baseball

Abbreviated As:

1. ALDS