As MLB playoffs expand, regular-season success matters less


              St. Louis Cardinals' Corey Dickerson leaves the dugout following Game 2 of the team's NL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in St. Louis. The Phillies won 2-0 and advanced to the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
            
              Fans cheer behind the dugout during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's National League Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
            
              Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on from the dugout during the ninth inning in Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
            
              New York Mets manager Buck Showalter, left, watches play from the dugout as Eduardo Escobar (10) prepares to bat against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild-card baseball playoff series, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
As MLB playoffs expand, regular-season success matters less