The Diamondbacks decide to play on the last day of the season

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks' regular season ends Sunday at Chase Field against the San Diego Padres, and after five losses in six games, their chances of making the postseason are slim.

But the D-Backs still have several leads in October baseball, although there is only one scenario left in which the club punches its ticket on Sunday.

There is also only one scenario in which Arizona is eliminated on Sunday.

Otherwise, Monday's doubleheader game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets will decide the National League Wild Cards.

The D-Backs will face the New York Mets on Sunday in a virtual duel for the third and final Wild Card spot, one game behind Atlanta. The Padres have already secured the top wild card.

Arizona (88-73) trails New York (87-72) in winning percentage after playing two more games, and the Mets and Braves (88-71) have their own tiebreaker in the head-to-head record about the D-Backs.

Visit Arizona Sports for live updates on Sunday's D-Backs, Mets and Braves games.

How can the Diamondbacks win the postseason on Sunday?

The D-Backs could celebrate their place in the postseason on Sunday with a win over the Padres as well as losses to the Mets in Milwaukee and the Braves against Kansas City.

Brandon Pfaadt starts for Arizona against Martin Perez of San Diego.

A Diamondbacks win on Sunday would keep the club mathematically alive on Monday, even with wins from the Mets and Braves.

Arizona could be eliminated on Sunday with just a loss and a Mets win. The Brewers won their first two games against New York. Meanwhile, the Braves want to beat the Royals.

If the D-Backs are eliminated on Sunday, the MLB could forego the doubleheader altogether.

How can the Diamondbacks win the postseason on Monday?

If the D-Backs survive another day, the Mets and Braves will begin their doubleheader game on Monday at 10:10 a.m. The Diamondbacks would meet at Chase Field to watch their fate.

Arizona can clinch a postseason berth with a win as long as either the Mets lose at least two of their three remaining games or the Braves lose.

The D-Backs can clinch a winless spot on Sunday if the Mets lose their final three games.

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