TEXAS – Major League Baseball is finalizing plans for how to create the safest postseason environment for teams amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Bloomberg, the league has zoned in on sending four National League teams to Houston and Arlington, while American League qualifiers will head to Los Angeles and San Diego after the first round. The World Series is expected to take place at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Bubbles have become a new norm for athletes across the county while leagues battle the spread of coronavirus. The NBA and NHL have successfully executed bubbles, having zero breakouts and continuing play without fans.

The MLB is one league that has not played in a bubble since the season began and the risk has taken a hit on numerous teams, postponing games and requiring players and staff to quarantine for days. Last week, the organization reported 21 clubs had positive tests, including 55 players and 30 staff members.

Yahoo Sports reported that the new first round will feature eight best-of-three series and would be hosted exclusively by the team with the better seed.

Another option being discussed is flipping teams between the states to provide an equal opportunity of home-field advantage. For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros would flip states for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.

As far as additional safety protocol, the league will continue to implement travel precautions that were put in place at the beginning of the season but no further changes have been reported.