T1B

Let's say you have two teams that hate each other such as Yankees and Red Sox. Its the last day of the season, the Yankees have the division locked up, one more game vs. the White Sox, and the White Sox are tied with the Red Sox for the wild card spot with one more game left: Chicago v. New York.
Now let's say that the Rangers have locked up the West and the Yankees have an 11-2 record against them during the season, plus the Tigers have locked up the Central but the Yankees have a 10-4 record vs them during the regular season. Now, let's say the have a 10-4 record v the White Sox but a 3-11 record against the Red Sox. Would the Yankees throw the game so that CHicago would make the playoffs instead of Boston, or would that be bad karma? In other words, they may wind up facing the White Sox and get their asses handed to them because the baseball gods got pissed. On the other hand, isn't baseball all about playing the percentages?
Thoughts...

Maybe not throw the game, but start your bench players and use your 5th starter on the mound.

Not so much as because you hate the Red Sox, but,a s you stated, they have their position sewn up for the playoffs and you want to give your starting guys a rest.

Ok let's modify the scenario. Let's say if the Yankees lose, they drop a half a game behind the Rangers in the total standings, meaning the Yankees would play the Rangers in the first round with Texas having the home field advantage. But of course the Yankees have that great record vs. Texas. Do you still throw the game and sacrifice home field?

Last day of the season this year is Oct 1. not including any make up games..

Tampa Bay at Cleveland
Kansas City at Detroit
Toronto at NY Yankees
Houston at Atlanta
NY Mets at Washington
Philadelphia at Florida
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Baltimore at Boston
Chicago Sox at Minnesota
Milwaukee at St. Louis
Colorado at Chicago Cubs
Oakland at LA Angels
Texas at Seattle
LA Dodgers at San Francisco
San Diego at Arizona

******

I don't see it happening this year. and no, you never throw a game.