Countdown to the MLB Playoffs: Astros close to clinching

The hunt to play baseball in October is heating up.

There are a handful of MLB division races that could come down to the wire, and each wild-card spot is still up for grabs.

Here’s where the playoff race stands in both leagues through Tuesday evening’s games.

NL WEST

The Los Angeles Dodgers (98-44) own the best record in the sport and clinched the division title Tuesday. The San Diego Padres are the No. 4 NL wild card.

MORE: What’s next for the Dodgers after their record clinch?

NL EAST

The New York Mets (89-55) and Atlanta Braves (88-55) are in a slugfest for the NL East, with New York a half-game ahead of Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies (80-62) are the No. 3 NL wild card.

NL CENTRAL

The St. Louis Cardinals (84-59) have been one of the hottest teams since the All-Star break and subsequently powered themselves to the top of the NL Central. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Brewers (76-67) are eight games out of first in the division and two games out of the wild card.

NL WILD-CARD STANDINGS

No. 1 wild card: St. Louis Cardinals

No. 2 wild card: Atlanta Braves

No. 3 wild card: Philadelphia Phillies

No. 4 wild card: San Diego Padres

MLB Power Rankings: Astros and Dodgers are still the teams to beat

Ben Verlander gives us his latest MLB Power Rankings, led once again by the Astros and Dodgers.

AL WEST

The Houston Astros (93-50) have a firm grip on the AL West, holding a 12.5-game lead on the Seattle Mariners (80-62). The Mariners are the No. 3 AL wild card.

AL EAST

The New York Yankees (87-56) remain atop the AL East despite their subpar play of late, holding a 6.5-game lead on the Toronto Blue Jays (81-63). Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays (80-63) are 4.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles (75-67) for the final AL wild card.

AL CENTRAL

In a division that has changed all summer, the Cleveland Guardians (76-66) are three games ahead of the Chicago White Sox (74-70). The Minnesota Twins (71-70), who were atop the division throughout the first half, are now 4.5 games out of first.

AL WILD-CARD STANDINGS

No. 1 wild card: Cleveland Guardians

No. 2 wild card: Seattle Mariners

No. 3 wild card: Toronto Blue Jays

No. 4 wild card: Tampa Bay Rays