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
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