The MLB playoff picture is starting to take shape.
On the American League side, we’re guaranteed to have two great races down the stretch. The Orioles and Rays are in a close battle for the East crown. Over in the West, the Rangers, Astros, and surging Mariners are all still in contention. The Central division is…well…the Central division. It’s hard to trust any team, including the leading Twins (sorry, Minnesota).
Close division races make the push for the Wild Card even more fun. Let’s take a look at the teams in contention.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are a team that always seem to figure it out. After a record-setting start to the year, they have cooled off and sit (somewhat) comfortably atop the Wild Card standings. Only two games back of the Orioles, the East title is still very much possible. At the same time, with three games against Baltimore, four against Seattle and still another six against Toronto, finishing outside of the playoffs could happen, too.
The schedule isn’t their biggest concern, however; the Rays have been decimated by the injury bug, specifically with their pitching. With de facto ace Shane McClanahan out for the year, the current legal issues involving Wander Franco, it should be one, we’ll say interesting finish in St Pete.
The AL West Trio
I could write separate notes on all three of the Rangers, Astros, and Mariners, but their stories now, and for the rest of the season are intertwined. Both Texas and Houston made big moves at the deadline, while Seattle sold. Somehow, it’s the Mariners who are the hottest team right now and look to be pushing for that West title.
Despite losing one of their big free agent signings in Jacob deGrom early on, Texas who have controlled the division for most of the season. Houston brought back Justin Verlander and are slowly getting healthy at the right time.
The three teams all have September baseball to play against one another, which should provide a great playoff atmosphere before the calendar turns to October.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays, for the first time since late spring, are on the outside looking in. Just a game back of the Mariners for the final wild card spot, Toronto needs their bats to finally come alive. Some of the best pitching in baseball (rotation and bullpen) has kept their chances alive to this point, but their struggles scoring runs have been ever present.
They have a very interesting September schedule, starting with a string of games against non-playoff teams, followed by the gauntlet that is the AL East (mix in a Texas series in there). Games and tie-breakers are still up for grabs, and the Jays are right in the mix.
The Other Guys
No, not the hilarious movie, but instead, a group of a teams who are still alive, but need to catch fire immediately if they want their seasons to continue.
The Boston Red Sox are only five games back but have struggled with consistency all season long. If they can get hot and stay hot, upcoming series against the Astros, Rays, Blue Jays and Rangers can help them leapfrog the competition.
To everyone’s surprise, the Los Angeles Angels actually bought, and bought a lot at the deadline in an effort to contend. Sitting ten games back in the wild card race, even an injured Mike Trout coming back doesn’t seem to be enough to get the job done (and potentially connive Shohei Ohtani to stay).
The playoff push is always the most exciting time of the season. It’s fun to see how the potential playoff picture changes on a daily basis. As always, when September comes to a close, you’ll have jubilation, or disappointment. For your sake, I hope you end up on the right side.
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