For the first time since 2016, the Texas Rangers are participating in the Major League playoffs. But as the last day of the regular season approaches, there is uncertainty over their seeding
In order to guarantee their postseason berth, the Rangers trounced the Seattle Mariners 6-1 on Saturday. However, it simply ensures entry into the postseason. Until Sunday, when everything settles down, there is no assurance of seeding.
The cause? By defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Houston Astros preserved their prospects of winning the American League West. The Mariners’ chances of making the playoffs were ended by this victory together with the Rangers’ victory.
Thus, this is how events might pan out tomorrow:
Rangers win the AL West and earn a first-round bye, while the Astros advance to the Wild Card playoffs.
Astros win the AL West (by virtue of the tiebreaker), Rangers lose, Astros tie, and the Rangers advance to the Wild Card playoffs.
Astros advance to the Wild Card playoffs; Rangers win the AL West and receive a first-round bye. Rangers lose, Astros lose.
On Sunday, three possibilities exist, two of which result in Texas winning the division for the first time since 2016.
The Rangers will have a couple days of recovery before hosting Game 1 of the AL Division Series the following weekend, which makes the bye crucial.
An update on the race is provided below, including the current standings, the magic number needed to secure a Wild Card berth and the AL West, and the remaining schedules for the remaining teams.
As of October 1st, the AL West Race
The AL West results for Saturday
Houston 1, Arizona 0; Texas 6, Seattle 1; Houston 1, Standings in the West (Magic Number)
Houston* (89–72): 1.0 GB Texas* (90–71): — (1)3.0 GB * Seattle^ (87–74) securing a playoff spot
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What Remains?
Arizona (1): Sunday, at Houston (1)Seattle (1): vs. Texas (1) on SaturdaySeattle (1) on Saturday, Texas (1)ALC Card Race as of October 1st
(“Wild Card berths secured by the top three teams”)
Other significant AL Wild Card results on Saturday
Oakland 5, Tampa Bay 7 AL Standings for Wild Cards (Seed)
No. 4 seed Tampa Bay* (98-63): +9.0Seattle^ (87-74): 2.0 GB * Houston* (89-72): — Toronto* (89-72): — securing a Wild Card spot
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What Remains?
Toronto (1) vs. Tampa Bay (1) on SundayToronto (1): Tampa Bay (1) on Sunday