The American League East is providing plenty of playoff anticipation drama, as the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays battle it out during the final week for a postseason spot. The Yankees currently lead the Division, but will face the Rays six times before the season ends on the 28th.
The Yankees are limping to the finish line, going 4–6 over the last 10 games. The Red Sox are also struggling, going 2–8 in their last 10 games, including dropping three of four to the surging Rays, who are 7–3 in their last 10 games. This race could go all the way to the final game of the season, deciding both the Divisional and Wild Card spots in the American League.
The Atlanta Braves and Saint Louis Cardinals are duking it out for the National League Wild Card spot. The Cardinals keep chipping away at the Braves’ lead—the Braves have hurt their own chances by dropping six of their last ten. The Cardinals will not face an opponent with a winning record for the rest of the season, while the Braves will end their season with a three-game series against the Phillies. If the Phillies chose not to rest their star players it could prove a tough task for a series that could decide the season.
The Detroit Tigers punched their ticket to the postseason on Friday with victory over the Athletics, giving the team their first Division title since 1987. The strong pitching of Justin Verlander, who has amassed 24 wins this season, as well as some smart trades at the deadline, has gotten their team lined up for a great playoff run.
The Philadelphia Phillies were the first National League team to clinch a postseason spot with a victory over the Cardinals on Saturday night. This is the fifth year in a row they will be making a postseason appearance. Their dominant pitching, ability to overcome injuries, and key trade deadline acquisitions have them looking to be a favorite in this year’s postseason.
While it is not the smash-mouth hitting of the gridiron, the next week-and-a-half should provide baseball fans with plenty of great action to keep them glued until the post season starts on September 30.
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