Every team would like to roll into the MLB postseason with a full head of steam. The Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks seem intent on charting a different path to clinching. All four teams are still alive for the final postseason berth in each league entering Sunday, Sept. 27 — the final day of the regular season.
Each team has struggled to varying degrees this month. The net result is an exciting season-ending Sunday with plenty on the line. Here's what's at stake in Game 162 for each contending club: The Rangers and Astros both won their games Saturday, leaving them tied for first place in the American League West at 80-81.
The Rangers can only win the division if they beat the Minnesota Twins again Sunday in Minneapolis, and the Astros lose to the A's in West Sacramento. More news: Astros, Rangers Ensure AL West Will Make Embarrassing MLB History The Astros hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Rangers, and would win the division if both teams finish with the same record. The winner of the division is guaranteed home-field advantage in a wild-card series against the Chicago White Sox, followed by an AL Division Series matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians (85-76) clinched the AL Central title by beating the Kansas City Royals 11-5 earlier Saturday. The Phillies lost their fourth consecutive game on Saturday, 12-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite losing six out of their last eight games, all they have to do Sunday is beat the Rays at home to clinch the final NL wild-card berth — and avoid the biggest collapse in franchise history.
Even if they don't win Sunday, the Phillies (87-74) can still clinch if the Arizona Diamondbacks (86-75) lose on the final day of the season. That's because the D-backs also lost Saturday, 10-7 to the San Diego Padres, snapping their six-game winning streak. More news: Phillies Suddenly Have Reason to Worry After Third Straight Loss The D-backs are one game behind Philadelphia.
But because they hold the tiebreaker advantage, they will advance if they beat the Padres on Sunday and the Phillies lose to the Rays. The Phillies will activate All-Star Jesus Luzardo from the injured list prior to their game. He'll be available out of the bullpen against Tampa Bay.
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