The MLB playoff push is our daily look back and ahead at the post-season picture as teams position themselves for October.
Latest on the Blue Jays: The Blue Jays clinched the AL East title in the first game of their doubleheader with the Orioles Wednesday and celebrated in grand style.
Toronto didn’t play any of its regulars in the nightcap of the twin bill and ultimately fell 8-1. The Jays now turn their attention to securing the American League’s best overall record, which would result in home-field advantage throughout the entire post-season.
John Gibbons’ squad holds a one-game edge over the Royals for that distinction, but also owns the tiebreaker thanks to the head-to-head record between the two teams.
If the playoffs started today…
Wild Card
New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros
ALDS
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees OR Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals vs. Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Last night: Blue Jays clinch first AL East title since 1993
Next up: Game 4 vs. Orioles
Pitching matchups: Drew Hutchison vs. Tyler Wilson
Kansas City Royals
Last night: Royals beat White Sox to clinch home field in ALDS
Next up: Game 3 vs. White Sox
Pitching matchup: Kris Medlen vs. John Danks
Texas Rangers
Last night: Rangers move closer to playoff spot with win over Tigers
Next up: Game 1 vs. Angels
Pitching matchup: Derek Holland vs. Andrew Heaney
New York Yankees
Last night: Yankees bullpen falters with chance to clinch in loss to Red Sox
Next up: Game 4 vs. Red Sox
Pitching matchup: CC Sabathia vs. Rich Hill
Los Angeles Angels
Last night: Sloppy Angels fall to Athletics to end seven-game winning streak
Next up: Game 1 vs. Rangers
Pitching matchup: Derek Holland vs. Andrew Heaney
Houston Astros
Last night: Astros rally past Mariners to take over second wild-card spot
Next up: Game 1 vs. Diamondbacks (Friday)
Pitching matchup: Dallas Keuchel vs. Rubby De La Rosa
Minnesota Twins
Last night: Gibson, Hunter lead Twins to fourth straight win in wildcard chase
Next up: Game 4 vs. Indians
Pitching matchup: Tyler Duffey vs. Trevor Bauer
If the playoffs started today…
Wild Card
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs
NLDS
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates OR Chicago Cubs
New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
St. Louis Cardinals
Last night: Cardinals clinch NL Central behind Heyward’s grand slam
Next up: Game 1 vs. Braves
Pitching matchup: Jaime Garcia vs. Julio Teheran
New York Mets
Last night: Cespedes bruises fingers in Mets’ loss to Phillies
Next up: Game 3 vs. Phillies
Pitching matchup: Sean Gilmartin vs. Jerad Eickhoff
Los Angeles Dodgers
Last night: Leake throws two-hitter in Giants’ win over Dodgers
Next up: Game 4 vs. Giants
Pitching matchup: Brett Anderson vs. Tim Hudson
Pittsburgh Pirates
Last night: Cardinals clinch NL Central behind Heyward’s grand slam
Next up: Games 1 vs. Reds
Pitching matchup: Francisco Liriano vs. Keyvius Sampson
Chicago Cubs
Last night: Lester sets club strikeout record in Cubs’ win over Reds
Next up: Game 3 vs. Reds
Pitching matchup: Jason Hammel vs. John Lamb