MLB magic numbers, playoff matchups: 5 teams win away from clinch

NEW YORK — Nothing was settled on the final Wednesday of the regular season. There still are two divisions to be settled and six postseason spots are open. Five clubs can clinch with a win or help Thursday. The Padres, Cubs and Phillies can wrap up the National League’s three wild cards with a victory or with a Diamondbacks loss. The Guardians and White Sox’ AL Central battle will continue into the weekend, but both can clinch a playoff position with a win or losses by the Rangers or Astros. On Wednesday, the Guardians stayed one game ahead of the White Sox with both clubs losing. Also, the Astros and Rangers lost to stay tied in the AL West, but Houston has the tiebreaker. The Padres beat the Dodgers to take over the first wild-card position after beginning the day in a three-way tie. The Cubs and Phillies are tied for the last two spots after losing their games. The Cubs have the tiebreaker. Here are MLB magic numbers, remaining schedules and tiebreakers for contenders through Wednesday, Sept. 23 games with playoff matchups if Wild Card Series began Thursday, Sept. 24. Standings: First in AL East. Lead second-place Yankees by 5 games. Tiebreakers: Rays lead season series with Yankees 7-5. Magic number to clinch AL East: Clinched Sept. 22. Games remaining: 4 (0 home, 4 road). Thursday, Sept. 24: at Yankees, 7:05 p.m., ET Friday, Sept.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Source Scout · NJ.com ↗