The MLB postseason is coming with a few teams clinching playoff spots in the past week.
1. Atlanta Braves (96-53) | Last week: 1
The Braves won their sixth consecutive NL East title, and they did it in Philadelphia (and even got a congratulations message on the scoreboard) by taking three of four from the team that eliminated them last postseason. Perhaps they partied a bit too much or lost some focus after, as the Marlins drubbed them in Miami over the weekend.
2. Baltimore Orioles (93-56) | Last week: 2
Officially back in the postseason for the first time since 2016, the Orioles did it in dramatic fashion with a walk-off sacrifice fly from Cedric Mullins to beat the Rays. Now, Baltimore will look to hold off Tampa and secure the division and top seed in the American League.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (91-57) | Last week: 3
One of the most impressive divisional runs in the history of sports continues with the Dodgers locking up the NL West for the tenth time in 11 seasons. The final stretch will be interesting for LA as they look to determine their postseason pitching rotation.
4. Tampa Bay Rays (92-59) | Last week: 4
The Rays and O’s split an entertaining four-game series, with Tampa Bay also securing a playoff berth thanks to the Rangers’ loss to the Guardians on Sunday. The team has found a way to rally and get on track with October approaching.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (84-65) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Christian Yelich has been in and out of the lineup due to his back issue, but the Brewers are in a good spot to rest him and ensure he’s as close to 100% as possible for the postseason. With the Cubs slumping, Milwaukee is in position to win the NL Central soon.
6. Houston Astros (84-66) | Last week: 5 (-1)
The Astros remain atop the AL West, with the Rangers and Mariners both within 2.5 games of what should be a wild finish—and with the division winner likely to get a bye to the ALDS. Justin Verlander will be on the hill to start a crucial series versus the Orioles.
7. Texas Rangers (82-67) | Last week: 10 (+3)
It was an up and down week for Texas, but they won the most important games in the AL playoff race by getting a four-game sweep of the Blue Jays in Toronto. Sadly, it looks like Max Scherzer is done for the season with a triceps injury.
8. Philadelphia Phillies (81-68) | Last week: 7 (-1)
Comebacks eventually blown by the bullpen have become a theme for the Phillies as of late, which is something they must get figured out for October. The defending NL champions have three more games against the Braves to begin this week.
9. Toronto Blue Jays (83-67) | Last week: 8 (-1)
After getting swept by Texas, the Jays were desperate for a series win and they were able to sweep the Red Sox to stay in the top three of the wild-card race. Toronto has a tough draw facing a spoiler-minded Yankees team and the Rays in alternating series over the final two weeks.
10. Minnesota Twins (79-71) | Last week: 12 (+2)
The Twins will clinch the AL Central soon, and the schedule sets up very nicely for them to build some momentum heading into playoff baseball.
11. Seattle Mariners (81-68) | Last week: 9 (-2)
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (79-72) | Last week: 14 (+2)
13. Chicago Cubs (78-72) | Last week: 11 (-2)
14. Miami Marlins (78-72) | Last week: 13 (-1)
15. Cincinnati Reds (78-73) | Last week: 17 (+2)
16. San Francisco Giants (76-74) | Last week: 16
17. San Diego Padres (72-78) | Last week: 19 (+2)
18. New York Yankees (76-74) | Last week: 18
19. Boston Red Sox (74-76) | Last week: 15 (-4)
20. Pittsburgh Pirates (70-80) | Last week: 22 (+2)
21. Cleveland Guardians (72-78) | Last week: 20 (-1)
22. New York Mets (69-80) | Last week: 24 (+2)
23. Detroit Tigers (70-79) | Last week: 21 (-2)
24. St. Louis Cardinals (66-83) | Last week: 25 (+1)
25. Los Angeles Angels (68-82) | Last week: 23 (-2)
26. Washington Nationals (66-84) | Last week: 26
27. Chicago White Sox (57-93) | Last week: 27
28. Colorado Rockies (56-93) | Last week: 28
29. Kansas City Royals (48-102) | Last week: 30 (+1)
30. Oakland Athletics (46-103) | Last week: 29 (-1)