Hannah Brewitt

Astros Triumph Over Mariners, Inch Closer to AL Wild Card Spot

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb">MLB</a> playoffs are just around the corner. We&#8217;re tracking how the AL postseason picture is shaping up.
A new postseason structure was introduced before the 2022 season to expand the playing field. Six American League teams will make the playoffs at the end of the 162-game regular season, with the top two teams receiving a first-round bye and the third seed competing in a best-of-three wild card series. In the wild-card round, the No. 3 seed will host the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed will host the No. 5 seed. 
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<h2>AL Playoff Picture on September 22</h2>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 95px;">
<tbody>
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<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 1 &#8211; Baltimore Orioles</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">First-Round Bye</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 2 &#8211; Houston Astros </td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">First-Round Bye</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 3 &#8211; Minnesota Twins </td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 6 &#8211; Texas Rangers (WC No. 3)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 23px;">No. 4 &#8211; Tampa Bay Rays (WC No. 1)</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 23px;">No. 5 &#8211;  Seattle Mariners (WC No. 2)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/player-props" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SportsGrid&#8217;s Best Daily MLB Prop Picks</a>
Entering the final days of the regular season, the AL East dominates the postseason picture with three teams headed to the playoffs. The AL West contributes two postseason contenders, while the Minnesota Twins stand as the lone representative from the AL Central.
The <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/article/al-east-odds-update-orioles-steal-top-spot-from-rays">Baltimore Orioles</a> have maintained their spot at the top of the AL East, now 2.5 games ahead of the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/video/should-we-be-worried-about-the-rays-in-the-postseason">Tampa Bay Rays</a>. Both teams have secured a playoff berth, but the divisional crown is still up for grabs. Elsewhere in the division, the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/video/the-challenges-of-the-wild-card-blue-jays-playoff-hopes-hang-in-the-balance">Toronto Blue Jays</a> muscled their way back into the playoff picture with the second wild-card spot. 
As it stands, the Texas Rangers would lock down first in the AL West and a first-round bye, while the Houston Astros would secure a coveted wild card spot. The Seattle Mariners are just outside the playoff picture, now 1.5 games behind the Astros. Seattle is within striking distance and could take over the final wild card bid in the season&#8217;s last days. Fans can expect a thrilling race to the finish as September draws close.
Rounding out the division leaders, the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/article/mlb-playoff-dark-horses-potential-sleepers-to-watch">Minnesota Twins</a> lead the AL Central. They will make the postseason despite having a worse record than every team above (including the wild-card contenders). To say this season&#8217;s AL Central is one of the worst divisions in MLB history wouldn&#8217;t be an exaggeration. The 2023 AL Central is on pace to produce the worst combined record of MLB&#8217;s divisional era. 
<h2>AL Winner Odds on September 22</h2>
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<tbody>
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<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 1 &#8211; Houston Astros +250</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 5 &#8211; Texas Rangers +700</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 2 &#8211; Baltimore Orioles +300</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 6 &#8211; Toronto Blue Jays +900</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 3 &#8211; Tampa Bay Rays  +450</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 24px;">No. 7 &#8211;  Minnesota Twins +900</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 23px;">No. 4 &#8211; Seattle Mariners +700</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 23px;">No. 8 &#8211; New York Yankees +5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Entering the final days of the 2023 MLB regular season, the American League East dominates the postseason picture with three teams headed to the playoffs.

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