The Rangers have made up 7 1/2 games since Sept. 1 and have relegated the Astros to the Wild Card race for the time being. On a weekly basis, we'll take a look at the AL Wild Card standings and project who will end up playing the AL Wild Card Game in October.
WC1: New York Yankees (84-68) — The Yankees deserve credit. They've fought through injuries to Mark Teixeira and their best two pitchers, Nathan Eovaldi and Masahiro Tanaka, and yet, they haven't really lost any ground as they still hold a 4 1/2-game lead over the second Wild Card team with 10 days to play. Next up: Tonight, 6:05 p.m., vs. Chicago White Sox.
WC2: Houston Astros (80-73) — The Astros have won just three of their last 10 and now deal with a Texas team that is 12-4 against them this year as they try to cling to a Wild Card spot. They have their three best pitchers going this weekend against the Rangers, and time will tell if they can make a last stand or just focus solely on the Wild Card. Next up: Friday, 7:10 p.m., vs. Texas Rangers.
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1.5 GB: Los Angeles Angels (78-74) — The Angels are interesting as they continue to hang around and have taken advantage of the slumping Astros. In fact, they aren't out of the AL West race either as they close the season with four games in Texas. Next up: Tonight, 9:05 p.m., vs. Seattle Mariners.
1.5 GB: Minnesota Twins (78-74) — The Twins are right there even with the Angels as both teams are hoping for a further collapse from the Astros this weekend to climb up into that second spot with the Yankees all but assured of the top spot and hosting the game. Next up: Tonight, 6:08 p.m., at Detroit Tigers.
3.5 GB: Baltimore Orioles (76-76) — The Orioles are making one late push, but they're still alive and are on a three-game winning streak after sweeping the Nationals in the Battle of the Beltway. Now they go to Boston to face a bad Red Sox team and could build some more momentum. Next up: Tonight, 6:10 p.m., at Boston Red Sox.
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Weekly Projection: New York Yankees host Minnesota Twins in AL Wild Card Game.
