Wild Card Race: At a Glance

The Rangers would be the second AL Wild Card team if the season ended today, and they're currently five games out in the AL West. 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 (74-58) — The Yankees are holding steady in the top spot, but they were dealt another blow on Friday when Mark Teixeira was placed on the disabled list in the midst of a resurgent season for the former Ranger. Can the lineup continue to pick up a shaky pitching staff with a key cog now out of the picture? Next up: Tonight, 6:05 p.m., vs. Tampa Bay Rays.

WC2: Texas Rangers (70-62) — The Rangers are sitting pretty comfortably in the second spot and are playing really good baseball right now as they finish up their 10-game road trip in Los Angeles this weekend. With seven games left against Houston, there's still a really solid chance the Rangers capture the AL West crown, but they can also set their sight on the Yankees. Next up: Tonight, 9:05 p.m., at Los Angeles Angels.

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1.5 GB: Minnesota Twins (69-64) — Along with the Rangers, the Twins are playing the best baseball of all the Wild Card contenders, and they have a huge series this weekend in Houston with a chance to not only help themselves, but also help the Rangers. Next up: Tonight, 7:10 p.m., at Houston Astros.

3.5 GB: Los Angeles Angels (67-66) — The Angels were a half-game out of the second spot a week ago but have only won four of their last 10 games, and that's with winning their last two games against the last-place A's. They're playing for their season this weekend. Next up: Tonight, 9:05 p.m., vs. Texas Rangers.

4.5 GB: Tampa Bay Rays (66-67) — The Rays have fallen off the pace a bit and will be trying to keep their playoff hopes alive this weekend in The Bronx. Next up: Tonight, 6:05 p.m., at New York Yankees.