MLB Standings Watch: Red Sox fighting to avoid last place
By Sean Penney
Sep 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) celebrates with Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Boston Red Sox won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
AL East Standings
(Division standings as of Wednesday morning)
Playoff Outlook
(Division leaders and teams holding a Wild Card spot in the American League)
AL East: Toronto Blue Jays (86-65)
AL Central: Kansas City Royals (87-63)
AL West: Texas Rangers (81-69)
Wild Card: New York Yankees (83-67)
Wild Card: Houston Astros (80-72)
Toronto holds a 2.5 game edge over the Yankees for the division title heading into their final head-to-head meeting Wednesday night. The Jay will wrap up the season with 7 of their last 10 games on the road, while New York gets 8 of their last 11 at home. That scheduling advantage could help the Yankees make a late push to overtake Toronto.
The Twins (2 games back) and Angels (2.5 games) are still in the Wild Card race, ready to pounce if either team in the AL West race were to falter. The Angels get to beat up on the Mariners and A’s at home before finishing on the road against the Rangers in a battle that could decide the final Wild Card spot.
Cleveland is still hanging around in the mix at 4.5 games back and they still have 6 games left against the Twins that could result in them overtaking their division rival in the race. The Indians finish the season with a 7 game homestand that wraps up with the Red Sox coming to town. If Terry Francona‘s team is going to make a late push for the playoffs, he may need to go through his old team to do it.