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The Situation
As we head into the tightest division race in the history of baseball division races, here's how the division and wildcard standings currently look.
1- Baltimore 95-57
2- Houston 85-68
3- Minnesota 81-72
4- Tampa Bay 93-60
5- Toronto 85-67
6- Texas 84-68
7- Seattle 84-68
Remaining schedule of teams battling for final spots
Toronto- 3 at TB, 3 vs NYY, 3 vs TB (.565 SOS)
Seattle- 3 at Tex, 3 vs Hou, 4 vs Tex (.554 SOS)
Texas- 3 vs Sea, 3 at LAA, 4 at Sea (.523 SOS)
Houston- 3 vs KC, 3 at Sea, 3 at Ari (.472 SOS)
Notes: As you can see, this race is extremely tight, and filled with massive matchups throughout the league. Currently, the Mariners are on the outside looking in, but they control their destiny more than any team, as they have 10 divisional games, all with teams they are currently behind. While the dream is to win the AL West, the goal should remain to make the playoffs, and Toronto’s path should not be forgotten. The Jays are currently a .5 game up on the Mariners, but their six games against Tampa Bay could be massive. Tampa has the #4 seed (and home field advantage in the WC Series) all but locked up, but they’re still chasing the Orioles, who they trail by 1.5 games. If Tampa stays close, they will push hard for the top seed in the AL. If they slip, well that final series in Toronto could be meaningless, and Seattle will have no room for error.
Seattle at Texas pitching probables
Friday, September 22, 2023
Sea: B. Miller (8-5, 3.88 ERA) v Tex: D. Dunning (10-6, 3.78ERA)
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Sea: L. Gilbert (13-6 3.77 ERA) v Tex: J. Montgomery (9-11, 3.38 ERA)
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Sea: B. Woo (4-4, 3.90 ERA) v Tex: N. Eovaldi (11-4, 3.05 ERA)
Seattle vs Houston pitching probables
Monday, September 25, 2023
Sea: L. Castillo (14-7, 3.06 ERA) v Hou: J. Verlander (11-8, 3.44 ERA)
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Sea: G. Kirby (11-10, 3.58 ERA) v Hou: C. Javier (9-4, 4.64 ERA)
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Sea: B. Miller (8-5, 3.88 ERA) v Hou: F. Valdez (12-10, 3.20 ERA)
Notes: Bryce Miller kicks off the playoff push with a start in Arlington, just a few hours from his hometown. The Houston Astros decided to adjust their rotation, putting their best pitchers in position to pitch in Seattle. Monday's Verlander v Castillo showdown has the look and feel of a potential ALCS battle, in game 155. Bryce Miller's start against Houston on the 27th will be the final start of the regular season for the sensational rookie.