The MLB standings continue to shift day after day. Divisions like the N.L. East and A.L. Central have clear leaders, while the A.L. East and A.L. West have yet to claim a true front runner. Check out updated MLB standings as a couple of series wrap up Wedneday evening.
A.L. Central Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians (5.0 GB)**** UPDATE- 8/8/13- Tigers up 6 Games
The Tigers and Indians have gone head-to-head, already playing two of the four games in the series. The Indians had a chance to overtake the Central if they swept the Tigers. However, that has not been the case. The Tribe can thank Alex Avilas for hitting a ninth inning home run to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead. Then Justin Verlander looked like the 2011 Cy Young Award winner going seven innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out seven. The Tigers now have a chance to increase their lead by as many as seven games. Meanwhile, the Indians will try to win the final two games of the series in order to cut the deficit back to three games.
A.L. West Oakland A's, Texas Rangers (1 GB)**** UPDATE 8/8/13- Division is Tied
The A's and the Rangers have officially ran off with the division. However, the final up top is brutal. After the A's built a six-game lead heading into the final week of July, the Rangers have slowly trimmed the lead away, sitting just a game away from tying the A's for the division's top spot. The A's are losers of three straight, while the Rangers have won three straight games and eight of their last 10.
A.L. East Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays (1.5 GB) ***UPDATE- Red Sox Up 2 Games
After the Rays suffered a 1-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Red Sox's 15-10 victory over the Houston Astros bought them breathing room in the standings. The Rays are only 1.5 games back in second place, but at least the Red Sox have some breathing room, though it's slim lead.
N.L. East Atlanta Braves, 14.5-Game Lead**** UPDATE Lead up to 15.5 Games
The Braves are cruising, winning their 12th straight game on Tuesday. They will be looking for their 13th straight victory on Wednesday evening as they attempt to push the Washington Nationals 15.5 games back in the division. Will the Braves blow this division lead the way they let the Wild Card escape back in 2011? Not as long as the Waffle House stands.
N.L. Central Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals (2.0 GB)**** UPDATE- Lead up to 3 Games
After losing Yadier Molina, the Cardinals are 4-2. It's surprising to see them playing this well after baseball's former best team lost seven straight games. The month of August has treated them well, which should apply some pressure on the first place Pirates.
N.L. West Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona D'Backs (5.0GB)***UPDATE- Division remains the same.
The Diamondbacks won at the right time as the Dodgers lost to the Cardinals on Tuesday. The victory trimmed the Dodgers' hold of the top spot by one game. The D'Backs are far from dead as the Dodgers are far from clowning themselves the winners of the division. There's still plenty of baseball left and a five-game lead isn't impossible to overcome.
****Article was written Tuesday at Noon. Article updated Wednesday morning.