MLB magic numbers have been reduced all around the league. Some teams are having a tougher time clinching than expected. The Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are just a couple of wins away from clinching their respective divisions. After studying the standings, the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates will have a tough time clinching the division as both squads are still tied for first place.
Cardinals & Pirates: Magic Number= 10
This is the highest magic number in baseball entering the final weeks of the season. Only the Detroit Tigers are having a tougher time to clinch in baseball. The Cardinals and Pirates are both 87-62, tied for first place. The Cincinnati Reds are the team in the hunt and they are sitting 3.5 games behind them in the N.L. Central.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Magic Number= 4
After losing three games over the weekend, the Dodgers were unable to improve on trimming their magic number. The Arizona Diamondbacks lost a game over the weekend, which helped them, but the Dodgers could not help themselves. All they have to do is win four of their next 13 games and the division is theirs.
Atlanta Braves: Magic Number= 4
The Dodgers and Braves are looking at the same recipe. The Braves lost their weekend series and are playing terribly. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and the Washington Nationals are heating up. Luckily, the Braves have a 10-game lead. They take matters into their own hands as they face the Nationals three times.
Boston Red Sox: Magic Number= 4
Another team close to clinching, the Red Sox had a very successful weekend after sweeping the New York Yankees. The Red Sox are the only team in baseball with over 90 wins, coming into Monday with a 92-59 record. They officially eliminated the Yankees and with another win, they can eliminate the Baltimore Orioles.
Oakland A's: Magic Number= 8
What a weekend it was for the Green and Yellow. They won their fifth consecutive game, sweeping the Texas Rangers in Arlington Ball Park, increasing their lead to 6.5 games in the division. The A's still have to play baseball in focused manner, but the division is close to being theirs.
Click here for the MLB Magic numbers, which are decided by the second place team's elimination number.