The MLB Standings continue to shift like tectonic plates. Whether at the top or at the bottom of their divisions, teams are flipping positions or attempting to get out of their spots. Unless they're purposely trying to blow their season away, nobody wants to finish in last place. Here are the standings entering Thursday's games as all first place teams from yesterday are still there today, but they are all still undecided.
Atlanta Braves: Their 13-game lead is still safe as they continue to fight off the red hot Washington Nationals. Last night, it was another close game against the Cleveland Indians, who are in a race of their own in the N.L. Central. The N.L. East's first-place Braves decided this one in the bottom of the ninth with a walk-off single from the league's best hitter, Chris Johnson. Jordan Schafer, who is now an everyday player after Jason Heyward's injury, is making things happen with his speed, scoring the game-winning run to keep the team's division lead safe.
Braves: 80-52
Nationals: 67-65
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates may have regained their form thanks to Marlon Byrd, but let's not get ahead of ourselves yet. Pittsburgh gained a game on the St. Louis Cardinals in the N.L. Central. They are now only half a game behind in the standings as both teams are providing some dramatic baseball entering the month of September. The Pirates also avoided losing a game lead to the Cincinnati Reds, who have been consistently knocking on first-place's door.
Cardinals: 78-55
Pirates: 77-55
Reds: 75-59
Los Angeles Dodgers: Might as well knockout the rest of the N.L. while we're here. The Dodgers shutout the Chicago Cubs, which is expected, behind Ricky Nolasco, who pitched eight innings of three-hit ball, walking one hitter and striking out 11. The Dodgers' pitching continues to get the job done, all they ask is for a couple of runs. With the Dodgers pitching staff, three runs of support just might be enough.
Dodgers: 78-55
Diamondbacks: 68-64
Over in the A.L. East, all the divisions remained the same. The Detroit Tigers lost and so did the Indians. Tally it up, that's three straight losses for the Tigers against a possible playoff opponent, the Oakland Athletics. The Boston Red Sox kept their 2.5-game lead intact as they defeated the Baltimore Orioles. The A's couldn't gain ground on the Texas Rangers. The Rangers destroyed the Mariners, 12-4 on Wednesday evening, keeping their 2.5-game lead safe and making things mighty interesting in the A.L. West once again.
A.L. East: Red Sox (79-55), Rays (75-56)
A.L. Central: Tigers (77-56), Indians (71-61)
A.L. West: Rangers (78-55), Athletics (75-57)
