As the regular season comes to a close, we are just days away from the Wild Card Playoff games that Bud Selig put into effect at the end of this season.
So far, the American League has all of its playoff candidates; New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics.
The only issue, and a dramatic one, is that only the Tigers have claimed their division (AL Central). The Yankees have guaranteed themselves a playoff spot, but they have not won the division. Currently, they are just a win away from capturing the A.L. East.
The same situation is taking place west as the Athletics are still fighting and not content with just the Wild Card. The Rangers need to win one ball game to claim the A.L. West division. Making this race even more special is the fact that both teams are facing each other. The A's are a game back and with a win tonight they tie for first place.
The A.L. does not have to worry because the N.L. Wild Card is still a question mark. The Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves are in it for sure. However, the second playoff spot is still up for grabs between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves will host the N.L. Wild Card game and face the winner of the second spot.
The Dodgers are trailing the Cardinals by two games. If they lose one game or the Cardinals win one of the next two, the Dodgers are out of the postseason picture.
Date: Both the A.L. and N.L. Wild Card games will be played on Friday, October 5. The A.L. will play first followed by the N.L.
TV: TBS will broadcast both games
Schedule: Times have yet to be determined
