Magic Number Watch: Dodgers looking for third straight NL West crown

(Getty Images) It’s that time of year again. The time where magic numbers and playoff scenarios take over our lives and leave us searching for the least confusing explanation available.

That’s where Big League Stew comes in. From now until the final postseason spot is secured, we’ll keep you updated on all of the latest clinches, magic number changes and new playoff scenarios.

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Coming into Saturday, the Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays were already in. The New York Mets joined them by clinching the NL East. Who’s poised to join them next? Those answers will appear right now.

READY TO CLINCH

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Magic Number to clinch NL West: 2

Scenario: The Dodgers couldn’t pick up any ground on Saturday, so they’ll try to knock that magic numberdown again on Sunday. Once again, they’ll need some help if they hope to clinch. The second-place Giants wrap up their series in Oakland. If they lose, the Dodgers will clinch with a win in Denver.

COMING UP

Team: New York Yankees

Magic Number to clinch playoff berth: 4

Scenario: The Yankees would have to royally collapse to not lock up at least a wild-card spot. They also still have an outside shot at the division, where they trail by four games.

Team: Texas Rangers

Magic Number to clinch AL West: 5

Scenario: The Rangers remain comfortably ahead in the AL West thanks to their late surge. It’s a two-team race behind them with one-half game separating the Astros and Angels. The Rangers will look to continue burying the Astros this weekend before finishing the season with three at home against Detroit and a big four-game series with the Angels.

AL WILD CARD

Teams involved: Houston Astros (81-74), Los Angeles Angels (80-74), Minnesota Twins (79-75), Cleveland Indians (77-76)

Scenario: Still a potential for chaos. The Astros, Angels and Twins have been locked in this battle for weeks. The Indians are on the very fringe of mattering here, but are still close enough to run the table and edge in there. This is where our attention will be at this time next week.

ALREADY IN

• KANSAS CITY ROYALS: Playoff bound: For the first time ever, the Royals have won the AL Central

• TORONTO BLUE JAYS: Blue Jays clinch first playoff berth since 1993, end longest drought in MLB

• ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Cardinals are headed to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season

• PITTSBURGH PIRATES: Pirates earn third consecutive postseason berth with win in Colorado

• CHICAGO CUBS: Is this the year? Rebuilt Cubs earn first playoff berth since 2008

• NEW YORK METS: Meet the champs: Mets clinch first NL East title since 2006

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