Magic Number Watch: Astros hold steady in AL wild card race

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.

There were no clinches on Friday, but the American League wild card race became a little more clear.

The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels were both winners, meaning the Astros magic number to clinch fell to two. They currently hold a one-game lead over the Angels. The Minnesota Twins fell to two games back with their loss against Kansas City, meaning they’ll need all kinds of help just to force a tiebreaker.

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Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers missed on their first opportunity to clinch the AL West. What does this all mean for Saturday? We have the latest for you right here.

READY TO CLINCH:

Team: Texas Rangers

Magic Number to clinch AL West: 1

Scenario: The Rangers are already in the playoffs, but they’d obviously like to avoid the wild card drama if possible. To do so, they’ll need just one victory or one Astros loss on Saturday or Sunday. The longer they wait though, the more the pressure will rise. They’ll send Colby Lewis to the hill to battle the Angels’ Hector Santiago on Saturday afternoon.

AL WILD CARD

Team: Houston Astros

Magic Number to clinch wild card berth: 2

Other teams involved: Los Angeles Angels (84-76), Minnesota Twins (83-77)

Scenario: The Astros still control their own destiny. If they win out, they will at worst clinch the wild card spot. Here’s an interesting twist though, if both the Astros and Angels win out, Houston would finish tied for the division lead, but the Angels would still be on the outside looking in. In that scenario, Houston and Texas would play for the division on Monday, with the loser getting the wild card spot. If Houston is confident about sweeping Arizona, they could actually pull for the Angels to win two in Texas setting up that scenario. .

Of course, there’s still a chance for Houston and Los Angeles to finish tied as well, which would set up a Monday tiebreaker. As mentioned earlier, the Twins just need a lot of help. One loss or Houston win ends their dream.

ALREADY IN THE POSTSEASON:

• 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

• TEXAS RANGERS: Texas Forever: Rangers complete second-half surge, clinch playoff berth

• NEW YORK YANKEES: In pursuit of No. 28: The Yankees are going back to the playoffs

• 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

• LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Three-peat: Dodgers win third straight NL West title after Kershaw’s gem

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