The MLB playoff push is our daily look back and ahead at the post-season picture as teams position themselves for October.
Latest on the Blue Jays: Thanks largely to a strong 10-strikeout performance over six innings by Aaron Sanchez, the Toronto Blue Jays were able take the opener of their pivotal three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Holding a two-game lead over the Orioles for the top American League wild-card spot, the Blue Jays have a chance to see their magic number reduced to one on Wednesday should they triumph over Baltimore for the second straight night and if the Cleveland Indians defeat the Detroit Tigers.
The Tigers blew out the Tribe 12-0 Tuesday evening to pull within just 1.0 game of the Orioles for second in the wild-card standings and will be hoping for a little help from the Blue Jays let them draw even. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, will be hoping the Indians’ division-clinching celebration won’t last any more than one night and get back to business to give them something of a boost.
When it all comes down to it, the Blue Jays probably don’t need the help, but securing a post-season berth sooner is certainly better than the alternative.
If the playoffs started today…
Wild Card
Blue Jays vs. Orioles
ALDS
Rangers vs. Blue Jays or Orioles
Red Sox vs. Indians
Toronto Blue Jays
Next up: Baltimore Orioles
Pitching: Francisco Liriano vs. Chris Tillman
Boston Red Sox
Next up: New York Yankees
Pitching: Bryan Mitchell vs. Clay Buchholz
Texas Rangers
Next up: Milwaukee Brewers
Pitching: Cole Hamels vs. Chase Anderson
Cleveland Indians
Next up: Detroit Tigers
Pitching: Zach McAllister vs. Michael Fulmer
Houston Astros
Next up: Seattle Mariners
Pitching: Doug Fister vs. James Paxton
If the playoffs started today…
Wild Card
Mets vs. Giants
ALDS
Cubs vs. Mets or Giants
Nationals vs. Dodgers
Chicago Cubs
Next up: Pittsburgh Pirates
Pitching: Jake Arrieta vs. Jameson Taillon
Washington Nationals
Next up: Arizona Diamondbacks
Pitching: Gio Gonzalez vs. Shelby Miller
Los Angeles Dodgers
Next up: San Diego Padres
Pitching: Jose De Leon vs. Luis Perdomo
New York Mets
Next up: Miami Marlins
Pitching: Seth Lugo vs. Jose Urena
San Francisco Giants
Next up: Colorado Rockies
Pitching: Jeff Samardzija vs. Tyler Chatwood
St. Louis Cardinals
Next up: Cincinnati Reds
Pitching: Mike Leake vs. Anthony DeSclafani
