Only one week in the past, the Astros appeared like that they had the AL West wrapped up, and Seattle was seeking to draw back with the ultimate Wild Card spot.
Then, Houston stumbled, the Mariners reeled off seven wins in a row, the Rangers rattled off 5 in a row, and even Cleveland has quietly gone 8-2 of their final 10. Seattle and Houston at the moment are tied for first within the AL West, and regardless of a 6-1 week for the Guardians, they misplaced a sport of their pursuit of the final Wild Card slot.
Remaining Schedules:
SEA: 2 LAA, 3 KC, 3 HOU, 3 COL, 3 LAD
HOU: 2 ATL, 3 TEX, 3 SEA, 3 A’s, 3 LAA
TEX: 2 NYM, 3 HOU, 3 MIA, 3 MIN, 3 CLE
CLE: 2 CHW, 3 DET, 4 MIN, 3 DET, 3 TEX
Seattle has essentially the most favorable remaining schedule, with some winnable sequence in opposition to the Angels and Colorado, and an opportunity to clinch the division by taking place to Houston for an enormous sequence in opposition to a reeling Astros group.
Texas has a really favorable draw as nicely, with sequence in opposition to Minnesota and Miami, and likewise getting a shot at an Astros group having some in-fighting inside themselves. Then they’ll end with a sequence in opposition to Cleveland that may very well be huge.
Talking of Cleveland, they want some assist, and with solely a 7% likelihood at making the playoffs, they’ll want a variety of assist. Happily, their pitchers are getting scorching on the good time.
If the Guardians can play nicely in opposition to a Tigers group that could be with out Tarik Skubal, and if the Rangers and Seattle can beat up the Astros, the ultimate sequence of the season at house in opposition to Texas may very well be an opportunity on the ultimate playoff spot. The Guardians’ offense is an absolute joke, however their starters are going 7–8 innings each different evening. So, if they will work their manner in three or 4 runs, that’s going to be sufficient for them to win video games.
From a betting perspective, I really like Seattle -125 to win the AL West. They’re the most well liked group in baseball, and I belief them essentially the most to emerge from this division.
I’d lean in direction of Texas to take the ultimate Wild Card spot, however a extra thrilling wager is Houston +295 to not make the playoffs. If you happen to assume both the Rangers or Guardians will safe the final playoff spot, that is the most suitable choice as a substitute of betting on Texas at +155 or Cleveland at +950 simply to make it to the dance.
We’ve received an excellent one coming down the stretch, and it’s nonetheless anybody’s likelihood to have an October to recollect.