Countdown to MLB Playoffs: Astros clinch a playoff spot

The hunt for a baseball game in October is on.

There are a handful MLB divisional races that could go down to the wire, with every wild-card spot still up for grabs.

Here’s how the playoff race continues in both leagues heading into Thursday night.

NL WEST

The Los Angeles Dodgers (98-44) own the best record in the sport and clinched the division title on Tuesday.

NL EAST

The New York Mets (91-55) and Atlanta Braves (89-55) are tied for the Eastern League lead, with New York a game ahead of Atlanta. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Phillies (80-64) are the NL’s 3rd wild card.

NL CENTRAL

The St. Louis Cardinals (85-60) have been one of the hottest teams since the All-Star break and have since climbed to the top of the NL Central. On the other hand, Brewer of Milwaukee (76-67) 7.5 games out of first place in the division and three games out of the wild card.

NL WILD-CARD STATION

Wild Card #1: St. Louis Cardinals

Wild Card #2: Atlanta Braves

Wild Card #3: Philadelphia Phillies

Wild Card #4: San Diego Padres

AL WEST

The Houston Astros (95-50) have a firm grip on the AL West, clinching a playoff spot on Friday and maintaining a 13.5-game lead on Seattle Mariners (80-62). The Mariners are the No. 3 wild card in the AL.

AL-USKHOD

The New York Yankees (87-57) remain atop the AL East despite their lackluster play of late, holding a 5.5 game lead on Toronto Blue Jays (82-63). Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Rays (80-64) are 4.5 games ahead Baltimore Orioles (75-68) for the last AL wild card.

AL CENTRAL

In the division, which changed all summer, art Cleveland Guardians (77-66) four games ahead Chicago White Sox (74-71). The Minnesota Twins (72-71), who led the division during the first half, are now on a five-game losing streak.

AL WILD-CARD STANIST

Wild Card #1: Cleveland Guardians

Wild Card #2: Toronto Blue Jays

Wild Card #3: Seattle Mariners

Wild Card #4: Tampa Bay Rays