{"id":911417,"date":"2026-09-27T09:02:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T09:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/911417\/"},"modified":"2026-09-27T09:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T09:02:32","slug":"al-west-third-nl-wild-card-spot-come-down-to-final-day-of-2026-mlb-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/911417\/","title":{"rendered":"AL West, Third NL Wild Card Spot Come Down to Final Day of 2026 MLB Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heading into the last day of the 2026 MLB regular season, two playoff spots are still up for grabs.<\/p>\n

The Houston Astros<\/a> or Texas Rangers<\/a> are already set to make MLB history. Whichever team finishes atop the American League West<\/a> will become the first franchise to win a division with a .500 record or worse. Meanwhile, the National League’s third Wild Card spot will go to either the Philadelphia Phillies<\/a> or the Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Here are the playoff-clinching scenarios and implications ahead of Sunday’s action. <\/p>\n

Astros and Rangers battle for the AL West\"Houston<\/p>\n

Aug 2, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) reacts to his double against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Going into the last day of the regular season, the Astros<\/a> and Rangers<\/a> are both 80-81. Houston holds the tiebreaker over Texas, though. That means the Rangers must beat the Minnesota Twins<\/a> on Sunday to have a shot at winning the American League West. If the Astros beat the Athletics<\/a>, or if Texas loses to Minnesota, Houston will claim the division title. If the Rangers win and Houston loses, Texas will be going to the postseason. <\/p>\n

For the Rangers<\/a>, left-hander MacKenzie Gore is expected to get the ball in a do-or-die start against Twins right-hander Dean Kremer. Houston will start right-hander Peter Lambert on short rest, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart<\/a>. Astros manager Joe Espada also reportedly said<\/a> every Houston pitcher except Saturday’s starter, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, will be available on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Whichever team wins the AL West will host a best-of-three playoff series against the Chicago White Sox<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Phillies and Diamondbacks fighting for last NL Wild Card spot\"Arizona<\/p>\n

Sep 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks base runner Corbin Carroll (7) steals second base ahead of the tag by Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Phillies<\/a> enter Sunday’s action at 87-74, while the Diamondbacks<\/a> are 86-75. However, Arizona owns the tiebreaker over Philadelphia. So, if the Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres<\/a> on Sunday and the Phillies lose, Arizona will earn the National League’s third Wild Card spot. But if the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> or Arizona loses, Philadelphia’s season will continue in the playoffs. <\/p>\n

Philadelphia isn’t leaving anything to chance, though. The Phillies plan to start veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler on Sunday. Left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who landed on the injured list earlier this month with left shoulder inflammation, could also be activated and available out of the bullpen in this must-win game for Philadelphia. The Diamondbacks are scheduled to throw right-hander Michael Soroka against San Diego<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Arizona or Philadelphia’s prize for claiming the last NL Wild Card spot will be a first-round matchup with the Atlanta Braves<\/a> at Truist Park. <\/p>\n

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