Kansas City Royals: Third Postseason Picture Update

Tied for AL second Wild Card spot

For the first time since we’ve started doing this, there is a tie for a playoff position.

I think we all knew it was only a matter of time before this happened. Not sure a lot of people ever thought it would be the Angels and Twins, though. Or at least not until both caught fire last week.

If the season had ended Sunday, Minnesota would be hosting Los Angeles—due to a superior head-to-head record—in a Game 163 to determine the second Wild Card slot. The winner would then face the Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game.

Los Angeles Angels

Overall record (through Sunday): 64-60

Last week: 3-2

This week: Vs. Texas Rangers (Mon.-Thu.); vs. Houston Astros (Fri.-Sun.)

The Angels had the rare five-game week in the Beltway. The team should be satisfied splitting with Washington and taking two of three from Baltimore.

Los Angeles opens a 10-game homestand on Monday. This would be an excellent opportunity for the Angels to put some distance between themselves and at least most of their standings stalkers.

However, the first four of those games are against a Texas team that suddenly is back in the playoff picture. The next three are against a Houston team that remains tough despite its recent struggles.

Are the Angels a flash in the pan? We’ll find out over the next seven days.

Minnesota Twins

Overall record (through Sunday): 63-59

Last week: 4-2

This week: At Chicago White Sox (Mon.-Thu., includes doubleheader Monday from May 10 rainout); at Toronto Blue Jays (Fri.-Sun.)

Minnesota started its week by losing two of three against Cleveland. (There’s no shame in that. We’ve all been there.)

The Twins followed it up with a sweep of a likely National League Wild Card team from the West Division. (The Kansas City Royals hope to be there on Thursday.)

The offensive display Minnesota put on against Arizona was astounding. A week after putting up 26 runs in three games against Detroit, the Twins bettered that by a run, while holding the Diamondbacks to just eight.

With eight games against the worst team in the American League before the end of the month, Minnesota should be favorites to hold this spot all by itself entering September.