6. Detroit Tigers (86-69) (LW 7) – The Tigers took two of three in a huge series with Kansas City to open their A.L. Central lead to 1.5 games. They even got some help from Justin Verlander, who turned in a seven-hit, one-run performance in 7.1 innings.
7. San Francisco Giants (84-71) (LW 5) – Unless something bizarre happens during the last week of the season, it seems the Giants will have a date with the Pirates in the N.L. Wild Card game. San Francisco was just 2-4 against Pittsburgh this season.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (84-71) (LW 10) –The Pirates are tied with the Giants for home-field advantage in the Wild Card game. Playing the winner-take-all game in Pittsburgh would be big for the Pirates. They are 51-30 at home this year, which is their best record ever at PNC Park.
9. Kansas City Royals (84-70) (LW 9) – Losing their series with the Tigers leaves the Royals in second place heading into the final week, which they’ll spend on the road. They’ll start out by having to protect their Wild Card berth against a hard-charging Indians team.
10. Oakland Athletics (85-70) (LW 8) – Oakland is turning its run toward season’s end into a fight for survival. Clinging to just a two-game lead for a Wild Card spot, the A’s have their work cut out for them this week. They have three games against the first place Angels, followed by four in Texas against a Rangers team that swept them in Oakland last week.
