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AL Playoff Race Update

We've reached the final date of the regular season, and amazing, there's still plenty to be decided in both the AL and NL playoff races. 

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Three teams have clinched a playoff berth in the American League: the Yankees, Tigers and Rangers. New York has homefield through the ALCS, regardless of what happens today. Texas, with a win, or Tigers loss, can clinch their spot as the No. 2 seed in the American League, ensuring that they'll open the ALDS at home. 

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Should Texas lose and Detroit win, the Rangers would then become the three seed in the American League, and would head to New York to open up the ALDS. 

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All of the attention, though, has been focused on the Wild Card races in both leagues. Tampa Bay will face off against the AAA Yankees tonight, as they look to sweep the Yankees and at worst force Game 163. Boston, meanwhile, will be pitching Jon Lester on short rest against Baltimore. 

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If the Rangers are indeed the No. 2 seed in the American League, they'll face the Wild Card winner. Rangers fans should certainly be rooting for the Sox and Rays to head to a 163rd game, as it'll mean less rest for either Boston or Tampa Bay when they face Texas.

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Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.