Magic number: 1
The Twins (81-72) don’t play today, but can clinch the division if both Cleveland and Detroit lose.
The Guardians (72-81) have lost three in a row and are a half-game ahead of the Tigers (71-81) for second place. If either of those teams win their remaining games, they would finish 81-81.
If the Twins lose their remaining nine games, they would finish 81-81. They would lose tiebreakers to both the Guardians and Tigers based on season results (the Twins were 6-7 against Cleveland and 5-8 against Detroit).
The Guardians play at Baltimore at 6:15 p.m. and the Tigers are at Oakland at 8:40 p.m.
Playoff opponent: A reminder that there are now six playoff spots available in the American and National League, with the top two seeds getting first round byes.
If the Twins win the division, they will be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the AL. If they are No. 2, they receive a bye into the ALDS. If they are No. 3, they will face the final American League wild-card entry.
The Twins’ most likely scenario is getting the No. 3 seed, as they are four games behind West leader Houston (85-68), and that division race is hectic. Entering play Thursday, Houston had a half-game lead over Texas (84-68) and Seattle (84-68).
Whoever finishes in second place in the American League East — Baltimore (95-57) or Tampa Bay (93-60) — will be the first wild-card entry, the division winner is all but guaranteed the No. 1 overall seed.
The race for the final two wild card spots is tense with three teams chasing a postseason berth. Entering play Thursday, Toronto (85-67) had a one-game lead over both Texas (84-68) and Seattle (84-68) in the battle for the final two spots.