Chaos in September: Playoff Spots Hang in the Balance for Game 162

Baseball's regular season concludes with high-stakes drama as two postseason spots remain undecided. In the American League West, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are tied at 80-81. According to Sports Illustrated, whichever team wins the division will be the first franchise to do so with a record of .500 or worse. Because Houston holds the tiebreaker, the Rangers must defeat the Minnesota Twins on Sunday to stay in contention. The Astros will clinch the division if they beat the Athletics or if Texas loses.

For the AL West showdown, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that Houston will start right-hander Peter Lambert on short rest, with manager Joe Espada stating every pitcher except Hayden Wesneski will be available. Texas is expected to start left-hander MacKenzie Gore against Twins right-hander Dean Kremer. The winner will host a best-of-three series against the Chicago White Sox.

In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies (87-74) and Arizona Diamondbacks (86-75) are battling for the third Wild Card spot. MLB reports that Arizona holds the tiebreaker due to a superior intra-divisional record. To advance, Arizona must beat the San Diego Padres and hope the Phillies lose to the Tampa Bay Rays. If the Phillies win, they secure a postseason berth for a fifth straight year.

Sports Illustrated reports the Phillies will start veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, and may activate left-hander Jesus Luzardo from the injured list for the bullpen. Arizona is scheduled to start right-hander Michael Soroka. The winner will travel to Truist Park to face the Atlanta Braves. MLB notes that a Nor'easter hitting the East Coast could potentially impact the Phillies' scheduled start time.