The wild-card race
These four teams are vying for the second, and final, wild-card spot:
Houston (80-71)
Games remaining: five home, six road
Why they'll make it: Their power will overwhelm opponents and their pitching will hold up. And they're up by three games.
Why they won't: They are young and prone to strikeouts.
Twins (76-73)
Games remaining: six home, seven road
Why they'll make it: Rookies such as Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario and Tyler Duffey being fearless.
Why they won't: The starting rotation fails to get on a roll.
Los Angeles Angels (76-74)
Games remaining: six home, six road
Why they'll make it: Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are an unstoppable 1-2 punch.
Why they won't: Their lineup includes seven other spots.
Cleveland (74-74)
Games remaining: seven home*, six road
*-If needed, Cleveland would host Detroit Oct. 5 to make up for a Sept. 12 rainout.
Why they'll make it: The best starting rotation of the contenders.
Why they won't: First-half run production problems return.