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.