MLB contenders sharpen playoff positions following Saturday night games
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 11:19 AM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026

The Chicago White Sox regained a 1.5-game lead in the American League Central following a 4-3 victory over the Cardinals and a Minnesota win against the Guardians. Elsewhere, the Padres extended their winning streak to six games with a 7-6 road victory over the Giants, maintaining their edge in the National League wild-card race. The Rangers secured a 6-2 win against the Diamondbacks to close the gap on the Astros, while the Rays solidified their lead in the AL East after a 3-2 victory over Houston. The Braves moved closer to an NL East title by defeating the Phillies 12-2. Meanwhile, the Cubs moved into the first NL wild-card position with a 4-3 win over the Pirates at Wrigley Field.
- •The White Sox lead the AL Central by 1.5 games after a 4-3 win against the Cardinals.
- •The Rangers moved within one game of the Astros for the AL West lead following a 6-2 win.
- •The Cubs took the first NL wild-card spot by defeating the Pirates 4-3.
- •The Padres reached a six-game winning streak with a 7-6 win against the Giants.
- •The Braves increased their lead in the NL East by beating the Phillies 12-2.
- 11:19 AMYahoo Sports — MLB magic numbers, tiebreakers: White Sox, Padres, Rangers pull out big wins (9/13/26)
"Here are MLB magic numbers, remaining schedules and tiebreakers for contenders through Saturday, Sept. 12, along with playoff matchups if Wild Card Series began Sunday, Sept. 13.
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