Tampa Bay Rays secure top AL record but face playoff challenges

The Tampa Bay Rays have a 97-63 record heading into the final weekend of the season, securing home-field advantage through the ALCS. They face potential challenges as only one of the AL's top three teams will make it to the ALCS due to MLB's playoff structure. The Rays will meet the winner of the wild-card series involving the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, both of whom have better run differentials. The situation raises questions regarding MLB's playoff format, with some pondering whether changes are needed to avoid such scenarios in future seasons.

• 10:33 PMYahoo Sports — The Rays have the best record in the AL. They're about to pay for it