Texas teams fighting for playoff spot with 80-81 records
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 27, 2026, 2:16 PM
Last updated Sep 27, 2026
As the MLB regular season concludes, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, both with 80-81 records, are vying for a playoff berth. This marks the first time a non-winning team could enter the postseason following the expansion to 12 teams. The struggle has highlighted issues in the American League West, long regarded as one of the weakest divisions in baseball history. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies are also in contention for the National League wild card, facing similar pitching challenges going into the final games of the season.
- •Astros and Rangers both sit at 80-81 records
- •Expansion to 12 postseason teams allows a non-winning playoff entry
- •AL West division struggles intensify with disappointing seasons
- •Phillies and Diamondbacks also contend for NL wild card
- •Pitching shortages affect multiple playoff teams headed into October
- 2:16 PMYahoo Sports — A non-winning team will make MLB's playoffs. It's a bad look for the game
"The last day of the regular season has MLB choosin’ Texas for its final division winner. The pickings are slim: The 80-81 Astros or the 80-81 Rangers.
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