MLB Magic Number Watch: Cubs, Twins waiting to punch their tickets

Each day this week, we'll be running down the postseason storylines around MLB in our Magic Number Watch. THE CUBS' MAGIC NUMBER IS STILL ONEThe Cubs nearly clinched Tuesday, almost pulling off an incredible comeback versus the St. Louis Cardinals that would have sent them to the postseason. THE RED SOX CAN'T MAKE PROGRESSThe Boston Red Sox lost once again Tuesday night. With the Yankees win, Boston's magic number remains at three games for the American League East. Since the Twins won, they managed to down their magic number to one.

MLB playoff picture: Clinching scenarios for Wednesday by Cubs, Twins close

The Twins are five games up on the Angels for the second wild-card spot. The Rockies are one 1/2 games up on the Brewers & two 1/2 games up on the Cardinals for the second wild-card spot. Both the Indians & Astros have already clinched home-field advantage over the AL East winner in the ALDS. The Dodgers & Nationals have both clinched home-field advantage over the NL Central winner in the NLDS. The second NL wild-card spot & various home-field advantage scenarios won't be decided until later this week.

Minnesota Twins Clinch Playoff Berth for 2017 MLB Postseason

as declared in Boston's magic number to clinch the American League East is two following Wednesday's 10-7 beat over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Twins went an MLB-worst 59-103 final season, finishing 35.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central. No team in MLB history has gone from at least hundred losses to the playoffs in consecutive seasons. They went from 28th in MLB by minus-49 defensive runs saved final season to 15th by eleven defensive runs saved in 2017, per FanGraphs. Now, the Twins have the opportunity to celebrate their postseason berth & get availiable to make a run at their premier World Series title ever ever 1991.

MLB playoff picture: Twins can clinch; Red Sox hit road bump

The Twins, who have won five straight, lowered their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to one. Chris Sale got beat & they still can't put the Yankees away, by a magic number of three by five games remaining. The Twins can clinch an AL wild card by a beat at Cleveland or a Los Angeles Angels loss to the White Sox in Chicago. Boston's magic number to clinch a second straight division title sits at three games over the NY Yankees by five remaining. Tuesday's beat reduced their magic number to four over Milwaukee & three over St. Louis.

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