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If the Playoffs Started Today – MLB Week 15

Nearly 100 games have been played. The largest division lead is 4.0 games, and half of the six divisions are led by no more than 1.5 games. For a brief moment, the Pirates were actually leading the NL Central, which shows how surprising this season has been. Trade talks have been heating up in advance of the deadline, and some big moves have already been made. How might all of this shake up the standings? Let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Monday, July 18, before the day’s games:

National League

#1 Philadelphia Phillies vs #3 Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee has just managed to squeak ahead of Pittsburgh and St. Louis, but let’s be honest: it’s Philadelphia.

#2 San Francisco Giants vs #W Atlanta Braves

Both teams are very close. Both are 7-3 in their last 10. Both have comfortable leads in their division/Wildcard races. In what should be a tight series, pitching will decide things. And right now, San Francisco has the clear edge over Atlanta.

American League

#1 Boston Red Sox vs #3 Cleveland Indians

Cleveland is continuing to have a rough time of things in their race with Detroit. Despite the pitchers’ dual, the Red Sox continue to have an incredibly potent offense, and get good pitching from time to time. Cleveland, though, won’t be able to capitalize on that weak point enough to win.

#2 Texas Rangers vs #W New York Yankees

Texas has won a massive 11 in a row. Having had a few more pitching issues of their own lately, New York has some problems to settle, or else they’ll be sitting ducks for Texas’ impressive potency.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Minnesota hosts both Cleveland and Detroit, so it’s pretty much a toss-up for those two.
• It’s still a tight race, but scheduling gives a bit of an edge to St. Louis in the NL Central.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB Playoffs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers