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last mo.

Rays Near AL East Clinch as Blue Jays’ Wild‑Card Window Narrows

Tampa Bay’s recent win leaves the division close to being settled as clubs make late roster and health choices that will determine postseason lineups.

Nolan Arenado of the Arizona Diamondbacks rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Chase Field on Sept. 20, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Overview

  • The Rays beat the Red Sox 5-1 on Sunday and sit one win from clinching the AL East, with a chance to seal the division during Tuesday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.
  • The Yankees fell further back after a loss and now trail Tampa Bay by six games with seven to play, making New York’s path to the division title unlikely.
  • Toronto avoided a sweep with a 7-2 win in Arlington on Sunday but now stand at 77-79 with six games left and an elimination number of three, meaning near‑perfect results are required to reach October.
  • Blue Jays pitching updates are evolving: Dylan Cease received an MRI and will not start Wednesday as he is evaluated, Trey Yesavage threw a 30‑pitch side session and could return in a multi‑inning role this weekend, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Sunday’s game with back tightness.
  • Other late developments include Félix Bautista’s on‑field return for Baltimore and the Brewers promoting RHP Edwin Jimenez to Triple‑A, reflecting teams’ focus on available arms and bullpen depth as the regular season ends.