MLB Standings: Yankees, Blue Jays, Royals Fighting For First Place; Astros Battling For Wild Card

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Sep 23, 2015 01:57 PM EDT

The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are currently in the middle of an exciting divisional race. The two American League East teams are separated by just three wins, and they are presently competing in a three game series.

The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays in Toronto on Tuesday night in a thrilling 10-inning game. Greg Bird once again saved the day for the Bronx Bombers with a three run homer to seal the deal. The Yankees are now 83-67, good enough for the first wild card spot in the American League.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, time is running out. Fewer than 13 games remain in the season, and the Blue Jays still hold the head-to-head advantage. The Blue Jays are an impressive 11-6 against the Pinstripes this year, and they will face off one more time on Wednesday.

The Blue Jays could very well finish with the No. 1 seed in the AL. Josh Donaldson has been a monster this season with a career high 39 home runs and 120 RBI, and you can bet he'll win the AL MVP. The Blue Jays haven't made a single postseason appearance since 1993, but it would take an historic collapse to miss the playoffs this year. The Blue Jays have by far the best offense in all of baseball leading the league in runs scored, home runs hit and team slugging percentage.

Part of the reason why the Blue Jays could very well capture the No. 1 seed is because of the Kansas City Royals and their struggles. The Royals have lost 12 of their last 17 games, and a lot of doubt is starting to creep in. Dominican ace Johnny Cueto has been in one of the worst slumps of his career losing his last five decisions. Cueto hasn't won a game in over a month and is now 2-6 with the Royals. This Royals team won't go very far if Cueto can't return to full dominant form.

Speaking of disappointing and slumping, the Houston Astros are limping to the finish line. The Astros have lost six of their last nine games and have thus surrendered the American League West division lead to the Texas Rangers. Dallas Keuchel is having a phenomenal season on the mound, but the Astros bats have been struggling lately. The Rangers now have a two game lead in the AL West and they have won seven of their last 10 games. To make matters even worse for the Astros, the Rangers are 8-4 against the Astros this year. They will play each other three more times this season.

If the season were to end today the Yankees and Astros would face off in a wild card game with the winner playing the No. 1 seed Royals in round two. The Blue Jays and Rangers would square off in the second round with the Blue Jays having home field advantage.