New York, NY – The Tampa Bay Rays opted to play one road game rather than two home contests if they finish in a tie with Boston and the Angels for the AL wild card spot at the end of the season.
Tampa Bay had the option because the Rays had the best head-to-head mark against the clubs, going 16-10. They went 12-6 against the Red Sox and 4-4 vs. the Angels. Boston's mark was 12-14 among the three teams, while the Angels were 6-10.
The Red Sox would host the Angels on Thursday with the winner hosting the Rays on Friday. In the event of a two-way tie, the Rays would host the Red Sox on Thursday.
In the National League, if Atlanta and St. Louis end in a tie, the Cardinals would host a potential tiebreaker game on Thursday. St. Louis beat the Braves in the season series, 5-1.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.