Magic Number Watch: AL West and second wild card spot still up for grabs

It's that time of year again. The time where magic numbers and playoff scenarios take over our lives and leave us searching for the least confusing explanation available. That's where Big League Stew comes in. From now until the final postseason spot is secured, we'll keep you updated on all of the latest clinches, magic number changes and new playoff scenarios.

Buckle up, folks. We have a wild Sunday ahead in the AL West.

With the Angels miraculous come-from-behind win in Texas, and the Astros 6-2 win in Arizona, the AL West and second wild card spot remain up for grabs today and could potentially spill into Monday.

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There's no time left to waste here. Let's get right into these scenarios.

READY TO CLINCH:

Team: Texas Rangers

Magic Number to clinch AL West: 1

Scenario: The Rangers are already in the playoffs, but they'd obviously like to avoid the wild card drama if possible. So far, they've failed to do so, losing back-to-back games to the Angels.

The good news is, they still only need a win or an Astros loss on Sunday. That may also be the bad news, since, again, they've failed two days in a row. The Rangers worst-case scenario is still a division tiebreaker game on Monday.

Team: Houston Astros 

Magic Number to clinch wild card berth: 2

Other teams involved: Los Angeles Angels (84-76), Minnesota Twins (83-77)

Scenario: The Astros still control their own destiny. If they win out, they will at worst clinch the wild card spot. Here's an interesting twist though, if both the Astros and Angels win out, Houston would finish tied for the division lead, but the Angels would still be on the outside looking in. In that scenario, Houston and Texas would play for the division on Monday, with the loser getting the wild card spot. If Houston is confident about sweeping Arizona, they could actually pull for the Angels to win two in Texas setting up that scenario. .

Of course, there's still a chance for Houston and Los Angeles to finish tied as well, which would set up a Monday tiebreaker. As mentioned earlier, the Twins just need a lot of help. One loss or Houston win ends their dream.

ALREADY IN THE POSTSEASON:

• KANSAS CITY ROYALS: Playoff bound: For the first time ever, the Royals have won the AL Central

• TORONTO BLUE JAYS: Blue Jays clinch first playoff berth since 1993, end longest drought in MLB

• TEXAS RANGERS: Texas Forever: Rangers complete second-half surge, clinch playoff berth

• NEW YORK YANKEES: In pursuit of No. 28: The Yankees are going back to the playoffs

• ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Cardinals are headed to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season

• PITTSBURGH PIRATES: Pirates earn third consecutive postseason berth with win in Colorado

• CHICAGO CUBS: Is this the year? Rebuilt Cubs earn first playoff berth since 2008

• NEW YORK METS: Meet the champs: Mets clinch first NL East title since 2006

• LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Three-peat: Dodgers win third straight NL West title after Kershaw's gem

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813