Updated AL West, Wild Card standings after Rangers-Blue Jays, Astros-Braves series

The Texas Rangers took care of business against the Toronto Blue Jays this past weekend at Globe Life Field, winning two of three games. Entering the series, the first two games appeared to be the toughest to win, with AL Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease starting for Toronto on Friday and star right-hander José Soriano starting for the Jays on Saturday. Funny enough, Texas won the first two games before dropping the finale 6-2 in a bullpen game for Toronto on Sunday. It would've been nice if Texas had won the finale, but it's hard to complain about winning a series.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves helped out the Texas Rangers big-time by sweeping the Houston Astros in a three-game series at Daikin Park in Houston over the weekend. Now, with a 78-78 (.500) record, the Rangers are in sole possession of first place in the American League East Division.

Updated AL West standings after Rangers-Blue Jays, Astros-Braves series

It's important to note that the Astros hold the tiebreaker over the Rangers because of their head-to-head record. Therefore, if Houston and Texas end the season with the same record atop the AL East, the Astros will be crowned division winners.

The Astros are now completely out of a postseason spot. The Blue Jays' playoff odds also took a major hit this past weekend after losing two of three games against the Rangers.

Updated AL Wild Card standings after Rangers-Blue Jays, Astros-Braves series

For a while, it appeared two AL West teams might make the playoffs. But with a week left in the regular season and Houston three games out of the last Wild Card spot, it's highly unlikely more than one team in the division will reach the postseason. So if the Rangers make the playoffs, it'll probably be as the AL West winner.

The Astros have a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the season, with a two-game set against the Mariners in Seattle followed by four games against the Athletics in Sacramento, Calif. The Rangers will also finish the season playing against two weak opponents, with a three-game series against the New York Mets (71-85) in Arlington followed by a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins (73-83) in Minneapolis.

Winning two of three games against the Blue Jays after taking two of three against the Boston Red Sox was huge for the Rangers' postseason chances. Now the team must finish the season strong and/or hope Houston's struggles continue.

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