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MLB standings update
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rays lead AL at 82-54, Brewers lead NL at 85-52. Playoff races tighten as Phillies close gap on Braves.
Background
As of September 1, 2026, the MLB regular season is entering its final month, with the playoff picture taking shape. The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers hold the best records in their respective leagues, while several division races remain competitive. The Phillies have surged to within four games of the Braves in the NL East after trailing by 9.5 games in mid-August.
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026Atlanta Braves held a 9.5-game lead in the NL East over the Phillies.
- Aug 31, 2026Bulk Sports tweet shows Rays leading AL at 82-54 and Brewers leading NL at 85-52.
- Sep 1, 2026Multiple outlets publish updated standings: Rays, White Sox, Astros lead AL divisions; Brewers, Dodgers, Braves lead NL divisions. Yankees, Red Sox, Guardians hold AL wild-card spots; Cubs, Phillies, Padres hold NL wild-card spots.
- Sep 4, 2026Phillies host Braves for a three-game series with four games separating the teams in the NL East. Other key series include Diamondbacks at Astros, Yankees at Padres, and White Sox hosting Twins.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The Phillies' 21-7 August has put them within striking distance of the Braves, making the NL East race one to watch.
- Caution
- The Padres are working through rotation issues, while the Diamondbacks are dealing with the recent Ketel Marte drama, making the final NL wild-card spot uncertain.