As we head into the final month of the Major League Baseball season, teams are jockeying for position in the playoff race. With just over a month left in the regular season, let’s take a look at where things stand as of September 1st.

In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays currently hold the top spot in the standings with a record of 85-50. They are closely followed by the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox, who are both having strong seasons. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also in the mix for a playoff spot, with both teams looking to secure a Wild Card berth.

Over in the National League, the San Francisco Giants have been the surprise team of the season, leading the way with a record of 84-49. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are also having strong seasons and are currently in playoff position. The Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres are battling it out for the final Wild Card spot in the NL.

As we approach the final stretch of the season, injuries and roster moves will play a crucial role in determining which teams make it to the postseason. The trade deadline has passed, but teams can still make moves by calling up prospects from their minor league affiliates or making waiver wire acquisitions.

One player to keep an eye on as we head into September is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani has been a standout performer this season, both on the mound as a pitcher and at the plate as a hitter. He is currently leading the league in home runs and is a front-runner for the AL MVP award.

With so much on the line in these final weeks of the season, baseball fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama as teams battle it out for a chance to compete in the postseason. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach October and the start of the MLB playoffs.