Remaining schedules for American League contenders

The Royals are scuffling, but still have the best record in the league with a two-game lead on the Blue Jays, who own the tie-breaker based on head-to-head record. The Royals own a ten game lead on the Twins, making a Central Division title a near-certainty, even if the Royals only win a few games the rest of the season. The Royals do have three games head-to-head left with the Twins, but it comes at the end of the year when the title may be determined already. Aside from Minnesota, the one-game make up with the Cubs is the only other team with a winning record left on Kansas City's schedule, although the Indians could have a winning record by the time they reach Kansas City next week.

The Blue Jays made mincemeat of the Yankees in the Bronx last week, so the return trip to Toronto may be a forgone conclusion. The Jays will get to work through the rest of the mediocre American League East, while the Yankees have to face the crosstown National League East leading Mets this weekend. The Blue Jays should be in good position to win their first division title since 1993.

The Astros ceded the division lead to Texas in a head-to-head series this week, but they'll get a shot to reclaim it in a few weeks at home. The Angels are fading fast, but can resurrect their season with head-to-head matchups against fellow playoff contenders Minnesota, Texas, and Houston.