2024 MLB postseason: Magic number for Houston Astros to make playoffs

This story was updated to reflect standings as of Thursday, Sept. 19 at 4:43 p.m.

After a very slow start to the season, the Houston Astros have once again proven their AL West superiority. Well, almost. Despite having one of the best second halves in baseball, the Astros have yet to secure a spot in the MLB playoffs.

The Seattle Mariners are trying their best to ensure the Astros not only don't win the AL West for a fourth straight season, but perhaps keep them out of the playoffs altogether. That said, the Astros have the advantage given that they currently lead the division. Here is their magic number to clinch a playoff berth.

MLB News: Shohei Ohtani makes history, becoming first MLB player in 50-50 club; social media reacts

What is the Astros' magic number to make the 2024 MLB postseason?

• Astros to reach MLB postseason: 8

• Astros to win AL West: 6

Latest MLB standings

American League:

AL East:

1. x - New York Yankees: 89-63

2. Baltimore Orioles: 84-68

3. Boston Red Sox: 76-76

4. Tampa Bay Rays: 74-78

5. Toronto Blue Jays: 72-80

AL Central:

1. Cleveland Guardians: 88-65

2. Kansas City Royals: 82-71

3. Minnesota Twins: 80-72

4. Detroit Tigers: 80-73

5. Chicago White Sox: 36-117

AL West:

1. Houston Astros: 82-70

2. Seattle Mariners: 77-75

3. Texas Rangers: 73-79

4. Oakland Athletics: 67-86

5. Los Angeles Angels: 62-90

National League:

NL East:

1. Philadelphia Phillies: 91-61

2. New York Mets: 84-68

3. Atlanta Braves: 82-70

4. Washington Nationals: 68-84

5. Miami Marlins: 56-96

NL Central:

1. y - Milwaukee Brewers: 88-64

2. Chicago Cubs: 77-75

3. St. Louis Cardinals: 77-75

4. Cincinnati Reds: 74-79

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: 71-81

NL West:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: 90-62

2. San Diego Padres: 87-66

3. Arizona Diamondbacks: 84-68

4. San Francisco Giants: 74-78

5. Colorado Rockies: 59-94

When does the MLB postseason start?

Although the MLB regular season finishes on Sunday, September 29, there will be one day between the end of the regular season and the start of the postseason. The postseason will begin with the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, October 1.

MLB News: Chicago White Sox nearing record for most losses

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Astros magic number: Standings and games to make MLB playoffs