The Red Sox have cooled down over their last 2 games and lost to Zach Greinke and the Royals last night, but they moved a little closer to a playoff berth with some help from the Texas Rangers, who lost to Oakland, 9-1. The Red Sox remain 7 games up on the Rangers in the wild card race with just 12 games remaining. That means if the Red Sox win just 5 of their remaining 12, the Rangers would have to win all 12 just to tie for the wild card.

The Yankees unfortunately became the first team to clinch a playoff spot last night with their win over the Angels. If the Red Sox heat up again they have a shot of reclaiming the AL East lead, as the two teams play a series against each other before the season is over.

Tags: playoff, rangers, red sox, yankees, zach greinke, zach grienke