Thu Sep 25 09:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Red Sox Edge Closer to Playoffs as Magic Number Shrinks to Three**

**TORONTO, ON – September 24, 2025** – The Boston Red Sox significantly improved their playoff chances last night, propelled by their 4-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros’ 5-1 loss to the Oakland Athletics in Sacramento. According to FanGraphs, Boston now has a 96% probability of making the postseason.

The Red Sox currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the American League, one game ahead of the Detroit Tigers, who fell to the Cleveland Guardians. Boston’s magic number to clinch a playoff berth now stands at three, meaning any combination of three Red Sox wins and Astros losses will secure their spot.

The Red Sox could clinch as early as Thursday if they win their next two games and Houston loses on Wednesday. Ace pitcher Garrett Crochet is scheduled to start Wednesday night’s game against the Blue Jays.

The AL playoff picture is becoming clearer, with the Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees already securing spots. The Red Sox, Guardians, Tigers, and Astros are battling for the remaining three positions. The Blue Jays lead the Yankees by one game in the AL East, the Guardians lead the Tigers in the Central by way of a tiebreaker, and the Mariners have a four-game lead in the West.

The Yankees hold a three-game lead over Boston for the top AL Wild Card spot. The Red Sox will conclude their regular season with three games at Fenway Park against the Detroit Tigers. This series could be crucial for Detroit, who are currently on a seven-game losing streak and fighting to retain the final playoff spot.

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