4 Biggest X-Factors in AL Wild Card Race

Let's face it: there are only four teams left in the AL Wild Card Race, including the ones in the playoff picture right now: the Rays, Indians, A's, and the Red Sox. Every other AL team not leading its division is at least 12 1/2 games out of the second wild card. With that in mind, here's one x-factor for each team trying to make a run.

1. Tampa Bay Rays: September 17-25

This is going to sound weird, but this nine-day stretch is what separates the men from the boys. The Rays schedule features eight games against the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees, with the last six of those coming at the Trop. If Tampa can survive against their tough opposition, they may be able to secure a Wild Card spot.

2. Cleveland Indians: Games Against the Twins

The Tribe will be happy to reach the playoffs in any form, but 5.5 games is not an impossible deficit when you consider they face the division-leading Twins in six of their last 24 games. It'll be time to put up or shut up for the Tribe when they take on Minnesota and attempt to reclaim the AL Central throne.

3. Oakland A's: Sean Manaea

Mike Fiers has been a sturdy starter in a decent A's rotation, though Tanner Roark, while good as of late, has only made five starts. In addition to dominant relievers Liam Hendriks and Yusmeiro Petit, the A's need their true ace from last season, one they missed down the stretch. Manaea was excellent against the Yankees in his 2019 debut, and they'll look for him to keep that pace as the season winds down.

4. Boston Red Sox: The Bullpen

The Red Sox pitching staff has struggled mightily in 2019, posting a well-below league average in ERA -- which is particularly worrisome considering the jump in home runs and runs scored across the league this year. Last year, Boston won it all in spite of a bullpen that was quite weak outside of former closer Craig Kimbrel. They'll need guys like Brandon Workman, Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier to step up down the stretch.