6 MLB Teams That Could Make a Second Half Playoff Push

Outside of the NL Central, every division leader has a commanding lead and it appears they'll end up playing in October. However, both Wild Card spots are still up for grabs in each league and are there for the taking.

Let's take a look at six teams which could make a second half playoff push.

6. Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians v Detroit Tigers / Duane Burleson/Getty Images

The Cleveland Indians are nine games out of the AL Central lead, but they've won seven of their last 11 games and are just 1.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot. Unless the front office decides to tear it completely down, they have the players (Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Brad Hand) and postseason pedigree to make a run.

5. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Toronto Blue Jays / Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

You still have to be concerned about the Los Angeles Angels' lack of pitching, especially in the starting rotation, but this offense -- led by Mike Trout -- can score runs with the best of them. If they can add a starter or two, why can't we see Trout in the playoffs for only the second time? This may be wishful thinking on my part.

4. Cincinnati Reds

Houston Astros v Cincinnati Reds / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds are known for their offense because of the bandbox they play in, but it's their pitching that is keeping them afloat. Cincy actually ranks third in all of baseball with a 3.64 ERA. All they need is more consistent run support and they could make a strong push, whether it be in the division or the Wild Card.

3. San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres v Colorado Rockies / Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The San Diego Padres are a young team and probably a year or two early, but 81 games into the season they are very much in the Wild Card discussion. If they keep hanging around, don't be shocked if they sneak into October, especially with the Fernando Tatis Jr, Franmil Reyes and Manny Machado are swinging the bat.

2. Boston Red Sox

Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

The Boston Red Sox are 10 games back of the New York Yankees, so it'll be tough for them to make up that much ground against one of the better teams in the sport. However, they are the defending World Series champs and have a ton of talent up and down the roster. You can't count them out until they are mathematically eliminated.

1. Washington Nationals

Philadelphia Phillies v Washington Nationals - Game Two / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

All it took was Max Scherzer breaking his nose to get this team going. Washington has been one of the more disappointing teams this season, but they've won 17 of their last 24 games and are finally above the .500 mark. Even without Bryce Harper around, this lineup is dangerous and their top three starters are as good as it gets. If they can figure out the bullpen, this team can catch fire and be a problem for any NL team down the stretch.