AL Wild Card race heats up on MLB.TV

The stakes are high for today’s series finale between the Mariners and Astros as both clubs try to remain in Wild Card contention. While neither team is likely to catch the Rangers, who lead the American League West by a considerable margin, each is aiming to extend its season with a spot in the AL’s one-game playoff.

But that’s not the only tilt worth keeping tabs on today, with a schedule packed with postseason implications. Several other teams vying for playoff spots are going head-to-head, including the Cardinals at Giants, Yankees at Red sox and Tigers at Indians.

The best place to catch all the action is MLB.TV.

MLB.TV Premium has returned with the same features as last year, and is only $9.99 for the rest of the season. This package has the best value and provides access to more than 400 devices and a free subscription to the MLB.com At Bat Premium app (a $19.99 value). It offers the best picture quality ever — a new 60 frames per second — for supported devices.

Here’s what to watch for throughout the day (all times ET):

Astros, Mariners cling to playoff hopes: HOU@SEA, 4:10 p.m. The West is likely to be the first division claimed in the AL, but even if the Rangers secure the title, the runner-ups are locked in a tight competition for a place in the AL Wild Card Game. With the season winding down, this series finale at Safeco Field is among the few remaining opportunities for Seattle and Houston to distinguish themselves in direct competition with a fellow Wild Card hopeful.

“These are like playoff games for us,” Mariners outfielder Leonys Martin said. “Every single game, we have to fight.”

Doug Fister will toe the rubber for Houston, looking to put his recent struggles behind him. The righty is 0-3 with a 9.35 ERA over his last four starts. For the Mariners, rookie left-hander Ariel Miranda will take the ball in his first career appearance against …

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