If the regular season does not resume after a players' strike, the Chicago White Sox probably won't mind. The same goes for the Cleveland Indians.
The Texas Rangers may not be quite so happy.Both the White Sox and Indians won Wednesday to ensure themselves of spots in the expanded playoffs should the remainder of the regular season be canceled.
Chicago's 2-1 win over Oakland gave the White Sox a one-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central, a margin that can't be closed before a strike because both teams have today off.
Texas, meanwhile, lost a chance to "clinch" the AL West when Seattle beat the Rangers 3-2 in 10 innings.
Though Chicago's win locked the Indians in second place, they clinched the wild-card spot with a 5-3 victory over Toronto.
Indians 5, Blue Jays 3
At Toronto, Jason Grimsley (5-2) won for the fourth time in five starts, allowing seven hits and two runs over six innings.
White Sox 2, Athletics 1
At Oakland, Julio Franco drove in Chicago's first run and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch from Steve Ontiveros in the fourth inning.
Mariners 3, Rangers 2, 10 innings
At Arlington, Mike Blowers homered in the top of the 10th on a 2-0 pitch from Tom Henke (3-6). It was his ninth homer of the year.
Tigers 4, Brewers 0
At Detroit, David Wells (5-7) pitched a three-hitter for his first career shutout and fifth complete game this season, and Cecil Fielder drove in two runs.
Orioles 8, Yankees 1
At New York, Rafael Palmeiro drove in 5 runs with four hits as Baltimore routed Jimmy Key (17-4).
Twins 17, Red Sox 7
At Minneapolis, Kirby Puckett drove in seven runs with a grand slam and a three-run homer. The Twins have their first five-game winning streak of the year; the Red Sox have lost four straight.
Angels 2, Royals 1
At Anaheim, Calif., Gary DiSarcina drove in both California runs, including the game-winner with a single in the ninth.