MLB Playoff Picture: 3 things to know from Sunday

Every night, we look around the league and identify three things you need to know about the playoff races. Here's what happened Sunday:

Mets, Cardinals trade places

The Mets made their final game at Turner Field a memorable one, winning for the seventh time in eight tries to reclaim the lead in the race for the second wild-card spot over the Cardinals. Yoenis Cespedes' grand slam and St. Louis' loss to Milwaukee helped New York set up a showdown this week in the nation's capital, where the Mets will continue their charge toward the playoffs with a three-game series against the NL East-leading Nationals. It could be smooth sailing from there, as the Mets' final 16 games after Washington are against teams currently under .500.

Mariners charging up standings

Don't look now, but here come the Mariners. Seattle beat up on the lowly A's to win its fifth in a row and sixth in seven games, moving within 3 1/2 games of a playoff spot. There are still three teams between the Mariners and the second wild card-leading Orioles, but fortunately for Seattle all three lost Sunday. The M's finish their road trip with three in Anaheim beginning Monday before hosting Houston in a potential make-or-break showdown next weekend at Safeco.

Leaders reduce magic numbers

Four of the six division leaders inched closer to securing first place after the Nationals, Red Sox, Indians, and Cubs all added to the win column. Sunday's series finales were especially productive for the latter three teams, each of which shaved two games off their clinching number after losses by the Blue Jays, Tigers, and Cardinals.

If the playoffs started today:

Race to clinch the division: