What happened: Every team in the AL West holds a losing record with five games left in the regular season. The collective underperformance prompted commentator Ed Werder to compare the baseball division to the NFL's NFC South.

Why it matters: The division's struggles guarantee that the eventual champion will secure an automatic playoff berth despite a lackluster overall record. The Houston Astros and New York Rangers remain involved in the underwhelming pennant race.

What to watch: The division will settle its automatic playoff bid over the final five games of the regular season.