The Brewers continue to dominate at the top of MLB standings — Milwaukee at 85-52 now holds a three-game lead over the Braves and Dodgers, who are tied at 82-55 for second-best in baseball. The Cubs are eight games back and unlikely to catch Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Rays hold their four-game AL East lead over the Yankees. The Diamondbacks have surged past the Padres into second place in the NL West. Playoff positioning is starting to firm up as MLB enters the final month of the regular season.
National League: Brewers still atop, Dodgers and Braves matching
NL Central — Milwaukee holds strong
The Brewers at 85-52 continue as MLB’s best team, adding four wins in the past week. Their lead over the Cubs (77-60) has held at eight games — Chicago couldn’t gain ground on Milwaukee this week. The Brewers now look genuinely locked in for the NL Central title and are on pace to finish with the best regular-season record in baseball.
NL West — Diamondbacks pass Padres
The Dodgers at 82-55 continue to lead the NL West by nine games over the Diamondbacks (73-65). Arizona has surged past the Padres (72-65) into second place — the D-backs have quietly become one of the most improved teams of the second half. San Diego’s collapse from earlier in the summer continues to weigh on their playoff hopes; they’re now firmly in the wild-card race but not the division race.
NL East — Braves match Dodgers on wins
The Braves at 82-55 have matched the Dodgers for the National League’s second-best record — with the Brewers three games clear. Atlanta maintains a five-game lead over the Phillies (77-60), who are tied with the Cubs on wins. Both Atlanta and Philadelphia look playoff-bound, with the division still Atlanta’s to lose.
American League: Rays extend, AL West still coin flip
AL East — Rays 4 clear
The Rays at 82-54 have maintained a four-game lead over the Yankees (78-59). Tampa Bay continues to look like one of the most complete teams in baseball. New York has been able to hold ground but not gain. The Red Sox at 74-63 remain firmly in the wild-card conversation. All three teams look playoff-bound; the division race is the real story.
AL West — Astros still lead, barely
The Astros at 69-68 lead the AL West by two games over the Rangers (67-70). The Mariners at 64-73 have slipped further out of contention. Houston has stabilised as the division leader but neither team looks dominant. This division will very likely be decided in the final two weeks of the regular season.
AL Central — White Sox extending lead
The White Sox at 72-64 have extended their AL Central lead to three games over the Guardians (69-68). Chicago’s remarkable turnaround from AL laughing stock to genuine division leader continues to compel. Their three-game cushion looks increasingly like real breathing room heading into September.
This week’s must-watch on Kayo
MLB coverage continues on Kayo Sports through late August into September. Marquee matchups:
- Dodgers at Brewers series — the two best teams in baseball facing off
- Rays at Yankees — AL East race intensifies as September approaches
- Braves at Phillies — NL East race directly at stake
For the full weekly schedule with AEST times and confirmed broadcasters, use our live TV Guide. Apple TV+ continues to run Friday Night Baseball weekly.
One email per day at 7:00pm AEST. Tomorrow’s schedule with confirmed Australian broadcasters and the pick of the day. Free.
Subscribe free →Storylines to follow into September
Best regular season record? The Brewers look locked in for the best record in baseball. Their run rate for the past two months has been remarkable.
Wild card scramble intensifying. With multiple teams (Cubs, Phillies, Padres, Diamondbacks in the NL; Red Sox, Astros, Rangers in the AL) chasing playoff spots, September promises genuine drama.
NL Cy Young race. Milwaukee’s rotation depth means multiple names in the conversation. September performance will define the vote.
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- How to Watch MLB in Australia 2026
- Previous MLB Wrap — 24 August 2026
- Apple TV+ Friday Night Baseball
Standings accurate as of Sunday 30 August 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
