Playoff Picture: Giants swept by Padres, lose grasp on top NL wild-card spot

Every night we take a look around the league and recap pennant and wild card races in baseball.

Here's a look at how Sunday's slate affected the playoff picture in the majors:

American League

• The Baltimore Orioles previously clinched the AL East.

• The Kansas City Royals salvaged the final contest of a three-game set with the Detroit Tigers to remain alive in the division race. The Royals also have a game in hand heading into the final week of the regular season as they need to complete a previously suspended game Monday vs. the Cleveland Indians.

• The Los Angeles Angels previously clinched the AL West.

• The Seattle Mariners were the only team in contention to suffer a loss on Sunday - their second in as many days to the Houston Astros. Seattle falls 1 1/2 games back of the final wild-card spot with a four-game series looming in Toronto with the Blue Jays.

• The Oakland Athletics maintained their lead on the top wild-card spot thanks to a walk-off two-run homer from Josh Donaldson in the 10th inning vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.

If the playoffs started today...

Wild Card: Royals at Athletics

Division Series: Wild Card at Angels, Tigers at Orioles

National League

• The Washington Nationals previously clinched the NL East.

• The Cardinals clinched a playoff berth with the Pittsburgh Pirates' 1-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, but their magic number remains at five after falling to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday night.

• The Dodgers dispatched the lowly Cubs, while the Giants suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the equally as lowly Padres with a loss. San Francisco must sweep its upcoming three-game set with L.A. beginning Monday in order to close the 4 1/2-game gap in the division. The Dodgers' magic number is three.

• The Giants lose their grip on the top wild-card position, setting up a battle with the Pirates in the final week for home advantage in a potential play-in game.

• The Brewers are on life support after getting shut out by the Pirates. Pittsburgh and San Francisco both have a game in hand, which doesn't bode well for Milwaukee's slim playoff hopes.

If the playoffs started today...

Wild Card: Giants at Pirates

Division Series: Wild Card at Nationals, Cardinals at Dodgers