The simplest way for the Rays to clinch a spot in the playoffs is to beat the Twins twice this weekend, and by doing so in the first two games they could be celebrating by Friday night.

But there's another scenario in which they could be popping champagne on Friday night, though it's a bit complicated. But according to the folks at the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rays can also secure a playoff  berth by Friday night if:

* They win one of the two games against the Twins.

AND

* The White Sox lose twice.

AND

* The Blue Jays and Yankees each lose one.

To make it even more complicated, the Yankees and White Sox play each other tonight. Which means the Yankees have to win tonight and lose Friday night.