The American League playoff race is heating up as the season rapidly reaches the halfway mark. There are some clear front-runners—such as last year’s American League champs the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers—but it’s anyone’s guess for the last three spots.

The AL East is particularly close, with the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees constantly flipping spots.

John Smoltz and Ernie Johnson help break down the playoffs with “Behind the Mic.”

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com