How will the Houston Astros fare against the AL West in the second half?
By Kyle Cardoza
The Houston Astros sit atop the divisional standings thanks in part to success against American League West opponents. With a schedule loaded with AL West matchups, can they prevail again in most games?
The Houston Astros had an advantage throughout most of June and July few fans likely noted. And they improved their standing in the American League because of it.
Houston played just two teams with a winning record since June 7. Although, it’s worth noting the Tampa Bay Rays pushed above .500 when it claimed a victory against the Astros.
Nevertheless, Houston essentially has two months left of baseball, and it has a five-game cushion over second-place Seattle. But that doesn’t mean the Mariners cannot get closer to the top of the standings. Even the Athletics could sustain their current winning stretch.
Thus, the Astros will need to maintain their winning ways to stay atop the AL West. It would be their second-straight division title should they remain in first.
However, the second half of the team’s schedule is not as facile. And most of August pits Houston against its division rivals. Just seven of 26 games are against teams outside of the AL West.
That might be a good thing for the Astros, who went 28-13 against teams in their division. Meanwhile, the rest of the division was not as dominant against its familiar foes.
Astros: 28-13 vs. AL West, 5-3 vs. Interleague
Mariners: 20-16 vs. AL West, 2-6 vs. Interleague
Athletics: 15-26 vs. AL West, 9-3 vs. Interleague
Angels: 19-15 vs. AL West, 5-5 vs. Interleague
Rangers: 14-26 vs. AL West, 4-4 vs. Interleague
Each team in the division offers a different obstacle.Seattle will have Robinson Cano back soon, while Oakland may make another blockbuster deal – what Billy Beane is known for.
Nonetheless, Houston will attempt to vanquish each opponent as it did during the first half. But it won’t be easy.