As many predicted, the Houston Astros have almost run away with the American League West title. However, there is still time for other teams to make a late push while Houston is vulnerable. Could an AL West team catch up?
There is a little less than two months left in the regular season. And the Houston Astros are essentially where everyone expected them to be since the preseason: atop the American League West.
But with the influx of injuries across the past few weeks, that could change. If the other AL West contenders were to catch some ground on Houston, now would be the time.
The Astros play against the Athletics and Mariners in 13 of their next 18 bouts. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, considering they are 12-6 against the two clubs.
Yet, the upcoming affairs will be more difficult considering the circumstances. While Houston is without some of its key starts, Oakland is one of the hottest teams in baseball. Meanwhile, Seattle is fighting for its first playoff berth since 2001.
That’s a long time, meaning the club is motivated to vanquish the Astros.
Nevertheless, Houston is on its own hot streak, winning six of its last seven. Three of those victories came against the Los Angeles Dodgers, currently the favorites in the National League. Two wins were against Seattle.
The Astros own the second-best record in the bigs. They lead the A’s by 5.5 games and the Mariners by eight games – slightly expected.
More importantly, their pitching staff is still healthy, which should allow them to stay afloat in the playoff race. With shortstop Carlos Correa on the doorstep of a return, everyday players will begin to return as well.
But anything is possible, especially in a competitive division like the AL West. During the first half of the season, the Mariners led the AL West in early June, proving they are a worthwhile challenger. Then the Athletics created a storm near the All-Star break, and they are 12-5 since then.
Needless to say, there could be a photo finish for the AL West title next month. But is it possible, considering how complete the Astros roster is?