Will anyone challenge the Astros in the American League West?
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?
Seattle Mariners
It’s surprising to see that Seattle currently boasts a -29 run differential this late in the year. For a team that’s 15 games above .500, it seems unordinary. But as long as the Mariners remain in the playoff mix, they are still a dangerous club.
And it starts with the pitching, which is headed by two of the best, most efficient pitchers in the game.
Despite some recent struggles, a portion of Seattle’s bullpen has been consistent and clutch. Edwin Diaz could challenge Francisco Rodriguez’s single-season save record. Moreover, lesser-known hurlers like James Pazos and Alex Colome have been reliable.
Those guys flourish against the Astros. Also add James Paxton, who surrendered just two runs in three starts against them, as well. That’s essentially one win per series.
Yet, the rest of the pitching staff has been mediocre at best, whether against Houston or other opponents. The club’s ERA currently ranks 17th in the league. But most of the damage is done on the road, as the Mariners rank sixth in the category at Safeco Field.
Despite some players enjoying terrific seasons, Seattle’s offense is overall uninspiring. Five players account for nearly 70 percent of the team’s runs. And three of those five hitters own a sub-.800 OPS.
Of course, Robinson Cano will help once he returns in a week or two.
It will be difficult for the Mariners to overcome an eight-game barrier throughout the rest of the season. A near-miraculous stretch could be needed, as Seattle plays against Houston, Oakland, Arizona and the Los Angeles Dodgers until Aug. 28.
If they catch up to the Astros by that point, the Mariners ultimately deserve a shot at a playoff berth.
But that is highly unlikely at this point.
Oakland A’s
Baseball fans and analysts expressed astonishment on Twitter once Oakland moved into the second Wild Card spot. The A’s currently sit in second in the AL West, something most fanatics didn’t expect at this point in the year.
Most of the hype came within the past few weeks. Oakland claimed a series against Houston – should have been a sweep – and gained more attention during the break.
The offense has primarily kept the A’s in the mix thus far. However, their pitching staff has shouldered the load in August thus far, as the squad has scratched just 13 runs across the plate so far.
That’s why the few additions the team made this summer were crucial. Jeurys Familia has yet to allow a run, while Mike Fires should provide some depth in the rotation. Combine those two with Blake Treinen and a near-outcast group of Edwin Jackson and Trevor Cahill.
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Surprisingly, the pitching staff ranks second in ERA since the All-Star break. Last season, Oakland pitchers ranked 22nd in that category. Pitchers will look to continue the trend.
Meanwhile, Khris Davis and Matt Chapman lead an offense ranked among the league’s top 10. The question is whether the lineup can remain consistent when facing off against the AL West’s top pitchers across the next few weeks.
That includes dates with Justin Verlander, James Paxton and Charlie Morton by Aug. 19.
Oakland doesn’t look like a mainstream contender, but it’s proven it can keep up with any team. That includes the Astros, though Houston won nine of their 13 matchups this season.
And the Athletics’ schedule in September looks promising, other than a few series against the Mariners and one against the Yankees.
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At this point, Oakland controls its destiny. And success against its own division could keep them close to Houston. Although, the Astros still look much more superior compared to the A’s overall.