Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:18 am GMT
The Houston Astros have enjoyed a significant turnaround this season, proving their resilience in the American League (AL) West. Despite a slow start, they currently lead the division, but as the regular season winds down, the competition remains fierce. The crucial question for fans now is: how close are the Astros to securing their playoff berth and what does that magic number look like?
Astros’ Current Standing and Playoff Push
As of September 20, the Astros stand at 83 wins and 70 losses, holding a solid five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners. With just seven games remaining in the season, the Astros are in a strong position to clinch the AL West title for the fourth consecutive year.
- Current AL West Standings:
- 1. Houston Astros: 83-70
- 2. Seattle Mariners: 78-75
- 3. Texas Rangers: 73-80
- 4. Oakland Athletics: 67-86
- 5. Los Angeles Angels: 62-91
- MLB Playoffs Begin: October 1
- Regular Season Ends: September 29
With the playoffs just around the corner, the Astros’ magic number—a key indicator of how many additional wins they need, combined with losses from their competitors—is more crucial than ever. Currently, the Astros’ magic number to secure a playoff spot sits at three. This means that any combination of three Astros wins or Mariners losses secures their spot in the postseason.
Key Players and Upcoming Match-ups
This weekend, the Astros completed a series against the Los Angeles Angels, looking to sweep away their rivals. Rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti is slated to take the mound, aiming to continue his recent success. Despite a rough season, his last 15 starts show marked improvement, suggesting he might be ready to shine when it matters most.
Starting Lineup for Sunday
- 2B Jose Altuve
- LF Yordan Alvarez
- DH Kyle Tucker
- 3B Alex Bregman
- 1B Yainer Diaz
- C Victor Caratini
- SS Jeremy Pena
- RF Jason Heyward
- CF Jake Meyers
The Astros’ strong lineup features key players like Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, both of whom play pivotal roles in their offensive strategy. Alvarez, known for his power, can change the course of a game with a single swing, making him a player to watch as the team pushes for playoff contention.
Angels’ Response
The Angels, sending Griffin Canning to the mound, will additionally be seeking to spoil the Astros’ playoff dreams. Having performed well in his most recent start, Canning has the potential to be a challenge for Houston’s hitters. The match-up between the struggling Angels and the motivated Astros will be critical as both teams inch closer to the end of the regular season.
How to Watch the Game
The highly anticipated game is set for 2:10 PM EST and will be broadcasted locally. Fans can tune in via:
- Space City Home Network
- Bally Sports West
- Radio: KBME 790 AM / 94.5 FM HD-2 / TUDN 93.3/KLAT 1010
- Streaming: Available on FuboTV with a free trial
The Road Ahead
With the regular season quickly coming to a close, the Astros have a few key factors to maintain their momentum. They need to not only focus on scoring runs but also on tightening their pitching to keep their opponents at bay. As the postseason looms, every game counts.
If they can secure wins against the Angels and other remaining opponents, they will not only clinch the AL West but also set the tone for a competitive postseason run.
Conclusion
As the MLB regular season gets closer to the end, the Houston Astros are looking good to make the playoffs. They only need to win three more games to secure their spot, which makes them feel confident. However, they know they have tough competition ahead. Everyone is excited to see how their next games will go. Will the Astros step up and earn their place in the postseason? We’ll just have to wait and see!
