Though they’ve received solely 4 of their previous 10 video games, the Houston Astros are in sole possession of first within the American League West, a exceptional feat for a crew that appeared out of the race early within the season.
Seattle jumped out to an enormous division lead at one level, stretching it to as many as eight video games. However since mid-Might, the Mariners have had one of many worst offenses within the majors, permitting the Astros to creep into competition for a fourth straight division title.
Each groups have powerful stretches to complete the season, with the Mariners dealing with a barely simpler slate.
Getting into play Thursday, Seattle has 26 of its 47 remaining video games in opposition to groups with a profitable file, together with collection in opposition to the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. In opposition to groups over .500 this season, the Mariners are 30-33.
32 of Houston’s final 47 games are in opposition to groups at present at .500 or higher, together with collection in opposition to the Boston Pink Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas Metropolis Royals to finish August.
Houston’s file this season in opposition to groups with a profitable file is 22-31, a surprising stat for a crew that has completed under .500 only twice in the past decade.
The Mariners acquired outfielder Randy Arozarena and designated hitter/third baseman Justin Turner on the commerce deadline to deal with their struggling offense. For the reason that trades, Arozarena and Turner have performed solidly, with Arozarena hitting .265 and Turner hitting .250.
The Astros made one transfer on the commerce deadline, adding lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi, who has pitched nicely in two begins. In a 6-4 win Wednesday over the third-place Texas Rangers, he went 5.1 innings, permitting 4 hits, two runs and hanging out eight.
Neither membership has had it simple this season, so beating up on shedding groups shall be necessary for each. It would not be shocking if the divisional race comes down to a Sept. 23-25 series between the groups in Houston.
However very similar to the AL East race between the Yankees and Orioles, the West race may very well be a wild trip which may be selected the ultimate day of the common season.