The Houston Astros entered this past weekend in the driver’s seat to win the AL West.
But, so much can change over a three-game series.
Facing the Kansas City Royals at home, the Astros proceeded to get swept by the much inferior team.
That along with the Texas Rangers sweeping the Seattle Mariners has the Astros 2.5 games back for the AL West crown.
It is hard to fathom how a team like the Astros gets swept by one of the worst teams in baseball.
But, that just goes to show they are trending the wrong way as the playoffs near.
According to Chandler Rome, the Astros finished their recent homestand 1-5 and were 39-42 at home this season.
The Astros were swept by the Royals at Minute Maid Park. They finished their final homestand of the regular season 1-5 and were 39-42 at home this season. They are 8-13 in September, 85-71 this season and, as of now, two games out in the AL West. Six games remain.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 24, 2023
It is odd to see the Astros play poorly at home during the regular season.
This is the defending World Series champions and they have seemingly taken a step back this year.
If they enter the playoffs via the Wild Card, things will be much more difficult for them this year.
It appears that whoever wins the AL West will be the second seed in the AL and get a first-round bye.
Everyone wants that luxury due to the added rest and being able to set up your pitching.
Houston is set to begin their biggest series of the year on Monday.
They travel to Seattle to take on the Mariners in a three-game series.
Both teams are battling for the final AL Wild Card spot and a division title.
Houston currently has a 0.5-game lead over the Mariners in the standings.
The loser of this three-game set seems destined to miss the playoffs.
NEXT: The Astros Continue To Struggle Against 1 Opponent
