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The Houston Astros enter the final weekend of the season with their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. After snapping a five-game losing streak with an 11-5 win over the Athletics on Thursday, Houston sits at 85-74, just one game behind the Detroit Tigers for the last American League wild card spot. The Tigers and Cleveland Guardians are tied at 86-73, leaving the Astros on the outside looking in.
Houston’s “tragic number” is two. That means if the Astros lose two of their final three games against the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit, Cleveland, and Boston will claim the remaining playoff spots. Winning at least two of three would keep their hopes alive, but they would need help from other teams to secure the sixth seed. Winning just one game won’t be enough.
If the Astros fail to make the playoffs this season, it would be the first time since 2016 they miss the postseason. The team faces a high-pressure situation with multiple scenarios in play for either the fifth or sixth seed.
All eyes will be on Game 162 on Sunday. Detroit faces Boston, and Cleveland plays the Texas Rangers. Until the Astros are officially eliminated, the Red Sox, Tigers, and Guardians all remain in flux, keeping the final playoff picture uncertain. Houston will need to win out and hope for favorable results elsewhere to extend their season.