Jul 15, 2024 - Sports

Astros well positioned for second half of season

Jay R. Jordan

Jake Meyers rounds third base after hitting one off the left field foul poll yesterday against the Texas Rangers — Jake Meyers rounds third base after hitting one off the left field foul pole Sunday against the Texas Rangers. Photo: Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Astros are within one game of leading the American League West heading into this week's All-Star break, inching closer to a division lead after a 10-game deficit earlier this season.

Why it matters: The team — minus outfielder Yordan Álvarez, who will play in the All Star Game — will be able to rest up as the National and American leagues duke it out Tuesday in Arlington.

Second baseman José Altuve and outfielder Kyle Tucker were voted All Stars but will not play due to injuries.

The intrigue: After a humbling start this year, the team sits at 50-46 (.521) going into the second half.

State of play: The Astros are fresh off of losing two games in a row to the Texas Rangers after sweeping the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Baltimore Orioles in their previous three series at Minute Maid Park.

Despite the Rangers snapping the Astros' 10-game home winning streak Saturday, the team has shown a marked improvement from last season, when they struggled to win games in Houston.
They ended the 2023 season with a 39-42 (.481) record at Minute Maid. They're 28-21 (.592) at home through the first half of the 2024 campaign.

💭 Jay's thought bubble: Haters be damned, Houston is no stranger to coming back from behind, and I'm manifesting that their prowess on the field will prevail.

That tends to happen when they're counted out and is even further proved when the Bayou City faces adversity from natural disasters.

What's next: The Astros start a four-game series Friday against the AL West-leading Mariners in Seattle.

Their next homestand starts July 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Astros well positioned for second half of season

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