6 hours ago - Sports

Astros clinch AL West and return to playoffs

Shafaq Patel

Group of men in Astros shirts celebrating, spraying champagne and wearing goggles. — Houston Astros celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the American League West title. Photo: Jacob Soriano/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Houston Astros are headed to the postseason after clinching the American League West on the final day of the regular season.

Why it matters: After missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016, the Astros narrowly rebounded.

Driving the news: The Astros beat the Athletics 9-0 on Sunday to win the AL West.

The team finished 81-81, one game ahead of the Rangers, who lost to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

State of play: It wasn't exactly a dominant season. Houston became the first MLB team in a full season to reach the playoffs without a winning record.

Their 81 wins are the fewest for a playoff team in a full MLB season.

Zoom in: The Astros battled injuries to several key players, including pitchers Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier and Josh Hader.

Shortstop Jeremy Peña missed more than a month with a hamstring injury, while third baseman Carlos Correa's season ended after he tore a tendon in his ankle.
Yordan Alvarez was a bright spot, putting together one of the best seasons of his career.

What's next: The Astros will play Chicago White Sox in the best-of-three Wild Card Series at Daikin Park, starting Tuesday at 4pm.

Add Axios on Google

Astros clinch AL West and return to playoffs

More Houston stories