The Astros did not play last night. I could not wake up yesterday morning. I went to sleep about 9:30pm, before the Astros started scoring Runs on Wednesday night, woke up, went back to bed, and after a couple of get-ups to eat some lunch and go to the bathroom, I didn't actually wake up until about 5:30pm yesterday. If I have to Rip Van Winkle myself through the playoffs, I will do it.
The Mariners scored two runs in the 9th inning to beat the Rangers 3-2.
Speaking of playoffs:
*AL Playoff Picture:
1. Baltimore (100-59)
2. Denton (89-70)
3. Minnesota (85-74)
4. Tampa (97-62)
5. Toronto (88-71)
6. Houston (87-72)
7. Seattle (86-73)
*AL West Division / Postseason Odds
Denton: 85.5% / 97.4%
Houston: 9.0% / 76%
Seattle: 5.5% / 33.5%
*Here's what has to happen the rest of the weekend for the Astros to Win the Division:
Houston goes 3-0 (putting Houston at 90 wins), Seattle goes no worse than 2-1, Rangers go no better than 1-2. By my count that's about it.
To make the Wild Card spot:
Houston has to match Seattle, since Seattle has the tie-breaker. So if Seattles goes 2-1, the Astros can go 2-1 but not 1-2. And so on.
Here's a handy guide from the Chronicle.
*Julio Rodriguez still feels disrespected by the Astros and by Hector Neris. The Mariners lost five of six to the Rangers and Astros in the last week. Whatever you gotta do to find a little fire, my guy. Rodriguez thinks Neris used a homophobic slur. Neris says he didn't. MLB is looking into it.
*Joey Loperfido and Spencer Arrighetti have been named Astros Minor-League Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively.
*The Athletic looked at who would make a better ALDS match-up for the Twins. Hint: it's not Houston.
*Number of Astros with 10+ Homers, 1994-2023:
11: 2023, 2017, 2015
10: 2019, 2018
9: 2000
8: 2022, 2021, 2016,
7: 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001
6: 2008, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1998
5: 2014, 2009, 1996
4: 2013, 2011, 2010, 1997
3: 2012, 1994
2: 1995
*The Orioles won the AL East, a day short of six months since FanGraphs put them at 1.3% to win the division.
*The Braves will have open-to-the-public workouts as they wait for the NLDS to start.
*Please never forget that Curt Schilling is absolute garbage.
*The Ringer: Dissecting Radiohead's "In Rainbows"
*How Corny Dog Queen Amber Fletcher Prepares for the State Fair of Texas.
*What To Watch, September 29:
Sevilla @ Barcelona: 2pm Central
Maple Leafs @ Canadiens: 6pm
Utah @ Oregon State: 8pm
Astros @ Diamondbacks: 8:40pm
Rangers @ Mariners: 9:10pm
*A Musical Selection: