LOOKING AHEAD
Astros wrap up AL West; look ahead to Cleveland series
SportsMap Staff
Sep 26, 2018, 8:43 am
The Astros and Justin Verlander are set to begin their World Series defense. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion after the weekend, but the Astros wrapped up a second consecutive AL West title with a 4-1 win over Toronto coupled with Oakland's 10-8 loss to Seattle.
The Astros won their 100th game of the season, and with five games left, could break the franchise record of 102 wins. The defending World Series champions have one more game in Toronto today before finishing with four against lowly Baltimore.
The clinching also means the playoffs are set, with Houston opening against Cleveland in a best of five that starts Oct. 5 at Minute Maid Park. Boston will play the winner of the one-game wild card between New York and Oakland. The only thing left to determine is where that game is played; the Yankees lead by 2.5 games.
The divisional series playoff schedule for the Astros:
Friday, Oct. 5 Game 1 Cleveland at Houston
Saturday, Oct. 6 Game 2 Cleveland at Houston
Monday, Oct. 8 Game 3 Houston at Cleveland
Tuesday, Oct. 9 Game 4 *Houston at Cleveland
Thursday, Oct. 11 Game 5 *Cleveland at Houston
*-if necessary
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The latest update from Astros GM Dana Brown on the club's flagship station did not ease anyone's concerns this week. Brown said he was optimistic that Kyle Tucker would be back before September. September?
Which made us wonder what type of injury Tucker is really dealing with? A bone bruise doesn't typically take this long to heal.
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's Joel Blank and Barry Laminack share their thoughts on Tucker's health, the Astros' secrecy when it comes to injuries, and much more!