The Houston Astros currently sit one game back in the AL West and hold the final Wild Card spot as we approach the final month of the season.

After the Astros face the Red Sox and Yankees this week, they begin a 3-game series against the Rangers next Monday that could have massive playoff implications.

One thing going for the club right now is that the bats appear to be getting hot at the right time. Alex Bregman and Jeremy Pena had some spectacular performances against Detroit over the weekend. The offense has been uncharacteristically middle of the pack for most of the season, but they are now in the Top 10 for team slugging, OPS, and home runs.

Dropping 17 runs on the Tigers Sunday certainly helped to pad the stats.

The Astros schedule could be their ace in the hole

The other thing working in Houston's favor is the schedule. They have a more favorable schedule than the Mariners and Rangers as we approach the final stretch of the season. The 'Stros have two series with the Royals and one with the lowly A's during the month of September.

Those three series could be the difference between making the postseason and going home. It's been a long time since these games in late August and September have meant so much to the team.

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss what the Astros have in front of them with the regular season quickly coming to an end.

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