HOUSTON — The Houston Astros are heading into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the American League. The team won the AL West for the fourth straight year and the seventh of the last eight.
Their postseason spot is solidified, so aside from staying sharp, the final three games of the regular season are meaningless for the Astros. And that’s a good thing because you won’t see Yordan Alvarez or Chas McCormick in the lineup at least until the games matter again.
Alvarez sprained his right knee Sunday while sliding into second base against the Angels and left the game. According to Astros.com, Alvarez is staying in Houston while the rest of the team travels to Cleveland for the final series of the regular season.
Manager Joe Espada said Alvarez was feeling better Wednesday morning but the team didn’t give a timeline for his return.
McCormick, who had a right hand fracture, took batting practice on Wednesday and fielded some balls, according to Astros.com. He also won’t travel with the team to Cleveland, but he should be good to go for the first round of the MLB playoffs.
Houston’s playoff run begins on Oct. 1 at Minute Maid Park. As for who they’ll play, that’s still yet to be determined.