It might not seem like it, but the Astros have qualified for the postseason for the fourth consecutive season and fifth time in six years. Yes, the only reason they are here is due to the expanded playoff format, but how they arrived doesn’t matter. They have been invited to the dance and anything can happen in October. Or late September, as is the case this year with the postseason starting a few days earlier than usual.
Houston’s opponent in the first-ever Wild Card round is the third-seeded Minnesota Twins, a formidable foe who does a little bit of everything to win baseball games.