While they clinched the playoffs by winning the AL West on Sunday, they still have a lot to play for. The Astros trail the Indians by 1.5 games for the best record in the American League. Whoever secures that title, will have home-field advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Before the trade for Justin Verlander, the top two pitchers in the projected playoff rotation were Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. That was dependent on both being healthy, which Keuchel has proved he can do. McCullers has dealt with some arm fatigue recently, and the Astros have been vague about his status.