If something could have gone wrong, it has for the Houston Astros in the second half of 2025. Key players failed to perform to expectations and/or got hurt and the Astros saw their sizable lead in the AL West erode away. Another ill-timed slump combined with a heater from the Mariners resulted in the division title being lost and Houston having to play for their playoff lives this weekend.
To stay alive for the postseason, in addition to handling their business against the Angels which decidedly did not get off to a good start on Friday, the Astros had to get a little bit of help from the Tigers and Guardians.