The Angels lost again, 6-2 to Houston on Saturday at Minute Maid Park, their sixth consecutive defeat that pushed them further out of the wild-card race. At 76-78 with eight games to go, their postseason chances are slim, nearly nonexistent.
As they trail the Twins by four games, any combination of five Angels losses or Minnesota victories will finalize their elimination.
On Saturday, the Angels started former closer Bud Norris for the second time this month, an unconventional move they say is a coincidence. It will avoid triggering his incentive bonus for relief appearances, saving the club $500,000.