MLB Standings Watch: Red Sox meet elimination
By Sean Penney
Sep 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) throws out a runner at first base during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Falling
(American League team that is struggling)
Houston Astros: Through the first half of the season it seemed like this young Astros team was developing into one of the feel good stories of the year. After years of toiling away near the bottom of the standings they were finally breaking out with a surprise season that appeared headed for the postseason.
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Now it’s looking like they might miss out on October baseball. Houston has gone only 10-15 in September to fall out of the division lead and drop a half game behind the Angels for the final playoff spot. The Astros have only 4 games remaining, all of which come on the road. Seattle and Arizona may not provide the stiffest competition, but Houston’s 30-47 record away from home is the worst road record in the league.
Carlos Correa may run away with the Rookie of the Year vote, but his .809 OPS in September is the lowest it has been in any month. His power production hasn’t faded, with 5 homers and 17 RBI nearly equaling what he’s done in every other month since he debuted in June, but he’s not getting on base at the same rate he was the last couple of months.
Houston obtained Scott Kazmir from Oakland before the trade deadline, but he hasn’t been the same pitcher since changing uniforms. After posting a 2.18 ERA and 3.3 WAR through 18 starts with the A’s, Kazmir has produced a 3.91 ERA and 0.5 WAR in 12 starts for Houston. The 31-year old is fading fast down the stretch, owning an 0-2 record and 6.20 ERA in September.
Next: Playoff Outlook