Welcome to your Friday Boil!
If you were working for the weekend, then I have some good news for you…
If Houston sweeps the Royals, they will be a half-game up on Kansas City. With last night’s victory, Houston’s playoff odds went from 88.0 to 90.8 percent, while the Royals dipped from 87.8 to 87.1. The bad news: If Houston loses just one more game, they cannot reach 100 victories this season.
Other “news” of dubious pertinence — Houston is the fourth most likely to win the World Series, at 9.0 percent. They trail the Los Angeles Dodgers (17.5), the New York Yankees (15.5) and the Philadelphia Phillies (12.8). Hot on Houston’s heels — The San Diego Padres (8.1), the Atlanta Braves (6.4), and the Baltimore Orioles (6.5). (all projections in this part of the Boil come courtesy of Fangraphs.com. Technically, the only team “officially” eliminated remains the Chicago White Sox, although the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies cannot win their respective divisions. Those two still could (with several dozen miracles) earn a wildcard berth.
Houston Astros News
Astros’ bench delivers in clutch to spearhead 4-run 8th-inning rally
Astros Designate Janson Junk For Assignment (MLBTR)
Astros’ Kyle Tucker reveals latest injury update (ClutchPoints)
AL MVP Rankings: Alvarez Cracks Top 10 (B/R)
AL West News
A’s: John Fisher’s parting gift to Oakland A’s fans: heartbreak and a cheap toy (SF Chronicle)
Arlington: Rangers Giving Jack Leiter Rotation Opportunity (MLBTR)
Seattle: I Believe In The Seattle Mariners (Defector)
LA: Angels’ two historic call-ups provide excitement amid another brutal season (YB)
MLB News
10 exciting stat races to follow down the stretch
Phillies Move Taijuan Walker To Bullpen (MLBTR)
The Royals Are For Real, and They’re Breathing Down the Guardians’ Necks (FG)
Low attendance signals Cardinals fans have had enough of mediocrity (YB)
Series win vs. O’s ‘something to build on’ as Dodgers head to Arizona
Oneil Cruz Is No Longer a Shortstop (FG)
‘Iron Mike’ Marshall’s lasting impact reaches far beyond baseball
Seth Brown (2 HRs, 4 RBIs) powers Athletics past Reds (Field Level Media)
Junior’s ascent: Caminero ready for spotlight as MLB’s top prospect
Are You a Starting Pitcher Who Wants the Platoon Advantage? Too Bad! (FG)
Houston Astros Birthdays
August 30
RHP Roberto Hernández (44) pitched 84 2⁄3 innings for Houston in 2015, with a 1.370 WHIP.
August 31
RHP Ronel Blanco (31) is enjoying his breakout season with the Astros. He’s 11-7 with a 3.61 ERA over 49 appearances, including 32 starts and 201 2⁄3 total innings.
RHP Austin Pruitt (35) tossed 2 2⁄3 innings for Houston in 2021.
RHP Tom Dukes (82) pitched 76 1⁄3 innings over 60 appearances for Houston in 1967 and 1968, with a 3.40 FIP.
September 1
LHP Pat House (84) pitched 20 1⁄3 innings over 24 appearances for Houston in 1967 and 1968, with a 7.08 ERA.
LHP Dean Stone (1930-2018) was 3-2 in 15 appearances for the 1962 Houston Colt .45s. He had a 1.548 WHIP.