Current Standing in AL West
As of Friday, September 12, both the Astros and Mariners are tied for the top position in the AL West, with the Rangers trailing by two games. While the projection accuracy suggests that this season has unfolded as expected, it doesn’t quite reflect the unpredictable events that have transpired.
Overview of AL West Drama
The AL West, especially the dynamics between the Astros, Mariners, and Rangers, has consistently surprised us throughout the year. There have been numerous storylines, and some may have slipped our minds. To remedy this, we aim to provide a brief recap of the AL West up to now, highlighting key dates along the way.
April 22: Early Season Insights
By the end of April, the Rangers held a record of 14-9, with the Astros and Mariners both at 12-11 and two games behind. Early injuries affected the Rangers, with Jack Leiter landing on the injured list due to a blister. Meanwhile, their pitching rotation featured notable names like Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom. Despite scoring only 3.3 runs per game, the Rangers enjoyed a small lead, even with key players underperforming.
May 23: Mariners Gain Momentum
By late May, the Mariners surged to a 29-21 record, while the Astros and Rangers trailed. A significant early-season sweep against the Rangers catalyzed a positive shift for Seattle. Cal Raleigh emerged as a standout player, leading MLB with home runs, despite injuries impacting their pitching staff. The Astros also faced injury challenges, missing key players like Yordan Alvarez and others.
July 6: Astros Maintain Edge
The Astros, holding a record of 55-35, seemed to reach a peak while simultaneously facing new injuries. They managed to retain a lead, but challenges persisted, such as the need to rely on an injury-plagued roster and subpar performances from several individuals. Despite this, their winning streak suggested they were effectively overcoming obstacles.
August 12: Trade Developments
Just before the Trade Deadline on August 12, the Mariners and Astros made crucial roster additions. The Mariners achieved an eight-game winning streak, reducing the gap in the standings. Seattle’s key players flourished, contributing to their momentum, while the Rangers worked to stay relevant despite not being firmly in the playoff race.
Sept. 5: Rangers Reemerge
As of September 5, the standings reflected intense competition. The Mariners experienced a downturn, going 6-15 in the preceding weeks. However, the Rangers won a significant game against the Astros, narrowing the gap to four games. As they battled injuries among key players, it raised concerns about their future performance. The Astros and Mariners faced their own injury challenges, making the last stretch of the season uncertain.
Sept. 12: Final Stretch Ahead
The standings on September 12 show the Astros and Mariners tied at 80-68, with the Rangers closely behind at 78-70. The Astros faced challenges with injuries and consecutive series losses. As they prepare to face both the Mariners and Rangers in crucial upcoming games, the AL West drama continues, with all teams vying for a playoff spot.
