Houston Astros face injury setbacks amid AL West race

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are currently tied for first place in the American League West with records of 78-79. If the division winner finishes with a losing record, it would mark a rare historical occurrence, as no full-season division champion has previously finished below .500, excluding the shortened 2020 season.

Compounding the team's competitive challenges, the Astros have received significant injury updates regarding key players. Cristian Javier has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right groin strain, an injury expected to take four to eight weeks to heal, effectively ending his season and likely removing him from postseason play. Additionally, center fielder Brice Matthews has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to left knee inflammation after reaggravating a previous injury. Matthews is not expected to return until at least the American League Division Series.