Astros GM 'Hoping For' High-Powered Lineup in Arizona

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown emphasized, however, that it's manager Dusty Baker that makes the lineup.

The Houston Astros enter their final series of the 2023 regular season knowing what their magic number is to clinch a playoff berth. They also know which two pitcher will throw in Friday’s opener and Saturday’s second game.

Theoretically, the Astros — who are one game ahead of Seattle for the final American League Wild Card berth with three games left — would put their best foot forward from a lineup perspective.

General manager Dana Brown says that’s what he’s “hoping for,” but also made it clear during an appearance on Sports Talk 790 in Houston that he doesn’t make the lineup. That’s manager Dusty Baker’s job.

"We'll have a high-powered offense,” Brown said. “Our better hitters in there is what I'm hoping for but Dusty makes the lineups. He makes the decision. I know we need the offense. We need Game 1.”

Baker’s lineups have become a top of discussion with fans, especially how he deploys certain players such as Yainer Diaz and Chas McCormick. Both have had solid offensive seasons but don’t always start every day.

The Astros can theoretically still catch the Texas Rangers for the American League West crown. But the Astros can’t afford to lose a game. Plus, they also need help from the Mariners, who are playing the Rangers this weekend.

The Astros’ magic number to clinch a playoff berth is three. The Rangers need to win just one game to clinch a playoff berth and to win two games — or have the Astros lose a game in combination with a Rangers win — to win the AL West.

Most of the scenarios favor the Astros making the postseason in some way. Brown also said he believes opponents don’t want the Astros in the postseason.

"Win three in Arizona and have Seattle take care of business,” Brown said. “That's still the goal but just get in. The key is to get in. A lot of teams don't wanna play us because if we get in, they know we're good enough to win it all.”