Houston Astros Still Favorites to Win American League in Playoffs
The Houston Astros are still in a fight to secure their spot in the MLB Playoffs with two games remaining in the regular season.
Their magic number to get in is one game, so it's very likely they'll be playing postseason baseball.
It's also very likely that the Astros have to defend their World Series title by starting in the Wild Card round, something they didn't have to do last year.
By not having a bye straight into the ALDS, there is much less room for error as they'll play a best-of-three series in the first round of the playoffs where anything can happen.
It should be noted that there is still a chance for Houston to win the AL West division and get that bye.
Despite the unknown right now and that they're likely going to play in the Wild Card round, the Astros are still projected to win the American League.
FanGraphs gives Houston a 10.5% chance to win the World Series, easily the best in the AL.
The Texas Rangers are second with a 6.5% chance, the Baltimore Orioles are third with a 5.9% chance and the Tampa Bay Rays are fourth with a 5.6% chance.
That doesn't come as a huge surprise, considering the pedigree of this roster and how they have won the ALCS two seasons in a row.
It's hard to count out the Astros regardless of their circumstances.
They have proven time and time again that they can rise to the occasion and deliver in the biggest moments.
FanGraphs thinks they will.
The team expects to when the MLB Playoffs begin.
