Kansas City Royals: Fourth Postseason Picture Update

AL West leader

Houston Astros

Overall record (through Sunday): 79-51

Last week: 3-3

This week: Off Monday; vs. Texas Rangers (Tue.-Thu.); vs. New York Mets (Fri.-Sun.)

There are plenty of things that happen in life to put sports into perspective. One of those things is happening in Houston and its surrounding areas at this time in the form of Hurricane Harvey and its devastating results.

Difficult times also allow for sports to be a distraction and a unifier. The Astros could be that for Houston and its residents.

It could not have been easy for the team to play the past few days, as Harvey flooded the city these players live and work in. To finish .500 for the week, including winning two out of three against the Angels, was quite the accomplishment. For a team that has been struggling to regain its magic from the first half of the season, a little perspective can go a long way.

The biggest baseball-related question facing the team is now where and when will the team’s next six games take place. A day off Monday will allow Major League Baseball time to formulate a plan. Starting Tuesday, the Astros are scheduled to host the Rangers and Mets for three games apiece over the next six days.

(Editor’s note: MLB announced Monday afternoon the Astros-Rangers series will take place at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. No official announcement has been made about the Astros-Mets series.)

Next: How Has Postseason Picture Changed Since Last Week?

For now, baseball is the furthest thing from the minds of most people in and around Houston, and there’s nothing wrong with that.