Astros rebound from 11 games under .500, win AL West despite finishing 81-81

AI Summary

The Houston Astros clinched the AL West division title despite a challenging season, finishing with an 81-81 record. They will host the Chicago White Sox in a best-of-three Wild Card series, marking their ninth postseason appearance in ten years.

The Houston Astros dropped 11 games under .500. Nick Allen had just doubled leading off the eighth with the Astros leading by eight runs when Texas lost at Minnesota, assuring the Astros of their ninth postseason trip in 10 years after missing out in 2025. Houston will host the Chicago White Sox in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.