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Astros fans are heading into one of the most dramatic final weekends of the 2026 regular season. Houston will close its schedule with a four-game series against the Athletics in West Sacramento, knowing that the AL West title and a possible postseason berth could depend on every inning.
After 158 games, Houston and Texas are tied at 78-80. The Astros hold the tiebreaker because they won the season series against the Rangers, but the division remains completely unsettled. According to MLB.com, the race is among the closest and slowest divisional battles in baseball history.
Astros Enter a Critical AL West Showdown
The Astros will begin their final series Thursday at Sutter Health Park. The opening game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Pacific time, with Houston attempting to seize control of a race that has remained remarkably tight throughout the season.
Texas is finishing a three-game series against the New York Mets before traveling to Minnesota for its final three contests. The Rangers have already dropped the first two games of their series with New York, adding even more pressure to Houston’s final push.
At best, the AL West champion will finish 82-80. That would match the 2005 San Diego Padres for the worst final record by a division winner in the Divisional Era, which began in 1969. While the record would be historically unusual, neither Houston nor Texas is likely to complain if it comes with a playoff spot.
Pitching Plans Could Shape the Race
Houston used nine pitchers during its two-game series in Seattle, signaling that manager Joe Espada is already operating in an all-hands-on-deck mode. Peter Lambert is scheduled to start Thursday against Oakland’s Mason Barnett.
Lambert has produced a 3.93 ERA across three September starts, allowing no more than three earned runs in each outing. He also faced the Athletics on June 5, working 5⅓ innings while allowing one run despite surrendering four walks and five hits.
Hayden Wesneski and Hunter Brown are expected to line up for the next two games, although Houston’s plans could change depending on the division standings and whether a postseason position becomes secure. Brown allowed one run over 5⅔ innings against Oakland on Aug. 22, while Wesneski threw five scoreless innings against the Athletics one day earlier.
Oakland is expected to use Jacob Lopez, Jack Perkins and Brady Basso later in the series. The Athletics’ pitching staff enters the finale with an American League-worst 5.43 ERA, giving Houston’s lineup an important opportunity to create an early advantage.
Injuries Add Urgent Pressure for Houston
The Astros suffered several difficult injury setbacks in Seattle. Cristian Javier was placed on the injured list with a right groin strain, while Brice Matthews went to the injured list because of left knee inflammation. Both players are unavailable for the final series.
Jeremy Peña also remains a major question. He left Tuesday’s game after being hit on the right wrist by a pitch. Peña returned Wednesday as a pinch-runner but did not remain in the game to play defense. Espada said Peña’s availability would depend on how he feels after arriving in West Sacramento.
Center fielder Daulton Varsho missed his third consecutive game Wednesday because of wrist soreness, creating another concern for Houston’s lineup and defensive alignment.
Yordan Alvarez Chases Historic Triple Crown
Beyond the postseason race, Yordan Alvarez is pursuing one of baseball’s rarest individual achievements. Alvarez is attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner since Miguel Cabrera accomplished the feat in 2012.
Alvarez went 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs in Seattle. He enters the final series leading the American League with a .316 batting average. His 41 home runs are tied for the league lead with Ben Rice, Pete Alonso and Junior Caminero.
The most difficult category may be runs batted in. Alvarez has 102 RBIs, eight behind Alonso’s 110. However, Houston will play all four remaining games at Sutter Health Park, a hitter-friendly venue, against an Athletics staff that has struggled throughout the season.
- Houston and Texas enter the final weekend at 78-80.
- The Astros own the season-series tiebreaker over the Rangers.
- Peter Lambert will start Thursday against Mason Barnett.
- Yordan Alvarez leads the AL in batting average with a .316 mark.
- The Astros could make history with the worst record ever for a division winner in the Divisional Era.
What Comes Next for the Astros?
Houston’s path is clear, but it is far from simple. The Astros must handle the Athletics while monitoring Texas’ results. Injuries could force Espada to make creative lineup and pitching decisions, while Alvarez’s Triple Crown pursuit gives the final games an additional layer of excitement.
For a club that has spent much of the season battling through a crowded division, the opportunity is finally here. Four games remain, and the Astros control at least part of their destiny. The margin for error, however, has never been smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Astros playing in their final series?
Houston is playing a four-game series against the Athletics in West Sacramento to close the regular season.
What is the Astros’ current record?
The Astros enter the final weekend with a 78-80 record, tied with the Texas Rangers in the AL West.
Who is starting for Houston on Thursday?
Peter Lambert is scheduled to start Thursday’s opener against Oakland’s Mason Barnett.
What is Yordan Alvarez chasing?
Alvarez is pursuing the American League Triple Crown. He leads the league in batting average and is tied for the home run lead, but trails Pete Alonso in RBIs.
