Astros’ Wild Final Week: Historic Debut, Costly Injuries, and a Division on the Line
The Houston Astros are in the midst of a chaotic final week of the 2026 regular season, with their postseason fate hanging in the balance. Despite a slew of injuries, Houston has clawed its way into a tie for the AL West lead, thanks to a 13-2 beatdown of the Athletics that reduced their magic number to one. The division will now be decided on the final day, with the Astros and Rangers both vying for the crown. Manager and players have embraced the pressure, with one rallying cry echoing through the clubhouse: ‘Let’s go 5-0.’ Houston controls its own destiny, but the road has been anything but smooth.
Injuries have ravaged the roster. Veteran outfielder Daulton Varsho was placed on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation, ending his season after three months of pain and limited mobility due to cysts. The Astros also lost Cristian Javier (Grade 2 right groin strain) and Brice Matthews (left knee inflammation) to the IL, while Jeremy Peña remains idle with an injury. In response, Houston called up Hendrickson and Spence from Triple-A. Spence made an immediate impact, becoming just the third player in MLB history to hit his first three career home runs in the same game, including a solo shot in the seventh. That historic performance provided a much-needed spark for a team fighting for its playoff life.
Offensively, the Astros have been led by Yordan Alvarez, who maintains a commanding lead in the final MVP poll. His consistent production has kept Houston afloat amid roster turnover. The team underwent significant changes last offseason, trading three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and signing Gold Glove winner Christian Walker. Those moves were designed to bolster the lineup, but the recent injuries have tested the team’s depth. Closer Josh Hader has also been pushed
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