This week we focus on Cleveland’s late surge, Houston’s recent stumble, and the dysfunction in Detroit.
Cleveland Indians: 70-71
A few weeks ago we noted in this space that Cleveland wasn’t much of a better bet than Baltimore to nab a playoff spot, and while that was true at the time, the two teams have gone in decidedly different directions since. The Indians’ turnaround comes in large part thanks to a defense that has solidified after the promotions of Giovanny Urshela and Francisco Lindor, but really took off following the acquisition of Abraham Almonte. They’ve even gotten creative and repositioned Lonnie Chisenhall from third base to outfield, and it’s paying dividends. Cleveland still isn’t above .500, and while they’re only 4.5 games out of a playoff spot, it seems likely to be too little, too late.
Houston Astros: 77-66
The Astros are 4-6 over their last 10 games, and have been somewhat lucky to only lose one game in that time to the Rangers, who have gone 5-5 and sit a game and a half back for the division title. At one point it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the division would come down to the Astros or Angels, and while the Rangers haven’t exactly gone crazy in terms of shortening that gap, both Houston and Anaheim have fallen back a bit. Many of their recent losses have been of the one-run variety, and while their normally stalwart bullpen has faltered here and there, many of the runs have come off starters as well. The true issue has been an offense that has slipped into a slumber, though those in Houston will hope Jed Lowrie’s three-run homer in Sunday’s contest will spark a run. Given their power-heavy, strikeout-prone lineup, the recent doldrums seen by the Astros offense aren’t really a surprise. When everything is going well, they’re tough to figure out how to pitch to, but when they’re off, they’re really off.
Detroit Tigers: 65-77
The Tigers recent play isn’t especially noteworthy, but the rumor that Detroit will part ways with manager Brad Ausmus at the end of the season certainly is. The Tigers severely underachieved in 2015 and while they won the division in 2014, it barely seemed like an achievement at the time, especially after they lost to the Orioles in the ALDS. The interesting thing about this move is not merely that it is happening - Ausmus has had his flaws exposed over his two years at the helm - but that if it is happening, it wouldn’t be effective immediately. If it isn’t happening, that’s quite the awkward situation for new GM Al Avila to be walking into, and the recent leaks/non-informative press releases don’t really speak well to the communication skills you might want a new GM to be exhibiting.
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