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After 20-31 start, Astros back in postseason as AL West champs

Following a sluggish 20-31 beginning to the year and an injury list that swelled to 16 players by mid-May, Houston rebounded to capture the American League West division crown. The clinching moment arrived when the Twins defeated the Rangers 6-4 on the final day of the regular schedule, securing the top spot for the franchise despite their finale against the Athletics in West Sacramento still being underway.

This divisional title marks the ninth time in ten seasons that the squad has advanced to the postseason, aided by stellar performances from slugger Yordan Alvarez, right-hander Peter Lambert, and returning contributors like Hunter Brown, Jeremy Peña, and Josh Hader. The group will now prepare to face the White Sox in the opening round of the AL Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.

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