In a weekly segment, we'll take a look around the AL West — what's happened so far, and what's on tap in the coming days.
1. Houston Astros (57-45) — In the midst of a huge series, the Astros have taken it to the Angels so far, taking the first two games of the three-game set featuring the division's top two teams. In the process, they've reclaimed first place in the division and will either leave the series two games up or in a dead heat. Next up: Tonight, 7:10 p.m., vs. Los Angeles Angels.
2. Los Angeles Angels (55-45) — The Angels have suffered over the last two nights with Mike Trout sitting with an injured wrist. Of course, he hit a grand slam with that injured wrist against Texas on Sunday. Go figure. Trout's considered day-to-day but any extended absence would cripple the Angels' division hopes. Next up: Tonight, 7:10 p.m., at Houston Astros.
3. Texas Rangers (48-52) — Now eight games back in the division, the Rangers have shifted their focus to the Wild Card race, in which they sit just four games back. But truthfully, the Rangers are looking toward 2016, especially after acquiring ace Cole Hamels for at least three more seasons on Wednesday night. They did get a home win on Wednesday and will go for a series split with Yankees on Thursday in Arlington. Next up: Tonight, 7:05 p.m., vs. New York Yankees.
4. Seattle Mariners (46-56) — This team is just in a bad, bad way right now. They're coming off a sweep at the hands of the Diamondbacks and even saw Felix Hernandez get lit up on Wednesday. Usually, those are about the only games the Mariners win, so when he's bad, they're in trouble. Next up: Tonight, 7:10 p.m., at Minnesota Twins.
5. Oakland Athletics (45-57) — The A's are selling, as they've parted with Scott Kazmir and Ben Zobrist in the last week. While they've been bad for much of the year, don't expect things to get much better now. Next up: Tonight, 9:05 p.m., vs. Cleveland Indians.
