Jose Altuve, Astros Clinch 5th AL West Title in 6 Years with Win vs. Rays

The Houston Astros have won the American League West for the fifth year in a row.

The division title was secured on Monday with a win over the team from the other side of the country.

The Astros were in a similar situation after Carlos Correa signed with the Twins. After Gerrit Cole signed a record-setting deal with the New York Yankees ahead of the 2020 season, George Springer bolted to join the Toronto BlueJays.

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The success remains the same despite some changes. The Astros are poised to become the fifth team in franchise history to hit 100 wins, as they improve upon their 95-67 record in 2021.

Yordan has helped to fill the void. The American League's rookies of the year are enjoying their careers. He has hit 37 home runs and posted a slash line of. 304/.406/.626.

Alex Bregman has been back to his best. He's on pace to be his highest since the beginning of the year.

The contributions of Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker are simply amazing.

Houston might be able to go to the Fall Classic because of their pitching.

After Tommy John surgery, Verlander missed the entire 2021. The two-time Cy Young winner leads the MLB with a 1.78 earned run average.

In his first start after a calf injury, Verlander threw five no-hitters. It doesn't look like that will be a problem in the playoffs.

Framber has been the workhorse. He has gone the distance on three separate occasions. Quality starts are the best in the majors.

The manager can rely on Will Smith, Ryne Stanek and Ryan Pressly in high-pressure situations if he can find a breakthrough against Verlander.

A third trip to the World Series in four seasons could be on the horizon for the Astros.