Houston Astros Begin 'Hunting' Season in Second Half

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Houston Astros are in foreign territory, and not just because they’re in Arlington to play the Texas Rangers in the Silver Boot Series.

After 81 games the Astros were not in first place in the American League West for the first time since 2016. That just happens to be the last time the Astros failed to make the playoffs — and the last time the Rangers made the playoffs.

Back in 2016, the Astros went 84-76 and finished 11 games behind the Rangers, who were 95-67.

The Astros are in chase mode for the first time in quite some time. Some of these Astros don’t even remember what happened in 2016.

Manager Dusty Baker wasn’t here either. But the eighth-winningest manager in baseball history has been here plenty of times as the calendar turns to July. His message?

“You can have as much fun hunting as you can being hunted,” Baker said with a smile.

The Astros are by no means out of the American League West or Wild-Card race. Three players that could help them — outfielder Yordan Alvarez, outfielder Michael Brantley and pitcher José Urquidy — could be back after the All-Star Break.

Jose Altuve is back and healthy. While the rotation is depleted due to injury, pitchers like Hunter Brown and J.P. France have stepped up. And general manager Dana Brown has spoken all week about improving the team at the trade deadline.

So, while the Astros are behind, they’re not out, and Baker was quoting Hall-of-Fame coach Phil Jackson in the dugout on Friday.

“Every year is different,” Baker said. “This is definitely different than what they’re used to. But we’ve gotta find a way (to win) every time we play.”

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