UPDATE: The Houston Astros’ playoff streak of eight consecutive appearances has officially ended as of September 30, 2023. The team secured a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, but their fate was sealed during a dramatic ninth inning in Cleveland.
With the Astros on the field, the Cleveland Guardians clinched the final American League playoff spot, eliminating Houston from contention. A hit-by-pitch walked in the winning run as the Guardians defeated the Texas Rangers 3-2. This marks the first time the Astros, who finished the season at 86-75, will miss the postseason since 2016.
The Astros entered the final weekend of the season with hopes of extending their playoff streak, but a series of injuries and losses led to their downfall. Despite being tied for the AL West, the team was swept by the Seattle Mariners and lost five consecutive games, including a crucial loss to the Angels, which left them needing a miracle to qualify.
“I want to apologize to the fans in Houston for falling short. It’s not what they’re accustomed to,” said Astros infielder Carlos Correa. “We promise our fans in Houston that this offseason is going to be one of a lot of hard work. We’re going to get better.”
Houston’s struggles were compounded by the absence of key players. Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox, and Kyle Tucker was traded to the Chicago Cubs. The Astros also lost their top slugger, Yordan Alvarez, to injuries for much of the season, along with closer Josh Hader and shortstop Jeremy Peña.
Manager Joe Espada expressed his disappointment in a heartfelt postgame address, sharing that this was an unprecedented moment in his eight-season tenure. “I told this team I’m really proud of them… This is my eighth season, and this has never happened. But it happened today,” he stated.
Astros player Christian Walker, who hit two home runs in Saturday’s game, believes this absence is a temporary setback. “This stinks. It hurts, for sure. We poured a lot of energy and emotion into the season,” Walker remarked, emphasizing the potential of the current roster. “I think this group can win a World Series, for sure.”
As the team prepares for the offseason, the focus will shift to rebuilding and strategizing for a stronger 2024 campaign. Fans are left waiting to see how the organization will respond to this unexpected turn of events.
The Astros’ season finale against the Angels will be a bittersweet conclusion, as they look to end on a high note despite the disappointment. The baseball world will be watching closely to see how this historic franchise bounces back from its first playoff absence in seven years.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Astros enter an essential offseason, promising hard work and a renewed focus on returning to the postseason in 2024.
