MLB Weekly Digest September 19th Edition: Astros Clinch Berth

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The last week in MLB was about a team in the American League that has been consistent for several years, a team has placed an infielder on the injured list with a fractured finger, and a starting pitcher is dealing with a shoulder injury.

Houston Astros Clinch Postseason Spot for Sixth Consecutive Season

For the sixth straight year, we're headed to the Postseason!#LevelUp pic.twitter.com/x8mujehrZL

— Houston Astros (@astros) September 17, 2022

The Houston Astros have been a model of consistency in MLB for the past several years.

Per a team announcement, they clinched a spot in the postseason for the sixth consecutive season several days ago.

The Astros became the first American League team to qualify for the playoffs and the second club in MLB to accomplish the feat behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Astros have the best record in the AL; they are seeking to win their second consecutive AL West title, and fifth since 2017.

The club’s impressive win-loss record and division lead is not a surprise.

They have the second-best run differential and have allowed the fewest runs in the AL.

The Astros have had a dominant 2022 season because starting pitcher Justin Verlander has anchored the rotation, and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has been a force in the lineup.

Verlander has posted a microscopic 1.78 ERA in 157 innings pitched with 163 strikeouts, 216 ERA+, and a 0.83 WHIP.

Meanwhile, Alvarez has compiled a .303 batting average and 1.035 OPS in 121 games with 22 doubles, 37 home runs, and 89 RBIs.

The team has been operating as a dynasty since 2015, winning one World Series, appearing in two others, and making the playoffs in seven of eight seasons.

The Astros will be the favorite to represent the AL in the World Series as they have a loaded roster.

Seattle Mariners Place Third Baseman Eugenio Suarez on IL with Fractured Finger

The Seattle Mariners have placed third baseman Eugenio Suarez on the injured list with a right index finger fracture, per a team announcement.

Mariners Place INF Eugenio Suárez on the 10-day Injured List. INF Dylan Moore returned from rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Tacoma and reinstated from 10-day Injured List.

Read more about the Mariners transactions here: https://t.co/rnSYZbJH9e

— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) September 17, 2022

He suffered the injury several days ago against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Mariners are hopeful that Suarez can be a designated hitter in 10 days, but a more profound concern is whether he can throw, per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.

Mariners hope Suarez might be able to DH in 10 days. But the big concern is being able to throw.

— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) September 17, 2022

The loss of Suarez is significant for the Mariners as he has been very productive in their lineup.

He has posted a .235 batting average and .805 OPS in 142 games with 23 doubles, two triples, 72 runs scored, 31 home runs, and 84 RBIs.

The Mariners are poised to end their lengthy playoff drought as they occupy the third Wild Card spot in the AL.

Suarez being healthy will be necessary for the Mariners to have a deep run in the postseason.

New York Yankees Starting Pitcher Frankie Montas to Undergo MRI on Shoulder

New York Yankees starting pitcher Frankie Montas is dealing with shoulder discomfort and will undergo an MRI, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Frankie Montas is having an MRI on his right shoulder after experiencing discomfort last night: https://t.co/71V5iaOeBi

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) September 17, 2022

Montas yielded four runs in his last outing Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Montas said he felt an impingement in his shoulder when he woke up Friday and had trouble keeping his shoulder loose during the start against the Brewers, per Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network.

Montas said he felt a little bit of an impingement in his shoulder when he woke up yesterday. Not as bad as shoulder issue from earlier this season. He had trouble staying loose throughout the game…but felt it more after. He’s optimistic he can still make next start #yankees

— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) September 17, 2022

This is the second shoulder issue that Montas has dealt with this season.

He was sidelined for about three weeks earlier this year with the Oakland Athletics due to shoulder inflammation.

Montas has struggled since the Yankees acquired him at the trade deadline.

He has posted a 6.35 ERA in eight starts with his new club.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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