The Rays represented the American League in the World Series in 2020. The Astros did it in 2019, two years after winning the franchise’s first World Series title.
The postseason is well down the line. More immediately, the Sox will see the Rays and Astros in two marquee series this week.
The AL Central-leading Sox (41-24) play host to the AL East-leading Rays (42-24) in a three-game series beginning Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Sox then travel to Houston for a four-game series against the Astros (37-28), who are second in the AL West, starting Thursday at Minute Maid Park.