The Astros have clinched. Since mid August, when the A’s caught the Astros, the good guys have simply run away from those pesky A’s. There are five games left and there’s no AL or Astro drama whatsoever, at least in terms of the playoff participants and pecking order. Turn to the NL for the drama! I imagine the A’s would rather rest their guys than hope that the Yankees go 1-4 while they go 4-0, just for a home game.
The Astros are the two-seed, and they will play Cleveland in the ALDS. Everything is about preparing the team for that series.