The Astros begin their title defense against the AL Central champion Cleveland Indians. Here's what you need to know about the two AL heavyweights as they clash in the American League Division Series.
Both of these clubs were expected to run away with their respective divisions. The Indians did just that, clinching the otherwise putrid AL Central on Sept. 15. They ended up winning it by 13 games, although their 91 victories were a half-dozen fewer than any other AL playoff participant.
The Astros, meanwhile, were in first in the AL West since June 14, although they had unexpected company in an A’s team that refused to lose; the two even spent three days in August tied at the top of the division, though the Astros eventually prevailed by a comfortable six games.