The Orioles’ postseason bid is over after Tuesday’s results, as Seattle and Houston delivered wins that reshaped late-season aims. Seattle’s win keeps their playoff push alive, while Houston solidifies their position, intensifying the final weeks for fantasy managers. Baltimore’s focus shifts to development and bullpen reshuffles, altering late-season value across rosters.

Fantasy managers should watch lineup shifts, rest days, and bullpen usage as these outcomes drive counting stats in the remaining games. Mariners and Astros targets may rise as they chase momentum, while Orioles veterans face uncertainty as prospects gain innings.

Houston edged Texas 6-5 to keep pace in the AL West and widen its hold on the second wild-card spot. Blubaugh’s three shutout innings as an opener set the tone, the bullpen finished six innings of solid work, and Houston capitalized on early blows to build a 6-0 lead before a late Ranger rally forced a tense finish. With a crucial Mariners series on the horizon and the Silver Boot trophy at stake, the Astros stay in striking distance for both division and playoff positioning.

Texas saw Merrill Kelly falter, surrendering six runs in three innings, as the Rangers’ playoff hopes took a hit. The win reinforces Houston’s reliance on bullpen depth and timely hitting from Peña, Correa, and Altuve, while the Rangers must regroup quickly to keep wild-card and division ambitions alive.

Texas drops a pivotal series opener in Houston as the Astros seize early control with a six-run burst and the Rangers’ late push falls short. Blubaugh’s bullpen-game start stymies Texas early while Merrill Kelly labors through three frames. Cody Freeman’s homer sparks a comeback, Heim’s pinch-hit two-run shot in the eighth fuels a late rally, and García’s first-pitch RBI single keeps the chase alive. Edwards Jr. provides veteran bullpen depth, but Bochy remains wary of García’s health as the Wild Card race tightens.