The Astros sit a half-game back of Seattle as they close out the series with the Rangers in a high-stakes chase for the AL wild-card. A win would trim the gap, seal the season series, and potentially lock in a tiebreaker. Javier vs. deGrom anchors the page, while Houston pilots through injuries and bullpen depth as they chase a postseason berth. Alvarez’s ankle sprain reshapes the lineup and Hader’s looming return adds an extra bullpen dynamic for the final stretch.

Tuesday’s win leaned on a bullpen-forward approach that showcased Houston’s depth, with AJ Blubaugh setting the tone. Fans can tune in on Space City Home Network or 790 AM/93.3 FM to follow every late-inning turn as the wild-card race tightens and playoff implications intensify across the AL.

Toronto tightens its grip on the postseason as they host Tampa Bay with a chance to clinch the AL East and lock in a playoff spot. Gausman anchors the rotation, carrying a 3.44 ERA over 91 2/3 innings in the final stretch and a Sept. 11 complete-game shutout of Houston reinforcing his case as playoff Game 1 ace. Ian Seymour for the Rays counters as a rookie lefty still seeking his first Toronto test. With a lefty on the mound, expect tweaks in the Jays’ lineup—Ty France, Davis Schneider, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Myles Straw among the likely contributors—as Toronto sits 23-13 against left-handed starters this season.

TV time is set for 7:05 p.m. on Sportsnet (Gausman vs. Seymour) with Thursday’s 1:10 p.m. first pitch to follow. Shane Bieber’s addition gives Toronto additional postseason depth as they push toward a possible Thursday playoff clinch, while the Rays aim to steal momentum and complicate Toronto’s planning. The Jays’ magic number to clinch the division sits at six, and three to lock in the postseason, making this series a pivotal milestone in their title and playoff pursuit.

Houston rolled out a bullpen-by-committee win, led by AJ Blubaugh, who opened and piled up seven strikeouts across three scoreless frames to set the tone against Texas. The early lead built by the middle innings gave the Astros room to stretch the bullpen and survive a late Rangers surge, preserving a tight place in the wild-card picture.

The win showcased Houston’s depth, with Colton Gordon, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan Abreu contributing key innings as the club held on for a 6-5 victory. Carlos Correa extolled Blubaugh’s preparation and mentality, underscoring how a diligent, versatile rookie could become a postseason asset for the Astros.