Carlos Correa’s homecoming to the Astros is a high-stakes gamble for a team clinging to a slim lead in the AL West. In nine games back, he’s surged to a .405 clip with 15 hits, two homers, six RBIs and six runs, posting a .931 OPS in his first week. Houston hopes the playoff-form Correa showed in the past returns to anchor a deep, score-heavy lineup as Seattle presses for the division.

The drama isn’t just about Correa: Peña’s 2022 breakout showed the Astros’ internal depth, while Altuve delivered a milestone homer at Yankee Stadium that adds veteran punch. With a 0.5-game cushion over Seattle, every plate appearance matters, and the risk of slumps turning Correa into a scapegoat looms large if the ship wobbles in the final stretch.