Ron Darling’s autumn took an unexpected turn as he steps into a Houston backdrop while not seeing an Astros ALCS for the first time since 2016. He’ll call Houston’s tilt vs Detroit for TBS, then return to Houston for a Sept. 2 home date against the Yankees, a schedule that underscores how central Houston has been to his career. The Astros’ arc remains defined by resilience: injuries have pocked the roster, yet the club’s depth and culture carry them toward another division crown.

Houston’s season has not been smooth: Alvarez hasn’t danced in the lineup since May 2, Hader hit the IL, and a midseason influx of Correa, Sánchez, and Urías reshapes the roster. Darling argues the core—plus a healthy Alvarez upon rehab—still fuels the club’s big‑moment pedigree. Carlos Correa’s return, Bregman’s Boston chapter, and the continued dial‑up of Houston’s pitching staff paint a team ready to weather adversity and chase playoff success, with Seattle looming as a formidable challenger.

In Darling’s view, the Astros’ ability to win with whatever is available defines them. The lineup evolves, but the winning culture endures, and the team’s championship DNA is a lure for fantasy managers eyeing late-season value from stepping-up role players and relievers who can close gaps in the bullpen as the postseason nears.