Jury selection begins in Orange County as the Skaggs wrongful-death case against the Los Angeles Angels moves toward trial. Plaintiffs seek at least $210 million in lost earnings, arguing the Angels breached duty by letting Kay supply opioids to players. The case could run weeks.

Witnesses include Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Andrew Heaney; the proceedings probe clubhouse culture and Kay’s role. The verdict could reshape MLB drug policy and how teams manage medical issues and player safety.

Houston closed its season with a 6-2 win over the Angels, finishing 87-75 and ending an eight-year playoff run. The finale showcased the Astros’ power surge—four homers in two innings—while rookie Colton Gordon delivered five scoreless frames. Lance McCullers Jr. returned from the IL to log three innings, providing a glimmer of a potential late-season reset for Houston.

Yainer Diaz, Ramón Urías, Brice Matthews and Victor Caratini all went deep as Houston totaled 182 homers for the year, a modest total that underscored a power-driven finish. Mike Trout supplied a signature moment for L.A., but the Astros’ young core and a healthy McCullers set the tone for a pivotal offseason and a retooled 2026 rotation.

Offseason questions loom: Peña went on the injured list, and Houston must decide on rotation roles with Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier as anchors. Manager Joe Espada emphasized reset and work this winter, as the team aims to recapture its championship pursuit after missing the dance despite strong finish and power in the finale.

Houston’s playoff hopes hinge on a two-game rally against the Angels, with two wins looming as the margin shrinks. Injuries to Peña and Alvarez leave the lineup thin and push rookies into bigger roles while the bullpen’s health woes deepen. The Astros’ offense has stalled since the trade deadline, turning the weekend into a must-win sprint for fantasy rosters relying on Houston’s core hitters and late-inning arms.

Angels spoiled the script with Mike Trout delivering a multi-hit night and Chandler Schanuel thriving as a spark plug, underscoring how much relevance this late-season clash has for fantasy players on both sides. The final two games will test rosters and bullpen depth alike, shaping the rest of the fantasy playoff chase as teams chase a tenuous lead in the crowded AL race.