INDIANS VS. ASTROS
Season Series: Astros won 4-3.
BIG PICTURE
Indians: Cleveland (91-71) waltzed to a third straight AL Central title with sights set on October and possibly ending World Series championship drought dating to 1948 — longest current streak in majors . ... Cleveland might be better prepared than ever for postseason with a superb starting rotation anchored by Corey Kluber and a lineup strengthened by the late-season acquisition of Josh Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP . ... The Indians are first team in major league history to have four pitchers reach at least 200 strikeouts.
Astros: AL West champions for second straight year, Houston (103-59) set a franchise record for wins and reached the postseason for third time in four years under manager AJ Hinch. TheAstros are in playoffs for 12th time. ... Houston went 64-35 in first half but cooled off in second half (39-24). WATCH FOR
Dynamite or Duds? Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez make the Indians’ offense go — or stop. The pair didn’t show any flaws last season until October, when they went a combined 4 for 38 and struck out 13 times against the Yankees.
Correa’s Back. The top overall pick in the 2012 draft, Carlos Correa hit
.268 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in the first half this season but struggled with a back injury for most of the second half. He missed about six weeks and hit just .180 with two homers and 16 RBIs in 37 games after the All-Star break
Bauer Power. Right-hander Trevor Bauer’s ability to pitch multiple innings on short rest gives Terry Francona a valuable weapon he won’t hesitate to use. Bauer will come out of the bullpen if either Kluber or Carrasco struggle in the first two games, and there’s a chance Bauer could be used as either the closer or a bridge to the back of the bullpen. Morton’s Shoulder. Astros righthander Charlie Morton spent time on the DL late in season with shoulder discomfort but made two appearances during the last week and appeared to have regained his velocity.
Big Stage. Donaldson battled injuries before Toronto traded him on Aug. 31. The deal rankled other AL contenders, and now Donaldson has a chance to show he’s still one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters and perhaps create a lucrative market for himself this winter. He looked good in limited action at the end of the season, batting
.280 with three homers and seven RBIs in 16 games.