The article mentions the Astros having mediocre pitching, but I don’t know why it doesn’t mention the injuries. They lost one solid starter to TJ this year and another starter has struggled all year with shoulder issues. Plus it’s unfortunate another guy, McCullers, can never stay healthy. But with Verlander and Valdez to anchor them, they could fill in the other rotation spots or have a bullpen or back to back type of game and still go far. It’s s similar situation to the Twins with Lopez and Gray, and then hoping the other guys step up.
Houston has the class factor and the high expectations too. They will not be an easy out.