Astros' AL West Lead Evaporating as Mariners Make Bold Move

Unorthodox Decision Shakes Up Divisional Race

The Houston Astros have held a comfortable lead in the AL West for much of the season, but the Seattle Mariners have made a bold move that could shake up the divisional race.

A New Look Rotation

According to sources, the Mariners are planning to make a change to their starting rotation, bringing up top prospect Emerson Hancock.

Hancock, 23, has been impressive in the minors this season, with a 2.90 ERA and 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

The addition of Hancock to the Mariners' rotation could give them a significant boost, as they currently rank 11th in the AL in ERA.

Astros' Struggles Continue

While the Mariners have been making moves to improve their team, the Astros have been struggling as of late.

Houston has lost six of their last 10 games, and their offense has been particularly anemic, averaging just 3.5 runs per game during that stretch.

The Astros' struggles have allowed the Mariners to close the gap in the AL West, and the two teams are now just 2.5 games apart.

Divisional Race Heats Up

The Mariners' bold move has made the AL West race much more interesting.

The Astros are still the favorites, but the Mariners are now a legitimate threat to win the division.

The two teams will face off in a three-game series in Houston this weekend, which could be a pivotal moment in the divisional race.