Astros make strides in AL West race with recent victories

The Houston Astros have climbed to a record three games under.500, positioning themselves just two games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West standings. After sweeping the Miami Marlins in a three-game series and winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox, the Astros finished the week with a 5-1 record. This improvement prompted a rise in Bleacher Report's power rankings, moving them from 22nd to 17th. With a significant three-game series against the Rangers upcoming, the Astros have an opportunity to further close the gap in the division.

• 6:57 PMYahoo Sports — Latest power rankings highlight Astros chance to seize 'wide-open' AL West