With a win by Kansas City on Saturday, the Houston Astros were officially eliminated from possible postseason competition. But despite finishing in the lower half of the standings yet again, 2014 was a year of growth for the franchise.
Astros mathematically eliminated from MLB playoffs
After three straight years with at least 106 losses, averaging 108 losses per year, the Astros are guaranteed to lose no more than 97 games in 2014, which represents progress.
Despite finishing under .500 for a sixth consecutive season, the Astros had their bright spots in 2014. Chief among them was Jose Altuve, the All-Star second baseman who became the seventh player in baseball history with 200 hits, 40 doubles and 50 stolen bases in a season, joining Ty Cobb (twice), Tris Speaker and Craig Biggio, among others.
The club also saw breakout seasons from starting pitchers Dallas Keuchel (10-9, 3.06 ERA, 134 strikeouts in 185 innings) and Collin McHugh (9-9, 2.79 ERA, 144 strikeouts in 142 innings), and the major league debut of outfielder George Springer, who hit .231/.336/.468 with 20 home runs in 78 games.
Houston had winning months in May and August, and since May 24 is 48-51. The Astros lost to the Angels on Saturday, dropping to 65-83 on the season.
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