As they battle to fight off a charge from the surging Seattle Mariners, the Houston Astros have managed to hold on to what is now just a one-game lead in the American League West.

After an announcement by manager Joe Espada on Monday, the Astros' chances of a fifth straight division title -- ninth straight, discounting the abbreviated 2020 season -- suddenly looked much dimmer.

Six-time All-Star closer Josh Hader has saved 28 games for the Astros this season, and did not blow a save until July 12, against the Texas Rangers in Hader's 40th appearance. That remains his only blown save so far.

Of Houston's 67 wins prior to Tuesday's home game against the Boston Red Sox, Hader has pitched in 42 of them .

"Losing him for any length of time would be a crippling blow," wrote Athlet

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