AL WEST NEWS AND NOTES

HOUSTON ASTROS

The Astros’ glide to consecutive American League West titles and a possible return to the World Series hit a rough patch. Instead of being a lock for the postseason, the defending champions are battling for a playoff berth.

The surging Athletics caught the Astros atop the division Aug. 18 after Houston squandered a six-game lead dating to July 24.

Maybe there should be after a 7-13 skid allowed the A’s to reel in Houston. The Astros players said they can shake their funk by finding ways to have fun.

The Astros won the next day to retake the division lead as right-hander Justin Verlander earned his 200th career win.

❚ Second baseman Jose Altuve (knee) was expected to be activated Aug. 21. It was the first disabled list stint of his career.

❚ Right-hander Chris Devenski (hamstring) and catcher Brian McCann (knee) were trending in the right direction in their minor league rehab stints.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Shohei Ohtani threw 29 pitches in a simulated game Aug. 20 at the team’s Tempe, Arizona, spring training facility, and the Angels tweeted, “All went well.”

It was Ohtani’s fifth throwing drill since he was sidelined with a sprained elbow ligament June 6, but it was the first time during his rehab he threw to hitters standing in the batter’s box.

The Angels, who were in Arizona for a series against the Diamondbacks, hope Ohtani can pitch again this season.

Center fielder Mike Trout, meanwhile, could rejoin the club Aug. 24 for a game against the Astros. Trout was with his family following the death of Aaron Cox, Trout’s brother-in-law and an Angel’s minor league pitcher. Trout, who previously had been on the disabled list because of a wrist injury, last played on Aug. 1.

❚ Left-hander Andrew Heaney’s string of 17 consecutive road starts without a win is the longest in team history. He is 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA at Angel Stadium and 0-5 with a 5.37 ERA on the road.

❚ Outfielder Kole Calhoun, in his first 50 games after returning from the DL, had 16 home runs while hitting .304. He had one homer and batted .145 in his previous 50 games.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

The satisfaction of owning a share of the American League West lead didn’t feel that much different to some Oakland players despite a 40-13 tear that enabled them to catch the Astros.

The Athletics, who trailed by 11 1 ⁄ 2 games June 15, gained a piece of the division lead for the first time since Aug. 25, 2014.

❚ Right-hander Trevor Cahill had one of the best outings of his career Aug. 18, allowing just an infield hit through seven scoreless innings in a win over the Astros. Since he returned to Oakland in April, he has gone 4-0 with a 0.85 ERA in eight home starts.

SEATTLE MARINERS

When left-hander Marco Gonzales’ next start was pushed back to Aug. 22 against the Astros, it was another sign that the Mariners are being careful with his workload.

Gonzales is two years removed from Tommy John elbow surgery. With 142 2 ⁄ 3 innings, second most on the staff, he already has tripled last year’s total and understands the caution.

❚ Ace left-hander James Paxton was placed on the disabled list and was expected to miss a start after being struck on the left forearm by a line drive off the bat of Oakland’s Jed Lowrie. The Mariners hoped Paxton wouldn’t be out long.

TEXAS RANGERS

Jurickson Profar has started at first base, second base, shortstop and left field this year. But as Adrian Beltre continues to battle hamstring injuries and Father Time, Profar could be the heir apparent to Beltre’s spot at third base.

Profar, who started a rare 5-4 triple play Aug. 16, is doing more than flashing a steady glove. He is hitting in the middle of the lineup and is second on the club in RBI behind Joey Gallo.

While the Rangers are playing out the string in what has been a disastrous season, Profar is finally healthy and performing as if he’ll be part of the team’s attempt to rebuild.

❚ Right fielder Nomar Mazara (sprained right thumb) returned, which meant top outfield prospect Willie Calhoun was sent back down. But centerfielder Delino DeShields went back on the disabled list because of a fractured finger, soon after missing time because of concussion-like symptoms. A broken left hand kept DeShields off the field for 20 games in March and April.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

ROBINSON CANO, MARINERS

Cano started at second base in four of his first five games after serving his 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s policy on performance- enhancing drugs. But he was playing there for two reasons: First, Dee Gordon agreed to move from second to center field on occasion, and then Gordon had to fill in at shortstop when Jean Segura went on paternity leave.