Complex forces influencing beloved Astros slugger's future

The Houston Astros have six games left in the regular season. They play three games against Tampa Bay and three against Philadelphia. The games are important for the Rays as they jockey for Wild Card positioning with the Blue Jays and Mariners. It's also important to the Phillies as the second three matches decide playoffs or no playoffs for them.

Jose Altuve is on a run of good form. Yordan Alvarez is still four RBI short of joining Kyle Tucker with 100+. Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel have 100+ RBI.

The playoff schedule is stupid in spots. The Astros play their American League Division Series against To Be Determined on Tuesday, October 11. There is no off day between games four and five. Justin Verlander will start game one and Framber Valdez in game two. Cristian Javier will be the starting pitcher in the game four. If the Astros advance in four, they will play game 1 of the American L.A. Championship Series. Jose Urquidy and Luis Garcia will probably be used as long relievers. They are not good enough to be starters. If they are, Javier is better. He is not a good option to use in a game five of ALCS.