Who has the edge in AL West, Astros or Mariners?

Although they have won only four of their past 10 games, the Houston Astros are in sole possession of first in the American League West, a remarkable feat for a team that appeared out of the race early in the season.

Seattle jumped out to a big division lead at one point, stretching it to as many as eight games. But since mid-May, the Mariners have had one of the worst offenses in the majors, allowing the Astros to creep into contention for a fourth straight division title.

Both teams have tough stretches to finish the season, with the Mariners facing a slightly easier slate.

Entering play Thursday, Seattle has 26 of its 47 remaining games against teams with a winning record, including series against the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. Against teams over .500 this season, the Mariners are 30-33.

32 of Houston's final 47 games are against teams currently at .500 or better, including series against the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals to end August.

Houston's record this season against teams with a winning record is 22-31, a shocking stat for a team that has finished below .500 only twice in the past decade .

The Mariners acquired outfielder Randy Arozarena and designated hitter/third baseman Justin Turner at the trade deadline to address their struggling offense. Since the trades, Arozarena and Turner have played solidly, with Arozarena hitting .265 and Turner hitting .250.

The Astros made one move at the trade deadline, adding lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi, who has pitched well in two starts. In a 6-4 win Wednesday over the third-place Texas Rangers, he went 5.1 innings, allowing four hits, two runs and striking out eight.

Neither club has had it easy this season, so beating up on losing teams will be important for both. It wouldn't be surprising if the divisional race comes down to a Sept. 23-25 series between the teams in Houston.

But much like the AL East race between the Yankees and Orioles, the West race could be a wild ride that may be decided on the final day of the regular season.