After a slow start to the season, the Houston Astros are finally playing like World Series champions. The slow start was partially fueled by injuries, notably to Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley. While the team is still awaiting Brantley's return, Altuve has made his comeback and is rounding into form.The Astros are now just two games behind the American League West-leading Texas Rangers. The fact that the Rangers are neck and neck with the Astros is surprising, especially when you consider how awful they were last season. However, it feels like the Astros could pull ahead of them any day now.Jon Morosi of the MLB Network had this to say about the Astros' recent hot streak:Jon Morosi@jonmorosiHere come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. @MLBNetwork45131Here come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. 👀 @MLBNetworkThe Astros have already overcome a lot of hurdles this year, including injuries to their once-vaunted starting rotation. With the departure of Justin Verlander, they needed a pitcher like Luis Garcia to step up and fill the void. Unfortunately, Garcia's season ended prematurely when he suffered a right elbow injury on May 1. The team announced that he will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.Their offense has done a good job of taking the pressure off the pitching staff. Max Berman@mbermanNYTold ya. It’s their division, Texas just has a lead on Anaheim and Seattle for second place. twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…Jon Morosi@jonmorosiHere come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. @MLBNetwork45431Here come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. 👀 @MLBNetworkTold ya. It’s their division, Texas just has a lead on Anaheim and Seattle for second place. twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…Michael Garza@claymangarza@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork Back to back confirmed #Ready2Reign1@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork Back to back confirmed #Ready2ReignTio Whop@JCanales13@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork The only thing missing is Jose Abreu7@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork The only thing missing is Jose AbreuThe play of Jose Abreu is another reason why the Astros started off slow. After playing like an MVP candidate and perennial All-Star with the Chicago White Sox, he has disappointed in Houston. He was supposed to elevate their offense but has struggled to find his swing.Michael Garza@claymangarza@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork And the Astros have played one of the toughest schedules so far.12@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork And the Astros have played one of the toughest schedules so far.chaos ball@MarinersMayhemrangers fans: talking shitastros: twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…Jon Morosi@jonmorosiHere come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. @MLBNetwork231Here come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. 👀 @MLBNetworkrangers fans: talking shitastros: twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…ModeloDave@nottelinguagainLike clock work…and June we will put it away. twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…Jon Morosi@jonmorosiHere come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. @MLBNetwork45531Here come the @Astros: They’ve won 10 of 11, José Altuve is back, and they are within 2 games of the AL West lead. 👀 @MLBNetworkLike clock work…and June we will put it away. twitter.com/jonmorosi/stat…Texas Rangers fans are annoyed by the coverage the Houston Astros have received during this run. The Rangers are still the top team in the division. Their fans believe they are being overlooked and underrated by the media. Kevin Duron@DynamicKnight24@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork It’s been like that for about a month it’s not some new change the rangers have not lost any ground5@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork It’s been like that for about a month it’s not some new change the rangers have not lost any groundBrett Murphy Jr.@BrettMurphyJr@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork @Rangers aren’t just gonna roll over. Where’s the coverage on how well they’re playing?@jonmorosi @astros @MLBNetwork @Rangers aren’t just gonna roll over. Where’s the coverage on how well they’re playing?AwhittHeels8@AHeels8@jonmorosi @MLBNetwork @astros 🗑️ 🗑️ 🗑️ never forget2@jonmorosi @MLBNetwork @astros 🗑️ 🗑️ 🗑️ never forgetThe Astros are looking like a team that just won the World Series. But it took them longer than expected to get to that point. Are the Houston Astros still the favorites to win the American League West?Oakland Athletics v Houston AstrosThe AL West is a battleground this season. Four teams are vying for the top spot. The Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels all have a realistic shot at winning the division. However, it is impossible to bet against the Astros. They have won the division five times since 2017. No matter what hurdles are placed in front of them, the Astros find a way to play their best baseball when October rolls around.