Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • New Billboards Pay Tribute to Cecily Tynan Ahead of Her Action News Retirement

    New Billboards Pay Tribute to Cecily Tynan Ahead of Her Action News Retirement

    Meteorologist Cecily Tynan is preparing to retire after decades at Action News, prompting people across the region to wish her well.

    Visit Philadelphia has joined the tributes with billboards that will remain visible through September 7. They read: “Thanks for bringing the sunshine even when the forecast didn’t. Happy retirement, Cecily!”

    Where to see the Cecily Tynan retirement billboards

    The billboards may be visible along I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

    Tynan’s final day at Action News will be Monday, August 31.

    Source: 6abc.com

  • Tropical Storm Marie Could Become a Hurricane, Bringing Rain and High Surf to Southern California on Labor Day

    Tropical Storm Marie Could Become a Hurricane, Bringing Rain and High Surf to Southern California on Labor Day

    El Niño’s warm Pacific waters could influence Southern California weather over Labor Day weekend as Tropical Storm Marie moves north and may strengthen into a hurricane.

    Several computer models show Marie approaching the Southern California coast, although forecasts remain uncertain. Some spaghetti models place the storm closer to the region than others, but the majority keep it away from the coast.

    Tropical Storm Marie could bring rain, wind and high surf

    Current forecasts show Marie over the Pacific Ocean, with some models indicating that it could strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend. If the storm moves near Southern California, it could bring rain, gusty winds and high surf during the Labor Day holiday.

    On Tuesday, the National Weather Service said there is a high chance of large waves and strong rip currents for people visiting Southern California beaches. Experts also see a moderate chance of impactful coastal flooding along south-facing shores.

    The NWS said there is a moderate chance of light rain affecting holiday events, along with a low chance of moderate to heavy rain, flooding and thunderstorms.

    Regardless of Marie’s exact path, forecasters expect the storm to be strong enough to increase surf and rip currents over Labor Day weekend because of the large swell generated by tropical activity.

    What are spaghetti models?

    These forecast maps are called spaghetti models because their many lines resemble a plate of spaghetti. The lines are produced by some of the world’s fastest computers, which perform billions of calculations to estimate where a tropical system, such as a hurricane, could move.

    When the lines cluster together, forecasters have greater confidence in the projected track. Lines spread far apart indicate more uncertainty.

    Are all spaghetti models the same?

    No. Spaghetti models include several types of forecasting systems, including dynamical, statistical and ensemble models.

    Dynamical models use supercomputers to solve physical equations of motion and produce forecasts. Statistical models rely on historical relationships between storm behavior and details specific to the storm, such as its location and the date.

    Ensemble, or consensus models, combine forecasts from a collection of other models. All models show a storm’s expected track, and many also estimate how strong the storm could become.

    Who makes spaghetti models?

    Governments and private companies around the world operate weather models. Some are publicly available, while others are private. The model’s name often identifies the organization responsible for it.

    For example, the “Navy Global Environmental Model” is operated by the United States Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center.

    Other familiar systems include the American (GFS) and European (ECMWF) models, which are run by the U.S. government and a partnership of European countries, respectively.

    Various companies combine the forecasts and display them on a single map. CNN, for example, uses a software company to plot the latest models on the CNN Storm Tracker when monitoring active storms.

    When should you check spaghetti models?

    The simple answer is frequently. Weather models run multiple times a day and can change quickly.

    The most important factor is to watch for trends. Check whether the models are shifting north or south, or whether most of them indicate that the storm is moving faster.

    Consistency is also important. If the plots are moving north, for example, check whether they have continued shifting in that direction during the past three model updates.

    No forecast is perfect, but spaghetti models help show where powerful tropical systems may go. That information can help communities prepare for a potential hurricane.

    CNN Wire contributed to this report.

    Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

  • 5 Missing Women Linked to Massive Investigation at Philadelphia Home; Eugene Horsch Connected, Officials Say

    5 Missing Women Linked to Massive Investigation at Philadelphia Home; Eugene Horsch Connected, Officials Say

    Five Missing Women Linked to Philadelphia Home Investigation as Police Promise Update

    Philadelphia authorities have now connected a total of five missing women to a sprawling investigation centered on a residence in the city’s Olney neighborhood. The development comes as Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel indicated a case update could arrive as early as this week.

    Five Women Linked to Ongoing Investigation

    The latest name added to the list is Nicole Fusaro, who was 27 when she disappeared in 2018. Her cousin confirmed the connection to Philadelphia affiliate WPVI on Tuesday, adding that family members have been meeting with detectives. Fusaro joins four other women previously tied to the probe:

    • Gabrielle Amarando, 22, missing since 2012
    • Maribel Fresses, 27, missing since 2018
    • Blair Tonzelli, 35, missing since 2023
    • Amy McHale, 44, last seen in 2016

    Police stated last month that images and videos recovered during the investigation show Amarando and Fresses, both appearing to be deceased. Their bodies have not been recovered.

    Investigation Timeline and Key Evidence

    The investigation began on June 19 after a federal park ranger encountered a black BMW parked in a restricted area of Independence Mall around 8 p.m. Suspecting drug activity, the ranger requested identification. The passenger, a woman, allegedly handed over an ID card bearing Tonzelli’s name. She reportedly told police that Eugene Horsch, 44, had given her the identification.

    Since then, authorities have recovered a range of evidence from the property, including:

    • Chemicals and drugs
    • Firearms and ballistic evidence
    • A 55-gallon drum connected to water lines
    • An underground pipe excavated from in front of the home

    Police said in July the pipes would be tested for evidence, but officials have declined further comment citing the ongoing investigation. Documents obtained by WPVI also reveal officers found an unsigned handwritten note referencing serial killer Ted Bundy and methods for disposing of trash.

    Suspect Eugene Horsch and Family Connections

    Eugene Horsch remains in federal custody on firearms charges. He was indicted in early July for being a convicted felon in possession of guns — including one with an obliterated serial number — as well as possessing fake U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI credentials.

    Horsch’s late father, Raymond Horsch, has also become a central figure. Sources told WPVI last week that investigators recovered video allegedly showing Raymond Horsch strangling a woman to death; that woman has not been named. Amy McHale, one of the missing women, had previously been married to Raymond Horsch. Her family told WPVI she was last seen at the Olney home shortly after Eugene Horsch’s arrest.

    Police and Federal Updates Expected

    Commissioner Bethel’s statement that an update could come this week signals potential progress in a case that has drawn significant public attention. As detectives continue to process evidence and interview families, the investigation remains active and wide-ranging.

  • Brooklyn Nurse Jiayi Zheng Killed in Sunset Park Hit-and-Run; Driver Still Sought

    Brooklyn Nurse Jiayi Zheng Killed in Sunset Park Hit-and-Run; Driver Still Sought

    A 28-year-old Brooklyn nurse was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Sunset Park after finishing an overnight shift, police said.

    State Sen. Andrew Gounardes identified the victim as Jiayi Zheng and said she was heading home when she was struck.

    Brooklyn nurse killed while crossing Third Avenue

    Zheng was hit shortly before 7:40 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of 55th Street and Third Avenue, according to police. Investigators said a black Cadillac traveling southbound on Third Avenue struck her as she crossed the street.

    Zheng suffered severe body trauma and was taken to NYU Langone Hospital, where she later died. The driver fled the scene and remained at large as of Sunday. No arrests have been announced.

    NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn released a statement mourning Zheng’s death:

    “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jiayi Zheng, a nurse at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn,” the statement said. “This is a tragic loss, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, and colleagues. Our nurses play an essential role in caring for others with compassion and dedication, and this loss is being felt across our entire community.”

    A woman who asked not to be identified was inside a deli at the corner when Zheng was struck.

    “I walked outside and see the lady on the corner, I feel so bad, I can’t take it no more,” she said.

    Video obtained by police appears to show a black Cadillac speeding southbound on Third Avenue. Zheng did not appear to see the vehicle approaching, and investigators said she likely had little time to react.

    The vehicle struck Zheng and threw her several feet. Customers inside the deli ran outside to help the critically injured nurse.

    Advocates call for Third Avenue safety improvements

    The fatal crash has renewed calls for safety improvements along a section of Third Avenue that has been the site of multiple deadly crashes.

    According to Transportation Alternatives, Zheng’s death was the 11th fatality involving a pedestrian or cyclist on the two-mile stretch of Third Avenue beneath the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway since 2014. The advocacy group said six pedestrians and five cyclists have been killed along the corridor during that period.

    Advocates also noted that another nurse at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn was killed in 2020 while biking home from an overnight shift near Third Avenue and 56th Street, just blocks from where Zheng was struck. They pointed to a 2023 city proposal to redesign the corridor that has not yet been implemented.

    Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, called Zheng’s death “heartbreaking and outrageous” in a statement and urged the city to fast-track safety improvements.

    The organization said nine people have been killed in hit-and-run crashes across New York City during the last two weeks. It also said hundreds of advocates recently gathered outside City Hall to demand stronger action to address traffic violence.

    Police have not announced any arrests, and the driver who struck Zheng remains at large. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact authorities.

  • Viral Photo Shows Flight Attendant Cradling Baby on Newark Liberty Flight, Helping Exhausted Mother

    Viral Photo Shows Flight Attendant Cradling Baby on Newark Liberty Flight, Helping Exhausted Mother

    Flight Attendant’s Kind Act Goes Viral After Photo Captures Her Holding Sleeping Mother’s Baby

    GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A heartwarming moment aboard a Republic Airways flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Grand Rapids, Michigan, has captured widespread attention on social media. On September 2, flight attendant Monique Harris noticed a tired mother struggling to hold her baby as she drifted off to sleep. Harris stepped in to cradle the infant, ensuring the child’s safety and giving the mother a much-needed rest.

    The Incident on the Flight

    According to Harris, the mother had fallen asleep with the baby in her lap. Concerned the infant might slip, Harris gently picked up the baby. Moments later, the mother awoke startled. “When she saw me with the baby, her first thought was, ‘Did I drop him?’” Harris recalled. She quickly reassured the mother and encouraged her to continue sleeping.

    A Mother’s Struggle and a Flight Attendant’s Compassion

    Harris learned the mother had recently given birth abroad and had been unable to return to the U.S. with her newborn until this flight. “She was tired. She had just returned to the States. Her family hadn’t seen the baby yet or anything. And this is her return home flight,” Harris told ABC News. After a brief rest, the mother thanked Harris and held her baby for the remainder of the journey.

    Viral Photo Sparks Outpouring of Praise

    Passenger John Frehse photographed the interaction and shared it online, writing: “Monique sprung into action and caught the child. She then told the mother to go back to sleep – she would give her a break.” The post quickly gained traction, with hundreds of comments praising Harris’s kindness and sharing personal stories of her positive impact on past flights.

    A Tradition of Kindness

    Harris revealed a long-standing personal tradition: writing short, encouraging notes for passengers. “You know, there are small things that we can do that nobody may ever see, but it might have such an impact on somebody,” she said. For the mother on this flight, Harris penned a note that read: “She was doing a great job, and that she’s awesome already. She’s more beautiful than she already knows. She’s stronger than she feels.”

    Ongoing Impact

    Since the photo went viral, Harris has not heard directly from the baby’s parent but has received numerous uplifting messages. “Some of the comments that I read are encouraging, you know, to remain me, you know, to remain who I am, just to be my own original self,” she shared. The story continues to resonate as a reminder of how small gestures can make a profound difference.

    ABC News contributed to this report.

  • Airport Shuttle Bus Hits Wall at Newark Liberty International Airport, Injuring 13 People, 3 Seriously

    Airport Shuttle Bus Hits Wall at Newark Liberty International Airport, Injuring 13 People, 3 Seriously

    Thirteen people were injured Monday morning when a shuttle bus jumped a curb and crashed into a concrete wall at Newark Airport in New Jersey.

    Three people seriously injured in Newark Airport crash

    The crash happened shortly after 3 a.m. at Terminal B on the Level 3 Departures roadway.

    Three of the 13 people injured were seriously hurt, although none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The other 10 people suffered minor injuries.

    Terminal B drop-off changes

    The Port Authority Police Department said departing Terminal B passengers should be dropped off on Level 2 because of police activity. The Level 3 Departures roadway remains closed.

  • Astros Players the Team Is Counting On in September

    Astros Players the Team Is Counting On in September

    This story was excerpted from Brian McTaggart’s Astros Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. Subscribe to receive it regularly in your inbox.

    NEW YORK — The final month of the season will determine the pennant races and playoff positioning for October. The Astros, who lead the American League West, have 24 games remaining and will open September with nine of their first 12 games against teams currently in playoff position.

    After going 8-18 in April, Houston has not had another losing month. The Astros went 15-14 in May, 16-11 in June, 13-10 in July and 14-13 in August. Last season, Houston went 12-13 in September and missed the playoffs by one game, ending an eight-year postseason streak.

    Five Astros who will shape September

    Yordan Alvarez

    After being named the American League Player of the Month for July — the second time he won the award in 2026 — Alvarez cooled off in August. Through 27 games, he slashed .287/.415/.457 with two home runs and 12 RBIs, while being intentionally walked nine times.

    Alvarez still held a lead in two of the three AL Triple Crown categories, with a .317 batting average and 94 RBIs. He was also tied with Junior Caminero for the Major League home run lead at 37. A strong finish could help Alvarez secure the AL Most Valuable Player Award while also delivering another division title for Houston.

    Hunter Brown

    Brown missed more than two months early in the season because of a right shoulder strain, so he should be fresh in September after throwing only 81 innings. He appeared to recapture his ace form in his final two starts of August, allowing two runs on 12 hits and four walks while striking out 14 batters over 12 1/3 innings.

    With shortcomings in the Astros’ starting rotation, Houston will rely on Brown to provide quality starts. September is the only month in which Brown has posted a losing record during his career, going 5-8 with a 4.22 ERA in 18 games, including 15 starts.

    Brandon Blubaugh

    The rookie reliever is emerging as an important late-inning weapon for manager Joe Espada. Blubaugh combines a 98-mph four-seam fastball that he can blow by hitters with the ability to work multiple innings.

    A closer in college, Blubaugh finished August with 12 consecutive scoreless innings across eight games. He leads the Major Leagues with 26 relief appearances of at least two innings, the most by an Astros pitcher since Dave Veres had 27 in 1995. Blubaugh also leads the Majors with 84 1/3 innings in relief. Opponents are hitting .200 against his fastball, while left-handed hitters have a .168 batting average against him.

    Jose Altuve

    Altuve began September six hits away from reaching 2,500 for his career, but the Astros’ offense needs the veteran second baseman to keep producing beyond that milestone. After slumping in June and July, Altuve posted an .813 OPS in August. He was given Monday off, which should be his final day off before the end of the season.

    Altuve has settled into the cleanup spot for much of the past month, an important role with Houston’s top three hitters — Jeremy Peña, Alvarez and Isaac Paredes — batting first, second and third on most nights. The Astros’ .223 batting average from the cleanup spot ranks second-worst in MLB.

    Carlos Correa

    Tuesday will be an important day for Correa. He is scheduled to visit a doctor for a four-month checkup after undergoing peroneus brevis tendon repair surgery on his left ankle May 11.

    The injury was initially expected to keep Correa out for the remainder of the season, but he began swinging the bat a month ago. A positive checkup Tuesday would allow him to begin running the bases and sliding, making a return more realistic.

    Espada would have to find a way to manage five infielders with Alvarez starting at designated hitter most nights, but that would be a good problem to have. Correa’s presence on the field and in the clubhouse would be enough to energize the club.

    Source: www.mlb.com

  • Elly De La Cruz hits a homer, throws out a runner at home in Reds’ loss

    Elly De La Cruz hits a homer, throws out a runner at home in Reds’ loss

    Elly De La Cruz Powers Reds With Historic Home Run, Record-Setting Throw in Loss to Dodgers

    LOS ANGELES — Elly De La Cruz delivered a two-way showcase of elite power and arm strength Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, though his heroics weren’t enough to prevent the Cincinnati Reds from falling 3-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

    De La Cruz Launches Longest Home Run of 2026 Season at Dodger Stadium

    In the top of the third inning, De La Cruz turned on a first-pitch, 87.5 mph changeup from Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal, sending a Statcast-projected 444-foot blast into left-center field. The two-run homer tied the game and marked the longest home run hit at Dodger Stadium during the 2026 season, surpassing a July 12 shot by Shohei Ohtani by seven feet.

    The round-tripper matched De La Cruz’s single-season career high with his 25th home run and extended his home run streak to four consecutive games. As he rounded third base, the 24-year-old shortstop pointed toward the seats behind home plate, acknowledging his brother in the stands.

    “I thought it was a good pitch to hit,” De La Cruz said of the blast. “We always want to come out with a win, but it feels good to do the job.”

    Record-Breaking 102 mph Throw Guns Down Hernández at the Plate

    De La Cruz wasn’t finished making an impact in the third inning. In the bottom half, Teoscar Hernández lined a ball to center field that skipped to the outfield gate. Third-base coach Dino Ebel waved Hernández home, but De La Cruz gathered the relay from left fielder JJ Bleday, turned, and uncorked a strike to catcher Jose Trevino that nailed Hernández at the plate.

    The throw registered 102.0 mph per Statcast, establishing the fastest assist by an infielder since tracking began in 2015. It surpassed De La Cruz’s own previous record of 99.8 mph, which he had achieved twice.

    “That was one of the better throws you’ll ever see, I mean, ever,” manager Terry Francona said. “I know I turn on the old things and you see Dave Parker or somebody making throws or Clemente; they might be showing that one 1789029340.”

    “Every time he throws a ball, it’s an absolute rocket,” starting pitcher Nick Lodolo added. “It was a great throw, and it was a great pick by Trevi to stay with that and make the tag. A lot of credit to both guys there.”

    De La Cruz himself downplayed the velocity.

    “I thought it was like 98, 99 [mph],” De La Cruz said. “I didn’t know; it was not hard.”

    Lodolo Battles Command Issues in Hometown Start

    While De La Cruz generated the night’s highlight-reel moments, Lodolo worked through a challenging outing in front of his Southern California crowd. The left-hander lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts across 97 pitches.

    Lodolo surrendered a solo home run to Will Smith in the first inning. His command wavered in the second, when a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch forced home a run, though he escaped further damage. Francona noted improvement as the game progressed before a two-out single by Hernández in the fifth ended Lodolo’s night.

    “I thought early he wasn’t commanding,” Francona said. “As he got into the third, fourth, fifth, I actually thought he was better, and I was kind of fighting it [leaving him in] because I know Hernández wasn’t a great matchup, but I really wanted him to get through that fifth. I thought it would have been really good for him, [but then] he reached out and poked a 3-1 changeup into right.”

    Lodolo acknowledged the early struggles defined his outing.

    “Too many free passes on my part,” Lodolo admitted. “That’s what led to the runs outside of the good hit by Smith in the first. Overall, got to limit the free passes. My stuff is great, just gotta limit that and make them work a little bit more.”

    Reds Seek to Avoid Sweep in Series Finale

    The loss snapped a strong stretch for Cincinnati, which had entered the week having won three consecutive series against the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds will attempt to avoid a sweep and salvage Wednesday night’s finale against the Dodgers.

  • Aaron Judge Hits First Home Run Since Returning from Injured List

    Aaron Judge Hits First Home Run Since Returning from Injured List

    MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Judge ended his home run drought in emphatic fashion Monday night, launching a three-run blast in the eighth inning to power the New York Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

    Judge Breaks Through After IL Return

    The long ball marked Judge’s first home run since returning from the injured list on Sept. 8. The Yankees captain had missed three months while recovering from a stress fracture in his right ribcage. In six games and 21 at-bats since his activation, Judge entered Monday’s contest hitting just .176 (3-for-17) with nine strikeouts and a walk.

    Vintage Power Display Against Minter

    The breakthrough came against Braves reliever A.J. Minter. After starting the night 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a double-play grounder, Judge turned on a 2-2 cutter and deposited it deep into the second deck. The three-run shot extended New York’s lead to 7-2 and showcased the classic Judge power profile.

    According to Statcast data, the home run carried 397 feet with a 36-degree launch angle — a textbook moonshot that left the bat at elite exit velocity.

    Yankees Offense Supports Strong Outing

    The win improves New York’s position as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Judge’s return to form provides a significant boost for a lineup that has awaited his full integration back into the heart of the order.

  • Underachieving Teams That Could Become Playoff Dark Horses

    Underachieving Teams That Could Become Playoff Dark Horses

    Rarely has a Major League Baseball season been more forgiving to mediocre teams. According to FanGraphs projections entering Thursday, 18 teams had at least a 10% chance of reaching the playoffs, meaning 60% of the league remained meaningfully alive in the postseason race.

    Half the league — 15 teams — had at least a 30% playoff probability. Only the Brewers were on pace for 100 wins, while just six teams were projected to reach 90 victories, including only two American League clubs: the Rays and Yankees. Since 1998, an average of 8.2 teams have won at least 90 games in a full season.

    The American League is particularly wide open. Sub-.500 teams such as the Orioles, Twins and Mariners still had double-digit playoff chances entering Thursday.

    The more interesting question is not which fringe contenders are most likely to qualify. It is which underperforming teams could become the most dangerous if they reach the postseason in such a relatively flat year.

    Several traits can make a team more dangerous in October than during the regular season.

    What makes a team dangerous in the MLB playoffs?

    Top-end starting pitching

    In the playoffs, innings are concentrated around a team’s best pitchers. When the Diamondbacks won the World Series as a 92-win team in 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling accounted for 34.7% of Arizona’s regular-season innings but 58.2% of its postseason innings. The Dodgers followed a similar blueprint last year, although their postseason innings were spread more evenly across a group of starters.

    Strikeout-focused bullpens

    Relievers absorb an increasing share of postseason innings, and the best bullpen arms are used disproportionately in the highest-leverage situations.

    Strong playoff pitching also makes it difficult to string hits together, which increases the value of power. Each of the last 10 World Series champions finished above average in slugging percentage, and many ranked among the elite offensive teams.

    Among the fringe contenders, the following teams have underperformed so far but could have the greatest upside if they reach the postseason.

    Cleveland Guardians

    The Guardians’ regular-season record understates how dangerous their potential October roster could be.

    Cleveland has one of the stronger rotations among the fringe contenders. The rotation is tied for sixth in ERA at 3.74, tied for eighth in xERA at 3.96 and 11th in fWAR at 10.5.

    The rotation looks even stronger when its weakest links are removed, as could happen in October when added urgency and playoff off-days allow innings to be concentrated among the top arms.

    Entering Thursday, the Guardians ranked seventh in fWAR from their three best starting pitchers currently on the roster: Parker Messick, Gavin Williams and deadline acquisition Foster Griffin. Only the Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Pirates ranked ahead of them.

    Lowe addresses first-base production. Adell addresses lacking power from the right side.

    This is a stronger group than it was before the trade deadline — and stronger than its record might suggest.

    Houston Astros

    The Astros have been in a gradual decline from their peak years last decade, but they could still do damage in October if they qualify.

    One major reason is an improving bullpen. Houston’s K-BB% by month was:

    • March/April: 6.9%
    • May: 10%
    • June: 17.6%
    • July: 20.7%
    • August: 18.8%

    July and August were well above-average marks. The trend makes sense because elite closer Josh Hader did not return to full health until June. Bryan Abreu has a 1.45 ERA in the second half compared with 5.81 in the first half, while Steven Okert has also been better after the All-Star break, posting a 1.93 ERA.

    As a pitching staff, the Astros rank 12th in strikeout rate at 22.7%. Staff ace Hunter Brown is also back leading the rotation after missing most of the first half.

    Houston has another trait that can matter in October: offensive star power.

    Triple Crown contender Yordan Alvarez, who has a 185 wRC+, can carry a team for stretches. His bat is a major reason the Astros are tied for seventh in season-long wRC+ at 104. Over the last 30 days, Houston ranks sixth in slugging percentage.

    Jeremy Peña is having an excellent season, while Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker and Jose Altuve remain average-to-above-average regulars.

    Seattle Mariners

    For a team that nearly reached the World Series a year ago, sitting six games below .500 with a minus-57 run differential as September approached was perhaps the most disappointing campaign in the majors to that point.

    In the 2026 American League, however, the Mariners still had a 41.1% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Their biggest problem was run production. After tying for the ninth-most runs in baseball a year earlier, Seattle had scored the fewest this season.

    The Mariners have also experienced poor offensive fortune. Their expected batting average, slugging percentage and wOBA are all better than their actual figures. They have posted an MLB-worst .272 batting average on balls in play.

    Cal Raleigh is the clearest example of that misfortune. He suffered a dramatic decline after finishing runner-up for the MVP award, but he may be emerging from a season-long slump.

    Over the last 30 days, three Mariners hitters ranked among baseball’s hottest performers. Raleigh was joined by Randy Arozarena, who had a 146 wRC+ and seven home runs during the month, and Josh Naylor, who had a 132 wRC+.

    If Seattle’s offense improves, its pitching can remain the foundation. The Mariners once again have one of baseball’s deepest and most talented rotations. In the postseason, an arm such as Bryce Miller could also become a bullpen weapon if his stuff plays up in shorter appearances.

    Baltimore Orioles

    As noted earlier, the Orioles have one of the stronger rotations among the contenders. Shane Baz has a 3.63 ERA and a 16% K-BB%, while Trevor Rogers has a 3.40 ERA. Both pitchers have performed much better in the second half than in the first.

    Baltimore ranks in the top 10 in wRC+ and home runs. Pete Alonso, the underperforming but talented Gunnar Henderson and 22-year-old Samuel Basallo provide offensive upside and power.

    The bullpen has been uneven, and Jackson Holliday has struggled. Still, this is an underperforming roster that could have significant upside if it plays closer to its true talent level. Baltimore could save its best baseball for last.

    Pittsburgh Pirates

    The Pirates are the longest shot on the list. They trail the Padres by 7 1/2 games for the final National League Wild Card spot and would need to pass three other teams to get there. FanGraphs gives Pittsburgh a 1% chance of making the playoffs.

    But if Pittsburgh produces a minor miracle, the Pirates could become a fascinating postseason team.

    After a concerning mult-week stretch, Paul Skenes’ velocity increased and his stuff and performance looked significantly better during six shutout innings Tuesday in San Diego. Pittsburgh has a pitching staff loaded with power arms, including Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler.

    In the same game, Oneil Cruz, who had recently returned from the injured list, homered against elite San Diego closer Mason Miller. The home run showcased Cruz’s game-changing bat speed. An injury derailed his potential breakout season, but he remains a 30-30 talent now back in the lineup.

    Uber-prospect Konnor Griffin is ramping up his baseball activities and could return when eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on Sept. 4. He was a difference-maker as a 20-year-old before injuring his left ring finger.

    The Pirates are not a perfect team. Their defense is shaky, and too many members of their talented rotation have been inconsistent. However, Pittsburgh ranks sixth in pitcher strikeout rate at 24.1%, a trait that plays well in the postseason, and its offense still ranks fifth in runs scored.

    What happens if a team that has limped to a 65-71 record suddenly gets Skenes, Cruz, Griffin, Montgomery, Doval and Weaver contributing near their best?

    Pittsburgh is by far the least likely of these teams to reach the postseason. But if the Pirates earn a playoff spot, they may also have the largest gap between their regular-season record and their potential October ceiling.