Chris Sale hasn't been an underdog all season - until now. There's good reason for this. Sale is worn down. This isn't the star lefty who went 14-4 with a 2.51 ERA during his first 24 starts, but the southpaw who is 3-4 with a 4.30 ERA during his past eight starts. Sale surrendered four homers to the Blue Jays in his last start.

Sale is facing an opponent that led the majors in runs and batting average while finishing No. 2 in homers. The Astros also compiled the second highest OPS versus southpaws.

On the flip side, Houston starter Justin Verlander is pitching his finest ball going 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in five starts with the Astros. Unlike Sale who has no playoff experience, Verlander is a proven postseason performer with a 3.39 ERA in 16 career playoff starts.

The Astros have the stronger offense and the better pitcher going. The price is lower than it should be based on Sale's reputation. That reputation, though, should just be for the first four months of the season not October.