ASTROS OUTLOOK
How Astros are set to face a rising star and a quiet test
Jun 3, 2025, 12:35 pm
Jeremy Pena will look to stay hot against fireballer Paul Skenes. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.
The Houston Astros (32-27) travel to Pittsburgh to open a three-game series against the Pirates (22-38) on Tuesday night at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT, with Houston sending Lance McCullers Jr. to the mound opposite electric rookie Paul Skenes.
McCullers (0-1, 5.89 ERA) is still searching for rhythm in just his sixth start since returning to the rotation. The veteran right-hander will need sharper command against a Pirates lineup that’s shown signs of life over the past week. Pittsburgh counters with Skenes (4-5, 2.15 ERA), whose early MLB run has been dominant. With a 0.92 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in just nine starts, the top prospect has already made himself a must-watch arm.
Houston enters the series riding a 7-3 run over its last 10 games, powered by a .288 team batting average in that span. Despite being outscored by one run during that stretch, the Astros' offense has shown signs of clicking. Jose Altuve is on a tear, batting .385 with five home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games, while Jeremy Peña continues to lead the team with a .309 average and nine long balls on the season.
The Pirates have gone 5-5 in their last 10 and have been more competitive than their record suggests. They’ve outscored opponents by seven runs during that stretch while hitting .272 and posting a 3.89 ERA. Oneil Cruz remains the top power threat with 12 home runs, and Andrew McCutchen has turned in a strong week at the plate, going 13-for-37 with a pair of homers.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs this season. The Pirates are slight home favorites at -146 on the moneyline per BetMGM, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Houston, just 10-15 on the road, will be looking to set the tone early as they continue to chase down first-place Seattle in the AL West.
Injury update
The Astros informed The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Zach Dezenzo is dealing with a "capsule sprain" in his left hand, and they will undergo imaging on the hand again after two weeks of rest.
Zach Dezenzo has a "capsule sprain" in his left hand, according to the Astros, who added "he has been prescribed with rest and is scheduled to undergo re-imaging in two weeks."
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 3, 2025
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros' lineup versus Skenes. Jacob Melton gets another start, this time playing left field. Altuve is getting the nod at second base with Yainer Diaz in the DH spot.
The Astros against Paul Skenes: Peña 6, Paredes 5, Altuve 4, Walker 3, Diaz DH, Caratini 2, Meyers 8, Smith 9, Melton 7
McCullers Jr. RHP
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 3, 2025
*ChatGPT assisted.
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The Houston Astros are looking to stop the bleeding.
After dropping their fifth straight game Monday night, and their 10th in the past 11 at Daikin Park, the American League West leaders turn to right-hander Jason Alexander on Tuesday night to face the Washington Nationals in the second game of the series.
Houston still sits atop the division at 60-47, but the recent slide has begun to test the edges of their depth and momentum. They’ll try to steady things against a Nationals team that’s playing better than its record suggests. Washington has won six of its last 10, including Monday’s 2-1 series-opening victory, and arrives with a bit of confidence behind starter Mike Soroka.
Alexander (1-1, 8.14 ERA) will make his third start of the season for Houston and is still looking for consistency after a bumpy start to his campaign. The Nationals counter with Soroka (3-8, 4.85 ERA), who has quietly put together a string of solid outings while showing improved command. Soroka has struck out 83 and posted a 1.13 WHIP over 78 innings.
Offensively, both teams have had their share of struggles of late. The Astros have hit just .241 over their past 10 games and have been outscored by 13 runs during that stretch. On Monday, they managed just one run for the third straight contest, wasting a 12-strikeout night from Framber Valdez.
Veteran second baseman Jose Altuve remains a key contributor with 17 doubles and 17 home runs, while Christian Walker has been one of Houston’s more reliable bats lately, going 12-for-37 over the past 10 games.
For Washington, Luis Garcia has tallied 22 doubles and 45 RBIs on the year, and Josh Bell has chipped in with two homers in his last 10 outings.
The Astros are still favored to bounce back — listed as -142 favorites by BetMGM — but with the recent home woes and a struggling rotation, nothing seems guaranteed right now in Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET.
Lineup takeaways
What is Joe Espada doing to try to snap the losing streak? He'll start with Taylor Trammell leading off and playing left field, which has Jose Altuve as the DH and hitting second. Christian Walker will once again hit third, with Cam Smith (RF) back in the cleanup spot after a day off.
Jacob Melton is returns to center field and will hit fifth, followed by catcher Yainer Diaz and Mauricio Dubon (3B).
Espada, looking to shake things up and provide the offense with a spark, goes with Shay Whitcomb over Brice Matthews at second base, and Zack Short (SS) will hit ninth.
Expecto Patronum ✨Lineup✨
⚾️: 7:10pm
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 93.3 FM#BuiltForThis x @reliantenergy pic.twitter.com/Rn6eiw2fJJ
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 29, 2025
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*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!