ASTROS OUTLOOK

How Astros are set to face a rising star and a quiet test

Astros Jeremy Pena
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.

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.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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The Suns are setting a steep price. Composite Getty Image.

The NBA trade rumor mill is in overdrive, and once again, Kevin Durant finds himself at the center of the chaos. As teams across the league weigh their options, the Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the most intriguing possibilities — a rising squad with young talent, cap flexibility, and the ambition to make a major move. But is Durant the final piece that could launch the Rockets into true contender status?

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest whispers surrounding KD’s future, including the Suns’ disappointment with Houston’s current offer and their desire to pry Jalen Green and/or Jabari Smith from the Rockets' promising core. Phoenix is playing hardball, reportedly seeking either the Spurs' No. 2 pick in the draft, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, or possibly both — a steep price for a 35-year-old star on a two-year deal.

San Antonio has quietly emerged as a serious contender for Durant’s services, potentially leapfrogging other suitors like the Heat — who, according to reports, sit at the bottom of KD’s preferred destinations list. With Durant’s age becoming a factor and the Suns trying to balance long-term development with short-term competitiveness, Phoenix faces a tough question: are they chasing the Durant of a decade ago, or can they still extract elite value from what he brings now?

We break down the top three teams in the KD sweepstakes, the Suns’ aggressive demands, and whether Houston’s front office will push its chips in — or walk away from the table.

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