ASTROS NEWS

Astros roster shake-up and injury updates heading into series finale with A's

Astros Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve, Chas McCormick
The Astros will try to avoid the sweep against Oakland. Composite Getty Image.

Oakland Athletics (64-82) vs. Houston Astros (77-68)
Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston
Date: Thursday, 2:10 p.m. EDT

Pitching Probables:

  • Athletics: Mitch Spence (7-9, 4.42 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 111 strikeouts)
  • Astros: Framber Valdez (14-6, 2.97 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 153 strikeouts)

BETMGM Sportsbook:

  • Line: Astros -236, Athletics +193
  • Over/Under: 8 1/2 runs

Bottom Line:
The Houston Astros aim to halt a three-game skid as they host the Oakland Athletics in the final game of their three-game series. Houston, sitting atop the AL West with a 77-68 record, looks to stabilize after recent struggles. Despite their slump, the Astros are among the top power-hitting teams in the AL, ranking sixth with 170 home runs.

Oakland, with a 64-82 record, will try to play spoiler and win their second straight series against Houston. The A’s have been effective with the long ball, ranking sixth in MLB with 184 home runs, averaging 1.3 per game.

This is the 13th meeting between these division rivals this season, with the Astros holding a 7-5 advantage in the series.

Top Performers:

  • Astros: Yordan Alvarez continues to anchor Houston’s offense, leading the team with a .313 batting average, 31 doubles, 32 home runs, and 80 RBI. Jose Altuve has been on a recent tear, hitting 14-for-39 with a home run and five RBI over his last 10 games. However, Altuve won't be in the lineup Thursday as he's day-to-day after exiting Wednesday's game early after injuring his side.
  • Athletics: Brent Rooker leads Oakland’s offense with 35 home runs and a .577 slugging percentage. Shea Langeliers has also been productive lately, hitting 10-for-41 with three home runs and seven RBI in his last 10 games.

Last 10 Games:

  • Astros: 4-6, .256 batting average, 3.80 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs.
  • Athletics: 5-5, .253 batting average, 4.54 ERA, outscored by 21 runs.

With ace Framber Valdez on the mound, Houston will look to reverse their fortunes and secure a win as the regular season winds down. Mitch Spence will aim to keep Oakland competitive as they try to take another game from the AL West leaders.

Injury updates

Chas McCormick has been placed on the IL with a small fracture in his right hand. IF Grae Kessinger and LHP Bryan King have been recalled from Sugar Land.

Kyle Tucker is expected to play right field on Friday. He has only played as the DH since returning from injury. This would be a big step forward for King Tuck.

Joe Espada provided an update on Altuve saying he is “better” today. He remains day-to-day.


Article aided by ChatGBT.

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Derek Stingley Jr. snagged two crucial interceptions against Miami. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Texans defense came through once again on Sunday, as they were able to hold the Dolphins to just twelve points, helping to secure a 20-12 win for Houston.

Sunday's victory, paired with a Colts loss, also clinched another division title for Houston, which guarantees they'll host a home playoff game. This is significant because Houston has played much better at home, and given some of the NFL's best quarterbacks fits.

However, the offense just hasn't clicked consistently this year, for a variety of reasons.

With all this in mind, how far can this defense take the Texans?

Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from ESPN Houston's Gallant and George weigh in.

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