The Texans are talking, but not saying much. Composite Getty Image.
With voluntary OTAs resuming Tuesday, questions have continued to surface about quarterback C.J. Stroud's limited involvement, as he's still not throwing while dealing with what the team describes as “general soreness.”
“There's no concerns with C.J. It's just general soreness. We're taking extra precaution with him, but he'll be good to go. No concerns on my end there,” Ryans told the media.
ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime asked Ryans if Stroud would be ready to throw when mandatory minicamp begins on June 10. Ryans basically dodged the question and did not discuss a timeline.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says the #Texans are taking “extra precaution,” regarding CJ Stroud as he’s dealing with “general soreness.” pic.twitter.com/qp6MwzQMyQ
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) June 3, 2025
It seems we won't have any concrete answers about Stroud until we are able to see his level of participation when minicamp starts next week. It is worth noting that Ryans told the media not to ask any more questions about Stroud, sticking to his original talking points.
That's definitely something that will have some fans nervous until Stroud is back throwing again.
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.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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