Latest news with #HoustonAstros
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Astros Make Worrying Announcement That Could Alter Course of Season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After decades of struggle, making just 10 postseason appearances — and reaching the World Series only once — in their first 54 years of existence, the Houston Astros in 2017 emerged as perhaps the dominant team in the American League. With two World Series championships since, four trips to the Fall Classic and seven straight AL Championship Series berths — a streak that was broken just last year — the Astros this season appear well on their way back to the postseason, leading the AL West by five games. The only obstacle so far has been a string of injuries. PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 22: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros watches the action during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 22, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 22: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros watches the action during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 22, 2025 in Phoenix, hitter Yordan Alvarez has been limited to just 29 games with a hand injury. Second baseman Jeremy Pena had his career year interrupted by a broken rib in late June that has sidelined him ever since. Outfielder Jake Meyers and Jacob Melton are currently on the injured list as well. The latest and potentially most devastating addition to the list of casualties came on Saturday when All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes, who signed a one-year, $6.6 million contract with Houston before the season, was forced to leave a game against the Seattle Mariners with a hamstring injury. Paredes, whose .829 OPS was second only to Pena's among Astros regulars, pulled up lame while running out a line drive off the wall at T-Mobile Park. After that game Paredes, who missed three games in June with a left hamstring injury, told reporters that this strain, to the right one, was worse. More MLB: First-Place Astros Hit With Disappointing News on Playoff Hero Pitcher On Tuesday, Astros manager Joe Espada announced new information on the Paredes injury, and it wasn't great. "This is a pretty significant injury," Espada told reporters, as quoted by Chandler Rome of The Athletic. "We are waiting on some results, but it's definitely something that's going to keep him out for a while." In fact, Espada appeared to acknowledge, Paredes could be out for the remainder of the season. "We don't know yet," Espada said, per The Athletic. "But I know it's something that's going to take some time." The announcement casts a pall over the Astros season. Houston was on a three-game win streak heading into Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but has lost seven of its previous eight. General manager Dana Brown had reportedly been looking for upgrades to the Astros' pitching staff, also riddled by injuries, but may now shift his trade deadline priorities to the offensive side of the ball, according to The Athletic report. Rome suggested that the Astros may target Colorado Rockies' third baseman Ryan McMahon. But the stumbling block there is that McMahon's salary would put the Astros into luxury tax territory. But the Astros have 17 players on the injured list, including five of the nine hitters in the opening day lineup, Rome reported. That is a predicament that may force team chairperson Jim Crane to give the green light to some major moves at the July 31 trade deadline. Or he could simply write off the season. More MLB: Astros Dealing With Frustrating News on Highly Anticipated Outfield Prospect
Fox Sports
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Astros start 4-game series with the Athletics
Associated Press Athletics (42-62, fifth in the AL West) vs. Houston Astros (60-42, first in the AL West) Houston; Thursday, 8:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Luis Severino (3-11, 5.10 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 84 strikeouts); Astros: Jason Alexander (1-0, 8.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 11 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -124, Athletics +104; over/under is 8 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros host the Athletics to start a four-game series. Houston has a 60-42 record overall and a 33-19 record in home games. The Astros have gone 33-7 in games when they scored five or more runs. The Athletics are 42-62 overall and 22-31 on the road. Athletics hitters have a collective .313 on-base percentage, the eighth-ranked percentage in the AL. The teams play Thursday for the seventh time this season. The Astros lead the season series 4-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Altuve has 17 doubles, a triple, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs for the Astros. Brice Matthews is 4 for 24 with three home runs and eight RBIs over the past 10 games. Brent Rooker has 23 doubles, three triples, 21 home runs and 56 RBIs for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz is 17 for 36 with seven doubles, a triple, five home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 5-5, .246 batting average, 3.71 ERA, outscored by one run Athletics: 4-6, .239 batting average, 4.45 ERA, outscored by eight runs INJURIES: Astros: Lance McCullers: 15-Day IL (finger), Brendan Rodgers: 60-Day IL (oblique), Isaac Paredes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jake Meyers: 10-Day IL (calf), Zach Dezenzo: 60-Day IL (hand), Yordan Alvarez: 60-Day IL (hand), Luis Guillorme: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jeremy Pena: 10-Day IL (rib), Jacob Melton: 10-Day IL (ankle), Shawn Dubin: 15-Day IL (forearm), Pedro Leon: 60-Day IL (knee), Spencer Arrighetti: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder) Athletics: Denzel Clarke: 10-Day IL (abductor), Max Muncy: 10-Day IL (hand), Grant Holman: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Gunnar Hoglund: 60-Day IL (hip), Jose Leclerc: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brady Basso: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Luis Medina: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. recommended Item 1 of 3
Winnipeg Free Press
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Astros start 4-game series with the Athletics
Athletics (42-62, fifth in the AL West) vs. Houston Astros (60-42, first in the AL West) Houston; Thursday, 8:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Luis Severino (3-11, 5.10 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 84 strikeouts); Astros: Jason Alexander (1-0, 8.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 11 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -124, Athletics +104; over/under is 8 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros host the Athletics to start a four-game series. Houston has a 60-42 record overall and a 33-19 record in home games. The Astros have gone 33-7 in games when they scored five or more runs. The Athletics are 42-62 overall and 22-31 on the road. Athletics hitters have a collective .313 on-base percentage, the eighth-ranked percentage in the AL. The teams play Thursday for the seventh time this season. The Astros lead the season series 4-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Altuve has 17 doubles, a triple, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs for the Astros. Brice Matthews is 4 for 24 with three home runs and eight RBIs over the past 10 games. Brent Rooker has 23 doubles, three triples, 21 home runs and 56 RBIs for the Athletics. Nick Kurtz is 17 for 36 with seven doubles, a triple, five home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 5-5, .246 batting average, 3.71 ERA, outscored by one run Athletics: 4-6, .239 batting average, 4.45 ERA, outscored by eight runs INJURIES: Astros: Lance McCullers: 15-Day IL (finger), Brendan Rodgers: 60-Day IL (oblique), Isaac Paredes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jake Meyers: 10-Day IL (calf), Zach Dezenzo: 60-Day IL (hand), Yordan Alvarez: 60-Day IL (hand), Luis Guillorme: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jeremy Pena: 10-Day IL (rib), Jacob Melton: 10-Day IL (ankle), Shawn Dubin: 15-Day IL (forearm), Pedro Leon: 60-Day IL (knee), Spencer Arrighetti: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder) Athletics: Denzel Clarke: 10-Day IL (abductor), Max Muncy: 10-Day IL (hand), Grant Holman: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Gunnar Hoglund: 60-Day IL (hip), Jose Leclerc: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Brady Basso: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Luis Medina: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
NBC Sports
7 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Dodgers lose Tanner Scott to elbow injury
In this week's Closer Report, how do the Dodgers handle the ninth inning after losing Tanner Scott to the injured list with left elbow inflammation? And Trevor Megill's clean-inning streak moves him into the elite tier. That and more as we run down the last week in saves. Josh Hader - Houston Astros Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners Hader tossed two innings in a non-save situation against the Mariners on Saturday, then worked around two walks to convert his 26th save against the Diamondbacks on Monday. With Hader getting the day off, Bryan King stepped in for a save on Tuesday before Hader came back Wednesday for another save. Hader holds a 2.31 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 68/13 K/BB ratio across 46 2/3 innings. Muñoz joins Hader at the top with a 1.42 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 50/17 K/BB ratio across 38 innings after picking up his 22nd save Tuesday against the Brewers. Edwin Díaz - New York Mets Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox Jhoan Duran - Minnesota Twins Emmanuel Clase - Cleveland Guardians Robert Suarez - San Diego Padres Trevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers Díaz is approaching the top tier. He blew a save and fell in line for a win Sunday against the Reds, then bounced back with a save Monday, striking out the side against the Angels. The 31-year-old right-hander then converted a four-out save with two strikeouts on Wednesday for his 21st of the season. In Boston, Chapman made one appearance this week, striking out one batter in a scoreless inning against the Phillies on Monday. Duran worked a scoreless inning against the Rockies in Colorado on Sunday, then closed out the game against the Dodgers on Tuesday with a five-run lead. He surrendered a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani, his first home run allowed all season. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 1.94 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 51/16 K/BB ratio across 46 1/3 innings while converting 15 saves. Clase picked up three saves this week, working scoreless innings against the Athletics and Orioles. The 27-year-old right-hander is up to 23 with a 2.74 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 47/10 K/BB ratio across 46 innings. Meanwhile, Suarez worked a scoreless inning against the Marlins on Monday for his MLB-leading 29th save. It's time Megill joins the elite tier with another excellent week on the mound. He's tossed five straight perfect innings, picking up two more saves. The 31-year-old right-hander is up to 23 saves with a 2.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 43/15 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings. Mason Miller - Athletics Devin Williams - New York Yankees Félix Bautista - Baltimore Orioles Will Vest - Detroit Tigers Emilio Pagán - Cincinnati Reds David Bednar - Pittsburgh Pirates Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs Camilo Doval - San Francisco Giants Ryan Helsley - St. Louis Cardinals Pete Fairbanks - Tampa Bay Rays Jeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue Jays Carlos Estévez - Kansas City Royals Kenley Jansen - Los Angeles Angels Not much action for Miller. He tossed just three pitches to record one out in his only appearance this week against the Rangers. In New York, Williams gave up runs in back-to-back outings against Atlanta this week. He held on for the save Sunday before converting his 15th with a scoreless inning against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Behind Williams, Luke Weaver is getting back on track with four straight scoreless outings after giving up two runs in three consecutive appearances early this month. Bautista walked three batters and gave up a run before holding on for the save against the Rays on Sunday. The 30-year-old right-hander will be a name to watch at the trade deadline with 19 saves and a 2.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 50/23 K/BB ratio across 34 2/3 innings. Vest recorded four outs on Sunday, striking out two batters for his 16th save of the season. Behind Vest, Tommy Kahnle has struggled this month with nine runs allowed over his last four appearances and likely won't factor into the saves mix any time soon. Pagán worked around a hit and a walk, striking out one batter in a scoreless frame against the Mets on Saturday for his 21st save to go with a 2.83 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 51/14 K/BB ratio across 41 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Bednar made three consecutive scoreless appearances, converting two saves against the Tigers to bring his total to 15. Palencia worked a clean inning for his 13th save against the Red Sox on Friday, then pitched a scoreless frame in a non-save situation against the Royals on Tuesday. With no save chances this week, Doval got some work in on Tuesday in a blowout victory over the Braves, striking out two batters in a scoreless inning. And it was similar duties for Helsley, who pitched a scoreless frame against the Diamondbacks on Sunday in a non-save situation. Fairbanks gave up a run against the Orioles on Saturday before holding on for the save. He then tossed a clean inning against the White Sox on Tuesday for his 17th save. Meanwhile, Hoffman converted two saves this week before giving up a solo homer to take a loss on Tuesday in his fourth outing in five days. The 32-year-old right-hander is up to 24 saves with a 4.78 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 60/11 K/BB ratio across 43 1/3 innings. Estévez surrendered two runs to blow the save and take the loss against the Marlins on Friday, then bounced back with his 26th save of the season Sunday, recording the final out in the ninth against Miami. And in Anaheim, Jansen worked a perfect ninth for a save against the Phillies on Friday. Kirby Yates/Alex Vesia - Los Angeles Dodgers Matt Strahm/Orion Kerkering - Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Finnegan - Washington Nationals Robert Garcia - Texas Rangers The Dodgers were dealt a significant blow to their bullpen on Tuesday when they put closer Tanner Scott on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. An MRI revealed no ligament damage, and he's confident he can pitch again this season. In his absence, Yates and Vesia could work in a matchup-based committee in the ninth inning. Yates converted the team's save Monday against the Twins. Blake Treinen is on track to return from the injured list by the end of the month and could be in the saves mix once he's activated. No saves out of Philadelphia this week, with Kerkering and Strahm working in tandem. The Phillies could be a team that acquires someone to solidify things in the ninth by the trade deadline. Finnegan has seen his ERA balloon over his last several outings, giving up 10 runs over his last four appearances. However, he did get a save in, striking out two in a scoreless frame against the Padres on Saturday for his first save since June 6. Garcia converted a save on Friday, striking out two against the Tigers for his seventh on the year. He then converted his eighth against the Athletics on Wednesday. Kevin Ginkel - Arizona Diamondbacks Anthony Bender/Ronny Henriquez - Miami Marlins Grant Taylor - Chicago White Sox Seth Halvorsen/Victor Vodnik - Colorado Rockies While Adrian Morejon isn't necessarily next in line for saves in San Diego, his usage is making him incredibly valuable. The 26-year-old left-hander recorded five outs against the Marlins on Monday to fall in line for his eighth win of the season to go with a pair of saves. Morejon was named a 2025 All-Star for the first time and boasts a 1.76 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and a 45/9 K/BB ratio across 46 innings. Another reliever catching my attention is Cleveland's Erik Sabrowski. The 27-year-old left-hander impressed in his MLB debut last year, striking out 19 batters over 12 2/3 scoreless innings. After a setback with an elbow injury, he's returned to the Guardians roster and has allowed just two runs with 15 strikeouts over 9 1/3 frames, picking up where he left off, flashing that elite strikeout ability.
Toronto Star
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Walker's clutch hit in the ninth lifts Astros over Diamondbacks for sweep
PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Walker singled home the go-ahead run in the ninth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep. Zack Short and Taylor Trammell started the ninth with bunt singles against Kevin Ginkel (1-4). One out later, Walker, a former Diamondback, hit a grounder up the middle to score Short.
