Astros vs. Mariners Game Thread: Game 14, April 10, 2026 The Houston Astros (6-7) will face the Seattle Mariners (4-9) in the first game of a three-game series on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Safeco Field in Seattle. The matchup marks the Astros’ attempt to end a four-game losing streak, with the series serving as a critical test for both teams. The game will feature a matchup of right-handed starters, with Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai set to take the mound against Mariners ace Emerson Hancock. Imai, making his third career start, will look to build on his recent performance. In his first two outings, the 26-year-old Japanese import pitched 5.2 innings in Sacramento, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.32 ERA. His two starts have yielded 13 strikeouts and seven walks, showcasing his potential but also highlighting the need for consistency. The Astros will rely on Imai to counter Hancock, who has a 1-0 record against Houston with a 3.38 ERA in eight innings across two starts. This will be their third meeting of the season, with Hancock’s previous outings against the Astros proving effective. The Astros’ roster has undergone notable changes ahead of the series. Right-handed pitcher Cristian Javier, a key contributor, was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 9) due to a grade two right shoulder strain. Outfielder Jake Meyers, recovering from a grade two right oblique strain, was sidelined for 10 days. To fill their spots, the Astros activated right-handed reliever J.P. France and outfielder Taylor Trammell from Triple-A Sugar Land. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco was transferred to the 60-day injured list. The series carries historical significance for the Astros, who hold a commanding 132-97 record against the Mariners in their regular-season matchups.#seattle_mariners #houston_astros #emerson_hancock #safeco_field #tatsuya_imai
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Jordan Walker, Cam Smith Finally Delivering on Their Promise Jordan Walker and Cam Smith have emerged as unexpected stars in the 2026 fantasy baseball season, with their recent performances signaling a long-awaited breakthrough after years of underwhelming play. Walker, once a top prospect who failed to meet expectations during his early MLB career, has finally started to deliver on his potential. His current season has seen him lead the league in exit velocity with an average of 98.4 mph, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles. The 23-year-old’s improved swing mechanics, which he worked on during spring training, have allowed him to consistently harness his natural power. His strikeout rate has dropped from 32% in 2025 to 23% this year, and his recent grand slam against the Guardians highlights his growing offensive threat. Despite the small sample size, his performance has made him a must-add for fantasy managers in all leagues. Cam Smith, meanwhile, has shown signs of a resurgence after a disappointing rookie season. The 23-year-old has started nine of the Astros’ 10 games so far, leveraging his 93rd percentile sprint speed to steal three bases. His bat speed has increased by 3 mph, placing him at 77.2 mph, which ranks fifth in the league. While his average exit velocity remains low at 83.7 mph, his willingness to take extra bases and his consistent playing time suggest a higher ceiling than previously anticipated. Smith’s performance has shifted the narrative around his potential, making him a valuable asset in leagues that prioritize power-speed profiles. Other notable pickups include Emerson Hancock, who has continued his strong start with the Mariners.#jordan_romano #jordan_walker #cam_smith #emerson_hancock #bryce_elder
