Astros' Yordan Alvarez Exits Game with Back Spasm, Misses Series Finale Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was forced to leave Saturday’s 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning after experiencing a back spasm, according to reports. The injury occurred mid-at-bat, prompting manager Joe Espada to remove Alvarez from the game and send Zach Dezenzo to pinch hit. Dezenzo struck out on the next pitch, ending Alvarez’s participation in the contest. The decision to remove Alvarez was made to prevent further discomfort and avoid exacerbating the injury. Alvarez described the issue as tightness in his right scapula, or shoulder blade, which he had felt earlier in the day. He mentioned that the discomfort persisted despite his attempts to address it through his pre-game routine, which included lifting weights. “I was going through my routine before going to hit,” Alvarez said through a translator. “I was lifting some weights and felt that the scapula felt a little tight, and I couldn’t really raise my right arm a whole lot.” The injury occurred during an at-bat against Cubs pitcher Colin Rea. Alvarez fell behind in the count 0-2 before the discomfort became apparent. Espada, recognizing the issue, opted to substitute Alvarez with Dezenzo. “Espada came up to me and took me out of the game just to give it some rest and not make it worse,” Alvarez said. “So, I just followed his direction.” Espada explained that the decision to remove Alvarez was based on the timing of the at-bat. “Once that at-bat got going, he took too much time in between pitches,” Espada said. “It was time to come out of the game.” The manager also noted that he had planned to give Alvarez a day off on Sunday before the injury occurred. Alvarez, a three-time All-Star, is currently batting .#chicago_cubs #zach_dezenzo #houston_astros #joe_espada #yordan_alvarez
Astros and Reds Set for Final Game of Three-Game Series on May 10, 2026 The Houston Astros (16-24) and Cincinnati Reds (21-19) are set to conclude a three-game series at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The matchup, scheduled for a 12:40 p.m. CT first pitch, features right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng (1-2, 2.35 ERA) for the Astros and left-handed starter Andrew Abbott (1-2, 5.13 ERA) for the Reds. This game marks the final contest of the series, with the Astros aiming to extend their winning streak against the Reds. Kai-Wei Teng, making his second start of the season, will look to build on his strong relief outings. In 13 appearances as a reliever, Teng has posted a 1.80 ERA (4 earned runs over 20 innings) with a .183 opponent batting average. His most recent start came on April 28 against the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed two runs on five hits and two strikeouts in three innings. Teng’s performance in his first Major League start on August 8, 2025, against the Washington Nationals earned him a win and made him the eighth Taiwanese-born pitcher in MLB history to achieve this milestone. He joins RHP Chien Jen-Lo (2013) as the second Taiwanese-born player in Astros history. The Astros’ matchup against the Reds carries historical significance, as the two teams have faced each other 859 times, the most games in MLB history. The Astros hold a 404-454-1 record in the series, with a 2-1 record against the Reds in 2025. Notably, the Astros secured their first win at Great American Ball Park since September 9, 2012, on Friday night. Isaac Paredes, the Astros’ infielder, reached a career milestone on Friday night by playing in his 600th game, becoming the 14th Mexican-born player to achieve this feat.#cincinnati_reds #andrew_abbott #houston_astros #great_american_ball_park #kai_wei_teng
Astros and Orioles Set for Doubleheader After Rainout Delay The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles will play a doubleheader today at Camden Yards following a rainout that postponed their scheduled game on April 29. The Astros (11-19) and Orioles (14-15) will face off in two games, with the first contest featuring a matchup of right-handed pitchers. Astros rookie RHP Peter Lambert (1-1, 3.27 ERA) will start Game 1 against Orioles RHP Chris Bassitt (1-2, 6.75 ERA). This will mark Lambert’s first career appearance against the Orioles, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Lambert, who joined the Astros via free agency this offseason after a season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, has shown promise in his early MLB campaign. In his first start on April 17 against the Cardinals, he pitched 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters (16 whiffs) in a 2-0 Astros victory. His performance has been notable for his ability to induce swings and misses, with a combined 39 whiffs in two starts this season. On April 17, he recorded 23 strikeouts, ranking him among the top AL pitchers in 2026 for whiffs in a single game. The doubleheader will conclude a three-game series against the Orioles, with the Astros holding a 4-3 record in the 2025 season against Baltimore. The teams will next meet in a three-game set at Daikin Park in July. For the Astros, the series carries significance as they aim to improve their standing in the AL West. Yordan Alvarez has emerged as a standout performer for the Astros, leading the American League in several key categories. Through the first 30 games of the season, he has hit 11 home runs, ranking second in franchise history behind Lance Berkman’s 13 in 2002. Alvarez’s .#baltimore_orioles #houston_astros #camden_yards #peter_lambert #chris_bassitt
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
Mariners Game #15 Preview and Discussion: HOU at SEA The Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros are set to face off in the 15th game of the 2026 season, with the matchup taking place at T-Mobile Park on April 12. The game, which marks the second contest of a four-game series, will feature a key pitching matchup between Houston’s Lance McCullers and Seattle’s Luis Castillo. McCullers, who has a history of injury concerns, is expected to start for the Astros, though his readiness remains uncertain. The Mariners, meanwhile, will rely on Castillo, who has shown promise in his first two starts but faces challenges due to a high BABIP (batting average against) and a shift in his pitch mix. Houston’s pitching rotation is in flux, with several changes impacting their strategy. Tatsuya Imai, the Astros’ starting pitcher, is undergoing a medical evaluation for a “tired arm,” while JP France was sent back to the minor leagues. Jayden Murray has been recalled to fill the void, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the Astros’ starting staff. The team also made adjustments to their lineup, with regular catcher Yainer Diaz returning to the dugout and Jose Altuve rejoining the field. This shift allows Yordan Àlvarez to take a day off as a designated hitter, while Isaac Peredes is moved off second base. Taylor Trammell is expected to fill an outfield spot, creating a reshuffled lineup aimed at giving their two Christian players a break. For the Mariners, the lineup remains largely unchanged, with Brendan Donovan sidelined due to a lingering illness. J.P. Crawford continues to lead off, a decision the writer describes as “aesthetically pleasing.” The team’s focus will be on Castillo’s performance, as he has been dominant in his first two starts but has struggled with a high BABIP.#seattle_mariners #houston_astros #t_mobile_park #lance_mccullers #luis_castillo
Mike Burrows: Rising Star in Houston's Rotation The 2025 season marks a pivotal moment for Mike Burrows, a pitcher whose journey from a standout high school prospect to a potential key contributor for the Houston Astros has been marked by both challenges and flashes of brilliance. Drafted in the 11th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 for a $500,000 signing bonus, Burrows has navigated a winding path through the minor leagues, overcoming setbacks and refining his skills to position himself as a promising addition to Houston’s rotation. Burrows’ early career was defined by inconsistency. In his first full season with the Pirates in 2019, he posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.466 WHIP, struggling with control and allowing over a hit per inning. However, a breakout 2021 season—where he slashed his ERA to 2.76 and improved his strikeout rate to 12.1 K/9—hinted at his potential. The following year, a mix of success and struggle saw him post a 4.01 ERA across the minors, though his 10.6 K/9 rate and 3.0 BB/9 rate showcased his ability to dominate hitters when on track. A major setback came in 2023, when Burrows underwent Tommy John surgery after just two starts. His return in 2024 was uneven, with a 5.26 ERA and 1.539 WHIP across three levels of the minors, suggesting he was still finding his rhythm. Yet, his 2025 season with the Pirates turned things around. Starting the year in the minors, Burrows posted a 2.51 ERA and 1.052 WHIP, striking out 11.4 K/9 while walking just 3.1 BB/9. His performance earned him a call-up to the majors in late May, where he continued to impress with a 3.94 ERA and 1.240 WHIP over 23 games (19 starts). The Pirates’ decision to trade Burrows to Houston in a three-team deal with the Rays in the offseason underscores his value.#pittsburgh_pirates #tommy_john_surgery #houston_astros #mike_burrows #framber_valdez
Los Angeles Angels 3-0 Houston Astros (Mar 26, 2026) Game Recap The Los Angeles Angels secured a season-opening victory with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday, marking their first road win in an opener since 2013. Mike Trout, the team’s star outfielder, delivered a key home run in the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie, sending a 96 mph fastball from reliever AJ Blubaugh 403 feet onto the train tracks in left-center field. The blast, Trout’s fifth opening-day homer and a club record, came after he walked three times and made his first start in center field since April 2024. The 34-year-old three-time MVP played 130 games last season, his most since 2019, despite injuries that limited his availability. Trout’s performance helped the Angels snap an eight-game road losing streak in season openers. The team’s offense added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings, with Oswald Peraza hitting an RBI single and Nolan Schanuel launching a home run. José Soriano (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out seven, and four relievers combined for a three-hitter. Jordan Romano earned the save in his Angels debut, working the ninth inning. Houston’s starting pitcher, Hunter Brown, allowed four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings but struck out nine. The Astros struggled to capitalize on opportunities, going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine runners on base. Houston’s Yordan Alvarez faced a controversial call in the first inning when his potential home run was ruled a foul ball after ricocheting off a rafter at Daikin Park. The Astros challenged the decision, but it was upheld after a review. Alvarez later struck out swinging.#mike_trout #los_angeles_angels #houston_astros #aj_blubaugh #jordan_romano
Houston Astros Preview 2026: Player-by-Player Updates The 2026 Houston Astros season kicks off on Thursday as the team begins its 65th season at Daikin Park, facing the Los Angeles Angels. After six weeks of spring training, the roster is set to take the field, with a mix of returning stars and new additions shaping the lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the key players and their roles for the upcoming campaign. Starting with the position players, the Astros’ offense will rely heavily on their core group, including standout performers from previous seasons. The team’s batting order is expected to feature a blend of power hitters and contact-oriented players, with adjustments made to address weaknesses identified during the off-season. Several key players will be monitored closely, particularly those recovering from injuries, as their availability will impact the team’s depth and strategy. Among the notable players, the injured list (denoted by an asterisk) includes several critical contributors. Their return timeline will be a focal point for the coaching staff, as the Astros aim to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term health considerations. The team’s emphasis on player development will also be tested, with younger prospects potentially stepping into larger roles if key veterans are sidelined. On the pitching staff, the Astros have made strategic moves to bolster their rotation and bullpen. The starting five will include a mix of proven performers and emerging talent, with a focus on durability and adaptability to different matchups. The bullpen, a strength in recent years, will be evaluated for its ability to handle high-leverage situations, particularly in close games.#daikin_park #spring_training #los_angeles_angels #houston_astros #player_development
Astros Finalize Opening Day Roster The Houston Astros have officially finalized their Opening Day roster, with several key decisions impacting the team’s depth and future plans. Shortstop Jeremy Pena will avoid a season-opening trip to the injured list after recovering from a fractured finger sustained during an exhibition game. Catcher César Salazar was designated for assignment (DFA), clearing a 40-man roster spot for Christian Vázquez, who was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land. Right-handed pitcher Christian Roa was selected from the minor leagues, while left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter was placed on the 60-day injured list (IL) to make room. Outfielder Zach Cole was optioned to Triple-A, and prospect Brice Matthews made the roster. Several players will begin the season on the injured list, including outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who is sidelined with a right elbow sprain. Right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, dealing with biceps tendinitis, will start the year on the 15-day IL. Right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos (right knee strain), left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa (oblique strain), right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson (recovering from elbow surgery), and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski (recovering from Tommy John surgery) are also on the 15-day IL. Blanco and Wesneski could be added to the 60-day IL if the Astros need to open a 40-man roster spot. Pena’s status was uncertain after his injury, but he resumed hitting earlier this week and was cleared to join the team. Vázquez’s call-up was already expected, as was Salazar’s DFA. While the DFA doesn’t guarantee a trade, Salazar could still be moved to another club within five days if a team is willing to add him to its 40-man roster.#christian_vazquez #houston_astros #christian_roa #jeremy_pena #cesar_salazar
Astros Announce Opening Day Roster The Houston Astros officially finalized their 26-player Opening Day roster on March 25, 2026, completing the final adjustments to their 40-man roster. The team made several roster moves, including adding two players to the 40-man list, placing multiple athletes on injured lists, and making other personnel decisions to shape the team for the upcoming season. Among the additions to the 40-man roster were right-handed pitcher Christian Roa and catcher Christian Vázquez. Several players were placed on the injured list, including outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who was sidelined due to a right elbow sprain and placed on the 10-day injured list. A group of pitchers, including Ronel Blanco, Enyel De Los Santos, Josh Hader, Nate Pearson, Bennett Sousa, and Hayden Wesneski, were moved to the 15-day injured list for recovery from various arm and leg injuries. Left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter, recovering from left elbow surgery, was placed on the 60-day injured list. Catcher César Salazar was designated for assignment, while outfielder Zach Cole was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land. The Astros’ 40-man roster remains full following these moves. Several players made their debut on an Opening Day roster, including right-handed pitchers Mike Burrows, AJ Blubaugh, Tatsuya Imai, and Roddery Muñoz, as well as outfielder Joey Loperfido, infielder/outfielder Brice Matthews, and right-handed pitcher Christian Roa. Right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng and Ryan Weiss also joined the list of first-time Opening Day roster members. Veteran second baseman Jose Altuve led the team in experience, securing his 14th career Opening Day roster spot. He is also poised to make his 14th Opening Day start, which would rank third in franchise history, behind Craig Biggio (19) and Jeff Bagwell (15).#houston_astros #christian_roa #christian_vazquez #zach_dezenzo #ronel_blanco
