Welcome to another weekend.
It’s a summer weekend during baseball season. Just a reminder that win or lose, you’re still watching baseball, and that’s pretty good.
Houston Astros News
Astros go quietly in finale vs. Cardinals without Bregman, Tucker
Astros going through pains entering series at Angels (Your Alaska Link)
Chances of Houston Astros making the playoffs (FOX)
The minefield Astros GM must navigate with trade targets now crystal clear (SportsMap Houston)
Astros’ Orbit mascot pulls a fun prank on the St. Louis Cardinals (Chron)
Son of Houston Astros Legend Could Provide Internal Solution at First Base (SI)
Why are Astros keeping Joey Loperfido in Triple-A purgatory? (Chron)
An unthinkable Astros-Rangers trade to pair Justin Verlander with Max Scherzer again (FS)
An Astros-Diamondbacks trade to eliminate Jose Abreu from the conversation (FS)
AL West News
A’s: Taiwanese pitcher Lin Wei-en signs deal with Oakland A’s (Taiwan News)
Blarts: Texas Rangers sapped of momentum in series loss to Detroit Tigers (WFAA)
M’s: Bob’s Breakdown: Would Bob go all-in on Seattle Mariners trade? (Seattle Sports)
Halos: Why Won’t Los Angeles Angels ADMIT to a Rebuild? Moniak Struggles? Sandoval Trade? (KCENTV)
MLB News
Soto pulled as a precaution with lingering forearm soreness
Mookie barrels one as Dodgers swing heavy bats against Bucs
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Return to Third Base Won’t Turn Toronto’s Season Around (FG)
Confident Yanks sweep Twins in ‘24, win 8th straight game
Paul Skenes, Jared Jones making Pirates a must-watch (and potentially terrifying) team (YB)
Christian Yelich gets honest about Brewers after being swept by Phillies (YB)
Happy Elly-versary! De La Cruz rips homer 1 year after debut
Former Padres top prospect emerging as ace of Marlins’ rotation (YB)
Houston Astros Birthdays
Friday
RHP Vince Velasquez (32) struck out 58 in 55 2⁄3 innings for the 2015 Astros.
1B/RF Roberto Petagine (53) was 0-for-7 in eight games for the 1994 Astros.
RHP Jeremy Martinez (20) is 2-0 with a 3.49 ERA for the DSL Astros Orange squad.
Saturday
RHP Dave Mlicki (56) was 11-13 with a 5.21 ERA for the 2001/2002 Astros.
LHP George Brunet (1935-1991) was 2-7 with a 5.00 ERA in 22 games for the 1962/63 Colt .45s.
RHP Layne Henderson (28) has pitched in 143 minor league games since 2018, and is currently with the Asheville Tourists.
Sunday
1B Yuli Gurriel (40) appeared in 801 games for Houston from 2016 through 2022, slashing .284/.328/.448 and winning the 2021 AL Batting Title.
RHP Tom Edens (63) was 5-2 with a 3.82 ERA over 99 innings for the 1993/94 Astros.
IF Julio Gotay (1939-2008) hit .264 in 202 games for the Astros between 1966 and 1969.