The Astros hope to steal just one of four from Seattle.
Welcome to the Thursday Boil.
This was always a possibility, but I really thought we had another year or two. This afternoon the Astros will try to eke out one victory from the Mariners after dropping the first three contests of the series.
Houston Astros News
Astros Covering the Bases: José Abreu’s return and looking ahead at the trade deadline (NY Times)
Houston Astros’ margin for error proving thin vs. Seattle Mariners (Houston Chronicle)
Justin Verlander hits Astros with reality check after wasted vintage start vs. Mariners (ClutchPoints)
Mariners Use More Late-Game Magic to Beat Astros, Here’s How it Happened (YB)
Astros make under-the-radar pitching move amid struggles vs. Mariners (ClutchPoints)
MLB insider pours cold water on potential Astros fire sale despite their long playoff odds (FanSided)
Astros’ Luis Garcia to throw first live batting practice Friday (Houston Chronicle)
AL West News
A’s: JJ Bleday, A’s play sensational defense in loss to Rays
M’s: Crawford, Kirby shine in Mariners’ walk-off win over Astros
Halos: Angels transfer veteran reliever to 60-day IL (YB)
Blarts: Rangers’ Corey Seager bounces back from terrible April with terrific May (YB)
MLB News
Gil dominates again, Volpe extends hitting streak to 21 in Yanks’ win
Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah headed for MRI with elbow soreness (YB)
Schwellenbach and family savor pitcher’s dream come true
Crew snaps skid vs. Cubs’ starters by crushing MLB’s ERA leader
Soto called out, Boone ejected following bizarre interference play
Historic month lifts new Hitter Power Rankings leader
What to know about Negro Leagues stats joining MLB record
Skenes’ splinker lights up Tigers on his 22nd birthday
Umpiring Is About To Get Better (FG)
Updated Whomps Per Whiff and Kimbrel Leaderboards (FG)
Is Josh Fleming a Lost Gold Glover? (FG)
Mets to DFA López after glove-tossing incident, harsh comments
Houston Astros Birthday
Glendale, CA native RHP Mike LaCoss (68) was 18-18 with a 3.83 ERA over three seasons for the Astros. From 1982 through 1984, he racked up a 1.418 WHIP and a 3.63 FIP, striking out 190 in 385 innings. When in Glendale, be sure to visit the Neon Museum.