The Astros enjoy a day off, preparing to leave .500 behind.
Can the Astros leave .500 behind?
Hopefully, .500 doesn’t leave the Astros behind instead. Bad luck only explains so much. A 9-1 victory provides much needed relief, as does the day off. Houston has the Reds on tap, and they haven’t defeated Cincinnati in nine years. The Astros are 22-54 since 2009 against the juggernaut Reds.
Houston Astros News
The Houston Astros pile on for nine runs, supporting Framber Valdez (Kags TV)
Astros’ offense erupts, averts series sweep against Brewers (HC)
Astros’ Top Prospect Gains New Perspective After Recent Near-Death Experience (SI)
Starting Pitcher Power Rankings features all-new top 3
Astros’ rising star adding to list of reasons for long-term contract (Chron)
Remember me? Valdez (1 ER, 7 K’s) commanding during first win since Opening Day
The Astros’ Second Ace (MLBTR)
AL West News
‘Like a broken record’: Mariners rally again for 9th straight series win
Angels Outright Touki Toussaint (MLBTR)
Orioles Acquire Luis F. Castillo From Mariners (MLBTR)
Wilyer Abreu homers twice as Red Sox upend Rangers (KNBR)
Why Kotsay is encouraged by Hoglund’s outing in loss to Mariners (NBC)
MLB News
Shota Imanaga’s Hamstring Strain Magnifies Cubs’ Other Rotation Losses (FG)
Kris Bryant To Undergo Ablation Procedure On Back (MLBTR)
MLB execs polled on top Deadline trade candidates
‘A lot of grit’: Grisham, Williams set table for Escarra’s walk-off
An Adaptation Score Follow-Up (FG)
On Chasy Chases and Choosy Chases (FG)
Bregman smacks career HR No. 200; Abreu has 3rd multihomer game — all vs. Texas
Injury updates: Aces Greene, Cease forced from starts
Ryan (illness) scratched; Ober to start in his place Thurs.
Goodbye, Mr. Baseball. It’s Ben Rice Knowing You. (FG)
Knack, Sauer spell Dodgers’ bullpen as Phillips (forearm) hits IL
Buxton keeps HR streak going for red-hot Twins
Andrés Muñoz Is an Analytical Blind Spot (FG)
Houston Astros Birthdays
2B Dave Rohde (61)
LHP Mike Cuellar (1937—2010)
RHP Alonzo Tredwell (23) Fayetteville Woodpeckers