The Astros travel to the Sunshine State for three dates versus the Rays.
The Astros step into the ring with the Rays at….George M. Steinbrenner Field?
For those unfamiliar, George M. Steinbrenner Field is a property of the New York Yankees. After hurricane damage to Tropicana Field made it an improbability for play in 2025, the Bombers loaned the stadium (seats 11,026) to Tampa Bay. In the meantime, crews continue to repair their home field from Hurricane Milton’s damage.
GameTimes and Starting Pitchers
Monday, 6:05PM CT, Colton Gordon (0-0, 6.23) vs. Ryan Pepiot (2-5, 3.93)
Tuesday, 6:05PM CT, TBD vs. Zack Litell (3-5, 4.31)
Wednesday, 12:10PM CT, Hunter Brown (6-2, 1.43) vs. Taj Bradley (3-3, 4.80)
“Scouting” Report
The Rays, 21-24 this season and winners of half of their past 10, collected just three hits in yesterday’s game versus the Miami Marlins. That includes the Major League’s first immaculate inning of the season by opposing starter Paul Quantrill (3-4, 6.37).
History
Last season, the Astros were 4-2 when facing the Rays, including a three-game sweep in the final set from August 12 through 14. In the final game, the two teams combined for a 10-inning four-hitter. Ronel Blanco, Kaleb Ort, Tayler Scott, Bryan Abreu and Josh Hader (5-6, 3.48) surrendered a total of two hits over 10 frames. Houston’s hitters, meanwhile, went just two-for-32 against Tampa pitching, including a Jeremy Peña solo homer in the fifth inning and a Mauricio Dubón 10th-inning RBI-single.
Close game. Another one-run ballgame. Well-pitched, made plays when we needed to and some big hits when we had to. Big win. — Joe Espada
Overall, Houston is just 46-50 against Tampa Bay all-time. That includes a split pair of three game postseason series’.
Recently…
Houston, currently in the midst of a 17-game-in-17-day stretch, is coming off a well-played first chapter of 2025’s Silver Boot Series. The Astros and Arlington split themselves four games, leaving the rest of the set as a best-of-nine.
The last game, yesterday afternoon, Framber Valdez (3-4, 3.57) got the win with a Quality Start, giving up three runs over seven innings. He struck out eight and walked one, allowing six hits. Hader earned his 11th save of the season. Yainer Díaz took opposing ace-in-waiting Jack Leiter deep in the seventh inning to break up a no-hitter. Isaac Parades wasted no time in punching in a come-from-behind eighth-inning three-run homer.
They never stop leaning on one another. You fight to the end, and that’s another comeback win. We are never out of a game. — Espada, who was ejected in the third inning after an argument with the umpire.
Houston will return home for a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners directly following their set with the Rays.
Prediction?