The Astros will play four games against the A’s at their…”home.”
The Houston Astros will play the Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland/Sacramento/Las Vegas Athletics four times starting late tonight.
GameTimes and Starting Pitchers
Monday, 9:05PM CT: Ryan Gusto (4-3, 4.56) vs. Mitch Spence (2-1, 3.67)
Tuesday, 9:05PM CT: TBD vs. TBD
Wednesday, 9:05PM CT: Framber Valdez (7-4, 3.10) vs. TBD
Thursday, 9:05PM CT: Colton Gordon (2-1, 4.70) vs. TBD
TBD is actually starting for both teams on Tuesday, then without a break, that same dude pitches for the A’s Wednesday and Thursday. Poor bastard.
The Astros have won five straight after sweeping the Minnesota Twins, and are winners of 10-of-13. They’re currently projected by B/R as having a 94.1 percent chance of reaching the postseason.
In Houston’s last game, on Sunday, Josh Hader (4-0, 1.45) earned the win in relief as the Astros took 10 frames to defeat the Twins. Brandon Walter earned no decision, pitching a Quality Start by striking out nine over 6 2⁄3 innings, and allowing one run on six hits and zero walks. The Astros only collected four hits all game, with Mauricio Dubón stroking the walk-off RBI-single in the 10th inning.
They fight ‘til the end. I’m not surprised by their fight, but when you see it and you feel the energy in that dugout, it’s incredible. — Joe Espada
The A’s are 29-44 coming into tonight’s matchup, winners of their past three games after sweeping the Kansas City Royals. After playing the Astros four times, they’ll remain in Sacramento to play the Cleveland Guardians. They currently have a >0.1 percent chance at reaching the postseason.
Tyler Ferguson (2-2, 4.60) earned yesterday’s win in relief after Jeffrey Springs pitched a Quality Start, striking out a pair and allowing two runs over six innings. He walked zero and allowed seven hits. Nick Kurtz (6) led Sacramento’s offense with a single and a home run. Austin Wynns (5) also went deep, while Brent Rooker had a pair of hits as well.
There was only one rehab game, so it can take some time to get your timing back. Big swing. For him to come through there, that’s a great sign. — Mark Kotsay, on Kurtz coming back from injury with minimal rehab.
The last time Houston shared the field with the A’s was a pair of games on May 27 and May 28. In the series finale, Lance McCullers Jr. struck out a dozen in six innings, giving up three runs but earning no decision. Shawn Dubin (2-0, 0.00) got the win in relief, and Josh Hader collected his 14th save. Zach Dezenzo (2) hit a home run, and along with Victor Caratini were the only two Houston players with two hits.
I expect it from now on, to be that guy where he wants that leadership role back and he wants to be in a moment where we lean on him to get big outs for us. Him being able to do that, take us deep in the game was very important today. — Espada, on LMJ
Houston called up RHP Jason Alexander to replace LMJ on the active roster. LMJ is back on the IL with a foot problem. Hopefully, he won’t be there for too long. The Astros are 14-17 on the road, and the A’s are 12-23 at “home.”