Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell drew attention when his ninth-inning bat was inspected and confiscated after a discolored label, delaying an Astros rally. Boone asked the umpires to check it, and MLB later authenticated the bat. Trammell said he’s used it for a long time; the matte finish wears down. The Yankees pulled away for an 8-4 win, moving them within three games of Toronto in the AL East and keeping Houston 3.5 games up in the West, with the top AL wild-card spot still in play.

Victor Caratini returned from the 7-day concussion IL for Houston, with the Astros opting to keep three catchers as César Salazar stays active. Caratini started at first base and is cleared to catch, while Chas McCormick was optioned to Sugar Land to regain his timing as Houston navigates a crowded outfield with Jake Meyers looming back from rehab.

McCormick’s slash line has dipped this season, leading to the demotion as the club aims to maximize late-season reps. Salazar’s call-up preserves catching depth, and Meyers’ return could shift outfield roles and further squeeze McCormick’s workload, impacting fantasy value in shallow and deep leagues alike.

Yordan Alvarez’s return strengthens a reshaped Houston lineup that now features Carlos Correa at the deadline, giving the Astros a more balance-driven, opportunistic attack as depth returns with Isaac Paredes and Jake Meyers still out. Opponents must pick their poison—Alvarez commands pitches leaving hits for others, creating RBI chances for Walker and Altuve alike. The Astros’ late-season surge hinges on traffic on the bases and continued production from Walker, with Alvarez providing a clear catalyst for the rest of the order.

Walker’s two solo blasts in a 4-3 win underscored the depth behind Alvarez, while Correa’s presence at the top of the lineup adds a steadying influence that can drive runs even as Alvarez rests. The lineup alignment—whether Alvarez hits in the top three or cleanup—could become a frequent point of emphasis as Houston seeks to maximize its remaining schedule and chase down meaningful wins down the stretch.