Houston heads to Truist Park to face Atlanta in a late-season showdown. Hunter Brown (11-7, 2.25) is matched against Bryce Elder (7-9, 5.35) as the Astros chase the AL West lead with Seattle, two games clear of Texas. A second straight win would keep Houston rolling down the stretch. Friday saw Zach Cole erupt for a homer in his first at-bat with a three-hit game and a win, while Lance McCullers Jr. landed on the injured list again, shaking up Houston’s rotation.

Atlanta contends in the NL East and will lean on Elder to slow the Astros’ momentum. Fantasy managers should watch for bullpen decisions late and the potential impact of McCullers’ absence on Houston’s depth. This matchup carries meaningful implications for postseason positioning and streamer options.

Houston recalls J.P. France from Sugar Land to bolster a bullpen stretched by a 13-game grind, with Toronto looming. He can bridge innings or work multiple frames as Garcia and Javier return from Tommy John rehab.

France’s 2023 line was solid (3.83 ERA in 136 1/3 IP). VanWey was optioned and recalled; Blubaugh and McCullers Jr. add long-relief depth to navigate the heavy nine-day stretch.