Houston closed its season with a 6-2 win over the Angels, finishing 87-75 and ending an eight-year playoff run. The finale showcased the Astros’ power surge—four homers in two innings—while rookie Colton Gordon delivered five scoreless frames. Lance McCullers Jr. returned from the IL to log three innings, providing a glimmer of a potential late-season reset for Houston.

Yainer Diaz, Ramón Urías, Brice Matthews and Victor Caratini all went deep as Houston totaled 182 homers for the year, a modest total that underscored a power-driven finish. Mike Trout supplied a signature moment for L.A., but the Astros’ young core and a healthy McCullers set the tone for a pivotal offseason and a retooled 2026 rotation.

Offseason questions loom: Peña went on the injured list, and Houston must decide on rotation roles with Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier as anchors. Manager Joe Espada emphasized reset and work this winter, as the team aims to recapture its championship pursuit after missing the dance despite strong finish and power in the finale.

Houston rolled out a bullpen-by-committee win, led by AJ Blubaugh, who opened and piled up seven strikeouts across three scoreless frames to set the tone against Texas. The early lead built by the middle innings gave the Astros room to stretch the bullpen and survive a late Rangers surge, preserving a tight place in the wild-card picture.

The win showcased Houston’s depth, with Colton Gordon, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan Abreu contributing key innings as the club held on for a 6-5 victory. Carlos Correa extolled Blubaugh’s preparation and mentality, underscoring how a diligent, versatile rookie could become a postseason asset for the Astros.

Texas drops a pivotal series opener in Houston as the Astros seize early control with a six-run burst and the Rangers’ late push falls short. Blubaugh’s bullpen-game start stymies Texas early while Merrill Kelly labors through three frames. Cody Freeman’s homer sparks a comeback, Heim’s pinch-hit two-run shot in the eighth fuels a late rally, and García’s first-pitch RBI single keeps the chase alive. Edwards Jr. provides veteran bullpen depth, but Bochy remains wary of García’s health as the Wild Card race tightens.