Houston’s uphill climb continues after an 8-3 loss at Atlanta, Valdez scuffling through 76 pitches as the team slips in the AL West. A six-game homestand against Texas and Seattle looms, with division implications front and center and a rotation that could pivot to mixed righty/lefty matchups. Cam Smith’s homer provided brief life, but offense remained sparse beyond Yordan Alvarez and a few run-scoring hits.

The Astros will lean on depth as Zach Cole debuts again versus a left-handed starter, and Houston eyes a patient approach against right-handers to manufacture runs. With Brown ready to pitch and the bullpen rested, seven-week pressure to fix Valdez’s stride and curveball usage persists, making this stretch critical for October hopes.