The Houston Astros aim for a clean sweep against the struggling Colorado Rockies, who currently hold the worst record in the league. With Brandon Walter taking the mound for Houston, boasting a 3.34 ERA, the Astros are in a favorable position. Meanwhile, Kyle Freeland, with a dismal 5.56 ERA, will try to turn his fortunes around for the Rockies. The matchup not only reflects the Astros' recent success but also signifies a pivotal moment for Freeland as he battles to regain his form.

In addition to the on-field drama, Jose Altuve made headlines by surpassing Jeff Bagwell to become the second all-time leader in hits for the Astros. Hunter Brown celebrated a milestone as well, marking his 500th strikeout, while newcomer Shay Whitcomb hit his first major league home run against the Rockies. As the Astros prepare to face off against the Dodgers next, the stakes remain high for player performances.

Josh Hader continues to dominate as the best closer in baseball, securing his 24th save this week for the Houston Astros with a stellar performance against the Cubs and Rockies. His setup man, Bryan Abreu, is also excelling with 21 holds and a remarkable K/BB ratio. Andrés Muñoz returned for the Seattle Mariners, claiming his first save since June 8 after a rough patch, while Edwin Díaz's consistent scoring adds to his impressive season stats. Aroldis Chapman remains a formidable force for the Boston Red Sox, boasting 15 consecutive appearances without an earned run. Meanwhile, rising star Randy Rodríguez is emerging as a potential closer-in-waiting for the San Francisco Giants, leading middle relievers in WAR.

Jose Altuve etched his name further into Houston Astros history with a two-run single that broke a tie in the sixth inning, leading the team to a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. This performance allowed Altuve to surpass Jeff Bagwell for second place on the franchise's all-time hits list, trailing only Craig Biggio. The Astros, winners of 16 of their last 20 games, showcased offensive prowess with contributions from rookie Shay Whitcomb, who hit his first major-league home run.

On the mound, Hunter Brown delivered another quality start, allowing just two runs over six innings, improving his record to 9-3 with a 1.82 ERA. Rockies hitters struggled to capitalize, going hitless in five at-bats with runners in scoring position, which ultimately hampered their performance. The Astros maintained their lead in the AL West, ensuring a solid position as they head into the season's second half.

Jose Altuve has reached a new milestone in his illustrious career, surpassing Jeff Bagwell for second-most hits in Houston Astros history with his 2,315th hit. Only Craig Biggio, with 3,060 hits, stands above him. Altuve's historic moment came in a game against the Rockies, where he achieved a two-run single off Jake Bird, marking a significant leap in his ongoing legacy with the franchise.

Throughout his career, Altuve has been a consistent performer, recording over 2,000 hits for the Astros, joining only Biggio and Bagwell in this exclusive club. His performance from 2014-2017, where he averaged over 200 hits per season, highlights his ability to impact the game significantly. Despite a recent slump, Altuve's established pedigree suggests he will continue to climb the ranks in MLB history.

José Ramírez has been named the starter for the American League at third base for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, marking his seventh selection and fourth time as a starter. He secured the position over competitors like Alex Bregman. This season, Ramírez boasts impressive stats, including a .305 batting average, 13 home runs, and 21 stolen bases, contributing to a 3.2 fWAR, ranking him sixth among AL hitters. Despite his accolades, fellow Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan was a finalist but did not make the starting lineup, which features Aaron Judge, Riley Greene, and Javy Baez instead. The full rosters will be announced on July 6, while the All-Star Game is set for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.