Houston visits Detroit to open a series with both teams perched at the top of their divisions. Arrighetti laces up for the Astros against Flaherty as Houston looks to rebound from a brutal weekend that saw Baltimore plate them 23-5 and drop a 12-0 result. Detroit just wrapped a four-game split with Minnesota and sits comfortable atop the Central, 8.5 games clear of Cleveland. The pitching duel shapes up as a fantasy-friendly ride: Arrighetti’s return has punch, Flaherty’s steadiness needs a spark, and the bullpens will likely decide this one late.

Odds and lines tilt toward Detroit, but NBC Sports’ model flags a Tigers win on the moneyline with a lean toward the over on 8 runs pushed by plays at Comerica. Look for a muted early game with potential late scoring as arms settle in, and fantasy managers should watch Arrighetti’s swing-and-miss upside after eight strikeouts in two DL-return starts, while Flaherty needs daylight to shake off a rough August.

Josh Hader landed on the 15-day injured list with a strained left shoulder, retroactive to Monday, removing the Astros’ premier closer just as Houston holds a lead in the AL West. Tests will clarify the severity, but the club will navigate saves by committee in the near term, leaning on matchups rather than naming a fixed closer. Hader’s 28 saves and 2.05 ERA this season underscored his value, making his absence a notable test for Houston’s bullpen depth.

To fill his roster spot, Houston reinstated Shawn Dubin from the 15-day IL, designated Hector Neris for assignment, and recalled Colton Gordon from Sugar Land. Manager Joe Espada stressed reliance on reliever strengths and opposing matchups, hinting at a flexible bullpen approach until Hader returns. The Astros remain atop the division, but the clip of late-inning consistency will now depend on how quickly the relief corps can absorb high-leverage innings without their veteran closer.

In the broader context, this setback adds a layer of urgency for Houston’s bullpen tinkering. Neris’ DFA closes a chapter on a volatile stretch, while Dubin could be the early catalyst to stabilize ninth-inning duties if the injury lingers. Gordon’s call-up adds a fresh arm option, and the team will monitor tests closely as they consider next steps and potential further moves to preserve their late-game edge.

Jeremy Peña has embarked on his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land, marking his return to action after suffering a fractured rib in late June. In his first game, Peña struggled at the plate, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts but did draw a walk and was hit by a pitch, ultimately scoring a run in the game against Tacoma. Despite the team's 8-5 defeat, Peña's presence was notable, as he looks to regain his form and return to the Houston Astros lineup.

Alongside Peña, Astros reliever Shawn Dubin also began his rehab assignment and pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing one run on one hit. Peña's at-bats showed promise, particularly in the sixth inning when he was hit by a fastball, setting the stage for a scoring opportunity. He later drew a walk in the seventh, demonstrating his ability to contribute even while still finding his rhythm at the plate.

In a tightly contested matchup between the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates, Astros manager Joe Espada opted for Shawn Dubin as his seventh-inning reliever instead of the usual Bryan King. Dubin, who has showcased impressive statistics this season, entered with a solid 0.77 ERA over ten appearances. He effectively neutralized the Pirates' right-handed hitters, contributing to a 3-0 victory for the Astros.

Espada recognized Dubin's potential for higher-leverage situations, noting his ability to handle both righties and lefties effectively. This performance comes after Dubin's earlier setbacks from injuries, making his current form a welcome return to the mound. His strategic use of pitches, particularly the slider, indicates his growth as a reliever, which could benefit fantasy leagues as he gains more trust from the coaching staff.

The Houston Astros are welcoming back reliever Shawn Dubin, who has been activated from the injured list to bolster their bullpen for a crucial matchup against the Reds. This comes after Logan VanWey was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land following a challenging outing where he gave up six earned runs in just 8⅔ innings over the season. Dubin's return is significant as he brings a fresh arm to a bullpen that was heavily utilized in a recent loss against Cincinnati, covering nearly nine innings after starter Lance McCullers Jr. left in the first inning.

Dubin's road back has been rocky, starting with a shoulder injury that sidelined him during spring training, and an ankle issue briefly sidetracked his recovery. However, he showed promise with a perfect minor-league stint, not allowing a run over four innings in his rehab appearances. Over the last two seasons, Dubin has posted a 4.64 ERA across 34 games, and Manager Joe Espada indicated he could be relied upon for 25-30 pitches initially. The Astros are hoping Dubin can provide stability as they navigate a tight pennant race.