Texas watched its playoff bid fade as Houston swept, failing to claim the Silver Boot for the first time since 2016 while the Rangers’ rotation and offense stumbled in clutch moments.

Houston closed it out with late bullpen work, capped by Phil Maton sealing the last Astros at-bat. A day off follows for Texas before a final homestand vs. Miami, setting the stage for a sprint to the finish and plenty of fantasy-watchers recalibrating based on DeGrom’s five-run five-inning night, bullpen volatility, and the Marlins series on the horizon.

Paredes could rejoin Houston in the next day or two after a right hamstring strain, likely as a designated hitter on an alternating schedule with cautious baserunning early.

Alvarez’s ankle sprain leaves a power gap, so Paredes’ return would bolster the order and bring back on-base presence, giving Houston more run-creating potential as they battle Seattle.