Yordan Alvarez's left ankle sprain could sideline the Astros slugger for a stretch as Houston fights a tight AL West race with Seattle and Texas. An MRI is pending, leaving fantasy managers wary of timetable and lineup stability. Zach Cole could grab more at-bats, while Jesús Sánchez's left-handed bat may rise in importance to cover the gap. Depth and matchup flexibility will drive short-term fantasy value for Houston hitters.

Monitor Alvarez's status closely; any delay shifts daily projections, opening streaming opportunities for Houston role players and affecting the Astros' run expectations in the stretch run.

State Fair of Texas 2025 unveils a food-forward overhaul: the first all-vegan stand, a ramen-to-go option, and Cheap Eats, a discount zone where items stay under $10. Inflation nudges prices higher nationwide, but the fair shifts budget-friendly values with $3-$4 hot dogs and an $80 deep-fried lobster at one stand. A mix of novelty and value lands alongside familiar crowd-pleasers, all set for Sept. 26 to Oct. 19 at Fair Park.

New menus and concepts expand the culinary tapestry: bacon-forward creations from Rousso’s Fat Bacon, ramen varieties, vegan burritos, and a Lobster Lounge revival in Big Tex Circle. Dessert shops and fashionably themed lounges pop up, plus wearable frozen drinks. The blend of high-end indulgence and bargain bites creates a curious dynamic for fans, vendors, and nearby sports crowds, especially Rangers supporters who’ll cross into Fair Park during peak season.

Texas Rangers enter the final 11 games needing peak bullpen stamina and a surge from the lineup. The bullpen has shouldered heavy high-leverage work since the All-Star break, while the top-order has stumbled and Seager along with Semien remain sidelined, thinning the offense at a critical moment. A favorable stretch includes Miami and Minnesota, but the ultimate test is a closing run against Houston and Cleveland.

If García, Jung and Pederson heat up and Leiter proves he can eat innings, Texas can still chase a wild-card path. Fantasy managers should watch timelines for Seager and Semien and monitor bullpen usage late, as every win in this tight race compounds into playoff odds.

Houston battles a season of injuries as Alvarez contemplates time on the shelf after an ankle sprain. Cole, a double-A call-up, delivers immediately with a two-run homer off Leiter, underscoring Houston’s depth and their push toward the postseason.

Texas answers with timely hits, but the Astros’ spark from Cole and the steady mix in relief keeps Houston within striking distance in a tight AL West race. With Alvarez possibly out, lineup shuffles loom—Altuve may slide to DH, Cole could grab more outfield time, and every win matters over the final 11-12 games.

Fantasy managers watch closely: Alvarez’s status, Cole’s role, and Houston’s ability to weather injuries will dictate rostering and streaming moves as the Astros chase seeding and the Rangers attempt to hold serve down the stretch.