Yordan Alvarez returns from a fractured hand to anchor Houston’s lineup as injuries sap the Astros’ depth. Since his late-August return, Alvarez is batting .386 with 3 homers and 9 RBIs, while drawing scant strikeouts, underscoring his role as the club’s lone consistent force. Houston remains in the AL West race with Seattle and Texas, but the postseason hinges on more bats heating up; last year’s exit to Detroit serves as a stark reminder that the margin for error is thin.

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.