Houston's defense has become a focal point as Jose Altuve shifts to left field, with his defensive woes dragging the Astros. Altuve's minus-13 Defensive Runs Saved and a Fielding Run Value of minus-5 place him among MLB's least effective defenders this season, even as his bat remains vital.

Right field has emerged as a strength with Cam Smith (10 DRS) and Jesus Sanchez (8 DRS) delivering elite defense, while Jake Meyers handles center with 6 DRS in limited innings. Mauricio Dubon adds solid outfield defense, and even Yordan Alvarez carries a modest defensive burden. The Astros likely lean into DH at-bats for Altuve to protect the lineup while maximizing his offense.

Cam Smith’s first homer in two months capped a breakthrough night as he battles through a tough second half by focusing on getting out of his own way and staying mentally prepared. Houston’s rookie is navigating a full season with adjustments in a platoon-heavy right field alongside Jesús Sánchez, while veterans Yordan Alvarez and Framber Valdez anchor the lineup and mound. Houston’s pitching staff reshuffles, with Lance McCullers Jr. moving to the bullpen to spark a return, and SalazarSlim Salazar César Salazar called up as Caratini lands on the concussion IL. The Rockies present a stern test, but the Astros’ depth and mental resilience shine as the stretch run approaches.

Augmenting Smith’s growth are the Astros’ surrounding pieces. Yainer Diaz’s hand soreness opens a door for César Salazar, while Caratini’s status and Sánchez’s lefty bat shape the outfield balance. Alvarez and Valdez deliver a confident blueprint for late-season success, and Espada’s endorsement underscores Houston’s belief in Smith’s long-term ceiling. The night hints at a stronger, more composed Astros—on offense and in the bullpen—as they chase a playoff berth.

Yordan Alvarez returned from a 100-game absence and crushed a 412-foot, two-run homer in the eighth to lift the Astros to a 4-0 win over the Rockies, snapping his long drought. The blast provides Houston a much-needed spark, especially with injuries saddling the lineup. Alvarez’s left-handed pop adds balance to a righty-heavy order and could shift the AL West race with 29 games left as Seattle presses.

Houston’s offense had slipped, but Alvarez’s return changes the dynamic, potentially reigniting the middle of the lineup and easing pressure on youngsters. If he stays healthy, Alvarez could be the catalyst Houston needs for a deep October run.

Miami claimed JuJu Brents off waivers, boosting a thin cornerback room with a high-upside flier who battles a serious injury history. Brents, a 6-3, 189-pound playmaker with 34-inch arms, plus elite agility, joins Rasul Douglas, Jack Jones, Storm Duck and Jason Marshall Jr. as a measured bet for the future. A former Colts second-round pick, Brents has rookie tape of promise but an injury-shortened profile that makes Week 1 unlikely; still, health sparks a potential long-term contributor in a talent-poor group.

Injury disruption aside, Brents carries tantalizing traits for Dolphins coordinator Anthony Weaver to mold. If he can stay on the field, his length and movement could unlock his ceiling and eventually push for outside roles, complementing the young, rising corners in Miami.

Miami fixes a thin early-season O-line by bringing back Kendall Lamm as a versatile swing tackle to backstop Armstead and the edges. Lamm started 15 games over 2023-24 when injuries arose, and his health remains the only caveat. MIA’s depth behind the starters now includes Borom, Smith, and Brunskill, with Paul, Savaiinaea, Brewer, Daniels and Jackson as reserves. Cam Smith moves to the non-football injury list and Rasul Douglas adds veteran CB depth. With Jason Sanders on IR, Riley Patterson is slated for the practice squad and three elevations in the first trio of games. Meyer is on IR and Eichenberg on PUP. The Dolphins emphasize depth-building to weather a tough early schedule.