A baseball season always comes with plenty of ups and downs. Nelson Velázquez's August alone included more than its fair share of downs.
The 27-year-old outfielder was designated for ***** ignment twice by two different teams, but just a week after that second team brought him right back, he delivered a huge home run in the Houston Astros' 6-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday at Daikin Park.
It was Velázquez's first hit for the Astros - the team that had designated him for ***** ignment just 11 days earlier - in a stint that had included just 11 at-bats, entering Monday, spread over two stints in August.
"Finally," he said with a smile in a celebratory Astros' clubhouse.
Velázquez was 0-for-12 with a sacrifice fly with his new team when he stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on third in the fourth inning. He took a 1-1 belt-high fastball from White Sox starter Anthony Kay and blasted it 415 feet, banging it off the concrete barrier below the train tracks in left field.

#august

The Houston Astros got key hits from Nelson Velázquez and Cam Smith to start strong on a tough stretch of games that could decide their fate in the American League West.
The Astros beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 Monday night at Daikin Park in the first of 13 straight games against potential playoff teams with National League wild-card contenders Arizona Diamondbacks coming to town after the White Sox (72-65), who lead the AL Central, followed by a road trip to play likely NL wild-card team Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays, who have the best record in the American League.
The win pushed the Astros' record against opponents who are .500 or better to a Major League-best 26-14 (.650). They maintained their two-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West and increased the lead over the Seattle Mariners, the defending division champions, to six games. Houston also climbed within 2 ½ games of the White Sox for the second seed in the postseason, which comes with a bye past the wild-card round.
The Astros (70-68) trailed 2-1 with two outs and **** ody on in the bottom of the fourth inning. After Smith sparked something with a triple, Velázquez delivered his first hit since the Astros claimed him off waivers three weeks ago, a two-run homer that banged off the barrier just below the train tracks in left field.
Smith helped add to the lead in the following inning. After singles by Christian Vázquez, Yordan Alvarez and Isaac Paredes loaded the bases, Christian Walker brought home a run with a walk to make it 4-2 Astros. The White Sox opted to pull starter Anthony Kay after he struck out Daulton Varsho so righty Trevor Richards could face Smith. It didn't work. Smith ripped a 2-2 changeup down the left-field line for a two-run double and a 6-2 lead.

#astros #games

It's been nearly three years since José Urquidy has thrown a pitch inside the Houston Astros' downtown ballpark, so when he arrived back in town as a member of the Chicago White Sox, he made sure to take the early bus to Daikin Park on Monday to take it all in.
"I walked in through the entrance in right field and just took a look around and said, 'Yeah, we were here for a long time and threw a lot of games here,'" Urquidy said from the visiting dugout before the Astros-White Sox series opener. "I'm playing in a different city now, but I can't wait to see my ex-teammates and talk a little bit. It feels really good to be back here."
The 31-year-old Urquidy had some huge moments in his six years with the Astros. He went 27-16 with a 3.98 ERA in 79 outings with the team, while also pitching in five postseasons, including three World Series. As a rookie, he got the win in Game 4 of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals when he threw five shutout innings, allowing just two hits. He picked up two wins in the 2021 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, including a Game 2 start in which he struck out seven over five innings, allowing two runs. His three World Series wins are the most by any Mexican-born pitcher and the most of any pitcher in Astros history.
"All my games and all my innings that I threw here are something that I'm going to remember for all of my life," Urquidy said. "I can't tell you one (favorite memory) right now, but there are a lot of memories here and outside the field, too. The people, they recognize me wherever I go. My family and I have a lot of memories here."
Signed by the Astros as a 19-year-old international free agent out of Mazatlán, Mexico in 2015, Urquidy has dealt with injuries through much of his professional career. He had his first Tommy John surgery in 2017 after pitching in High-A in the minors. Two years later, he made his big-league debut. A shoulder injury limited him to 16 outings in 2023, and Urquidy suffered a forearm strain during spring training in 2024. He was close to rejoining the Astros when he had a setback in a Triple-A rehab start and had to have a second Tommy John surgery, marking the end of his tenure in Houston.

#urquidy

The Milwaukee Brewers are 85-52 on the season following their loss at home to the Texas Rangers on Sunday. Fortunately, they won the first two games of the series, which means that they won their fifth consecutive series since getting swept by the Padres in San Diego a couple of weeks ago.
Now, the Brewers will take Major League Baseball's best record to Wrigley Field where they will take on their arch-rival Chicago Cubs. Last time these two teams met, the Brewers swept the Cubs on the road and took over first place of the National League Central Division.
May 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Abner Uribe (45) reacts after getting an out during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
And they have not looked back since that series. Currently, Milwaukee holds an eight-game lead over Chicago in the National League Central. If they can take at least three out of four games over the Cubs this week, they could virtually put the division out of reach. This is especially true since they will host a three-game series against Chicago at home in Milwaukee next week, too.
Fortunately for the Brewers, they are getting one of their best relief pitchers, Abner Uribe, back from the injured list. In order to make room for him on the roster, Bryse Wilson was placed on the injured list himself:

#milwaukee #since #take

Borussia Mönchengladbach newcomer Daiki Hashioka has avoided serious injury to his cervical spine and has shown no signs of neurological impairment after a head collision, the Bundesliga club said in a statement on Sunday.
Hashioka took a blow to the neck and head in a collision with Antonio Nusa during the 3-0 defeat at RB Leipzig in their league opener on Saturday, and was carried off on a stretcher.
The **** an defender was taken to hospital, where initial examinations ruled out bad news, the club said.
Hashioka returned to Mönchengladbach from hospital on Sunday and will undergo further checks over the coming week, the team added.

#sunday #nchengladbach #collision #daiki

TONIGHT'S GAME: The Houston Astros (66-66) and New York Yankees (74-57) play the 2nd game of this 3-game series tonight.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-7, 3.68 ERA) starts for the Astros vs. Yankees RHP Elmer Rodríguez (0-2, 4.76 ERA).
ASTROS-YANKEES: The Astros are 2-2 vs. NYY this season, with the Yankees taking 2 of 3 at Daikin Park, April 24-26. In their last visit to the Bronx, the Astros took 2 of 3 from the Yankees, Aug. 8-10 of 2025.
All-Time: In the regular season, the Astros are 38-54 vs. NYY.
Postseason: The Astros have won all 4 postseason series that they have played vs. the Yankees (2015, '17, '19, '22) and have a combined record of 13-5 (.722) in those games.

#series #peter

The New York Yankees could be facing a difficult decision involving former NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, and his latest injury may have accelerated that conversation and even his future in MLB.
According to the latest article from The Athletic's Chris Kirschner, the Yankees could move on from Stanton after the 2026 season as they evaluate the designated hitter position and look toward 2027.
MORE: Garrett Crochet's contract partially voided as Red Sox gain advantage due to IL stint provision
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits the ball in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Stanton's latest setback has made the situation even more complicated. After spending much of the season recovering from a right calf strain, the 36-year-old suffered a moderate left calf strain while running the bases, leaving his chances of returning this season uncertain.

#york #giancarlo #credit #images

The Houston Astros are once again playing it safe with Jeremy Peña, who is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Athletics. At this point in the MLB season, all of these decisions are magnified, though.
The shortstop suffered a right-hand contusion after being hit by a 100 mph pitch earlier this week, and while he is comfortable enough to play defense, he still isn't ready to fully swing the bat.
MORE: Blue Jays make pitching decision ahead of Yankees weekend series
Aug 19, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) reacts after being hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Peña's latest absence is more about his comfort level while hitting than any major structural injury. An MRI revealed no structural damage to his hand, but there is still swelling and soreness, particularly when he swings the bat.

#astros

TONIGHT'S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (63-61), who own a 2.0-game lead in the AL West, and the Seattle Mariners (58-66) will play the rubber game of their three-game series tonight at Daikin Park.
Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (3-2, 3.68 ERA) will get the start for the Astros opposite RHP Bryan Woo (8-8, 4.15 ERA) and the Mariners.
DIESEL POWER: RHP Hunter Brown will make his 13th start of the season and his 10th since returning from a lengthy stint on the IL with a right shoulder strain. The 2025 All-Star has begun to round into form over his last four starts, including two quality starts, going 2-1 with a 3.04 ERA (8ER/23.2IP) with 24 strikeouts, a .188 opponent average (16×85) and a 0.97 WHIP. Brown is looking to reverse his fortunes against the Mariners, who he's gone 1-4 with a 4.09 ERA (20ER/44IP) against in nine starts.
THE TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 43-30 since May 22, which is the second-best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
TONIGHT'S BROADCASTS: Tonight's game will be nationally televised by NBC and streamed on Peacock with Jason Benetti, Ryan Rowland-Smith, and Geoff Blum in the booth. The game will also be available nationally on ESPN radio with Sean Kelley and Doug Glanville behind the mic. Locally, the game can be heard in English on SportsTalk 790 featuring Robert Ford and Josh Reddick. The Spanish radio broadcast will feature Francisco Romero and Alex Treviño on TUDN 102.9 FM.

#astros #starts

The man who managed the Houston Astros to their first World Series appearance officially joined their franchise Hall of Fame on Saturday. Phil Garner, the tough former infielder and manager, was inducted posthumously by the team with which he spent more than a decade of a long baseball career.
"Phil learned about this honor not long before he passed," said Garner's wife, Carol. "And he wasn't smiling much in those days. But for that, he did."
Garner and former catcher and broadcaster Alan Ashby entered the Astros' Hall of Fame prior to their game against the Mariners at Daikin Park. They joined the 22 other inductees who played for the club, while Ashby joins four others who were broadcasters.
Garner, who died in April at age 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, played seven seasons of a 16-year major-league career with Houston and later managed the Astros for parts of four seasons. But his ties to the franchise and city transcended both tenures.
"He'd been a big leaguer - playing, coaching or managing - for 33 years, he had a World Series ring from Pittsburgh. But this honor reached him differently," Carol Garner said in a press conference. "Because Houston was never just a stop for us. Yes, he played managed and coached in other places. But we made Houston our home and have been here a long time."

#astros #long

Former Astros catcher and broadcaster Alan Ashby and former player and manager Phil Garner are set to be inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame tonight at Daikin Park, prior to the 6:10 p.m. game vs. the Seattle Mariners.
Ashby and Garner were elected by the Astros Hall of Fame committee, which consists of former Astros players, current front office staff, current media members and Houston-area baseball historians. Notably, Garner was aware of his election prior to his passing in April of this year. Members of the Garner family will be at tonight's ceremony.
The official ceremony for the two new inductees will be held on the field tonight at Daikin Park, beginning at 5:35 p.m. Each inductee receives an Astros Hall of Fame sports coat, a customized Hall of Fame plaque and a display case in the Hall of Fame alley.
The Astros Hall of Fame was established in 2019 and resides in Hall of Fame Alley on the main concourse of Daikin Park in left-center field. The Class of 2026 will join the 28 members previously inducted.
THE 2026 ASTROS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

#hall #fame #garner

TONIGHT'S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (62-60) will open a huge nine-game homestand tonight as they welcome in their division rival, the Seattle Mariners (57-65), for a three-game weekend series at Daikin Park.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-6, 3.09 ERA), the Astros most consistent starter this season, will start the series opener for Houston opposite Astros nemesis RHP George Kirby (8-9, 3.68 ERA) and the Mariners.
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND: The Astros are celebrating Hall of Fame Weekend beginning tonight at Daikin Park. Astros legends Alan Ashby and the late Phil Garner will be inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony tomorrow, scheduled for 5:35 p.m. Ashby and members of the Garner family will be available to the media in the press conference room at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
THE TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 42-29 since May 22, which is the second-best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
THE LAMBO: Today's Astros starter RHP Peter Lambert leads the club in wins (8), starts (20), innings (113.2) and strikeouts (111)…among AL pitchers with at least 110 IP, Lambert ranks seventh in opponent average (.208) and 10th in ERA. A minor league signing by Houston this offseason, Lambert pitched last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 starts.

#weekend #Mariners #daikin

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 18: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to first base during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on July 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 17: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles runs after hitting a double during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on July 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles grounds out to the shortstop during the eighth inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Getty
The Boston Red Sox are slated to begin a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Monday.
Ahead of the series, the Boston Red Sox revealed major Adley Rutschman news to reporters.

#adley

TONIGHT'S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (60-58) continue their six-game road trip with the third game of three-game series against the San Diego Padres (61-57) at Petco Park.
RHP Cristian Javier (1-2, 6.59 ERA) will be on the mound for the Astros for sixth start of the season tonight, opposite RHP Randy Vásquez (7-6, 4.19 ERA) and the Padres.
THE TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 40-27 since May 22, which is the second-best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
THAT'S OFFENSIVE: The Astros lead the AL in SLG (.417), and OPS (.739), while ranking second in home runs (160), OBP (.322) and hits (981). In the Majors, the Astros rank third in homers, trailing only the Nationals (170) and Yankees (166).
EL REPTIL: Tonight's Astros starter RHP Cristian Javier is making his sixth start of the season and his third since returning from the IL in early July. He has split time between being a starter and reliever since his return, making four relief appearances and two starts. Since returning from the IL, he's recorded a 3.50 ERA (7ER/18IP) with 19 strikeouts, a .257 opponent batting average and a 1.33 WHIP. In his last start on Monday against the Blue Jays at Daikin Park, he allowed three runs on seven hits and no walks with two strikeouts in six innings, marking his first quality start of the season (last, Sept. 17, 2025 vs. TEX).

#season #park #javier

The Houston Astros and San Diego Padres close out their weekend series at Petco Park on Sunday, August 9, in a primetime matchup featuring two clubs fighting for postseason positioning.
Apr 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) slides safely at home plate against San Diego Padres catcher Martin Maldonado (15) in the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Channel: Peacock / NBC

#sunday #august

A day after the Houston Astros did not add pitching at the trade deadline, one of the starters they are counting on to contribute down the stretch helped them even a series.
In his second outing back from Tommy John surgery, right-hander Hayden Wesneski worked a quality start that gave the Astros' offense time to stir in a 7-2 win over the Blue Jays at Daikin Park. Houston, which had a six-game winning streak snapped Monday, has won 12 of 14 and sits at 59-56.
More impact from the bottom half of its lineup, a trend on this homestand, buoyed it Tuesday. Jose Altuve struck three hits, scoring twice and driving in two runs from the sixth spot. Taylor Trammell's three-run home run off Toronto reliever Chad Dallas capped a four-run fifth.
That backed an encouraging start by Wesneski, who allowed two runs across six innings. Turning from the asking prices for pitching Monday leaves the Astros relying on two starters - Wesneski and Ronel Blanco - who recently returned from elbow surgeries.
General manager Dana Brown described their returns Monday as "in itself like a trade acquisition," a platitude that may resemble one less if both perform. Houston has won each of Wesneski's starts, an auspicious beginning to that plan.

#wesneski #starters #start #three

HOUSTON — Daulton Varsho was taking swings in the visitors' batting cage at Daikin Park early Monday before the start of a series against the Houston Astros when he was called into Toronto manager John Schneider's office.
It was then that Varsho learned he was on a new team and he'd have an incredibly short trip to join that squad.
The first-place Astros acquired the center fielder from the Blue Jays for starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti just before the trade deadline. A couple of hours later, Varsho finished his pregame preparations by taking swings in the home batting cage.
"It was definitely weird going from that cage to this cage," Varsho said, shaking his head.
The AL West leaders wasted no time putting Varsho in the lineup. Houston manager Joe Espada had him batting cleanup against his former team Monday night.

#cage #Monday #swings

TONIGHT'S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (58-55), winners of six straight, will open a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays (52-60 tonight at Daikin Park.
RHP Cristian Javier (1-1, 7.17 ERA) will get the start for the Astros opposite the RHP Shane Bieber (2-2, 5.74 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
ABOUT JAVIER: RHP Cristian Javier is making his fifth start of the season and his second since returning from the IL in early July. He's primarily pitched out of the bullpen since his return, making four relief appearances and a spot start. Javier earned tonight's start thanks to his last outing on July 27 at LAA, when he tossed 5.0 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in relief.
WINNING WAYS: The Astros have won six straight games, which is their longest winning streak since they won eight straight from Aug. 6-14, 2024. The Astros have also won 11 of their last 12 games. The Astros are now three games over .500, their first time at that mark since being 6-3 following their ninth game of the season on April 4.
THE TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 38-24 since May 22, which ties as the best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.

#games #blue

The Los Angeles Dodgers don't seem to be taking any chances with their catchers, bringing back to the squad a catcher for the second time in a day just before the trade deadline hit at 3 p.m. PT Monday.
The Dodgers are reacquiring Hunter Feduccia from the Tampa Bay Rays, reports Jorge Castillo of ESPN.
Jul 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Hunter Feduccia (9) chases a foul ball against the Houston Astros in the second inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers, who are also getting right-handed pitcher Jacob Kmatz, are sending outfielder Jack Suwinski and international bonus pool money, Castillo added.
Coincidentally, Feduccia was a Dodger just a year ago, when he was dealt to the Rays at the deadline for pitchers Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski and another catcher, Ben Rortvedt.

#feduccia

With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, contenders around the league are evaluating where they need to improve before making a postseason push. While some clubs are searching for another bat or bullpen help, starting pitching remains the biggest priority for many teams hoping to play deep into October.
Whether it's because of injuries, inconsistent performances, or simply the desire to add another frontline arm, these eight teams stand out as organizations that should be actively pursuing starting pitching before the deadline.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Jul 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) meets on the mound with teammates against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of baseball's best teams this season, but another quality starter would make an already dangerous club even more formidable. A deeper rotation could prove invaluable during a playoff run.

#teams #houston #tampa #pitching

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (49-54) will go for a sweep of the Miami Marlins (52-50) tonight in the finale of their three-game series at Daikin Park in Houston, TX.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-5, 3.03 ERA), who’s posted a 1.02 ERA (2ER/17.2IP) in his three starts this month, will get the start for the Astros tonight opposite RHP Sandy Alcantara (10-5, 3.89 ERA) and the Marlins.
RIDING THE LAMBO: Tonight’s Astros starter RHP Peter Lambert leads the Astros in wins and among AL pitchers he ranks second in opponent average (.197) and sixth in ERA (3.03) (min. 90IP). Lambert pitched last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 starts.
MOVING UP THE LIST: Manager Joe Espada has 224 managerial wins as the Astros skipper, which ties him with Terry Collins (224 wins) for 10th all-time in managerial wins in club history. The two immediately trail Hal Lanier (254 wins) for ninth on that all-time list.
GET ‘EM EARLY: The Astros rank first in the AL and second in the Majors in 1st-inning runs (68). Overall, the Astros rank 11th in the Majors in runs (468), two spots ahead of the Marlins (455), who rank 13th.

#marlins

Nebraska football made another significant addition to its 2027 recruiting class earlier this week. The Huskers secured the commitment of Pennsylvania wide receiver Khalil Taylor on Monday night.
Taylor is a consensus four-star prospect out of Pittsburgh. Matt Rhule and company beat out Penn State in the Nittany Lions' own backyard.
The wide receiver enters his senior high school season after a successful junior campaign. In 12 games, Taylor had 33 receptions for 571 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Taylor also contributed on the other side of the ball as a defensive back, recording 22 tackles and three interceptions. The commit told Husker247 and writer Brian Dohn that wide receiver coach Daikiel Shorts played a significant role in his decision.
"Just talking with coach Shorts, spending time with him, me and him relate real well. He's a younger coach. I feel like we bond together and we can work. He had Matthew Golden and Tank Dell. He got them to the next level. Seeing what he did with them, I believe in him 100%."

Rays 3B Junior Caminero keeps slugging, earns second straight AL All-Star Game start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero provided his own MLB fireworks on July 4.
Two batters into Saturday's game at Daikin Park, the 22-year-old AL All-Star Game starter connected on a 437-foot solo blast, continuing his historic offensive streak.
Caminero became the first under-24 player in league history to compile at least 11 homers and 22 RBI during any 11-game stretch.
Named the AL Player of the Month Friday, Caminero slashed .481/.548/1.347 over the final seven June outings. His power streak continued four games into July, slamming three homers.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 05: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the second inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have asked young catcher Dalton Rushing to take on one of the toughest jobs in baseball: working with a pitching staff expected to carry the team deep into the playoffs while perennial All-Star backstop Will Smith recovers from a significant injury.
And that job is made all the more difficult when catching for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who holds himself and his teammates to very high standards.
That challenge came into sharp focus last week, when a visibly frustrated Ohtani reacted to Rushing's pitch selection during a game in Minnesota. The exchange quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread discussion about Rushing’s development and the pressures of handling one of baseball's biggest stars.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Circles Mookie Betts Retirement Date

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (42-45) will play the middle game of their three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins (41-45) tonight at Daikin Park.
RHP Mike Burrows (3-8, 5.48 ERA) will make his team-leading 16th start of the season tonight opposite the Twins and their ace RHP Joe Ryan (5-4, 3.18 ERA).
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows is coming off a strong start his last time out on June 24 at TOR, in which he worked 6.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk.
Burrows has been a durable starter in his first season in Houston, as he leads the Astros in starts (15) and innings (85.1).
He joined the club from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pirates.

Sometimes even broadcasters get called up from Triple-A. Sugar Land ******* e Cowboys play-by-play man Garrett Greene manned the call with Steve Sparks from Daikin Park last night. He will have the call the entire series vs. the Minnesota Twins.
We caught up with Garrett this morning and recapped last night's call, with an eye also on tonight's matchup with the Twins.
Q: You'll be calling all three games of the Twins series. Is the preparation different at the major league level for a broadcast?
A: It's a lot of the same. Over the years, I've gotten to see how Robert and Steve prepare for games and how other big-league announcers prepare. It's the same style of preparation. I like to have angles and storylines on players and different information.
Q: How much of a different vibe does the lineup have when Pena is out?

TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (36-42), who have won three of their last four series, will play the rubber game of their three-game set with the Cleveland Guardians (41-36) today in a Father’s Day matinee at Daikin Park.
RHP Kai-Wei Teng (3-6, 4.31 ERA), who tossed 2.2 scoreless innings against the Guardians back in April, will get the start for the Astros today opposite RHP Slade Cecconi (3-5, 4.60 ERA) and the Guardians.
MY WAY OR THE KAI-WEI: RHP Kai-Wei Teng has split his season between the bullpen (13g) and rotation (8 starts), posting a 4.31 ERA (26ER/54.1IP) and a .232 opponent average with 58 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.
Teng is new to the Astros, as he was acquired from the Giants this offseason in exchange for minor leaguer C Jancel Villarroel.
A native of Taiwan, Teng is the second Taiwanese-born player to appear with the Astros in their history, joining RHP Chia Jen-Lo, who made 19 relief appearances with the Astros in 2013.

HOUSTON – A few hours before their series opener, the Detroit Tigers learned right-hander Troy Melton would be scratched from his scheduled start with back tightness.
The injury forced a bullpen-only pitching plan.
It wasn't perfect, but six relievers worked together for a 9-3 win over the Houston Astros on Monday, June 15, in the first of three games in the series at Daikin Park. After Melton's injury, second baseman Gleyber Torres exited the game with an undisclosed injury after a violent swing in the second inning.
Colt Keith provided big swings of a different kind, with three home runs.
SHAWN WINDSOR: Justin Verlander's 2nd turn with Tigers can't come fast enough for him

HOUSTON – Gleyber Torres is injured again.
The Detroit Tigers' second baseman exited in the second inning Monday, June 15, against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park after swinging at (and missing) a first-pitch 92.4 mph fastball from right-hander Kai-Wei Teng.
Torres left the game with manager A.J. Hinch and ******* istant athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades.
The specifics of the injury are unknown.
WHAT WE KNOW: Tigers scratch Troy Melton from Monday's start with injury

It wasn’t a great series for the Houston Astros against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home this week as they lost two out of the three in eventual blowout fashion. The gap in the American League West division race has gotten bigger even as the team has gotten healthier.
However, it wasn’t a complete waste, as the Astros ended up with their wildest win of the season in an 11-9 thriller on Wednesday night at Daikin Park. Houston seemed completely dead in the water throughout this game, having gone down 8-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Astros were 0-32 so far in the 2026 season having trailed through seven innings. That somehow changed against all odds as the Astros stormed back on offense and **** ed the game right out of the Pirates’ hands. Here’s how the magical Astros comeback happened.
This was supposed to be a special pitching duel between two of the best pitchers in baseball at the moment: Spencer Arrighetti and Paul Skenes. Most believed this would be a low-scoring game, but lo and behold, baseball strikes again. 20 total runs, 26 total hits combined between both teams. Neither starter could get to five innings and they were not even the story of the game.
It was a comeback out of nowhere for the Astros. Down 8-3 with two outs in the seventh, Isaac Paredes blasted a two-run homer to the Crawford Boxes that cut the deficit down to three. However, the Pirates added another run in the eighth.